Product and business photographer

Online sellers, cafes and restaurants, tradespeople, estate agents and other small businesses.

Per-image or half-day and day rates, with licensing for use in adverts or packaging, and repeat work for regular clients.

• Lighting and styling small products
• Consistent editing and retouching
• Understanding what a business needs the images to do

• Public liability insurance, and cover for your equipment
• Be clear in writing about licensing, who owns the images and how they may be used
• Shooting on client premises: check any site rules, and permissions for photographing staff or customers
• Late payment, so consider deposits and clear payment terms
• Check whether you need to register with the ICO for data protection

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £1,500 to £6,000, depending on your camera, lenses, lighting, backdrops, editing software and insurance. A small home set-up can keep costs towards the lower end of that range.

Monthly revenue is typically around £400 to £3,000, depending on how many clients you win, the type of work and your pricing. Deposits and clear payment terms can help with late payment, which is something to watch for.

Check you have public liability insurance and equipment cover. Be clear in writing about licensing, image ownership and usage. Check site rules and permissions for photographing staff or customers, and whether you need to register with the ICO.