Full-Time wedding photography business

Engaged couples looking for full-day coverage, plus their families who sometimes pay for albums and prints.

Packages priced by coverage hours and extras, with deposits and staged payments. Albums, prints and engagement sessions add revenue per couple. Many photographers book most weddings in the warmer months, so plan cash flow for quieter periods.

• Strong portfolio and consistent editing style
• Sales and client communication
• Business admin and contracts
• Managing a second shooter or editor

• Public liability, equipment and professional indemnity insurance, as venues and clients may ask for proof
• Workers compensation insurance if you hire staff, which differs by state, so check with your state's scheme
• GST registration once turnover reaches the threshold, so check with the ATO or an accountant
• Income can be uneven across the year, so keep a cash buffer
• Clear contracts covering cancellations, delivery times and image usage rights

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $8,000 to $25,000, depending on your camera gear, editing setup, insurance and marketing. Costs rise if you add a second shooter or offer albums.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on how many weddings you book, your packages and any album sales. Income can be uneven across the year, so keep a cash buffer.

Check public liability, equipment and professional indemnity insurance, as venues and clients may ask for proof. Also check workers compensation with your state's scheme if you hire staff, GST registration with the ATO, and contracts covering cancellations and image usage.