News photo and video agency

Newspapers, TV and radio newsrooms, online news sites, and sometimes councils, charities and businesses that need press images.

A fee per image or clip, day rates for assignments, and licence fees when outlets reuse your material. Some arrangements add a regular retainer.

• Photography and video shooting and editing
• Writing accurate captions
• Staying calm and quick at breaking events
• Building contacts with picture editors

• Public liability insurance and cover for your equipment
• Privacy, filming and photographing children, and rules on private property, which differ by state and territory
• If you use a drone, check CASA rules and whether you need a licence or certification
• Court and suppression restrictions on publishing images, check before you sell
• Personal safety at fires, floods and protests, and following police and emergency crews' instructions
• Work can be irregular and unpredictable, so you may be on call at odd hours

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on your camera and video gear, editing software and insurance. Check what equipment you really need before buying.

Monthly revenue is typically around $600 to $3,500, depending on the events you cover, which outlets buy your work and your rates. Work can be irregular, and the idea suits about 10 or more hours a week.

Check privacy rules, filming children and private property rules, which differ by state and territory. Check CASA rules if you use a drone, court and suppression restrictions before selling images, and public liability insurance for your work.