Portrait and family photographer

Parents, couples, new families, and professionals who need headshots for work or LinkedIn.

A session fee, plus extra income from selling edited image packs, prints and albums.

• Confident use of a camera and natural light
• Putting people at ease, including children
• Photo editing and organised file handling

• Public liability insurance, and equipment cover for your camera kit
• Get a clear written agreement covering usage rights and what the client receives
• Photographing children: check any permission needed for locations, and keep parents present
• Data protection: check whether you need to register with the ICO, as you will store client images and details
• Check that your landlord or mortgage lender allows you to see clients at home

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around £800 to £3,500, depending on your camera kit, editing software, insurance and how you set up a simple studio corner or outdoor sessions. Costs will vary with the equipment you already own.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £300 to £2,000, depending on how many sessions you book, your prices and whether you sell prints. Revenue is not profit, so allow for equipment, insurance and editing time.

Things to check: public liability and equipment insurance, a written agreement on usage rights, any permission needed for locations when photographing children (with parents present), ICO registration for stored images, and whether your landlord or lender allows clients at home.