Product photographer from a home setup

Online shop owners, makers, small brands, local retailers and food or cosmetics businesses.

Price per product image or per batch, with bundles for ongoing clients and extra for styling, lifestyle shots or rush jobs.

• Lighting and styling small items
• Photo editing and retouching
• Consistent, organised workflow
• Communicating with clients

• Running a business from home may need council approval, so check with your local council
• Public liability insurance and cover for your equipment, and check how products from clients are covered while in your care
• Agree in writing how images can be used and who owns the copyright
• Keep track of income for tax, and check when you need to register for GST

Startup costs are typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your camera, lighting, backdrops, editing software and insurance. A small studio corner at home keeps the cost of premises out of the equation.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $400 to $3,500, depending on how many online sellers and small brands you work with and how much you charge per product. This is revenue, not profit. Plan on at least about 6 hours a week.

Check with your local council whether you need approval to run a business from home. Check public liability and equipment cover, including how clients' products are covered in your care. Agree in writing how images can be used, and check when you need to register for GST.