Home Portrait Studio for Families and Headshots

Families, parents of young children, couples, graduating seniors and local professionals who need headshots.

A session fee, plus digital image packages, prints and albums. Mini-session days with set time slots can fill your calendar quickly.

• Camera and lighting basics
• Posing and directing people
• Photo editing
• Patience with kids

• Check whether your city or county requires a home occupation permit and whether HOA or lease rules allow client visits
• General liability insurance, since clients visit your home
• Use written contracts and model releases, and be clear on who owns the image rights
• Check your state's rules on collecting sales tax on prints and photography services
• Seasonal demand, with busy periods around holidays and graduation

Startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on your camera gear, lighting, backdrops and editing software. These are estimates, so your own figure will depend on what equipment you already own.

Monthly revenue is typically around $500 to $3,500, depending on how many sessions you book and your pricing. These are estimates only. Demand is seasonal, with busy periods around holidays and graduation.

Check whether your city or county requires a home occupation permit and whether HOA or lease rules allow client visits. Also check general liability insurance, use written contracts and model releases, and check your state's rules on sales tax for prints and photography services.