If you’re a photographer with a knack for taking pictures, you can turn your hobby into a profitable business. There are many different photography business ideas that you can start in order to make some extra money.
Whether you’re looking for a business idea that can be done from home or a business idea that can be run from a studio, there are several different photography business ideas for you to choose from. The key to successful photography is finding a niche and developing a good business plan that fits your style and skill set.
1. Headshots for Actors, Models and Social Media Influencers
People who are making their living based on their appearance, such as actors and models, need professional photographs for their online profiles and to be used in promotional materials and advertising. In addition, online social media influencers need photos to post on their profiles and on their websites.
This is a great photography business idea for someone who already has experience with headshots. You can offer your services to these clients by traveling to their office and taking pictures of them for use in their online profiles, advertising, and promotional materials.
2. Real Estate and Interior Photographs
Both real estate agents and homeowners need photographs of their homes and interiors to show potential buyers the beauty and value of a property. This is a popular and lucrative photography business that can be started with little or no start-up cost.
3. Food Photography
A specialty niche in photography is food, which can be a huge source of income for photographers. Almost every restaurant and eatery needs photos for their website, cookbooks, and other advertising efforts.
4. Stock Photo Sites
If you love taking photos of nature and travel destinations, consider becoming a stock photographer. You can sell your photographs on popular stock photo sites such as Shutterstock and Getty Images.
5. Contract Work
Another lucrative and surprisingly affordable photography business is to be a part-time or full-time contract photographer for local businesses or events. For example, you may be contracted by a tourism or business development department to cover local events.
6. Word of Mouth Marketing
A great way to market your photography business is to use your existing client base as your referral source. Ask your current clients to spread the word about your services by giving them a discount or free print for each new client they refer to you.
7. Become a Photo Blogger
Some photographers have turned their passion for photography into a side business by creating a photo blog. This is a great opportunity for you to expand your exposure and create a new revenue stream, while also expanding your business knowledge through learning and sharing tips on how to better take photos with a camera.
8. Photo Restoration
A digital repair service for photos is an excellent business idea for someone who has skills with a scanner and photo restoration software. This is a low-cost and scalable photography business idea that you can operate from your own home or a studio.