On-Location portfolio and headshot photographer

Aspiring models, actors, influencers and performers who want a natural or lifestyle look, and who pay per session.

Flat fee per session with a set number of edited photos. Add-ons include extra locations, outfit changes and more retouched images.

• Portrait photography in natural and portable light
• Scouting locations and planning shoots
• Directing poses and expressions
• Photo editing

• Many parks and cities require a permit for commercial photography, so check with your city or county parks department
• General liability insurance and coverage for gear you carry around
• Keep written model releases and agree on how images can be used
• Weather and daylight make scheduling harder, so have a backup plan
• If you hire a rented studio by the hour, factor that cost into your pricing

Startup costs are typically around $1,200 to $4,500, depending on your camera, portable lighting, editing software and insurance. These are estimates, so check what gear you already own before budgeting.

Monthly revenue is typically around $400 to $3,000, depending on how many sessions you book, your pricing and the hours you work. Treat this as an estimate, not a guarantee.

Many parks and cities require a permit for commercial photography, so check with your city or county parks department. Also check general liability and gear insurance, keep written model releases, and factor in any hourly studio rental.