Own portfolio and headshot studio

Models, actors and performers, agencies sending new talent for test shots, and other photographers hiring the space.

Session fees from clients, plus hourly or half-day studio hire to other creatives and fees for add-ons such as retouching and prints.

• Studio lighting and portrait photography
• Directing and posing people
• Marketing and building agency contacts
• Managing bookings and a budget

• Lease terms, business rates and permitted use of the unit, so check with the landlord and your council
• Public liability and contents insurance, and employer's liability if you take on staff or assistants
• Photographing under-18s: check safeguarding good practice, parental consent and whether a DBS check is sensible
• Fixed rent costs when bookings are slow, so keep some cash in reserve

Startup costs are typically around £5,000 to £20,000, depending on the unit, lighting, backdrops and fit-out. These are estimates, so budget for your own space and kit and keep some cash in reserve.

Monthly revenue is typically around £1,500 to £6,000, depending on how many shoots you book and how often you rent the studio to other photographers. Estimates assume at least around 25 hours a week.

Check the lease terms, business rates and permitted use of the unit with your landlord and council. Also check insurance, and safeguarding good practice, parental consent and whether a DBS check is sensible when photographing under-18s.