Event and portrait photographer

Families, event planners, local businesses, schools and community groups.

A session or hourly fee, often with add-ons such as extra edited photos, prints or albums. Bookings tend to come from referrals, so repeat clients and reviews matter.

• Camera skills in changing light
• Photo editing
• Putting people at ease
• Reliable and organized

• General liability insurance, since some venues ask for proof of coverage
• Use a written contract that covers deposits, cancellations, usage rights and delivery dates
• Check whether your state requires sales tax on photography services or prints
• Back up files in more than one place, since you often can't redo an event

Startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on your camera gear, editing tools and insurance. Check whether venues you work with ask for proof of general liability coverage.

Monthly revenue is typically around $500 to $4,000, depending on how many events and sessions you book. The estimate assumes about 8 or more hours a week.

Check whether your state requires sales tax on photography services or prints. Also check general liability insurance, since some venues ask for proof of coverage, and use a written contract covering deposits, cancellations, usage rights and delivery dates.