Start a Photography Business

Everyone with a camera calls themselves a photographer, so most never niche down; the ones who own one lane (newborns, headshots, real estate) book out.

1. 1

   Pick one niche and own it

   Headshots, newborns, real estate, weddings, or brand photography. 'I shoot everything' books nothing; the photographer known for one thing books out.

2. 2

   Shoot five portfolio sessions

   Offer five free or steeply discounted sessions in your niche in exchange for usage rights and testimonials. Curate ruthlessly; show only the work you want more of.

3. 3

   Publish three priced packages

   For example, headshots: $200 for one look, $350 for three looks, $500 for a team half-day. Public prices filter tire kickers and make booking a yes or no decision.

4. 4

   Handle the business basics

   Register the business, get liability insurance and gear coverage, and use contracts with a model release and payment terms. A booking tool like Session or HoneyBook handles deposits and scheduling.

5. 5

   Build a lead flow you control

   Google Business Profile for local searches, an Instagram grid dedicated to your niche, and partnerships that feed you: realtors for real estate shoots, recruiters and LinkedIn coaches for headshots.

6. 6

   Deliver fast and upsell prints

   Return galleries within a week through Pixieset or ShootProof, then offer prints, albums, and extra retouched images. Post-session sales can add 30 percent to each booking.

7. 7

   Raise prices every ten bookings

   When you are booking easily, you are underpriced. Nudge packages up 15 to 20 percent and let demand find your ceiling.