Own portfolio and headshot studio

Models, actors, performers and agencies, plus other photographers or creatives who hire the space.

Session and package fees, plus quiet-day studio hire to other creatives and sales of extra edits or prints.

• Studio lighting and portrait photography
• Directing and posing people
• Marketing and booking management
• Budgeting for rent and equipment

• Commercial lease commitments, including a bond or deposit that is often several months of rent, so read terms carefully and get advice before signing
• Check with your local council about zoning and approval for a studio use
• Public liability and contents insurance, and workers compensation if you hire staff
• Working with children checks for sessions with under 18s, which vary by state
• Bookings can be uneven, so make sure you can cover rent in quiet months

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $20,000 to $60,000, depending on the premises, lighting, backdrops and fit-out. A commercial lease may also require a bond or deposit that is often several months of rent, so read the terms carefully.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $2,000 to $9,000, depending on how many portfolio bookings you win and how much you earn from hiring out the space. Bookings can be uneven, so make sure you can cover rent in quiet months.

Check with your local council about zoning and approval for studio use. Also look into public liability and contents insurance, workers compensation if you hire staff, and working with children checks for sessions with under 18s, which vary by state.