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How to Start a Photography Business

From traditional wedding photography to photojournalism, family sessions, portraits, advertising, product shots, fashion or food, the photography industry has plenty of opportunities for you to carve out a niche. Great photographers can quickly build a reputation too, meaning that once you have a good portfolio together, you’ll likely find yourself in demand.

Although photography is an artform, running a successful business requires plenty of practical skills. You will need to use your creative drive to create a sustainable freelance photography business, and we’re here to help. In this guide we’ll cover:

  • How you can understand the world of photography
  • How to hire employees, market, and administer your business
  • The best legal structure for your new organization
  • Resources for your photography business
  • Some rules and regulations you will need to follow
  • Information on taxes and finances for your photography business
  • Questions you should ask to see if you’re ready to start a photography business
  • And much more

By the time you’ve read through our complete photography business guide, you will have all the information you need to set up and manage a thriving photography business. Let’s get into it.

Understanding the World of the Photography Business

Photography is a very specialized skill; it requires people with both a keen eye and an understanding of composition, editing, framing and more to create stunning images. Add to that the need to manage others well plus a solid understanding of business principles...you'll see that freelance photographers need to be well-rounded individuals.

There are dozens of different niches you can choose to pursue as a photographer.

If you can make your name in one of them, your reputation will carry you a long way. Here are some areas to consider when choosing the type of photographer you want to be.

When you’re deciding which route to follow, look at local competition, your skillset, demand for these services in your area and any other local factors likely to impact the amount of photography business you can win

1
Fashion photography

Fashion photography

Shooting clothes and models in a variety of situations and editing to show apparel in the most beautiful and evocative way.

2
Landscape photography

Landscape photography

Wide-angle lenses, beautiful contrasts and perfect framing means landscape photographers produce stunning shots of natural vistas.

3
Family, baby and pet photography

Family, baby and pet photography

Whether it’s individual portraits and headshots or capturing someone’s furry friend, great family and pet photographers are in high demand.

4
Real estate and property photographer

Real estate and property photographer

Photographers can partner with real estate agents and property developers to help showcase homes in the best possible light.

5
Event and concert photographer

Event and concert photographer

For those who love the adrenaline rush and atmosphere of a live event, these photographers bring the vibrancy of music and entertainment out in their images.

6
Aerial photography

Aerial photography

With the rise of drones as great vehicles for cameras, aerial photography is one of the most rapidly growing areas for photographers to specialize in.

7
Food photographer

Food photographer

In great demand by brands, restaurants and advertisers, food photographers use a variety of tricks and techniques to make people’s mouths water!

8
Marketing and advertising photographer

Marketing and advertising photographer

These photographers capture the images that grace magazines, websites and TV screens.

9
Stock photographer

Stock photographer

With the huge rise in website owners and others using stock photos, there’s an enormous demand for images that capture specific moments in life and work.

10
Wedding photographer

Wedding photographer

Perhaps the most popular and in-demand type of photographer, they immortalize the most important day of a couple’s life.

The most popular types of photography in descending order are: portrait, fine arts, events, wedding, advertising, photojournalism, nature, marketing, products and architecture.

Key Photography Business and Background Data and Statistics

The photography business is growing, albeit slowly at around 1.7 percent a year. It’s still a lucrative field though, with photographers and photography businesses pulling in a combined $10 billion a year and employing over 230,000 people.

This growth is being driven by several strong areas:

Disposable incomes of both individuals and businesses are growing, freeing up both household and commercial budgets for creative, art and photography products and services. This is especially true in the advertising and marketing space.

Over half of all photographers are self-employed freelancers, which is a significantly higher percentage than among similar professions. Competition among photographers tends to be fierce, as there are often more photographers than there are jobs to go around.

A strong portfolio that demonstrates flair and creativity is one of a photographer’s most powerful marketing tools. As they continue to showcase a unique approach, they can attract eclectic clients.

Photographers who can provide additional services like Photoshop editing, post-production support, website publishing and more are demanding extra business due to these value-add services.

Questions to Ask Before You Start a Photography Business

Is Photography Entrepreneurship For You?

Running your own photography business could be a great choice as long as you are aware of a few different areas.

Competition is fierce

There are generally more photographers than there are jobs to support them.

You need a lot of business skills

It’s not just about taking photographs. You must be able to manage your business well, market yourself, deal with people and administer effectively.

The hustle is essential

You will likely always be chasing down work and filling up your pipeline.

Additional skills can make the difference

Being an expert at secondary photography skills like image editing, photographic manipulation and other areas can help you stand out.

If you can tick all these boxes, the chances are you would be both a great photographer and run a successful photography business. You’ll get to impress people with amazing visuals and capture memories that clients will always treasure.

What Are the Main Skills, Expertise and Experience to be a Successful Photography Entrepreneur?

If you want to be a successful photographer, the main skills and experience you will need are:

What Are the Main Challenges for a Photography Entrepreneur?

The main challenge for a photographer is not the photography itself. If you have the right skills and training, good equipment, strong methods and techniques and an eye for detail, you can produce some beautiful images.

Most photographers fail because they are not good business people. They don’t know how to market themselves, manage their cashflows or drum up new business. Being a successful photographer is about balancing the creative with the critical and the art with the administration.

If you want to be a success, here are the key areas you’ll need to add you your skillset:

Financial management

Making sure you have enough money coming in to pay your bills and having a cash buffer put aside for lean times.

Client relationship management

Nurturing and building relationships with new, current and previous clients and encouraging them to work with you.

Marketing and seeking out work

Getting your name out there and approaching gigs and jobs that can help you build your portfolio.

What Does a Day in the Life of a Photography Entrepreneur Look Like?

A typical day for a photographer depends on the type of photography you do. For photographers who work in studio environments (e.g. portrait, pets, food, advertising) you will spend time setting up your studio and lighting. You will then work with clients to get an exact understanding of their needs, shoot until you get it right, then complete any post-production tasks.

For photographers who work in live environments (weddings, events etc.) you will likely spend time traveling, setting up your equipment and keeping a constant eye open for the perfect picture.

Once you have completed the photography shoot, you will then spend time reviewing the thousands of images you have taken and send the best ones to your clients for approval. You will likely touch-up certain photos, then handle all of your business administration and perhaps seek out new work.

Choose the Right Business Structure and Register Your Construction Business

Choose the Right Business Structure and Register Your Photography Business

Now that you have all the background information for your photography business, it’s time to make it into a reality. That starts by choosing the right structure or “legal entity” for your business. In the U.S., there are four main business structures. They are:

Sole Proprietorship

This is the "default" business structure and is what your business will be if you decide not to create a more formal structure. We don't recommend this type of business as it doesn't give you the legal protections you need.

Series LLC

This is a special type of LLC entity that's only available in certain states. It allows you to create "mini" LLCs, each with their own limited liability and separate assets, under the umbrella of a master LLC.

Partnership Company or LLC

This is a type of business that is formed when two or more people work together without creating a more formal business entity. Like a sole proprietorship, it may not give you all the protections your summer business may need.

S Corporation

This is a more complex type of business and isn't generally recommended for smaller organization.

C Corporation

These are the largest and most complex types of businesses and are typically far more than the average entrepreneur or summer business owner will need.

For more information on the advantages and disadvantages of different types of businesses, please see our in-depth guide. If you’ve still got questions, we’ve answered them to help you choose the right business structure for your photography business.

In most cases our recommendation would be to create an LLC - they are quick to create, easy to manage and relatively inexpensive to run. They also provide you with liability protection and help you get taken more seriously by photography clients.

We’ve got a complete guide to everything you need to do, and we can even start setting up an LLC for your photography business today. LLC formation does vary from state to state, but we’ve got you covered, wherever you are.

Setup & Maintain Your Photography Business

Once you've legally created your photography business, you’ll need to get some other things in place.

The Complete "Start Your Business" Checklist

A Clear and Comprehensive Guide to Starting Your Business the Right Way

The Complete Start Your Business Checklist

Social Media Groups for Your Photography Business

Connecting with other business owners in your industry can be incredibly helpful. Here are some of the best social media groups:

Shoot and Share

"Our purpose as a community is to share our gifts, focus on service and celebrate new photographers! Join us, ask questions and learn from the community!”

Photoshop and Lightroom

A group for those interested in sharing their photos, Photoshop and Lightroom tips and questions

Photographer Entrepreneur

The purpose of this group is to bring together like minded people that are in the photography industry that would like to run, build and sustain a successful profitable photography business.

The Art of the Second Shot

This group is focused on helping photographers create stunning imagery by utilizing the surroundings to tell the client's story in the most creative way possible.

Photo Marketing Association International Forum

Connect with fellow members of PMA — promoting innovation and education in the business of imaging. Share industry ideas, discuss the latest photo imaging news and expand your network.

Professional Photographers of America

We help photographers reach their professional and artistic goals, increase consumer awareness and help position photography as an art, science and visual recorder of history.

Discussion Groups and Forums for Your Photography Business

Useful Online Tools for Your Photography Business

Here are some really great online tools for managing your photography business. They will reduce the time you spend on administration, help you to collaborate with others and free up your time to grow and manage your new venture.

Please note: This page contains affiliate links and we may receive a commission if you make a purchase using these links.

Conclusion

Running a photography business is a way to bring together art and commerce. You can combine your creative flair with your excellent business sense to create images your clients will love. Start now, and build something beautiful.