Photography school with a small studio

Students paying course fees, plus photographers and small businesses who hire the studio by the hour or day.

Term course fees, with extra income from studio hire, private tuition and special weekend intensives.

• Strong, varied photography skills including studio lighting
• Teaching and running a class of mixed levels
• Managing a small business, bookings and budgets

• Council approval for the use of the premises, and check lease terms carefully before committing
• Public liability insurance, plus cover for your equipment and contents
• If you want to offer nationally recognised qualifications, check ASQA registration requirements, which are demanding
• Working with children checks if you teach under 18s, which differ by state
• Fixed rent means you need steady enrolments, so start small
• If you hire staff, check workers compensation insurance in your state

Startup costs are typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on the premises, studio lighting, classroom setup and equipment. These are estimates, so check rent and lease terms carefully and consider starting small.

Monthly revenue is typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on course enrolments and how often the studio is hired out. Fixed rent means you need steady enrolments, so it helps to start small.

Check council approval for the premises, lease terms and insurance for liability, equipment and contents. Also check ASQA registration if you want nationally recognised qualifications, working with children checks for under 18s, and workers compensation if you hire staff.