The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Starting a Photography Business

The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Starting a Photography Business

How to go from hobbyist to paid photographer—without the overwhelm

So, you’ve fallen in love with photography—maybe you’re the friend with “the good eye,” or maybe you just got your first DSLR or mirrorless camera and can’t stop shooting. You’ve started wondering, “Could I actually make money doing this?”

Spoiler alert: You absolutley can. Starting a photography business might feel intimidating, but with the right tools, mindset, and roadmap, it’s totally possible to build a thriving creative business—on your terms.

This ultimate guide is here to walk you through the steps to go from “just starting out” to “officially in business”—without skipping the real talk.

Step 1: Get Clear on Your Niche

Before you start booking clients, take time to figure out what kind of photography lights you up.

Ask yourself:

Do I love capturing people or still objects?
Am I drawn to weddings, branding sessions, families, pets, or products?
What kind of images do I want to be known for?

Pro tip: You don’t have to niche down on day one. But having a direction helps you attract the right people—and develop your unique style. Think about what inspires you, what you like to do, and what fills your cup.

Step 2: Make It Official!

If you’re accepting money in exchange for your work, it’s time to legitimize your business.

To-dos:

Choose a business name (bonus if it aligns with your vibe and niche!)
Register your business with your state (I would recommend a single member LLC)
Get an EIN and set up a separate business bank account
Look into photography insurance and contracts (yes, even early on!)

Step 3: Invest in What You Actually Need

You don’t need every lens or light on day one.

Stick to the essentials:

A camera body you’re comfortable with
One or two solid lenses (like a 50mm f/1.8 and a 24-70mm)
Memory cards, batteries, and editing software (Lightroom + Photoshop are my faves)

Focus on learning to use what you have—mastery > gear envy every time. Get REALLY GOOD at shooting with what you have one you. I heard this quote somewhere that I really liked: "The best camera you have is the one you have on you."

Step 4: Build a Simple Online Presence

People can’t hire you if they can’t find you.

Start with:

An Instagram account and/or simple Squarespace or Pixieset site (I use WIX, but I would probably not do it again)
A clear “About” page with your photo and why you do what you do- make sure to show your personality AND your face!
A contact form or email address that works!

Tip: Show the kind of work you want to get hired for—even if you’re still doing portfolio-building sessions.

Step 5: Price Your Work with Confidence

This is a tough one for many new photographers, but it matters so much.

Your pricing should account for:

Your time (shooting + editing + communication)
Your gear and overhead
Your experience level

And don’t forget: you’re offering a professional service, not just “taking some pics.” It can be hard to feel this since everyone has a camera in their pocket, but YOU ARE SKILLED and it's SO MUCH MORE than what other people think it is. And that's ok. We're here to help educate people.

🔥 HOT🔥 TAKE🔥: This is totally my opinion, and feel free to disagree with me. BUT.

I know that when you are starting as a photographer, you might think "Hey! I'll offer FREE sessions." And while that might seem like a good idea, let me tell you why it's not. People already have a hard time grappling with the true cost of professional photography services (since everyone has that camera on them). But when you offer FREE sessions, you are totally and completely undercutting and undermining THE ENTIRE INDUSTRY. If you want to get experience, offer those free sessions to family and friends NOT to potential clients. Your industry friends will thank you.

Start somewhere, stay consistent, and adjust as you grow.

Step 6: Learn to Talk to Clients

Your camera skills are only half the story—your people skills matter, too.

Learn how to:

Respond to inquiries with warmth and clarity (need inspiration? I have a TON of totally customizable Canva templates to help get you started. Find them here!)
Set expectations before sessions- be as clear as possible. I've learned this over the years, but stating everything clearly up front is going to save you so much time later on.
Deliver galleries with genuine enthusiasm

Photography is personal—your ability to connect with people is part of the magic.

Step 7: Keep Learning (and Keep Showing Up)

Photography is a never-ending learning curve, which is part of what makes it amazing! I absolutely love harnessing new skills, whether it be drone photography, challending mysrelf with photo assignments, or studying a different style of photography.

From lighting techniques to editing workflows, from SEO to social media—there’s always something new to explore. The key? Don’t go it alone.

Ready to Go From “Aspiring Photographer” to “Booked & Confident”?

Starting your business can be exciting, empowering—and, let’s be honest, a little overwhelming.

That’s where mentorship comes in.

I offer 1:1 mentorships for photographers at all levels, whether you need a pep talk, portfolio feedback, or a roadmap for building a sustainable, soul-aligned business. Choose from: