Niche image and footage library

Publishers, authors, TV and documentary makers, councils, museums and agencies looking for specific subject matter.

Licence fees per image or clip, set by use, size and duration. You can also offer bulk or subscription packs and custom shoots.

• Photography or film making
• Cataloguing and keywording
• Basic website and licensing admin
• Contacting buyers directly

• Make sure you own the copyright to everything you license, and keep releases on file
• Write clear licence terms, and consider getting them checked by a solicitor
• Professional indemnity insurance may be worth checking, as buyers can make claims over rights
• Check data protection rules if images show identifiable people
• Setting up payments and tax records takes time, check if you need to register for VAT as you grow

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £500 to £4,000, depending on your website, equipment and payment setup. Professional indemnity insurance may be worth checking, as buyers can make claims over rights.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around £200 to £2,500, depending on the size of your collection and how many buyers you reach directly. Estimates suggest at least about 10 hours a week, with setup of payments and tax records taking time.

Check that you own the copyright to everything you license and keep releases on file. Write clear licence terms and consider having a solicitor review them. Check data protection rules if images show identifiable people, and check whether you need to register for VAT.