Making and creativeEvenings and weekendsA camera and a lens
Start a photography business
To start a photography business, choose one kind of shoot, such as family portraits or small events, build a portfolio of that work, and set packages based on photographers near you. Then show the portfolio on a site where people can see your packages and request a date.
At a glance
- You start with
- A camera and a lens
- Time
- Evenings and weekends
- Where you work
- Outdoor locations, clients’ homes, venues or a small studio
- Who pays
- Families, couples, small businesses and event hosts
- Check first
- Model releases for photos you show, insurance for your gear, and contracts for each shoot
How to start a photography business
- 1
Pick one kind of shoot
Families, headshots, pets or small events. People hire the photographer whose portfolio looks like what they want.
- 2
Shoot ten sessions for your portfolio
Friends, local businesses or volunteers, with their permission to show the photos.
- 3
Set two or three packages
Length of shoot, number of edited photos and delivery time. Clear packages shorten every conversation.
- 4
Put the portfolio where people book
A gallery next to the packages and a date request form turns a look into a booking.
- 5
Ask every client for a referral
Most portrait work comes from people who saw a friend’s photos. Make it easy to send your link on.
The app that runs it
A portfolio gallery, packages and date requests. Fabricate builds it from the words below; change any of them first.
Build free. No card needed.
Already run one? See what Fabricate builds for businesses like yours
Similar ideas
- Parties and events
Photo booth hire
Start with: a booth, props and a carBooth hire for weddings, birthdays and work parties.
1,100a month search “how to start a photo booth business”
See the idea - Parties and events
Event planning
Start with: a phone and good organisationBirthdays, small weddings and work parties, planned end to end.
600a month search “how to start an event planning business”
See the idea - Making and creative
Balloon decor
Start with: balloons, a pump and practiceGarlands, arches and backdrops for parties and shop openings.
150a month search “how to start a balloon business”
See the idea
Questions about starting a photography business
- Do I need an expensive camera to start?
- You need gear that produces the photos your clients expect. Many photographers start with one body and one good lens and add more as the work grows.
- Can I show client photos on my site?
- Ask first. A short model release in your contract says which photos you may use in your portfolio.
Or build the app for your own idea
60 credits a month, free, with 1 app online at a time.
Build free. No card needed.