Model portfolio and headshot photographer

New models, actors, dancers and other performers, plus parents of young hopefuls, who book and pay for a session themselves.

A fixed fee per session, with extras for more looks, retouched images, prints or quick turnaround. Repeat clients return as their look changes.

• Portrait photography and lighting
• Directing and posing people
• Photo editing and retouching
• Putting nervous clients at ease

• Public liability insurance, and check whether your studio hire requires you to hold your own cover
• Photographing under-18s: check safeguarding good practice, get parent or guardian consent and consider an enhanced DBS check
• Written terms covering image rights, usage and copyright, and GDPR when storing client photos and details
• Check whether your camera and lighting kit is covered by your insurance

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £1,500 to £5,000, depending on the camera, lighting and editing kit you need. Hiring a studio by the hour means there is no lease to take on.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around £400 to £2,500, depending on how many sessions you book and what you charge. This is revenue, not profit, so allow for studio hire and other costs.

Check public liability insurance and whether the studio requires your own cover. For under-18s, check safeguarding good practice, get parent or guardian consent and consider an enhanced DBS check. Also set written terms on image rights, copyright and GDPR.