Home photography studio for portraits and products

Families, professionals needing headshots, small online sellers, local businesses and performers.

A fixed fee per session or project, with extras such as additional edited images, prints or quick turnaround.

• Camera and lighting skills
• Photo editing
• Putting people at ease
• Basic bookkeeping and marketing

• Check with your local council whether you need approval to run a home-based business, especially with client visits
• Public liability insurance, and cover for your equipment
• Working with children: check whether your state requires a Working with Children Check
• Get a model release and clear terms on image use and copyright
• Register for an ABN, and check when you need to register for GST

Startup costs are typically around $2,000 to $8,000, depending on the camera gear, lighting and backdrops you already own and what you need to buy. These are estimates only. Insurance for your equipment and public liability will also need to be budgeted.

Monthly revenue is typically around $500 to $3,500, depending on how many sessions or product shoots you book and your pricing. This is revenue before costs, not profit. Expect to spend at least about 8 hours a week.

Check with your local council whether you need approval for a home-based business, especially with client visits. If you photograph children, check whether your state requires a Working with Children Check. Also check public liability insurance, model releases, copyright terms, your ABN and GST registration.