Local photography workshops and short courses

Hobbyists, new parents, travellers, retirees, teens and small business owners who want better photos.

Tuition per student for a single workshop or a multi-week course, with extra income from private lessons and small group add-ons.

• Strong photography and editing skills
• Clear, patient teaching
• Organizing classes and bookings
• Local marketing

• Commercial general liability insurance and the room's own insurance requirements
• Some provinces regulate private career training, but short hobby courses are often treated differently, so check with your provincial regulator
• Registering for GST/HST once revenue passes the small supplier threshold, and checking whether education services are exempt for you
• Winter weather can cancel outdoor photo walks, so have an indoor backup plan
• In Quebec, check French-language requirements for advertising and course materials

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $500 to $3,000, depending on your teaching gear, room rental per session, insurance and local marketing. Renting space by the session keeps costs low at the start.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $500 to $4,000, depending on class sizes, your prices and how many sessions you run. Winter weather can cancel outdoor photo walks, so an indoor backup plan helps.

Check whether your provincial regulator treats short hobby courses as private career training, as some provinces regulate it. Also check insurance and the room's requirements, GST/HST registration and whether education is exempt, and French-language rules in Quebec.