Business photographer on location

Local restaurants, estate agents, trades, salons, small firms and agencies needing fresh images for marketing.

Half-day or full-day rates, or a fixed price per project, plus a fee for extra usage rights or additional edited images.

• Photography in mixed and difficult lighting
• Directing people so they look relaxed
• Planning shoots and shot lists
• Networking and selling your services

• Public liability insurance, since you work at clients' premises, plus cover for your kit
• Get a written agreement covering usage rights, copyright and payment terms
• Get consent from people who appear in photos, and be careful with data protection and how you store images
• Check whether a location (such as a public building or a shopping centre) needs permission before shooting
• Work can be uneven, so keep a buffer for quieter months

Startup costs are typically around £1,500 to £7,000, depending on your camera kit, portable lighting, editing software and insurance. These are estimates, so cost your own equipment list before you start.

Monthly revenue is typically around £500 to £3,500, depending on how many clients you win and the kinds of shoots you offer. Work can be uneven, so keep a buffer for quieter months.

Check you have public liability insurance and cover for your kit. Use a written agreement covering usage rights, copyright and payment terms, get consent from people in photos, and check whether locations need permission.