Start a photography business

Typically $2,000 to $10,000 to start, from lean to comfortable. It can start part-time, around another job.

Licenses and permits

Information, not legal advice

This is general information to help you research, not legal advice. Requirements change and vary by location, so confirm with each issuing authority. Allpage doesn’t guarantee it’s complete or that your business is compliant.

The work itself usually doesn’t need a state license, though you may still need to register the business and get local permits. What applies depends on your state and city. Pick your state for what businesses like it typically need there, with each agency’s page.

What it takes

To start: Typically $2,000 to $10,000 to start, from lean to comfortable.
Time: It can start part-time, around another job.
License to practice: The work itself usually doesn’t need a state license, though you may still need to register the business and get local permits.
How it charges: Per session or package, with weddings and events quoted.

A camera, lenses and editing software
A portfolio to show
Liability insurance and simple contracts for shoots

What goes wrong early

Gear costs add up before the first client
Busy seasons and quiet ones
Editing takes longer than the shoot

Steps to start

Check the licenses and permits. The work itself usually doesn’t need a state license, though you may still need to register the business and get local permits. What applies depends on your state and city: pick your state for what businesses like it typically need there, with each agency’s page. This isn’t legal advice.
Get what you need to start. A camera, lenses and editing software. A portfolio to show. Liability insurance and simple contracts for shoots. Typically $2,000 to $10,000 to start, from lean to comfortable.
Set your prices. Per session or package, with weddings and events quoted.
Set up your website and bookings. Answer a few questions and Allpage drafts your website (a full-width portfolio, packages and an inquiry form) and turns on review requests after visits, booking reminders and unanswered message nudges. You approve anything that matters.

What Allpage sets up

Answer a few questions and Allpage drafts your website (a full-width portfolio, packages and an inquiry form) and turns on review requests after visits, booking reminders and unanswered message nudges. You approve anything that matters.

Review requests after visits. Asks customers for a review the day after they come to a session or appointment.
Booking reminders. Reminds each customer before every session they’re booked into, including each one of a series.
Unanswered message nudges. Reminds you when a customer’s message hasn’t had a reply.

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start a photography business?

Typically $2,000 to $10,000 to start, from lean to comfortable. Costs vary by place, so check prices where you are.

Can I start a photography business part-time?

It can start part-time, around another job.

Does a photography business need a license?

The work itself usually doesn’t need a state license, though you may still need to register the business and get local permits. What applies depends on your state and city: pick your state for what businesses like it typically need there, with each agency’s page. This isn’t legal advice.

How do businesses like it usually charge?

Per session or package, with weddings and events quoted.

What goes wrong early?

Gear costs add up before the first client. Busy seasons and quiet ones. Editing takes longer than the shoot.