example of photography business plan

Upmetrics AI Assistant: Simplifying Business Planning through AI-Powered Insights. Learn How

Entrepreneurs & Small Business

Accelerators & Incubators

Business Consultants & Advisors

Educators & Business Schools

Students & Scholars

AI Business Plan Generator

Financial Forecasting

AI Assistance

Ai Pitch Deck Generator

Strategic Planning

See How Upmetrics Works  →

• Sample Plans
• WHY UPMETRICS?

Customer Success Stories

Business Plan Course

Small Business Tools

Strategic Planning Templates

E-books, Guides & More

• Sample Business Plans
• Entertainment & Media

Photography Business Plan

Believe it or not—anyone can take a few pictures, but it takes true skill and talent to get the perfect shot.

And If you’re the guy, everyone’s after asking to click pictures at every party or event, starting a photography business could be incredibly lucrative and satisfying.

However, making your photography business successful is more than just clicking good pictures. You need a solid business plan to ensure success.

Need help writing a business plan for your photography business? You’re at the right place. Our photography business plan template will help you get started.

Download the template and follow step-by-step instructions to draft your business plan in no time!

→ Download Now: Free Photography Business Plan

And though photography lets you fulfill your passion, it attracts a lot of competition due to its ease of entry.

Also, having a successful photography business takes a little more than skill. A photography business plan helps you deal with that, while you shutter away your masterpiece.

Industry Overview

According to the IBIS World industry report , the US photography market is expected to decline at a CAGR of 1.3 to reach 12.9 billion dollars in 2023.

With 7-8% profit margins, individual consumers and households make up the main customer base for the industry. Despite a minor recent decline, the photography industry is projected to experience consistent growth in the coming years.

Here are a few key industry highlights to consider:

• Number of businesses: There are 258,450 operational photography businesses in the US in 2023.
• Industry employment: 293,339+
• Key players: Shutterfly Inc., Alamy Ltd.

Say goodbye to boring templates

Build your business plan faster and easier with AI

Plans starting from $7/month

Things to Consider Before Writing a Photography Business Plan

You’ll need to focus on both the artistic and business sides of your trade.

Though having an excellent eye for proportion, dimensions, and light is great it isn’t enough to have a profitable business. You bring your skills to the table, but you’ll have to work as hard as any other business owner on your marketing, finance, and operations to have a profitable business.

And though it might seem intimidating, with the right amount of planning and strategizing you can do it smoothly.

Get the Pricing Right

It is important to study every aspect of the market and select the pricing strategy that suits your business the best. Your pricing as a photography business would depend a lot upon the niche you choose, your location, and the quality of your skills.

Develop Your Soft Skills

Good photography isn’t just about your skills with the camera, especially if you are dealing with people. You’ll need to make your customers feel at ease and have a friendly way of communicating.

This helps you become the person’s go-to photographer. As pictures aren’t just products you pay for, but memories that are cherished for years.

But at the same time, if communication isn’t your thing you don’t need to worry. As there are several other niches in photography that you can pick from.

Get the Right Equipment, but Don’t Go Overboard

The right camera, technical equipment, etc, are important to help you work effectively. But it doesn’t do to go over budget for it. Especially, if you are just starting out.

Pick the right equipment, but not the one that weighs down on your finances at the early stages of your business.

Why Do You Need a Photography Business Plan?

As you are ready to enter the industry, it brings us to the above question, why does one need a photography business plan?

Aren’t you just supposed to dive right in if you are passionate enough?

The answer is, NO.

Though diving headfirst might sound appealing, it can lead to a series of roadblocks in the future. Also, a business plan isn’t as time-consuming as it may seem to you.

It increases the efficiency of your business and acts as a guide on your road to success. Moreover, writing a business plan helps you get a clear idea of your goals and the opportunities and threats that stand in your way of achieving them.

Also, a well-researched and innovative plan can help you get funded. An investor’s confidence in you is directly proportional to the clarity of your business idea. A business plan can help you achieve just that.

How to Write a Photography Business Plan?

Writing a business plan is not as intimidating as it seems. A well-rounded business plan requires thorough research of the industry, a clear set of goals, well-observed and carefully designed strategies to achieve them, and a clear list of milestones and timelines for all the departments of the business.

A business plan should include strategies for all departments from marketing to finance. There are several resources like online software, business consultants, and predesigned templates that can help you in writing the perfect business plan .

Writing a business plan has become a cakewalk through online business planning tools which can craft an ideal business plan for you at the snap of your fingers.

Chalking out Your Business Plan

Though anyone can click pictures with devices as simple as a smartphone, it takes skills, a sense of proportion, and creativity to make people stop scrolling.

In today’s world of photo-sharing apps where people grapple for attention, the demand for excellent photographers continues to rise.

Hence, with the advent of Instagram, the photography industry is growing leaps and bounds.

Photography Business Plan Outline

This is a standard photography business plan outline that will cover all important sections that you should include in your business plan.

• Introduction
• Products and Services
• Financial Path To Success
• Keys to Success
• Company History
• Market Segmentation
• Target Market Segment Strategy
• Competition and Buying Patterns
• Web Plan Summary
• Website Marketing Strategy
• Development Requirements
• SWOT Analysis
• Competitive Edge
• Marketing Strategy
• Sales Forecast
• Year 1 – Digital Media Production
• Year 2 – Digital Media Production
• Year 3 – Digital Media Production
• Important Assumptions
• Projected Profit and Loss
• Projected Cash Flow
• Projected Balance Sheet
• Ratio Analysis

As you sit down to write your business plan, it brings us to the question, what all things you will need to include in your business plan? Read on to find out.

1. Write an Executive Summary

The executive summary section of a business plan works as an overview of your business and acts as a highlight of its aims and goals. It should be brief and precise and sum up everything your business stands for.

It serves as a pitch of your business ideas to potential investors and should have the following points.

• The kind of services your business offers (Eg. Commercial Photography, Travel Photography, etc.)
• Your target audience (Eg. Models, travel bloggers, influencers, etc.)
• Your strengths and past experiences
• Your goals for the company.

2. Business Overview

In the business overview section, you’ll jot down all of the business ideas you have and analyze how to bring them to life.

This section would consist of an overview of the functioning of your business. as well as your mission statement.

While writing this section it is important to be as precise as possible It helps the stakeholders of your business to know it better.

3. Describe the Services You’ll Offer

In this section of your business plan, you have to list the services you are going to offer. This helps you get a clearer idea of how to advertise your services and how to reach out to your target audiences.

For example, if you are a landscape photographer all of your marketing strategy and the list of resources and services you’ll need will be built around that.

Also, your target audience would be travel websites and tourism companies. And the ways of reaching out to them would be different than reaching out to influencers or celebrities.

4. Market Analysis

The market analysis section is a crucial part of your business plan.

In this section, you’ll write down everything you can find about the photography market as well as resources that can help you stay updated about the recent trends in the market.

For example, as a photographer, it is essential to know the trending photography techniques.

You can also include the size of the market, your competitors, areas that have the highest growth potential, etc Know the right market value of services and identify the existing market gaps that you can fill.

Let’s consider there is no food photographer in your locality and the restaurants around you need one, you can specialize in food photography to capture that market.

5. Create a Website Strategy

The Internet is the first place where people look for any product or service, hence your business must have a website to be discovered by clients.

A well-optimized website can help you in meeting a lot of potential customers.

Including a website strategy in your business plan is crucial.

6. Plan Your Finances

Your financial planning is one of the major deciding factors of whether your business will stay afloat or not.

In this section keep track of your company’s finances, jot down ways of making it more cost-effective. List down resources that can help you understand and manage your finances better.

Download a sample photography business plan

Need help getting started writing a business plan? Here you go; download our free photography business plan pdf to start.

It’s a modern business plan template designed for your photography center. Refer to the example business plan and follow step-by-step instructions to start writing your plan.

The Quickest Way to turn a Business Idea into a Business Plan

Fill-in-the-blanks and automatic financials make it easy.

Write your business plan with Upmetrics

A business planning tool like Upmetrics is the best way to draft your business plan. This incredible tool comes with step-by-step instructions, customizable templates, AI assistance, and business plan examples to help you get started.

You may also explore our library of Entertainment and media business plan examples before you start writing your plan.

So, whether you are starting a photography business or planning to grow an existing one, Upmetrics is the tool you need to create a business plan.

So, what are you waiting for? Start planning now!

Related Posts

Photo Booth Business Plan

Record Label Business Plan

Sample Business Plans Template

Production Company Business Plan

Process for Table of Contents in Business Plan

10 Key Components of Business Plan

Frequently asked questions, what are some common mistakes to avoid when drafting a photography business plan.

Following are some of the common mistakes to avoid when writing a photography business plan:

• Inadequate and inaccurate financial projections.
• Poor market research and ignoring industry trends.
• Undefined goals and lack of details.
• Not proofreading the document for typos and grammatical errors.
• Including outdated and irrelevant information.
• Not regularly updating your business plan.

What are some key financial metrics to include in a photography business plan?

Following are some of the key financial metrics to include in your photography business plan:

• Balance sheet
• Cash flow statement
• Income statement
• Break-even statement
• Projected business ratios
• Sales and revenue projections
• Projected expenses

How can a photography business plan help in securing funding or investment?

A well-crafted photography business plan will help your investors better understand your business domain, market trends, strategies, business financials, and growth potential—helping you secure investment.

Where to find business plan writers for your photography business?

There are many business plan writers available, but no one knows your business and ideas better than you, so we recommend you write your photography business plan and outline your vision as you have in mind.

About the Author

Upmetrics Team

Upmetrics is the #1 business planning software that helps entrepreneurs and business owners create investment-ready business plans using AI. We regularly share business planning insights on our blog. Check out the Upmetrics blog for such interesting reads. Read more

Plan your business in the shortest time possible

No Risk – Cancel at Any Time – 15 Day Money Back Guarantee

Popular Templates

Create a great Business Plan with great price.

• 400+ Business plan templates & examples
• AI Assistance & step by step guidance
• 4.8 Star rating on Trustpilot

Streamline your business planning process with Upmetrics .

How To Write a Winning Photography Business Plan + Template

Creating a business plan is essential for any business, but it can be especially helpful for photography businesses who want to improve their strategy and/or raise funding.

A well-crafted business plan not only outlines the vision for your company, but also documents a step-by-step roadmap of how you are going to accomplish it. In order to create an effective business plan, you must first understand the components that are essential to its success.

This article provides an overview of the key elements that every photography business owner should include in their business plan.

Download the Photography Business Plan Template

What is a Photography Business Plan?

A photography business plan is a formal written document that describes your company’s business strategy and its feasibility. It documents the reasons you will be successful, your areas of competitive advantage, and it includes information about your team members. Your business plan is a key document that will convince investors and lenders (if needed) that you are positioned to become a successful venture.

Why Write a Photography Business Plan?

A photography business plan is required for banks and investors. The document is a clear and concise guide of your business idea and the steps you will take to make it profitable.

Entrepreneurs can also use this as a roadmap when starting their new company or venture, especially if they are inexperienced in starting a business.

Writing an Effective Photography Business Plan

The following are the key components of a successful photography business plan:

Executive Summary

The executive summary of a photography business plan is a one to two page overview of your entire business plan. It should summarize the main points, which will be presented in full in the rest of your business plan.

• Start with a one-line description of your photography company
• Provide a short summary of the key points in each section of your business plan, which includes information about your company’s management team, industry analysis, competitive analysis, and financial forecast among others.

Company Description

This section should include a brief history of your company. Include a short description of how your company started, and provide a timeline of milestones your company has achieved.

If you are just starting your photography business, you may not have a long company history. Instead, you can include information about your professional experience in this industry and how and why you conceived your new venture. If you have worked for a similar company before or have been involved in an entrepreneurial venture before starting your photography firm, mention this.

Industry Analysis

The industry or market analysis is an important component of a photography business plan. Conduct thorough market research to determine industry trends and document the size of your market. 

Questions to answer include:

• What part of the photography industry are you targeting?
• How big is the market?
• What trends are happening in the industry right now (and if applicable, how do these trends support the success of your company)?

You should also include sources for the information you provide, such as published research reports and expert opinions.

Customer Analysis

This section should include a list of your target audience(s) with demographic and psychographic profiles (e.g., age, gender, income level, profession, job titles, interests). You will need to provide a profile of each customer segment separately, including their needs and wants.

For example, customers of a photography business may include individuals, families, small businesses, or corporations.

You can include information about how your customers make the decision to buy from you as well as what keeps them buying from you.

Develop a strategy for targeting those customers who are most likely to buy from you, as well as those that might be influenced to buy your products or photography services with the right marketing.

Competitive Analysis

The competitive analysis helps you determine how your product or service will be different from competitors, and what your unique selling proposition (USP) might be that will set you apart in this industry.

For each competitor, list their strengths and weaknesses. Next, determine your areas of competitive differentiation and/or advantage; that is, in what ways are you different from and ideally better than your competitors.

Marketing Plan

This part of the business plan is where you determine and document your marketing plan. . Your plan should be clearly laid out, including the following 4 Ps.

• Product/Service : Detail your product/service offerings here. Document their features and benefits.
• Price : Document your pricing strategy here. In addition to stating the prices for your products/services, mention how your pricing compares to your competition.
• Place : Where will your customers find you? What channels of distribution (e.g., partnerships) will you use to reach them if applicable?
• Promotion : How will you reach your target customers? For example, you may use social media, write blog posts, create an email marketing campaign, use pay-per-click advertising, launch a direct mail campaign. In addition, you may promote your photography business via public speaking engagements, trade shows, or partnerships.

Operations Plan

This part of your photography business plan should include the following information:

• How will you deliver your product/service to customers? For example, will you do it in person or over the phone only?
• What infrastructure, equipment, and resources are needed to operate successfully? How can you meet those requirements within budget constraints?

The operations plan is where you also need to include your company’s business policies. You will want to establish policies related to everything from customer service to pricing, to the overall brand image you are trying to present.

Finally, and most importantly, in your Operations Plan, you will lay out the milestones your company hopes to achieve within the next five years. Create a chart that shows the key milestone(s) you hope to achieve each quarter for the next four quarters, and then each year for the following four years. Examples of milestones for a photography business include reaching $X in sales. Other examples include hiring a certain number of employees, partnering with another company, or opening up a second location.

Management Team

List your team members here including their names and titles, as well as their expertise and experience relevant to your specific photography industry. Include brief biography sketches for each team member.

Particularly if you are seeking funding, the goal of this section is to convince investors and lenders that your team has the expertise and experience to execute on your plan. If you are missing key team members, document the roles and responsibilities you plan to hire for in the future.

Financial Plan

Here you will include a summary of your complete and detailed financial plan (your full financial projections go in the Appendix). 

This includes the following three financial statements:

Income Statement

Your income statement should include:

• Revenue : how much revenue you generate.
• Cost of Goods Sold : These are your direct costs associated with generating revenue. This includes labor costs, as well as the cost of any equipment and supplies used to deliver the product/service offering.
• Net Income (or loss) : Once expenses and revenue are totaled and deducted from each other, this is the net income or loss.

Sample Income Statement for a Startup Photography Business

Balance sheet.

Include a balance sheet that shows your assets, liabilities, and equity. Your balance sheet should include:

• Assets : All of the things you own (including cash).
• Liabilities : This is what you owe against your company’s assets, such as accounts payable or loans.
• Equity : The worth of your business after all liabilities and assets are totaled and deducted from each other.

Sample Balance Sheet for a Startup Photography Business

Cash flow statement.

Include a cash flow statement showing how much cash comes in, how much cash goes out and a net cash flow for each year. The cash flow statement should include:

• Cash Flow From Operations
• Cash Flow From Investments
• Cash Flow From Financing

Below is a sample of a projected cash flow statement for a startup photography business.

Sample Cash Flow Statement for a Startup Photography Business

You will also want to include an appendix section which will include:

• Your complete financial projections
• A complete list of your company’s business policies and procedures related to the rest of the business plan (marketing, operations, etc.)
• Any other documentation which supports what you included in the body of your business plan.

Writing a good business plan gives you the advantage of being fully prepared to launch and/or grow your photography company. It not only outlines your business vision but also provides a step-by-step process of how you are going to accomplish it.

A well-written business plan is essential for any photography company looking to start, expand or grow its business. It can also help attract investors.  

Finish Your Photography Business Plan in 1 Day!

Wish there was a faster, easier way to finish your photography business plan?

With our Ultimate Photography Business Plan Template you can finish your plan in just 8 hours or less!

• Start Free Trial

Please select the country/region in which you do business.

• European Union
• United Kingdom
• United States

Home » Blog » How to write a successful photography business plan.

• Photography Business Tips

How to write a successful photography business plan.

Whether you want to know how to start a photography business or take your existing one to the next level, the best place to start is with a plan. A photography business plan is a document that outlines what you hope to accomplish with your business. 

As your business comes to life or goes through change, you can use a business plan to measure your progress and re-calibrate your professional goals. In addition, if you are planning to pitch your business to potential investors for brand partnership opportunities, a business plan is one of the documents you can use to help bring credibility to your business.

However, learning how to start a photography business the right way doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Taking the right steps to showcase your photography services beyond your online portfolio website can set you off on the right foot and continuously help you attract the caliber of clients you want.

Why you need to make a photography business plan. 

Running a small business is hard. You may have heard the lifespan statistic that 20% of small businesses fail in their first 2 years, 30% fail in their first 3 years, and 50% fail after operating for 5 years. While this number is discouraging, the number one reason for the small business mortality rate is the lack of financial planning.

This is why using available tools is essential to your business’s long-term success and to your ability to grow your business. A business plan is critical in keeping you on track with your business goals and identifying where your business is lagging before, during, and after growth.

The main components of a photography business plan.

While you can customize the components of a photography business plan to suit your needs, the standard components are:

• Executive summary
• Business description
• Product or service portfolio
• Target market
• Competitive landscape 
• Marketing approach
• Operations & logistics

These elements work together to provide you and your possible stakeholders with a fulsome portrait of your business and its potential. We will go into further detail about these individual components in the following sections.

Write an executive summary.

The executive summary is a 50-250 word section at the start of your photography business plan that focuses on big-picture goals and outcomes of your company. This section summarizes the entirety of the document and should serve as the “elevator pitch” for your company, and its unique position to succeed. A good question to ask when compiling your executive summary is, “What are 3-5 things I want my clients to remember me by?”

Some of the elements to include in your executive summary are your experience, your specialties (ex. commercial photography , landscape , or wedding photography ), and key components of your business that contribute to your success, such as your marketing efforts or a unique angle you bring to the industry.

Explain your company in a business description.

While you may have a clear vision for your business inside your head, being able to succinctly express it to clients and stakeholders is key to your professional success. When compiling your description, it’s important to be as specific as possible.

First, learn about different organizational structures and the associated terms that come with the territory. Are you running a sole proprietorship, partnership, an incorporated company, or another type of business?

Second, your business description should also outline additional details including the history of your business. It gives possible stakeholders an idea of what your business is about and how it began.

In addition, you want to share your business’ mission statement. Because you will go into more details about the offerings and other aspects of your business, it’s best to keep your company description simple and provide only a high-level overview.

Describe your product and services.

This is the place to talk about the types of photography services and products you offer, and the ones you plan on expanding into in the near future. 

As part of your product and services description, provide a comprehensive pricing model. Your pricing model should cover the types of sessions, services (shooting, editing, formatting) you offer, and their associated fees. For example, do you offer mini photography sessions or 2-hour shoots? Is there a sliding scale for editing services, color correction, or airbrushing? Do you handle the physical production of photos, or is the handoff done digitally?

A competent photography business relies on the client’s clear understanding of your “menu” of skills and services.

Lastly, detail the types of services you offer and the types of products you want to focus on that bring you the most income.

Determine your target market.

Targeting your customers is no simple task, as small business owners want to serve everyone. Nevertheless, it helps you to focus on your customers who need your products. You’ll end up wasting money marketing your product to people who don’t need it or have any interest in it.

Understanding your target audience means researching your local market to identify where demand exists. You can search forums and Facebook groups to see what kinds of photographers people are hiring and how much they’re willing to pay. 

For example, a professional wedding photographer should join relevant local event planning and vendor groups on social media to build connections and promote their wedding photography services. Keep in mind that a wedding photographer often has to travel to a location to shoot the wedding, and make sure to factor it into your project estimates. 

While a target audience looks different for everyone, it’s important for your photography business to have a few areas of specialty that help build up credibility and steadily bring in clients.

Conduct a competitive analysis.

As you conduct research on your local market, you will start to discover there are a number of different photographers that offer similar services as you. To create a thorough competitive analysis, take the list of competitors, and evaluate them in different areas. Conducting this analysis will help you determine what sets yours apart.

When looking at your competitors, consider the following questions:

• Are my product offering and pricing model as straightforward as theirs?
• What is their tone of voice (ex. humorous/expert/familial)?
• Who is their target audience?
• What do they bring to the table that I do not, and vice versa?
• How can I differentiate myself from them?

To help you understand how your business is perceived, you can seek the help of a brand marketing professional. To take a more DIY approach, you can send your portfolio website to a roundtable of friends and colleagues and ask them how they would describe your business. Collecting these adjectives and looking for common threads can help you understand how your business is perceived and use these findings to your advantage in your marketing efforts.

Conducting a thorough competitive analysis can help you determine your own competitive edge and stay abreast of the competition. As a best practice, get into the habit of conducting a competitive analysis on an annual basis to stay informed about how your industry and your local market evolve over time.

Detail your marketing strategies.

In marketing, there is a saying that goes, “hope is not a strategy.” Yet many organizations allow an “if you build it, they will come” mentality to drive clients toward their marketing efforts.

In reality, a continuous funnel of new and repeat customers is what ensures their long-term success. This is why continuous marketing efforts are the number one way to ensure a consistent workload. Your marketing should work in tandem with a greater marketing plan that aligns all your efforts.

Because stakeholders and investors know the importance of marketing, they will look for a comprehensive and proactive marketing strategy when evaluating your business plan. This is why it’s important to outline the various marketing mechanisms you plan to use in your marketing plan.

Your marketing strategies encompass your marketing programs and your photography portfolio. 

Marketing programs.

Marketing programs mean any platforms, channels, or mechanisms you use to promote your company and attract customers. These may include email marketing campaigns, direct mail initiatives, local photography directory memberships, trade shows, your social media presence, and any paid social media advertising campaigns.

Photography portfolio.

Your online photography portfolio is an essential part of your marketing toolkit. After you make your potential customers aware of your business with your marketing programs, they will seek out a digital presence to explore your abilities as a photographer and to see if there is a fit. A portfolio experience can make or break a client lead, which is why it’s important to invest in a portfolio website that represents the unique offering your photography brings to the world. You can learn how to build a portfolio website the right way with our helpful guide.

Think about operations. 

While service businesses like photographers traditionally have fewer logistics than brick-and-mortar ones, it’s still important to consider the day-to-day logistics and expenses when compiling your business plan.

The operations portion of your photography business can include details like information about where you conduct work.  Many photographers choose to conduct business out of a home studio or office, holding a majority of their sessions at outdoor locations, client homes, and occasionally utilizing a professional studio. Meanwhile, commercial photographers almost always rely on a professional studio to conduct their business. 

Because different types of photographers have different operational needs, stakeholders will look for this information in your business plan to help assess the overhead cost of the operations. Understanding your operations also helps you to plan for potential opportunities in the future.

Draft your financial plans. 

This portion of your photography business plan is important to understanding the overall factors in the cash flow of your venture. Cash flow refers to the amount of money going in and out of your business. 

While compiling this section of your business plan may take the most time, it’s important to get it right to have an accurate understanding of the amount of money it takes to run your photography business, and which investments (ex. new lenses or editing software) are feasible within your business profits.

If you are a new business owner getting into photography, this section of the plan is where you outline the equipment you hope to invest in and what types of services it will be used for. Consider that as a professional photographer, you may need to invest in two copies of every item in case of malfunction. Some photographers, who may be just starting out, may use rental equipment to help them offset the costs of duplicates. However, the cost of renting can add up, which is why purchasing may be the cheaper option in the long run.

As a photographer, you are investing in hardware and software that is imperative to your job. To protect yourself, consider insuring your photography equipment and professional computer in case of theft. You can outline your insurance policy coverage and its cost in the financial portion of your plan. 

Create a timeline.

For photographers, a timeline is a management tool that helps you keep your business goals on track. Some of the key activities to include in your timeline are marketing, financial, investing, and operational in nature. 

In your timeline, consider setting goals for when you expect to pay back for the items listed in the financial portion of your plan. Calculating how many completed photography sessions it would take to cover the cost of the item can help you calculate this date.

It’s important to remember that timelines don’t need to be complicated. You can simply write down the task and the date by which you hope to complete it in sequential order. To help you stay on track, you can put reminders in your email calendar that notify you when you are nearing the anticipated completion of a task, as well as your personal deadline for its completion.

Putting your photography business plan together.

Compiling a photography business plan is an important step in starting your business and in evolving an existing one. While our photography business plan outline contains all the elements to run a successful photography business, there is nothing like drawing inspiration from what’s out there. A tried and tested photography business plan sample can give you the guidance you need to brainstorm the ins and outs of your business.

While all photography business plans are slightly different, most professional photography business plans are clear about their vision and how they want to get there. We’ve collected sample photography business plans from some of the best and most successful photographers in the industry and made readily editable templates for a fast and comprehensive photography business plan.

If you are just starting with your venture and feel a little lost, be sure to check out startup costs for your photography business and three business questions new photographers often ask . These guides give you the important information you need to get started on turning your photography dream into a viable business.

Photography business plan examples.

A sound business plan will set you on the path to success as a photographer. Whether you are a studio photographer, wedding photographer, or anything in between, these industry-specific photography business plan examples will help you kickstart your career.

Photography studio business plan.

If you run a photography studio, the most important element of your business plan is the photography business description. This segment in your photography studio business plan consists of a thorough description of all of the activities you engage in and the services you offer.

By keeping a detailed checklist, you can be clearer with your clients about the studio photography services you offer and market your business accordingly. Our guide to photography marketing shows you how to attract new clients the right way, without spending a dime.

Wedding photography business plan.

Creating a wedding photography business plan is a crucial step in better understanding your market and the opportunities you can leverage with your skills and experience. If there are any specific photography services you offer that other wedding competitors don’t, make sure to include them in your business plan.

If you are looking for a place to start, a simple Google search will provide you with a range of wedding photography business plan samples to work from, which can be tailored specifically to your business.

Now that you are armed with your photography business plan, you can attract better clients and be prepared for the future with a firm grasp of your competitive edge and industry shifts. Don’t forget that along with a solid business plan you need a beautiful website portfolio to show off your work and start getting clients.

Related Posts

Contributor

Cheryl is the Director of Content Strategy at Zenfolio and the Owner/Photographer at Portraits by Cheryl and Seniors by Cheryl in Raleigh, NC. Cheryl has mentored countless new photographers looking to build successful photography businesses.

View all posts

Create your photography website in minutes.

• Privacy Overview
• Strictly Necessary Cookies

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

Photography Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Photography Business Plan Outline

• Photography Business Plan Home
• 1. Executive Summary
• 2. Company Overview
• 3. Industry Analysis
• 4. Customer Analysis
• 5. Competitive Analysis
• 6. Marketing Plan
• 7. Operations Plan
• 8. Management Team
• 9. Financial Plan

Start Your Photography Plan Here

Photography Business Plan

You’ve come to the right place to create your Photography business plan.

We have helped over 1,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans and many have used them to start or grow their Photography business.

Below are links to each section of a sample photography business plan. It can be used to create a wedding photography business plan, a commercial photography business plan, a portrait photography studio business plan or any other type of photography business plan.

1. Executive Summary 2. Company Overview 3. Industry Analysis 4. Customer Analysis 5. Competitive Analysis 6. Marketing Plan 7. Operations Plan 8. Management Team 9. Financial Plan

Next Section: Executive Summary >

Photography Business Plan FAQs

What is a photography business plan.

A photography business plan is a plan to start and/or grow your photography business. Among other things, it outlines your business concept, identifies your target customers, presents your marketing plan and details your financial projections.

You can  easily complete your photography business plan using our Photography Business Plan Template here .

What Are the Main Types of Photography Businesses?

There are many types of photography businesses depending on the style of photography and target market. The most common and profitable type is event photography. Other types are stock photography, family/baby photography, travel, school, photojournalism and social media photography.

No matter what type of photography business you plan to start, you need a solid photography business plan. You can quickly complete your photography business plan using our Photography Business Plan Template here .

What Are the Main Sources of Revenues and Expenses for a Photography Business?

The primary source of revenue for photography businesses are service fees for photoshoots and video, licensing fees and photo editing. Other revenues are also generated from product sales like prints, albums, cards, wall prints and canvas.

The key expenses for photography businesses are equipment expense, advertising, transportation, and labor or professional fees.

How Do You Get Funding for Your Photography Studio Business Plan?

Photography businesses are typically funded through small business loans, personal savings and credit card financing.

This is true for a wedding photographer, pet photography business, commercial photography business, a portrait photography business or any other type of photography services.

Download your plan in word or PDF to share with investors.

What are the Steps To Start a Photography Business?

Starting a photography business can be an exciting endeavor. Having a clear roadmap of the steps to start a business will help you stay focused on your goals and get started faster.

1. Develop A Photography Business Plan - The first step in starting a business is to create a detailed business plan for a photography business that outlines all aspects of the venture. This should include potential market size and target customers, data on the photography industry, the services or products you will offer, pricing strategies and a detailed financial forecast.  You can quickly complete your photography business plan using our Photography Business Plan Template here .

2. Choose Your Legal Structure - It's important to select an appropriate legal entity for your photography business. This could be a limited liability company (LLC), corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks so it’s important to do research and choose wisely so that your photography business is in compliance with local laws.

3. Register Your Photography Business - Once you have chosen a legal structure, the next step is to register your photography business with the government or state where you’re operating from. This includes obtaining licenses and permits as required by federal, state, and local laws. 

4. Identify Financing Options - It’s likely that you’ll need some capital to start your photography business, so take some time to identify what financing options are available such as bank loans, investor funding, grants, or crowdfunding platforms. 

5. Choose a Location - Whether you plan on operating out of a physical location or not, you should always have an idea of where you’ll be based should it become necessary in the future as well as what kind of space would be suitable for your operations. 

6. Hire Employees - There are several ways to find qualified employees including job boards like LinkedIn or Indeed as well as hiring agencies if needed – depending on what type of employees you need it might also be more effective to reach out directly through networking events. 

7. Acquire Necessary Photography Equipment & Supplies - In order to start your photography business, you'll need to purchase all of the necessary equipment and supplies to run a successful operation. 

8. Market & Promote Your Business - Once you have all the necessary pieces in place, it’s time to start promoting and marketing your photography business. This includes creating a website, utilizing social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter, and having an effective Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategy. You should also consider traditional marketing techniques such as radio or print advertising. 

Learn more about how to start a successful photography business and photography business planning:

• How to Start a Photography Business

Where Can I Get a Photography Business Plan PDF?

You can download our free photography business plan template PDF here . This is a sample photography business plan template you can use in PDF format.

HOW TO WRITE THE ULTIMATE PHOTOGRAPHY BUSINESS PLAN

Table of contents, 1. summarise your services and products, 2. describe your target market, 3. analyse your competitors, 4. conduct a swot analysis, 5. outline your marketing plan, 6. outline your operations plan, 7. work out your finances, 8. set goals and create systems, 9. write an executive summary.

What is your main photography service?

List any other photography services your offer, how do your photography services complement each other, describe the products you provide to clients.

Sum up your ideal client in one sentence

What are the top 3 desires you can help with, what are the top 3 pain points you can help with, what will connect you and your ideal client, 3. analyse your competitors.

List 2 or 3 of your closest competitors

Describe their services and products, who are they appealing to, what is their price point and position, what are they doing well, what could they be doing better, write 3-5 adjective to describe their brand, 4. conduct a swot analysis.

Make a list of your strengths

Acknowledge your weaknesses, where are the opportunities, are there any potential threats, 5. outline your marketing plan.

What makes your business stand out?

Write your elevator pitch, write your big, bold statement (tagline), define your brand personality and tone of voice, what content are you going to create, which social media platform will you use and how, will you do any face-to-face marketing, will you seek publicity for your business, how will you generate and nurture leads, how will you create loyalty and encourage referrals, 6. outline your operations plan.

Describe the enquiry and conversion process

Describe the booking and onboarding process, describe the shoot or wedding process, describe the post-shoot/wedding process, describe the product sales process, describe the order fulfilment process, describe the process beyond order fulfilment, 7. work out the finances.

Summarise your CODB and salary aims

Where are you positioned in terms of price, which pricing model is right for you, 8. set goals and create systems.

Decide on your financial goal

Map out your systems, what needs to happen for your systems to work, 9. create an executive summary.

Privacy Overview

CAREER TIPS

How to Write a Photography Business Plan and Nail It

• Julia Ronen
• Jul 17, 2017

Photographers, designers, bloggers – as artistically inclined people, we are undoubtedly good at creating. Planning, on the other hand, well that’s not necessarily our forte. Unfortunately, a camera or a paintbrush is not exactly the best tool to help you build a successful business. However, in order to do what we love for a living (which is a great accomplishment in itself!), we have to master not only our trade but also the art of managing a small business. Luckily for you, creating a photography website has already been taken care of.

While it may appear intimidating in the beginning, with the right set of tools, you can grasp the hang of it pretty quickly. Just like any other new creative technique you acquired – all you need to succeed is the desire to learn.

This is where we would like to chip in our 5 cents to help our photographer friends take the first step in starting a photography business . Remember, behind every successful photographer is a well thought through business plan. Let us walk you through creating a photography business plan that will set your foot on the right path – the one that leads to success:

So… What is a business plan exactly?

To put it simply, a business plan is a guide that outlines your business’ goals and how you plan to achieve them. It’s created by the business owner on a yearly basis and serves as a reference for any managerial or financial question that may come up during the year. In case you plan to raise funds for your business or negotiate a loan from the bank, a concise photography business plan will make you look professional and sincere in all your intentions. On top of that, the plan will serve as a personal target to achieve, a reference to follow up on your accomplishments, and a guide on where you need to concentrate your efforts in order to do better next year.

With that being said, it doesn’t have to be as long as your exposure settings during night time. The document’s length is up to you, but the principle of “less is more” is a great guideline to start with. After all, you’re not building a groundbreaking start-up company in Silicon Valley, but a traditional photography business, that probably has a lot in common with other businesses in the field – so your readers will most likely know what to expect.

First – wait a second (or two)

Before getting down to some hands on calculations, there are a few things that need to be taken care of. The first of which being you – so take a deep breath (literally, it’s important!).

Now, you have some serious thinking (and writing) to do. In order to position yourself in the highly competitive world of commissioned photographers, you’ll need to define your services, target audience, and business goals. Is this sounding all too much? Not if you follow these steps:

Do some industry research

Do some groundwork on your competition, especially in the geographical area where you plan to operate:

What kind of services do they provide?

Does anything set them apart from the crowd?

What do their online assets look like ( photography website , Facebook business page , Instagram , 500px, etc.)?

How much do they charge? Do your best to find out by browsing their site or asking for an estimate.

What do their clients have to say about them? To find out, simply “Google” your competitors’ name and browse the reviews.

Identify your target audience

Your target audience are the people that are most likely to hire you. They will be the focus of all your marketing efforts. To identify your audience, try to think about the following questions: Who are your clients? What is their approximate age, marital status, income status, where do they live? What are their needs and how can you meet them? Why would they choose you over a competitor? The more information you have, the more accurate your marketing strategy will be.

Define your product and services

With that information in mind, you can start to develop your game plan. Try to define your product and services in the most detailed way possible. For example, if you’re a wedding photographer, there’s much more to your services than just wedding photo shoots. First, you probably provide your service in several differently priced packages. Secondly – you also have a physical product – the photo album, and perhaps a USB stick for the client: every item should be listed for budgeting purposes.

Find your niche

Everyone provides high-quality photos and services. Undoubtedly, you do too. So how will your photography business catch the eye of the tiger, e.g. potential clients? Based on the market research you did, try to come up with something that will set you apart from other photographers in your locale. It can be a unique photography style , a special photography package, a delicate personal touch , or any other exclusive idea your brainstorming session will produce. That “little something” that makes you different will be very useful in marketing your photography business.

Know thyself

As you make plans for the coming year, think of your strengths and weaknesses, and use both to leverage yourself. How? Well, strengths are obvious: for example, if you’re a people’s person, you’ll probably excel at marketing your services. As for weaknesses – set a goal to work on the ones you’d like to improve so that your business can benefit from it. For instance, you might consider yourself a technophobe when it comes to creating a photography website or promoting your business online. So one goal for the coming year could be improving your knowledge about online marketing terms , SEO for photographers , and everything you need to know in order to create a great photography website .

Set the right price

The price of your services is a key element, on which your entire photography business plan is based on. Remember the market research you ran four paragraphs ago? The price range of photography prices in your area should be your first indicator. You need to make sure that your final price is positioned within that scale according to your level of expertise.

On the other hand, your price needs to secure your monetary goals for the year. What amount of income do you plan to bring home? Is it a full-time job, or a side gig? How many sessions do you think you could secure per month? What is the price that can give you a net profit on top of your expenses and dedicated time? Bear in mind, that some questions can only be answered after you’ve earned some mileage as a professional photographer. In the meantime, here is a great reference to what photographers of different expertise levels charged in 2016 .

Set your goals

If the business plan serves as an orientation map through the year, then it must have a clear destination. Remember, a good “destination”, or objective, is an achievable one. The more defined and the more realistic, the better. When choosing a target, think of how you can measure its success. If it ain’t measurable, it ain’t pleasurable.

Now let’s get to business (plan)

Now that the theoretical part is done, it’s time to talk numbers. The purpose of this part is to understand the financial side of things, and mostly – to obtain your net profit. Here’s a step by step guide to calculating your earnings for the upcoming year:

01. Define your total sales per month . This includes both your booking fee and product sales. Think of the average amount of gigs you get per month, and multiply by the average amount of money you earn from each job.

02. Costs of sales per month – include all your expenses on getting the job done. This can include a second shooter, print lab fees, and average travel expenses to and from the event. Note that these are not your fixed costs (we’ll get to this below).

03. Time for gross profit ! ‘Total sales per month’ minus ‘costs of sales per month’ will give you this number.

04. To figure out your monthly net gain, calculate your general business expenses, i.e. fixed costs . These expenses are constant and do not add up per photo shoot. For example, they can include marketing expenses, accounting, equipment, hardware, and taxes. Definitely skip hosting and web-design fees, as you can easily make an impressive photography website for free! Divide the number you get by 12 – these are your fixed costs per month.

05. It’s the final countdown: your gross profit minus monthly fixed costs will generate your net profit .

About that net profit

If you’re just starting your business, take into consideration that many businesses take a year, sometimes more, to get out of a negative net profit. That means that you need to plan ahead and prepare some savings to survive that first year. If you end up having a nice net profit, you have two choices: keep it to yourself (that’s why you were doing this in the first place, right?) or invest it in the coming year to grow your business even further. A nice net profit will give you the option to do both, depending on your business goals of course.

That’s it, you’re ready to go. Good luck with the new exciting journey! Now that you have a detailed map, the road to success is clearly marked.

Related Posts

10 Photography Side Hustle Ideas to Monetize Your Online Presence

How to start a photography business: a beginner’s guide

How to Create a Photography Website in 10 Steps

Was this article helpful?

• Student Successes
• My Learning

10 Key Steps for Writing Your Photography Business Plan

You can also select your interests for free access to our premium training:

A surprising number of photographers never write a photography business plan. If you plan to embark on a career as a freelancer, you need a plan. A business plan is a road map to success. It outlines your business-related goals and how you intend to achieve them. There is no need to have a very formal business plan. But the components of a traditional business plan can help you be more specific about your goals. This way, you are more likely to achieve them.

The Components of a Photography Business Plan

Create an executive summary.

The Executive Summary is where you define your photography business . What will be the legal structure of your business? Will you be operating as a sole proprietor? This is an overview of your business. It lays out how your business will meet the needs of your target clients. It’s helpful to write out a mission statement for your photography business. You should have tangible objectives and the keys to success.

Write a Product and Service Description

Consider Your Target Market

Assess the Competition

Develop Key Marketing Strategies

Consider Your Operations Strategy

Plan the Financials

SWOT Analysis

Make a Timeline

Preparation and goal setting are crucial to success in any business. A plan for your photography business can make all the difference. Start today by working on your photography business plan. If you can set aside 30 to 60 minutes a day, you’ll finish before you know it. And then you’ll be far ahead of most photographers, who have no plan whatsoever! Now you’ve worked out how to make your business plan, check out our posts on how to price your photography services or use social media marketing next!

Popular Content

Step-by-step guide on how to write a strong photography business plan

Claim your free Nextdoor business page

Claim your business page to get discovered by customers and manage your recommendations

This article was updated on December 2, 2022

Starting a successful photography business involves more than having a camera and a keen eye for beauty. As a business owner, you must also have a solid business plan.

Without one, your professional photography business may have no legs (or tripods) to stand on. 

Creating a photography business plan is simple. This complete guide will cover all you need to know about writing a comprehensive business plan—from executive summaries to competitive analyses. 

What to include in a photography business plan:

• Write an executive summary
• Describe your photography business
• Outline your products and services
• Analyze your finances and list out business expenses
• Understand your competition and the photography industry
• Devise a sales and marketing strategy
• Set operations logistics and management structure
• Perform customer and market analysis
• Establish a timeline and exit strategy
• Round out your business plan with Nextdoor

1. Write an executive summary

Perhaps you’ve been dreaming of running your own photography business since the day you picked up your first disposable camera, or maybe you just started outlining your vision in recent months. Whatever the case may be, you’ll need to match those dreams with quantifiable business goals and a clear course of action. 

Defining your mission is one of the most important aspects of a strong business plan and almost always comprises the first section. In the executive summary, you will explain your business details such as your business name, and a summary of your business plan in a few sentences.

When defining your business as a professional photographer, it’s crucial to cover two key components: the executive summary and the business description.

2. Describe your photography business

Following the executive summary, the business description section is the place where you'll describe the ins and outs of your business.

Effective photography business descriptions usually contain the following information:

• A history of your business
• An overview of your business structure

Let's break down these two essential components further.

As a professional photographer, your business's history is more than just a summary of facts. It's your unique story . Your passion for what you do should come through in every line.

Include life and color into your business plan by detailing the following:

• Your personal relationship with photography
• Your professional work experience
• The origins of your business and the values you intend to uphold

Describing your history with photography not only gives potential stakeholders an inside look at your motivations but also gives you an outline for an "About" section on your future website.

REAL BUSINESS EXAMPLE: Johnson City, Tennessee's Hunter Kittrell Photography is a business that knows the power of storytelling. Their website's "About" section mentions how the business's founder, Hunter Kittrell, got his start in photography after college and how his love of adventure inspires his work. Look to this small business as a model for your own and add in all of your business's unique details to compel potential clients to work with you.

Business structure

Few business descriptions are complete without an outline of the business structure. To define your business structure, consider the following:

• Type - Is your business a sole proprietorship or an LLC? A partnership or corporation? If you're just starting out, there's a good chance your photography business will be a sole proprietorship. However, if you're thinking of future growth (and outside funding), it may be wise to consider an LLC. Whichever business type you choose, providing this information in your business plan will help you think through the management and other logistical structures.
• Management and business operations - Most U.S. photography businesses have less than two employees . However, if you're planning on employing more people and/or having a detailed managerial structure, it may be wise to include this in your business description. Furthermore, it may be helpful to include details about business hours and studio location(s).

While businesses, especially startups, can experience a number of operational changes during the first couple of years, outlining your initial business structure is a smart way to set up your photography business for continued success.

3. Outline your products and services

The best business plans clearly specify the business's products and photography services. As you draft your plan include the following details:

• Photography type - Will your business specialize in commercial photography, marketing photography, landscape photography, portrait photography, pet photography, or wedding photography? Will you mainly shoot individual portraits or family portraits? Identifying your niche in the photography industry in your business plan will allow you to structure other elements of your business model around that particular focus.
• Pricing model - When it comes to the financial aspects of your business, few details are more important than your business's pricing model. Will you charge by the hour or by the photoshoot (regardless of time)? Is photo editing included in the package or is there an additional cos t ? Look at other photographers for example pricing; likely event photography pricing is structured differently than landscape photography. You would also need to consider your business expenses and budget when setting your rates. Being as specific as possible about your pricing model will help you estimate your income and also p rovide a clear outline of your rates for potential clients.

REAL BUSINESS EXAMPLE: Based in Manchester, New Hampshire, Image of Home Real Estate Photography is a small business with a big-time, three-tier pricing model. Their website states that they charge by the square foot and offer the additional benefit of same-day image delivery. This pricing model was, more than likely, hashed out in the business plan. Settle on the pricing specifics for your business and be sure to share them on your online platforms so that they are clearly visible to the public.

4. Analyze your finances

When it comes to financial planning, the more you can foresee, the better. This will keep you from overextending your budget in terms of expenses or overestimating your revenue in your first year. 

To adequately plan for finances, detail the following in your business plan:

• Expenses – Expenses include everything from ordering business cards to the cost of equipment to your studio space. Make a list of everything you’ll need to pay for to get your business up and running. Doing so will also help you budget for the unknown, such as buying an extra lens in case one breaks or hiring an assistant to lend a hand on a particular photo shoot.
• Projected revenue – To stay afloat in the long run, you’ll need to bring in more revenue than you’re spending. As a result, it’s wise to calculate your projected revenue alongside your expenses in your business plan—especially in the first year. These calculations will allow you to budget properly and change your strategy should your financial situation change.
• Set up bank accounts and EIN - Most professional photographers tend to work independently or work by case. Therefore, it is better to separate your work bank accounts and credit cards from your personal accounts to manage your finances. Further, even if this is a small business, you still need to apply for an EIN (employee identification number) from the IRS for legal purposes.

In addition, figuring out where you stand financially will enable you to find room in your budget for marketing strategies and competitive analysis metrics.

5.  Understand your competition

An often overlooked, yet highly important, section of most business plans is the competitive analysis section. 

Researching your competition is beneficial for many reasons. Not only will you better understand your competition’s pricing models and services, but you’ll also learn how you can set yourself apart from competitors. Given the fact that there are more than 40,000 professional photographers in the U.S. , knowing how to stand out in the industry will make sure your one-of-a-kind business doesn’t get lost in the shuffle. 

When writing your competitive analysis section, it’s helpful to answer the following questions:

• How many photographers are located in my area?
• Am I fulfilling a specific niche (i.e. landscape, portrait, etc.)?
• What are my competitor’s pricing models?
• What are their marketing strategies?
• What are my competitors doing well? What could they improve upon?
• Who are my potential client pods and are they overlapping other existing photography businesses?
• How will I provide a necessary and unique photography service?

Of course, there are many more questions you could ask when thinking about your competition, but these should help you get started.

6. Devise a sales and marketing strategy

Good business plans almost always focus on business growth. But to grow your business and attract new clientele, you need to market yourself. 

Detailing your marketing strategy is, therefore, a crucial component of a strong business plan. If you’re wondering how to get photography clients, you’ll want to employ a number of different marketing tactics.

When writing the marketing section, it’s helpful to think of the following strategies:

• Social media marketing – Given that social media is a major conduit of ideas and information, it’s important to develop a social media strategy for your photography business. As a photographer, your portfolio and past works are the best marketing materials. Image-sharing platforms make the most sense, but you’ll want to consider the potential of other platforms, too. For example, if you want to attract local clientele , the best way to connect with your neighborhood is on Nextdoor. This community-minded platform allows you to set up custom business ads or create a Business Page where you can showcase important aspects of your business—from operating hours to services.
• Email marketing – In your business plan, detail how you intend to use email to market yourself. Will you send around a quarterly email discussing new trends in the photography world? Will you deliver special holiday emails urging your target audience to take advantage of discounted holiday shoots? Generating an email list is an effective way to keep clients in the loop about what’s happening with your business.
• SEO marketing – SEO, or search engine optimization, is a critical strategy that will help drive potential customers to your website. To improve the quality of your site, you’ll want to decide which type of keywords are important to your business and build content around them to make your website more discoverable by Google and other search engines. You can do this by adding informational content to different pages on your website, as well as creating a photography blog with helpful tips and information for users. For example, if you are a portrait photographer, you can add keywords such as family pictures or graduation portfolio photos.

7. Set operation logistics and management structure

This section gives you the opportunity to first think through the details of your business workflow then define how you will manage the logistics of your day to day operations. A major part of your photography business will likely be post processing and photo editing before final delivery. Spend time defining how long editing will take after a shoot. How many days afte r a shoot will you promise delivery to your customers? What methods of payment are you planning to accept? Other topics to address in this section may include:

• Primary and backup suppliers
• Equipment inventory
• Transportation expenses
• Management and staff structure if applicable

8. Perform customer and market analysis

C ustomer and market analysis is a critical part of your photography business plan; it helps define the size of the market needing your service as well as your ideal client. Here you will justify your target market and specify niche segments within that market. To do this answer the following:

• What is your dream client - age range, gender, location, demographics, and style of photo shoot. Will you specialize in high end weddings, aerial photography, sports photography, or something else? 
• What are the needs of these customers
• how your services address these needs. 
• What is the growth potential of your market segment? Including considerations such as the number of potential customers, their annual income, frequency of photography style needs

9. Establish a timeline and exit strategy

This later section describes your timeline for the goals and objectives outlined earlier in the business plan. Describe how soon you plan to become profitable, within what timeframe do you plan to meet your revenue objectives, or even when you might plan to hire employees to help grow your business. While it may seem far off, planning how you may want to exit your business years down the road may open up questions and considerations that can have a big impact near term. For some, selling their business to a larger investor is the end goal, for others, keeping photography as a small side gig to pass to their children is the exit strategy - no matter your desired path, document it here. 

10. Round out your business plan with Nextdoor

Developing a strong photography business plan is often the first step in running a successful business. Now that you’re equipped with all the tools to execute it like a pro, you’ll be well-prepared for a promising future ahead. 

But no plan is truly complete without Nextdoor — the neighborhood hub that connects you with your local community so that your photography business can flourish.

Claim a Nextdoor Business Page today to simplify the process of building your brand. That way, you can get back to what truly matters—working your magic behind the camera.

Related Professional Services Articles

Professional Services Getting Started Home and Garden Small Business

How to create a landscaping business plan

Professional Services Getting Started Entrepreneur Advice

How to create a childcare or daycare business plan

Professional Services Small Business

Tips to start a consulting business

Professional Services Home and Garden Small Business

How to start a window cleaning business

Sample Photography Business Plan

Writing a business plan is a crucial step in starting a photography business. Not only does it provide structure and guidance for the future, but it also helps to create funding opportunities and attract potential investors. For aspiring photography business owners, having access to a sample photography business plan can be especially helpful in providing direction and gaining insight into how to draft their own photography business plan.

Download our Ultimate Photography Business Plan Template

Having a thorough business plan in place is critical for any successful photography venture. It will serve as the foundation for your operations, setting out the goals and objectives that will help guide your decisions and actions. A well-written business plan can give you clarity on realistic financial projections and help you secure financing from lenders or investors. A photography business plan example can be a great resource to draw upon when creating your own plan, making sure that all the key components are included in your document.

The photography business plan sample below will give you an idea of what one should look like. It is not as comprehensive and successful in raising capital for your photography as Growthink’s Ultimate Photography Business Plan Template , but it can help you write a photography business plan of your own.

Photography Business Plan Example – LensLegacy Studios

Table of contents, executive summary, company overview, industry analysis, customer analysis, competitive analysis, marketing plan, operations plan, management team, financial plan.

LensLegacy Studios, nestled in the vibrant heart of Minneapolis, is poised to revolutionize the photography industry with its innovative approach. Our mission is to provide top-tier photography services that not only capture moments but tell a story, creating lasting legacies through the lens. With a focus on utilizing the latest technology and creative techniques, we offer a wide range of services tailored to meet the diverse needs of our clients. From capturing life’s most significant milestones for individuals and families to providing professional imagery that propels businesses forward, our studio is dedicated to excellence. Our strategic Minneapolis location allows us to connect with a broad clientele, ensuring we are an integral part of our community’s most cherished moments and commercial successes.

Our journey to becoming a cornerstone in the photography market is fueled by several key success factors and notable accomplishments. The expertise and passion of our founding team have been instrumental in shaping our innovative service offerings and customer-centric approach. We have successfully established a comprehensive portfolio that showcases our ability to cater to a wide array of photography needs, setting us apart in a competitive landscape. Additionally, our strategic partnerships with local businesses and our proactive engagement in networking activities have significantly expanded our market reach. These efforts have not only built a strong foundation for our brand but have also fostered a loyal customer base that appreciates the quality and uniqueness of our work.

The photography industry is witnessing a dynamic shift, driven by technological advancements and changing consumer preferences. Traditional photography services are being complemented with digital innovations, allowing for more creative and personalized offerings. This evolution has opened up new market segments, including personal branding and social media content creation, reflecting the growing demand for high-quality, engaging visuals. The competitive landscape is diverse, with studios differentiating themselves through niche specializations and superior customer experiences. Our strategic focus on leveraging the latest technology and trends positions us well within this evolving industry, enabling us to meet the expanding needs of our clients while staying ahead of market dynamics.

LensLegacy Studios targets a wide spectrum of customers, from local residents celebrating significant life events to businesses seeking professional photography solutions. Our primary market comprises individuals and families in Minneapolis, looking to capture weddings, anniversaries, and other milestones with high-quality, memorable photographs. Additionally, we cater to the commercial sector, including real estate agencies, retailers, and hospitality businesses, offering tailored photography services that enhance their online presence and marketing efforts. Recognizing the growing trend of personal branding, we also provide specialized packages for influencers, entrepreneurs, and professionals aiming to strengthen their digital footprint. This diversified customer base underscores our adaptability and commitment to meeting the evolving needs of our community.

Our top competitors include local photography studios that offer similar services. However, LensLegacy Studios distinguishes itself through a unique combination of cutting-edge technology, creative excellence, and personalized customer experiences. Our competitive advantages lie in our ability to deliver unparalleled quality and innovation in every project, coupled with our deep understanding of the local market. This enables us to provide services that not only meet but exceed the expectations of our diverse clientele, setting us apart in a crowded industry.

At LensLegacy Studios, our marketing strategy is centered around showcasing the breadth and depth of our photography services, complemented by competitive pricing. We offer a diverse range of services, from event photography to commercial shoots, all tailored to meet the specific needs of our clients. Our pricing strategy is designed to offer value while reflecting the premium quality of our work. To promote our studio, we leverage a mix of digital marketing tactics, including SEO, social media marketing, and email campaigns, alongside traditional advertising methods. Special promotions and partnerships with local businesses further enhance our visibility and attract a broad clientele. This comprehensive approach ensures that we effectively communicate our value proposition and engage with our target markets on multiple levels.

Our operations plan is meticulously crafted to ensure the seamless delivery of our services. Key operational processes include efficient booking, shooting, editing, and delivery workflows that prioritize customer satisfaction and turnaround times. We are committed to achieving several milestones, such as launching our business, building a robust portfolio, establishing a strong online presence, and fostering key partnerships. By securing high-quality equipment and software, and possibly expanding our team, we aim to enhance our operational capacity. Implementing an effective marketing strategy and optimizing our operational processes are pivotal to reaching our financial goal of $15,000 per month in revenue, while continuous improvement based on customer feedback will keep us aligned with our mission of excellence.

The backbone of LensLegacy Studios is our highly skilled and passionate management team. With a wealth of experience in photography, business management, and customer service, our leaders bring a diverse set of skills that drive our studio’s success. Their collective vision for innovation and excellence in the photography industry shapes our strategic direction and operational approaches, ensuring we deliver unmatched value to our clients. The team’s dedication to fostering a culture of creativity and continuous improvement is integral to our growth and sustainability.

Welcome to LensLegacy Studios, a new Photography venture based in the heart of Minneapolis, MN. As a freshly established local photography business, we’ve identified a significant gap in the market – the absence of high-quality local photography services. Our mission is to fill this void by offering exceptional photography solutions to our community.

At LensLegacy Studios, our portfolio of offerings is both diverse and specialized. We provide a wide range of photography services to meet the varied needs of our clients. These services include photography sessions that capture life’s most precious moments, event photography that documents your special occasions with a keen eye for detail, and photo editing and retouching services that ensure your images are picture-perfect. Additionally, we offer photography workshops and training for those looking to hone their skills under the guidance of experienced professionals, as well as commercial photography services tailored to businesses seeking high-quality visual content. Our studio is fully equipped to cater to all your photography needs, ensuring a one-stop solution for our clients in Minneapolis, MN.

Our strategic location in Minneapolis, MN, positions us perfectly to serve the local community with ease and efficiency. This proximity to our clients not only allows for convenient service delivery but also fosters a deeper connection with the community we aim to serve.

The foundation of LensLegacy Studios is built upon solid ground, with a unique blend of factors that poise us for success. Our founder brings invaluable experience from previously running a successful photography business, ensuring that we are well-versed in the intricacies of the industry. Moreover, our commitment to quality sets us apart from the competition. We pride ourselves on taking better quality photos and offering a wider array of packages, catering to the diverse needs and preferences of our clients.

Since our inception on January 3, 2024, LensLegacy Studios has made significant strides as a C Corporation. Our accomplishments to date include the creative development of our brand identity, with a carefully designed logo and a compelling company name that resonates with our mission and values. Additionally, we’ve secured an ideal location that not only serves as our operational base but also enhances our accessibility to clients. These milestones mark the beginning of our journey, laying a strong foundation for our future endeavors.

The Photography industry in the United States is currently a thriving market, with an estimated size of over $10 billion. This figure includes revenues generated from various photography services such as portrait, commercial, event, and stock photography. With the increasing demand for professional photography services across different sectors, the industry is expected to continue growing at a steady rate in the coming years.

One of the key trends driving the growth of the Photography industry is the rise of social media platforms and online marketing. Businesses and individuals alike are increasingly relying on high-quality visual content to attract and engage their target audience. This presents a great opportunity for LensLegacy Studios, a new Photography serving customers in Minneapolis, MN, to capitalize on the growing demand for professional photography services in the digital age.

Furthermore, advancements in technology have also played a significant role in shaping the Photography industry. The introduction of high-resolution cameras, editing software, and online platforms for showcasing and selling photographs have made it easier for photographers to reach a wider audience and monetize their work. As LensLegacy Studios leverages these technological advancements to enhance their services and offerings, they are well-positioned to succeed in the competitive photography market.

Below is a description of our target customers and their core needs.

Target Customers

LensLegacy Studios will target a diverse range of local residents seeking professional photography services. This primary customer base is composed of individuals and families looking to capture significant life events such as weddings, anniversaries, and birthdays. The studio will tailor its offerings to meet the unique needs and preferences of these local clients, ensuring high-quality, memorable photographs that reflect their special moments.

Aside from local residents, LensLegacy Studios will also extend its services to local businesses in need of professional photography. These include real estate agencies requiring high-quality images of properties, local retailers looking for product photography to enhance their online presence, and hospitality businesses seeking captivating images to promote their venues. By providing tailored photography solutions, the studio will establish itself as an indispensable resource for the commercial sector in Minneapolis.

Moreover, LensLegacy Studios will also focus on the growing market of personal branding and social media content creation. As individuals seek to build their personal brands online, the demand for professional profile pictures and content that stands out is increasing. The studio will offer specialized packages for influencers, entrepreneurs, and professionals who aim to enhance their digital footprint with high-quality, engaging visuals. This approach will address a modern and rapidly expanding segment, further diversifying the studio’s client base.

Customer Needs

LensLegacy Studios understands the vital importance of capturing life’s most precious moments through the lens of a camera. Customers can expect high-quality photography sessions that not only meet but exceed their desires for capturing memories in a tangible form. This studio ensures that every shot reflects the depth, emotion, and essence of the moment, allowing residents to cherish these memories for years to come.

In addition to offering superior quality images, LensLegacy Studios recognizes the need for a personalized and comfortable photography experience. Customers have the opportunity to work closely with photographers who are not only experts in their field but also attentive to the unique needs and preferences of each client. This personalized approach ensures that every photography session is not just a transaction, but a collaborative effort that brings the client’s vision to life.

Furthermore, LensLegacy Studios caters to the growing demand for versatile photography services. Whether it’s capturing the spontaneous laughter of a family gathering, the poised elegance of a corporate event, or the tender moments of a wedding, customers can count on the studio to deliver with professionalism and creativity. By offering a broad range of services, LensLegacy Studios positions itself as a one-stop photography solution for the diverse needs of the Minneapolis community.

LensLegacy Studios’s competitors include the following companies:

Sarah Pierce Photography specializes in family, newborn, and wedding photography. Their services include on-location shoots and studio sessions, with packages tailored to meet a variety of client needs. Price points for Sarah Pierce Photography vary based on the type of session and package chosen, but they maintain competitive pricing within the Minneapolis market. The company operates primarily in Minneapolis, MN, but also serves surrounding areas. Customers include families, newlyweds, and individuals seeking high-quality, memorable photography. A key strength of Sarah Pierce Photography is their personalized approach to each shoot, ensuring unique and tailored experiences. However, a potential weakness is the limited scalability due to the personalized nature of their services.

Minneapolis Headshots focuses exclusively on professional headshots for individuals and corporate clients. They offer studio and on-location services, with an emphasis on creating professional, high-quality images suitable for corporate websites, LinkedIn profiles, and personal branding. Pricing is transparent and competitive, with several package options to cater to different needs and budgets. Minneapolis Headshots serves the greater Minneapolis area, targeting professionals and corporations in need of professional imagery. Their key strength lies in their specialization and expertise in professional headshot photography, ensuring high-quality results. However, their niche focus can be seen as a weakness, limiting their appeal to a broader audience seeking more diverse photography services.

John Wagner Photography is known for its commercial and editorial photography, serving a wide range of clients from small businesses to large corporations. They offer a variety of services, including product photography, corporate headshots, and commercial advertising imagery. John Wagner Photography operates across the Minneapolis-St. Paul area and even extends services nationally for larger projects. Their client base includes businesses and organizations looking for high-quality commercial imagery. A significant strength of John Wagner Photography is their extensive experience and versatility in handling a diverse array of commercial projects. A potential weakness is the higher price point, which may not be accessible for smaller businesses or startups.

Profeshie is a newer entrant in the Minneapolis photography market, focusing on affordable and quick professional headshots and personal branding photography. They utilize a mobile studio, allowing them to offer convenient services at various locations. Profeshie aims to attract individuals and small businesses seeking cost-effective photography solutions. Their pricing is among the most competitive in the market, making professional photography accessible to a wider audience. The company serves the Minneapolis metropolitan area, targeting professionals, freelancers, and small business owners. A key strength of Profeshie is their affordability and convenience. However, their reliance on a mobile studio might limit the range of services and the quality of lighting and backgrounds compared to traditional studio settings.

Competitive Advantages

At LensLegacy Studios, we stand out in the competitive landscape of photography through our unwavering commitment to quality and variety. Our team excels in capturing stunning, high-quality photos that not only meet but exceed our clients’ expectations. We understand the importance of those once-in-a-lifetime moments, and our expertise ensures they are immortalized with the clarity and vibrancy they deserve. Our edge in quality is not just a claim; it’s a promise we deliver on, with every click of our cameras. This dedication to excellence positions us as a preferred choice for clients seeking unparalleled photographic experiences in Minneapolis.

Furthermore, our adaptability and responsiveness to customer needs are exemplified through our extensive range of packages. We pride ourselves on offering a diverse selection that caters to various preferences and budgets, ensuring that no moment goes uncaptured due to financial constraints. From intimate elopements to grand celebrations, our packages are designed to accommodate the unique requirements of each event, providing our clients with personalized options that best suit their needs. This flexibility, combined with our superior photo quality, creates a competitive advantage that sets us apart. By choosing LensLegacy Studios, clients can expect a service that is as accommodating as it is exceptional.

Our marketing plan, included below, details our products/services, pricing and promotions plan.

Products and Services

LensLegacy Studios offers a comprehensive suite of photography services tailored to meet the diverse needs of its clientele. At the heart of its offerings is a range of photography sessions designed to capture life’s most precious moments. Clients can book sessions for family portraits, individual shoots, or special occasions. The average price for these photography sessions starts at $200, varying based on the duration and location of the shoot.

Event photography is another critical service provided by LensLegacy Studios. This service caters to a wide array of events, including weddings, corporate gatherings, and private parties. The studio’s photographers possess the skill to capture the essence and energy of each event, ensuring clients have lasting memories. Pricing for event photography is typically structured around the event’s scale and requirements, with packages starting at $500.

In addition to capturing beautiful moments, LensLegacy Studios excels in photo editing and retouching. This service ensures that every image meets the highest standards of quality, with attention to detail that brings out the best in each photograph. Prices for photo editing and retouching services start at $50 per image, depending on the complexity of the work required.

LensLegacy Studios is also dedicated to sharing its expertise through photography workshops and training. These sessions are designed for individuals looking to improve their photography skills, from beginners to more advanced enthusiasts. The workshops cover various aspects of photography and post-processing techniques. Participants can expect to invest around $150 for a basic workshop, with more advanced training sessions priced accordingly.

Finally, the studio offers commercial photography services, catering to businesses in need of professional images for marketing, advertising, or other commercial purposes. These services are tailored to meet the specific needs of each business, ensuring that the final images align with the client’s brand and objectives. Commercial photography services start at $300, varying based on the project’s scope and complexity.

LensLegacy Studios is committed to providing exceptional photography services at competitive prices. With a focus on quality, creativity, and client satisfaction, the studio aims to be the go-to choice for photography services in its market.

Promotions Plan

LensLegacy Studios embarks on a vibrant journey to captivate and engage customers through a multitude of promotional methods, with a strong emphasis on online marketing. They understand the power of digital presence and will harness it to reach a broad audience. Their promotional strategy encompasses a variety of tactics designed to attract and retain customers, ensuring that LensLegacy Studios becomes a household name in Minneapolis, MN.

At the heart of their promotional efforts, online marketing stands as a cornerstone. LensLegacy Studios will leverage social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest, showcasing their portfolio of stunning photography. Through regular posts, behind-the-scenes content, and engaging stories, they expect to build a community of followers who are passionate about photography. Additionally, they will utilize targeted ads on these platforms to reach potential customers based on interests, location, and more, ensuring maximum visibility.

Email marketing is another tool LensLegacy Studios will employ. By collecting email addresses through their website and at events, they will send out newsletters containing special offers, photography tips, and highlights from recent photoshoots. This personalized approach will keep LensLegacy Studios at the top of their customers’ minds.

Understanding the significance of search engine visibility, LensLegacy Studios will invest in search engine optimization (SEO) for their website. By optimizing their site with relevant keywords, they expect to rank higher in search engine results, making it easier for potential customers to find them when searching for photography services in Minneapolis.

Beyond the digital realm, LensLegacy Studios will engage in community events and photography workshops. Participating in local art fairs and community gatherings will not only increase their visibility but also allow direct interaction with potential customers. Hosting workshops on photography basics or specific techniques will position LensLegacy Studios as experts in their field, fostering trust and credibility among their audience.

Referral programs will also play a crucial role in their promotional strategy. Satisfied customers will receive incentives for referring friends and family, turning their customer base into a network of advocates. This word-of-mouth promotion is invaluable and will contribute significantly to their growth.

In conclusion, LensLegacy Studios will deploy a comprehensive mix of online and offline promotional methods to attract customers. From leveraging the power of social media and SEO to engaging with the community and implementing referral programs, they are set to make a significant impact in the Minneapolis photography scene.

Our Operations Plan details:

• The key day-to-day processes that our business performs to serve our customers
• The key business milestones that our company expects to accomplish as we grow

Key Operational Processes

To ensure the success of LensLegacy Studios, there are several key day-to-day operational processes that we will perform.

• Customer Engagement: Interact with potential and existing customers via phone, email, and social media to answer queries, book appointments, and receive feedback.
• Scheduling Appointments: Utilize a digital calendar system to manage photography session bookings, ensuring clients have clear expectations for their session date and time.
• Equipment Maintenance: Regularly check and maintain photography equipment to ensure everything is in working order, including cameras, lenses, flashes, and other accessories.
• Session Preparation: Prepare for each photography session by gathering necessary equipment, reviewing client requests and session plans, and ensuring all settings are ideal for the shoot.
• Photography Sessions: Conduct photography sessions according to the client’s needs, demonstrating professionalism and creativity to capture high-quality images.
• Post-Processing: Edit photos using appropriate software to adjust exposure, color balance, and other elements to enhance the final images before delivery to the client.
• Client Deliverables: Provide clients with their images in the agreed format and medium, within the discussed timeframe, ensuring high satisfaction levels.
• Financial Management: Track income and expenses daily to manage the studio’s budget effectively, including invoicing clients and paying any vendors or contractors.
• Marketing Activities: Execute daily marketing tasks, such as updating social media profiles, posting recent work, and engaging with the community to attract new clients.
• Professional Development: Stay updated with the latest photography techniques, trends, and equipment through online courses, workshops, and industry publications.
• Feedback Collection: Solicit and review feedback from clients after the delivery of their photographs to identify areas for improvement and enhance customer satisfaction.
• Inventory Management: Regularly check and restock photography supplies, such as memory cards, batteries, and props, to ensure readiness for all sessions.

LensLegacy Studios expects to complete the following milestones in the coming months in order to ensure its success:

• Launch Our Photography Business: Officially open for business by completing all necessary steps to be operational. This includes legal registration, setting up a physical or virtual office, and announcing the opening through various channels to create awareness.
• Build a Portfolio: Develop a comprehensive portfolio that showcases the range and quality of our work. This will involve doing some initial projects possibly at a discounted rate or for visibility to capture high-quality examples of our work.
• Establish Online Presence: Create a professional website and active social media accounts to display our portfolio, share customer testimonials, and engage with potential clients. This online presence will be crucial for marketing and brand building.
• Network and Partnerships: Build relationships with other businesses such as event planners, venues, and local agencies to foster referrals and partnerships. Networking events, business associations, and community events will be key avenues for these efforts.
• Secure Key Equipment and Software: Acquire high-quality photography equipment and editing software necessary for professional-grade service. This includes cameras, lenses, lighting, and software for photo editing and management.
• Hire and Train Staff: If necessary, hire additional photographers or support staff to handle increased demand. Provide training to ensure the quality of service and consistency across all projects and client interactions.
• Implement an Effective Marketing Strategy: Develop and execute a marketing plan that includes digital marketing, local advertising, and special promotions to attract a wide range of clients from individuals needing personal photos to businesses requiring professional shots.
• Optimize Operational Processes: Establish efficient booking, shooting, editing, and delivery processes to maximize customer satisfaction and turnaround times. This includes implementing a customer relationship management (CRM) system to track bookings and interactions.
• Get to $15,000/Month in Revenue: Achieve the financial milestone of generating $15,000 per month in revenue. This will involve constantly reviewing pricing strategies, sales efforts, and cost management to ensure profitability and sustainability.
• Customer Feedback and Continuous Improvement: Regularly collect customer feedback to identify areas of improvement and success. Use this feedback to refine services, processes, and customer interaction to enhance overall customer satisfaction and loyalty.

LensLegacy Studios management team, which includes the following members, has the experience and expertise to successfully execute on our business plan:

Nathan Cox, President

Nathan Cox brings a wealth of experience to his role as President of LensLegacy Studios. His entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen were honed through the successful management of a previous photography business. This venture not only showcased his ability to lead but also his deep understanding of the nuanced photography industry. Nathan’s expertise lies in identifying market trends, crafting strategic business models, and leading teams towards achieving collective goals. His leadership is instrumental in steering LensLegacy Studios toward a path of innovation, growth, and lasting success in the competitive photography market.

To achieve our growth objectives, LensLegacy Studios is seeking financial investments. These funds will be instrumental in expanding our operational capabilities, enhancing our marketing efforts, and further developing our service offerings. With a strategic investment, we are poised to solidify our position in the market, attract a broader clientele, and achieve our financial milestones, ensuring long-term success and profitability.

Financial Statements

Balance sheet.

[insert balance sheet]

Income Statement

[insert income statement]

Cash Flow Statement

[insert cash flow statement]

Photography Business Plan Example PDF

Download our Photography Business Plan PDF here. This is a free photography business plan example to help you get started on your own photography plan.  

How to Finish Your Photography Business Plan in 1 Day!

Don’t you wish there was a faster, easier way to finish your photography business plan?

With Growthink’s Ultimate Business Plan Template you can finish your plan in just 8 hours or less!

The leading authority in photography and camera gear.

Become a better photographer.

12.9 Million

Annual Readers

Newsletter Subscribers

Featured Photographers

Photography Guides & Gear Reviews

How to Start a Photography Business in 2024

Want to learn how to start a photography business in 2024? This in-depth guide will teach you all you need to know to become a professional photographer!

Learn | Photography Guides | By Mark Condon

Want to learn how to start a photography business in 2024? This in-depth guide will teach you all you need to know!

I’ve run a wedding photography business since 2014 and learnt a lot as a professional photographer and business owner.

Starting a photography business allows you to make money using a skill you already enjoy, but it’s important to have a solid plan and realistic goals.

There’s no doubt that photography is a great career – you can earn a good living, make your own hours and travel to exotic places.

Best of all, you’ll make people happy. Whether you’re capturing priceless moments for families or nailing the client’s brief, photos are a precious commodity.

Is photography a good career? Definitely! It was one of the best decisions I ever made.

Now it’s your turn to learn how to start a photography business.

Table of Contents

How do I Start a Small Photography Business?

Reduce risks with a home-based photography business.

Not many professional photographers go from zero to renting a studio – most start off with a home-based photography business, where costs can be kept to a minimum.

As a small business owner, keeping costs low should be a priority, and running your photography business from home is highly recommended.

At this stage when you don’t even have a business plan, all you need is a place in your home from which to work – some private ‘office space’. If you’re using a laptop, you don’t even need a desk!

If you need to meet clients to book work (e.g. for wedding photography), you can do as I did and meet them in a local cafe – clients don’t expect to come to your home, even if you list your home address as your business address.

Decide what types of photography services you’ll offer

Credit: Szabo Viktor

What type of photography is most profitable? You can build a successful photography business by shooting commercial/advertising, event (weddings, corporate, etc), family (maternity, etc), freelance or stock photography.

However, it’s much harder to start earning money as a commercial photographer than, say, as an event photographer.

Also, while stock photography is a good passive source of income , freelance photography allows you to cast a wider net.

When starting your own photography business, it’s important to balance your passion for a specific genre with realistic goals.

Consider whether there’s a market for a particular type of photography in your area, for example.

I chose to focus on wedding photography since there’s a big market for wedding photographers where I live. I also thought shooting weddings would be fun and exciting, and I could also offer mini sessions , pre-wedding shoots and other related services.

You may want to offer several photography services under one unique photography business name , but I recommend focusing on just one genre to become a ‘specialist’.

You need to be the go-to photographer for a certain genre of photography – not the person who shoots everything since this can appear a little amateurish.

That said, there’s always the option to become a professional freelance photographer to offer a selection of different services.

Develop a basic photography business plan

Credit: Galymzhan Abdugalimov

Perhaps one of the most challenging aspects of creating a photography business is to know how to actually start.

A photography business plan is the first logical step to setting up a strong base camp that will allow you to build up your business without feeling overwhelmed.

How Much Do You REALLY Know About Photography?! 🤔

Test your photography knowledge with this quick quiz!

See how much you really know about photography...

Your answer:

Correct answer:

SHARE YOUR RESULTS

Your Answers

What goes into your plan may vary, but at a minimum, you may want to include:

• Executive summary: You can start your photography business plan with an executive summary that defines what your general objectives are as well as your key factors of success.
• Company overview: Do an outline of the organizational structure of your business according to the terms of the area you are in. Will you be the sole proprietor? Will it be a limited liability company? What will be the business structure? Do you need business licenses? Will you have a business partner? What type of business will you run?
• Products & services overview: It’s important to create a detailed description of the products, services and prices you’ll be offering. This will help you to better navigate the many different client requests that might show up.
• Audience analysis: Understand who your target audience is and what channels will be most effective to reach them.
• Competitive analysis (market research): Have a look at the competition operating in your market locally, identify their strengths and in what ways you can differentiate yourself from them.
• Operations plan: Think about operations – what are the day-to-day logistics of running your photography business?
• Financial analysis: Make an effort to be financially savvy – this is very important! Create a financial plan to be in full control of all the nuances of your business cash flow. It’s likewise helpful to establish early on what your equipment requirements are and how much profit you expect to make.
• Timeline: Establish a timeline with clear milestones so you can track your progress and set goals that are increasingly more realistic and adapted to your situation. Think of it as a photography business roadmap to get you to where you want to be.

I should mention that it’s not worth getting too hung up on having every aspect of your photography business planned out in detail.

There are bits you simply won’t know yet and that’s OK! Do your best with it and don’t let writing a business plan become a block that prevents you from moving forward.

Once you have a basic business plan on paper, it’s time to get into the fun part – bringing it to life!

Find the Right Photography Business Structure

One boring-but-important topic when researching how to start a photography business is the subject of business structure.

In the USA, there are 6 main business types of legal structure to consider for your business: sole proprietorship, general partnership, limited partnership, Limited Liability Company (LLC), S Corp. and C Corp.

Sole proprietorships or sole traders are most common for small home-based businesses. They’re the easiest to manage and easiest to handle in terms of taxes since it’s usually just you involved in the running of everything.

You may also consider going into a photography business with a partner, which is actually similar to a sole proprietorship in terms of liability and taxes.

Each person is responsible for their own side of the business and all profits are split based on the percentages you decide. Of course, you also need to consider that all expenses and liabilities are also split between both partners.

If you want to protect your personal assets, many photography businesses opt for an LLC structure (Limited Liability Company). An LLC or S Corp provides one level of tax and also a layer of protection from personal liability.

At this point, it’s worth mentioning that deciding on a business structure should usually involve some legal advice, or at least, a lot of research on your part to decide what’s most relevant for you.

A quick note on business licenses – in most jurisdictions in the United States, no professional license is needed to run or operate a photography business. However, not all States are the same.

To know for sure whether your locality requires you to get a business license for photography, it’s best to call your local licensing board or city hall.

In addition to a business license, you should also start researching whether you need to use photography contracts or model releases for your line of work.

Putting in the groundwork now will set you up for success without any legal headaches.

Choose a photography business name & branding

Credit: Brad Neathery

Once you’ve decided what your speciality will be and the structure of your business, it’s time to think about your photography business name and branding.

This is what will differentiate you from the competition. It’s also important because of first impressions: when people see your branding, it can instantly give them an idea of what you do and what your style is.

With that in mind, consider the look and feel of your logo and typeface. Is it something quirky and creative, clean and modern, vintage classic…?

As for names, you might choose to name your photography business after yourself (e.g. “Bob Smith Photography”) or you could get creative and have it reflect what you do (e.g. “Maternal Memoirs” for maternity photography, or “Bedroom Eyes” for boudoir – I’m just making these up on the spot here but you get the idea!).

Don’t neglect to choose a unique or catchy slogan or tagline for your photography business .

The most important thing with branding is to be consistent. That bears repeating, so I’ll say it again: Consistency is key!

You want your brand message to be reflected across your website, business cards, social media accounts , and all materials you deliver to clients including final photo packages, invoices, etc.

• What is branding for photographers?

Register a domain and create a photography website

It goes without saying that pretty much all successful photographers in 2024 have an online presence. That’s why the next step in starting a photography business is to create a photography website .

Your website should showcase your best work and give people an idea of who you are and how you work.

While there are plenty of free web hosting solutions out there, it’s worth investing a small amount to register your own domain name.

This not only looks more professional, but it’ll also help you rank in Google searches (just ensure your domain name reflects your business name).

From there, you’ll need to build your photography business website and connect your domain name to it.

Now, if your web design skills are non-existent, don’t worry: there are plenty of solutions out there that can make life ridiculously easy.

One of the best options is to use a content management system (CMS) like Wordpress – you can download elegant-looking, customisable themes (for example, Flothemes make some great ones) so the design and layout aspects are all there for you.

With a few clicks of the mouse, you can adapt a pre-made template to include your own branding and start getting your website out to potential clients.

Invest in professional photography equipment & software

At this point, you’re probably wondering: What kind of camera do most professional photographers use?

While there’s no one correct answer as to what is a ‘professional camera’, by and large, most pros use full-frame DSLR or mirrorless cameras.

However, some do absolutely fine by using APS-C sensor cameras, particularly if high ISO low-light performance isn’t required. (Full-frame sensor cameras are better at this, among other things.)

DSLRs are still an industry standard, but are somewhat of a dying breed – mirrorless cameras offer better features and more recent technology, although the number of native lenses still dwindles in comparison to those on offer for DSLRs.

You can see more of the differences between mirrorless and DSLRs here , but suffice to say, you won’t go wrong with either.

As for the question, what camera should I buy to start a photography business? Initially, it’s whatever you can afford, but once you start making a better income, you should always upgrade your equipment in line with what you need to complete your job efficiently.

For example, wedding photographers need cameras with excellent autofocus and high ISO capabilities, whereas a portrait photographer may not need either of these things.

There’s always the option of renting equipment when you first start out – get yourself a good all-round camera, then if any job comes around that’s out of its comfort range, hire something to suit.

The same goes for camera lenses, of which there are a plethora of options . Again, depending on the type of photography services you’ll offer, you can choose between a wide range of telephoto and primes at various price points.

Most pros can get by with an affordable and fast 50mm lens (nifty-fifty), so you can start your lens collection from there. Remember that buying used camera lenses is also a great option.

As for software, this is another area you’ll need to invest in in order to grow your own photography business.

Many photography business owners start out bare-bones with a mixture of Google Sheets for keeping track of expenses and clients’ information and Google Calendar. You’ll soon outgrow these, through.

When you start making money, you’ll also need some kind of accounting software to keep track of all the figures.

It’s wise to pay for premium photographer software early on as it can really help save you time and headaches in the long run.

At a bare minimum, you’ll need photo editing software (we recommend Adobe Lightroom ), client/studio management software , and an online gallery to deliver your photos to your clients.

You can also consider an all-in-one business management tool such as  Bonsai  to help you manage your photography projects more efficiently. They offer features like invoicing, proposals, contracts, time & task tracking, client CRM and more.

All features are integrated to work seamlessly together and you can automate the entire customer relationship journey – from the proposal, and e-signing contracts to invoicing and tax season. On top of that, Bonsai offers hundreds of free templates for proposals, contracts, invoices, and more.

If you’re not shooting high volumes, you can get by with a photo editing software that doesn’t lock you into a subscription, as Adobe Lightroom does – fortunately, there are several great alternatives .

If you’re wondering how to start a photography business with no money, it may well be tough due to the requirements to invest in all the things mentioned above.

If you have good friends or family, perhaps they can lend you the gear until you’ve done enough jobs to earn the money to buy or rent your own.

It’s also possible to find free software that helps to manage your own business, albeit with some limitations.

Take out photography business insurance

We can’t talk about how to start a photography business without covering some more of the boring-but-important stuff, like… insurance!

Yep, it’s not the most fun thing to have to research and organise, but trust me – if something goes wrong, you’ll be glad you took out insurance.

There are various types of insurance your photography business might need, depending on what kind of work you do.

First and most obvious is your precious equipment. Some insurers offer specific camera insurance or photography plans designed to cover gear and studio fittings.

Note that while your regular home contents insurance may cover loss or damage to your gear, it will only be applicable if the damage occurs at home and not while you’re shooting on location. That’s why it’s worth looking into some specific cover.

On top of that, consider taking out some public liability insurance.

Despite our best efforts, sometimes things go wrong while we’re out shooting. Let’s say you’re photographing a wedding and a guest trips over your tripod, breaking their leg and taking out the entire wedding cake in the process – liability insurance will cover the damages.

If you plan on hiring any extra staff, you’ll also want to look at taking out employers’ liability insurance. This is to cover you if an employee gets sick or injured on the job.

Lastly, some photographers choose to take out professional indemnity insurance as well.

Imagine a client accuses you of some negligence and claims they lost some income due to your actions.

(For example, if you photographed a corporate event but lost your memory cards and couldn’t deliver the images. Indemnity insurance would cover any legal and other costs.)

Insurance needs vary depending on where you are in the world and what your business model is, so take this as a rough guide and do speak to your insurer about what plans are best suited to your needs.

Learn how to market your photography business

On to the next step of learning how to start a photography business: I bet you’re keen to start raking in the customers (and the cash!).

If you’re asking, “How do I get clients for my photography fast?” , the answer is  marketing. 

Unlike advertising, marketing can be done for free (or very cheaply), but it takes a little work.

One marketing strategy you can use is to network with other photographers. But wait, you say, aren’t they the competition? Not necessarily!

Another photographer might get a request for a job that doesn’t fit their style or speciality, but does fit yours – and they can refer the client on to you. These referrals are a great way to generate business, so make sure you nurture your relationships with other photographers.

Meeting other photographers is also a great way to learn. You can find out how they generate new business and meet prospective clients, and learn about which marketing strategies work best for them.

You can easily network with other photographers online through photography groups, or in person at your local photography club .

Marketing via social media is obviously another big one. It’s worth using platforms like Instagram to showcase your photography work and interact with your target audience.

To succeed on Instagram in 2024, you need to be creating entertaining Instagram Stories and posting fresh content regularly, as well as interacting with your followers and other accounts.

Online marketing for photographers is a huge topic, but at a bare minimum, make sure you learn the basics of SEO , how to write interesting blog content and how to attract new business via Facebook ads.

(If you want to become a wedding photographer, check out More Brides where I reveal all the marketing secrets that helped me quickly grow my business.)

Once you do get a few clients, make it as easy as possible for them to recommend you. Word of mouth referrals are one of the best ways to net in new clients, and that’s true of any type of business!

If your clients are happy with your work, ask them to leave you positive reviews online, tag you on social media, and recommend you to their friends.

Also, create an email mailing list where you can keep existing and potential clients up to date with your work and aware of any special offers you might be running. Remember to ask for permission and give people an option to opt-out or unsubscribe.

Let’s not forget that nondigital marketing methods also exist. Don’t underestimate the power of business cards,  flyers and other physical marketing materials for distributing around your neighbourhood or pinning to the local notice board.

For example, if you’re a food photographer you might drop round to local restaurants and hand them a brochure or card.

Or if you want to get a foot in the door as a real estate photographer, you might do a letterbox drop to all your local estate agents.

Whether online or offline, find out where your target market hangs out and go there to introduce yourself.

Invest in photography business education

When you’re just learning how to start a photography business, it’s important to grasp the basics. Then, as your business grows, your knowledge of how to run it has to expand as well.

That’s where it can be worth investing in your photography business education. By investing, I’m talking about time as well as money.

In fact, sometimes time is all you need to invest thanks to the copious amounts of free resources online.

Some areas you might choose to study, whether via a free or paid course or workshop:

• Understanding the full commercial photography workflow, from client briefs through to delivering the final product.
• Pricing structures and how to charge for your services.
• Business administration includes registering your business, filing taxes, etc.
• Best practices for dealing with clients.
• How to market and grow your business.

Your best bet is to determine where your knowledge gaps are, then start looking for ways to fill them.

And, of course, you should continue your photography education as well.

The best professional photographers are those who are always open to learning new things and developing their skills in every aspect of the art, whether it’s compositional techniques, lighting, post-processing and retouching, or something else.

Fortunately, a lot of free photography courses are available right here on Shotkit!

Start thinking about passive income for photographers

Passive income is basically regular earnings that take little-to-no regular effort to maintain. In other words, you set up the income source and money kinda just rolls in while you sleep. Pretty sweet, huh?

So, how do photographers make passive income?

The most obvious is through stock photography. With stock photography sites , you can upload images and get a commission every time someone downloads one (normally, they’re used for commercial or editorial purposes).

The reality of the stock photography world is that thanks to digital photography, it’s highly saturated. So be aware that it takes some dedication and a high volume of photos to make a decent passive income.

That’s not to say it can’t be worth it – just that you should approach it realistically.

There are other potential passive income streams. You can sell digital products such as Lightroom presets or online courses and ebooks.

Or, you could use a print-on-demand service to offer products printed with your photographs .

If you write a photography blog, perhaps you want to start writing reviews of camera gear and link to sites like Amazon and B&HPhoto to earn a commission as an affiliate.

There are also platforms like Patreon that allow you to charge for content that you provide to your followers.

Think outside the box and see what passive income ideas you can come up with – it’s an excellent way to grow your revenue and ensure you have some income even in times of seasonal fluctuations.

Money and Photography Business FAQs

When researching how to start a photography business, you’ll likely have a ton of questions regarding money – how much it costs to start and run the photography business and how much you can expect to earn as a professional photographer .

We’ve answered all the most common queries below – feel free to leave a comment if you want to ask something specific.

• How much money does it take to start a photography business?

It depends on what you’re shooting and how much equipment you need, but a good starting point is around US$10,000. That’s to cover basic camera gear, software, insurance and business registration fees.

• How can I start a photography business with no money?

If you already have some basic camera gear and an internet connection, then you can start a photography business by simply getting out and shooting! Find clients using free marketing strategies and build up from there, reinvesting your earnings until you can buy adequate insurance, better gear, etc.

• How much money do professional photographers make?

According to ZipRecruiter.com, the average photographer salary in the US is $43,114. However, photographer salaries vary greatly depending on country/location, experience level, education level and genre.

• How much money does a photographer make per hour, a week, a month?

Careerexplorer.com states that the average wage for a photographer in the US is around $18.22 per hour; however, that figure ranges from as low as $10.36 per hour for someone starting out to $32.04 or more for an experienced shooter. ZipRecruiter pegs the monthly average salary at $3,592. Again, location is another big factor in how much you can expect to earn.

• How much should I charge as a beginner photographer?

For a beginner, you’re probably looking at an hourly rate of US$25-$50 (or equivalent in your currency), or between $10 and $25 per image. Think about the time and expenses of the work for you and factor that into what you charge.

Final Words

I hope you found this guide to how to start a photography business useful. Moreover, I hope it genuinely inspired you to get out there and do it!

As I’ve found, starting your own photography business and being your own boss is incredibly rewarding. Yes, there are some challenges ahead, but I assure you, there’s nothing that you can’t overcome with a little perseverance!

So what do you think? Are you ready to take the leap?

If you have any other questions about how to start a photography business, please leave them below and I’ll do my best to answer.

Also, if you have your own tips or want to share your experiences with venturing into the business world, do add them as well – simply leave a comment below.

Check out these 8 essential tools to help you succeed as a professional photographer.

Includes limited-time discounts.

You'll Also Like These:

Mark Condon is a British wedding photographer and editor of Shotkit. When he’s not taking photos or reviewing the latest camera gear and software, Mark can be found cycling around the northern rivers.

As Jon Morgan, CEO of Venturesmarter.com, I couldn’t help but dive into this article on starting a photography business. With my extensive experience in helping startups and small businesses scale, I love exploring different entrepreneurial pursuits. Who knows, maybe I’ll start a photography business myself and capture all my consulting successes! This article provides a fantastic roadmap for budding photographers ready to take on the world, one click at a time. Keep up the great work, Shotkit!

I still don’t know where to go now. I have shot a few wedding films and have some engagement photos scheduled. Website is still a work in progress (cringe rn). Still, the business is actually there and working but i’m not a business as far as the government is concerned, you know? If I buy a new piece of gear, i can’t write that off as of now and get a tax break on the money I make. I’d like to get a body with 10 bit video and dual card slots for redundancy but would love to capture some of that as a business expense to soften the blow. Plus being licensed probably looks less armature to clients. I need to know where to go to actually like, fill out a form so that when tax season comes I can fill out a 1099. Any direction would be appreciated :)

Love these tips Mark. One thing that really accelerated my career was having a Mentor too! I use https://www.lisnic.com to connect with mine now, mentoring is honestly the way to go.

Thanks Taylor – are you associated with Lisnic? Looks interesting…

Thanks for this great article. Coincidentally my brother just wanted to start a photography business.

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

👋 WELCOME TO SHOTKIT!

🔥 Popular NOW:

Unlock the EXACT blueprint to capture breathtaking iPhone photos!

Shotkit may earn a commission on affiliate links. Learn more.

Photography Business Plan

Photography has been a part of everyone’s life since the 19th Century. We all loved the photos we see coming out of the dark rooms and the change from negative to something vibrant and priceless. However, due to the current world’s technological feats, photography businesses became more irrelevant and insignificant. Nonetheless, it is still a growing industry with its advantage in quality and convenience but at a lower rate than other business industries within the arts and culture section. That’s why, if you want to stand out within this industry, an exceptional business plan is necessary, and we provide you Photography Business Plan Samples that will surely keep you relevant. Hop in and check our guide below as well and see create your document fast.

10+ Photography Business Plan Examples

1. photography business plan template.

• Google Docs

Size: A4, US

2. Photography Business Planner Template

3. Commercial Photography Business Plan Template

4. Wedding Photography Business Plan Template

5. Freelance Photography Business Plan Template

6. Photography Business Plan Example

Size: 163 KB

7. Photography Studio Business Plan

Size: 244 KB

8. Sample Photography Business Plan

9. Family Photography Business Plan

Size: 245 KB

10. Photography Business Plan in PDF

Size: 509 KB

11. Photography Business Plan

Size: 113 KB

What is a Photography Business Plan?

A Photography Business Plan is a document that people within the arts and culture industry use to start a photography business, either as a photographer in fashion , event, or freelance photography. This document is essential for the company or for the founders to ensure that what they are doing will become an investment and not a liability.

What are the most profitable photography fields?

Photography, in itself, is art. It is a field that captivates people’s emotions and imaginations, but it ensures that memories and history are told to the next generations. However, as sacred as it may seem, this art is also a business for some. Here is the list of the most profitable photography styles to help you earn your keep using this craft.

• Social Media 

Let’s go with the most profitable photography field. Undeniably, social media marketing is way beyond the marks of basic photography. It involves marketing within the photography itself. Some samples of this type of photography are creating social media ads, doing a corporate photoshoot for social media exposure, and other things. You are not limited by anything in this department, and sure can do more.

Event photography is all about capturing moments and memories. This is one of the most critical functions of photography since its creation. We see this from the photos of the two world wars, historical revolutions, and other events with great importance. However, since people nowadays don’t need many photographers to capture these moments, event photography is now more on weddings , conventions, concerts, and other events. However, this type of photography is still vibrant and growing, so you can be sure that you can still earn your way through this area.

Portrait photography is also an excellent way to earn money within this industry. Baby pictures before the 2000s were not beautiful at all. They were shot by people in the family and hence lacked the creativity and art that photography demands. That’s why, today, we see families asking professional photographers to create portraits of their families and children, and hence an excellent avenue for a business that specializes in this area.

Travel Photography is a type of photography that captures places, culture, tradition, and all those little things that make traveling worthwhile. This type of photography is best suited for bloggers who have a considerable following to provide travel funds. Social Media influencers are also good with this type of photography.

Stock photography is all about creating value in everything. A bottle in a basket, a torn shirt, even an old watch can be sold as a stock image. The possibility is limitless. Photographs from this are sometimes sold to companies, graphic designers , and people with creativity that can use these images as backgrounds, illustrations, etc. However, because of the need for these pictures being undervalued, then you need to take many photos to ensure that you can earn more.

• Documentary

Documentary photography is like travel photography but differs significantly as they usually use photos in this industry as supporting documents for a story or an article. However, as a photographer, you can be sure that you’ll earn enough here as you’re not working alone. Sometimes a company hires you for a project , and that’s good.

How to Create a Photography Business Plan

Whether or not you are new to creating a business plan , it doesn’t matter. What we’re going to mention here are just general tips that can get you started. However, take note of these things as they will help you much.

Step 1: Executive Summary

This is one of the essential elements in creating a business plan. Why is that? Because with an excellent executive summary, you can be sure that your investors will become interested in your work and their investments . So make sure that you make it right.

Step 2: Marketing and Operational Plan

After your Executive Summary, you should note that you have a marketing plan and an operational plan ready. In this way, your investors will be caught in a quagmire in which they willingly jump, which could, in turn, increase their trust in your business. By doing this, you also ensure that your small business will have better commercial value because you will have connections.

Step 3: Company and Team Profile

Sometimes you don’t need this. However, if you still want to improve your company’s credibility, this is an excellent way to go. With a highly detailed company and team profile, your investors will increase trust, knowing that the men and women doing the project are credible and professional.

Step 4: Financial Plan

Why do you think you create a business plan? Of course, it is to know how the business will grow and how you can gain something from the initiative. So, a financial plan is necessary to support your claims and improve your business.

Is a photography business profitable?

Yes and No. You see, a photography business is not all about just taking pictures. It is a business first and foremost, so you should make sure to do all the company sides. Editing, finance, and other things are necessary for the industry to be profiting

Is photography a profitable business?

Of course, as mentioned earlier. Although this business loses its relevance in the typical days, it’s worth as a luxurious art is more prevalent. Therefore, if you want to do this business, you can be sure that it will be an excellent business.

How do I sell my Photography?

If you plan to sell your photographs, then many websites in the market, accept stock photos, such as iStockPhoto, 123RF, and Shutterstock. These websites will help you gain money by providing them with random images that people may want.

The current photography industry is filled with new and exciting things. We see drones being used in events, table shots done at weddings, and other things. However, the secret to keeping your business relevant and not short is the people. That’s why it’s good to use a template, but ultimately the people will decide. So, create art and become an artist—the world will follow.

Text prompt

• Instructive
• Professional

Create a study plan for final exams in high school

Develop a project timeline for a middle school science fair.

Business Plan Template for Photography Business

• Great for beginners
• Ready-to-use, fully customizable Subcategory
• Get started in seconds

Starting a photography business is an exciting and rewarding venture, but it requires careful planning to ensure success. With ClickUp's Business Plan Template for Photography Business, you can streamline the process and set yourself up for profitability from day one.

This comprehensive template helps you:

• Define your business goals and objectives, ensuring a clear direction for your photography venture.
• Strategize your marketing and branding efforts to attract and retain clients in a competitive industry.
• Identify and analyze your target market, enabling you to tailor your services to meet their specific needs.
• Set pricing and packages that are both competitive and profitable, maximizing your revenue potential.
• Conduct thorough research on your competitors and industry trends, allowing you to stay one step ahead.
• Forecast financial projections to ensure a sustainable and profitable business model.

Ready to turn your passion for photography into a thriving business? Get started with ClickUp's Business Plan Template for Photography Business today!

Business Plan Template for Photography Business Benefits

A business plan template for a photography business can offer photographers numerous benefits, including:

• A clear roadmap to success by outlining goals and objectives
• Strategic planning for marketing and branding efforts to attract clients
• Identification of the target market to tailor services and offerings accordingly
• Pricing and package strategies to maximize profitability
• Research on competitors and industry trends for a competitive advantage
• Financial projections and forecasting to ensure sustainability and profitability
• A comprehensive overview of the business, facilitating decision-making and resource allocation

Main Elements of Photography Business Business Plan Template

ClickUp's Business Plan Template for Photography Business is designed to help photographers create a comprehensive plan for their photography ventures. Here are the main elements of this template:

• Custom Statuses: Track the progress of your business plan with statuses like Complete, In Progress, Needs Revision, and To Do.
• Custom Fields: Use custom fields like Reference, Approved, and Section to add specific details and categorize different aspects of your business plan.
• Custom Views: Explore different views like Topics, Status, Timeline, Business Plan, and Getting Started Guide to organize and visualize your business plan from various angles, allowing you to focus on specific areas or get an overview of the entire plan.
• Strategic Planning: Utilize ClickUp's features such as goal setting with Goals, visualizing timelines with Gantt charts, managing tasks with recurring tasks and automations, and scheduling with Calendar view to help you create a successful and profitable photography business.

How To Use Business Plan Template for Photography Business

If you're starting a photography business and need a solid business plan, look no further than ClickUp's Business Plan Template. Follow these six steps to create a comprehensive plan for your photography business:

1. Define your photography niche

Start by identifying your photography niche. Determine what type of photography you want to specialize in, such as weddings, portraits, nature, or commercial. Understanding your niche will help you tailor your business plan to target your ideal clients.

Use custom fields in ClickUp to categorize and track your photography niche.

2. Conduct market research

Research your local market to understand the demand for your photography services. Identify potential competitors, their pricing, and their target audience. This information will help you position your business in the market and set competitive prices.

Create tasks in ClickUp to gather market research data and analyze your findings.

3. Set your goals and objectives

Establish clear goals and objectives for your photography business. Determine how many clients you want to book each month, your desired revenue, and any other financial or professional milestones you want to achieve.

Use Goals in ClickUp to set measurable targets and track your progress.

4. Develop your marketing strategy

Create a comprehensive marketing strategy to promote your photography business. Consider online marketing channels such as social media, a professional website, and search engine optimization. Additionally, explore offline marketing opportunities like attending local events or partnering with other businesses.

Use Automations in ClickUp to automate your marketing tasks and ensure consistent outreach.

5. Outline your financial plan

Develop a financial plan that includes projected revenue, expenses, and profit margins. Determine your pricing structure, accounting for equipment costs, marketing expenses, studio rent, and other overhead costs. Additionally, consider setting aside funds for future equipment upgrades or professional development.

Use the Gantt chart in ClickUp to map out your financial plan and track your progress over time.

6. Review and revise regularly

Regularly review your business plan to ensure it remains aligned with your goals and the evolving market. Make necessary revisions to your strategies, goals, or financial projections as needed. Stay adaptable and open to changes that can optimize your business's success.

Set recurring tasks in ClickUp to review and update your business plan on a regular basis.

Get Started with ClickUp’s Business Plan Template for Photography Business

Photographers can use this Business Plan Template for Photography Business in ClickUp to help them create a comprehensive plan for their photography venture.

First, hit “Add Template” to sign up for ClickUp and add the template to your Workspace. Make sure you designate which Space or location in your Workspace you’d like this template applied.

Next, invite relevant members or guests to your Workspace to start collaborating.

Now you can take advantage of the full potential of this template to create a successful photography business:

• Use the Topics View to organize different sections of your business plan, such as marketing, finances, and operations
• The Status View will help you track the progress of each section, whether it's complete, in progress, needs revision, or to do
• The Timeline View will allow you to set deadlines and milestones for each section of your business plan
• The Business Plan View will provide you with a comprehensive overview of your entire plan, including goals, strategies, and financial projections
• The Getting Started Guide View will help you navigate through the template and provide instructions on how to fill out each section
• Customize the Reference custom field to include any external resources or documents that are relevant to your business plan
• Use the Approved custom field to keep track of sections that have been reviewed and approved
• The Section custom field will allow you to categorize each section of your business plan for easy organization and filtering
• Update statuses as you work on each section to keep track of progress
• Monitor and analyze your business plan to ensure it aligns with your photography goals and objectives
• Business Plan Template for Chiropractic Business
• Business Plan Template for Shippers
• Business Plan Template for Counselors
• Business Plan Template for Private Equity Firms
• Business Plan Template for Interview

Template details

Free forever with 100mb storage.

Free training & 24-hours support

Serious about security & privacy

Highest levels of uptime the last 12 months

• Product Roadmap
• Affiliate & Referrals
• On-Demand Demo
• Integrations
• Consultants
• Gantt Chart
• Native Time Tracking
• Automations
• Kanban Board
• vs Airtable
• vs Basecamp
• vs MS Project
• vs Smartsheet
• Software Team Hub
• PM Software Guide

Don't bother with copy and paste.

Get this complete sample business plan as a free text document.

Commercial Photography Business Plan

Start your own commercial photography business plan

Flash Commercial Photography

Executive summary executive summary is a brief introduction to your business plan. it describes your business, the problem that it solves, your target market, and financial highlights.">.

Flash Commercial Photography, located in and serving Rochester, NY, will serve small and medium-sized businesses and non-profits for all of their studio photography needs by creating beautiful shots that serve the client’s needs, offering excellent service and flexibility with a personal touch, and offering value-added services related to photography. Founded and directed by veteran freelance commercial photographer Matte Flash, Flash Commercial Photography intends to raise $53,000 by adding limited partners to the business in order to open a studio space, hire staff, and undergo a new marketing campaign.

Sales and profits from the business are projected to rise steadily, from $356,000 revenues and $50,000 profits in the first year to $750,000 revenues and $99,000 profits in year 5. Gross margins and net profit margins will be relatively steady at 75% and 13% respectively.

The keys to success for the business include:

• Establishing Flash Photography as flexible to the needs of small and medium-sized businesses
• Offering a range of additional services, such as printing, photo editing, framing, and production of photos in a variety of digital formats
• Making businesses feel at home in our studio and a part of the creative process

Flash Commercial Photography seeks to enter the top three commercial photography providers in the Rochester, NY metropolitan area within five years. We seek the following objectives within that five year period:

• To be in the top three commercial photography studios in terms of market share
• To exceed $900 thousand in annual revenue
• To support five full-time staff

Flash Commercial Photography seeks to serve small and medium-sized businesses and non-profits for all of their studio photography needs by creating beautiful shots that serve the client’s needs, offering excellent service and flexibility with a personal touch, and offering value-added services related to photography. Flash intends to offer personalized service to make it easy for small businesses to outsource their photography needs.

Keys to Success

• Making businesses feel at home in our studio and part of the creative process

Company Summary company overview ) is an overview of the most important points about your company—your history, management team, location, mission statement and legal structure.">

Flash Commercial Photography will be based in a conveniently-located studio space within half an hour of downtown Rochester, NY. The company was founded by Matte Flash in 1999. For more than ten years, Flash has operated as a freelance photographer specializing in commercial shoots, establishing a reputation among small businesses as a professional and talented photographer. Over this time, Flash’s business has steadily grown, including a variety of returning clients who rely on Flash for their product photography for pamphlets, brochures, websites, and other marketing collateral. Flash has operated without a devoted studio during this time, traveling to client sites and setting up a studio space wherever possible.

Company Ownership

Flash Commercial Photography was established as a sole proprietorship in 1999 and is currently being re-established as a limited liability partnership to facilitate the participation of investing partners. Currently, all shares of Flash Commercial Photography are owned by Matte Flash.

Start-up Summary

Start-up expenses include the legal fees associated with re-incorporating the business, permits associated with a studio space, and the build-out of the studio space. Marketing includes a promotional campaign to alert customers and potential customers to the services and capacity Flash Commercial Photography is adding. Rent includes two months of studio rent to cover the build-out period and two additional months for a security deposit.

Long-term assets include additional photography equipment (cameras, tripods, backdrops, flashes, lighting) that must be purchased.

Services to be offered include the following:

• Rental of the studio space to subcontractors when time allows

In the future, as additional staff are are added, there are plans to offer graphic design services for the photos taken, and to expand to a multi-room studio to allow for multiple shoots simultaneously.

Market Analysis Summary how to do a market analysis for your business plan.">

The market for commercial photography includes all businesses and non-profits. For Flash Commercial Photography, the target market is small and medium-sized businesses and non-profits (those with under 500 employees) based within a 15 mile radius of Rochester, NY.

In the past two years, the market for commercial photography in Rochester, NY has contracted due to the recent economic downturn. It is estimated by the Rochester Chamber of Commerce that commercial photography has shrunk from $5.7 million to $4.5 million annual revenues since two years ago. Small and medium-sized businesses which formerly used large commercial studios can no longer afford their rates. This has created an opportunity for smaller photography studios with lower overhead and prices to serve this market and seize market share in time for a market upswing.

Market Segmentation

Very Small Businesses: These businesses are generally run by their owners. Photography needs tend to be for their basic marketing collateral (signs, menus, pamphlets, brochures, websites, newsletters, etc.). These businesses generally begin by taking these photographs in-house, but, over time, determine that this method produces sub-standard results. They then seek inexpensive freelance photographers who can quickly handle their needs.

Small Businesses: These businesses have ongoing and regular needs for photography of their products and services, such as quarterly catalogs. They appreciate establishing relationships with vendors who understand their way of working, allow them access to the creative process, and reduce the stress of creating marketing materials. They prefer to work with one vendor for all photography needs and will be reluctant to change that vendor once it is found. However, they do continue to check the prices of their vendor against competitors to make sure they are getting the preferred mix of quality and price.

Medium Businesses: These businesses have marketing departments which outsource photography to photo studios. They have a higher volume of photography needs than smaller businesses and pay great attention to the quality of the images as well as the price. Volume discounts may be needed to retain businesses in this category.

Target Market Segment Strategy

Larger businesses in the Rochester area are served by large studios who can send photographers to the client site or set up shoots with little notice. These businesses require photography vendors with the capacity to shoot in multiple locations at the same time.

Smaller businesses, on the other hand, are comfortable working with smaller photography studios. They are generally unhappy with larger studios, as they find they are not a priority compared with the larger clients of the studio. They want the same level of service, scaled to the needs and budget of their business, and only a smaller studio can provide this.

Brought to you by

Create a professional business plan

Using ai and step-by-step instructions.

Secure funding

Validate ideas

Build a strategy

Medium and small businesses can provide ongoing work. However, without serving very small businesses, Flash will miss out on capturing smaller customers before they grow. Working with very small businesses can also provide a wide base of customers, making the revenue streams of the business less susceptible to the loss of any one customer.

Service Business Analysis

The commercial photography industry is characterized by local photo studios which serve cities or small regions. Very few businesses grow beyond this geographic range. Within a local market, such as Rochester, NY, there are dozens of photo studios in operation. Businesses seek photography vendors through referrals, internet search, and the local yellow pages. Photography studios generally base their charges on the time of the shoot as well as the number of edited photos provided. 

Specific competitors for Flash Commercial Photography include:

Redwood Studios – Established 5 years ago and operating a small studio, this company focuses on product photography only

ImageMakers – Established 10 years ago, this company does not operate a studio, but uses student photographers to offer lower-priced on-site photography shoots

Flash Photographers – Established 3 years ago, this company subcontracts all of its photography work to freelance photographers, acting as a broker between these freelancers and clients. This leads to a lower level of quality assurance, and some client dissatisfaction

Competition and Buying Patterns

There are very few barriers to entry into the commercial photography business. At the low-end of the market, freelance photographers with inexpensive digital cameras start work officially and unofficially every day. However, at the high end of the market, quality photographers working with the best equipment and a studio space are protected by the capital required to purchase equipment and to rent and build out a studio.

Customers among small and medium-sized businesses seek low prices, but will not sacrifice quality. The best quality is obtained in the controlled environment of a studio, with well-trained photographers and high-quality equipment. Customers choose between photo studios based on their websites and portfolios of work, as well as the personal assurances of the salesperson they work with at the studio that their needs will be taken care of.

Word of mouth is extremely important for this business. While the product of the work becomes very visible, it is important that customers feel so strongly about the experience of working with their photo studio that they talk about it to other businesses and contacts. These referrals are extremely helpful in generating business.

Strategy and Implementation Summary

To build its reputation as a quality choice for commercial photography in the Rochester, NY market, Flash Commercial Photography will focus on small and medium-sized businesses. These include:

• Medium Businesses (200 to 500 employees)

To reach these target markets, Flash will use email marketing, business networking, and web marketing to find clients and to ensure that clients find Flash. The CEO, Matte Flash, will sell to clients, and both he and an additional team of assistant photographers will be assigned to client photo shoots in the Flash studio and, when needed, at client sites.

Competitive Edge

Flash Commercial Photography has a competitive edge from the reputation of Matte Flash in the business community as a high-quality photographer who is easy to work with and attentive to the needs of clients. Flash will continue to develop this competitive edge by training additional photographers with his signature style of photography and high attention to customer service.

Marketing Strategy

The marketing strategy for Flash Commercial Photography is based on the belief that using a few marketing tactics extremely well is preferable to using many marketing tactics with moderate success with each. The following are components of the initial marketing campaign:

Email Marketing: Emailing a new business announcement and then monthly newsletters with details on new packages, the development of the studio, and new hires to past clients and other targets in the business community. Newsletters will include helpful tips on how to use photography and this will be used to gain permission from marketing departments at prospective client businesses to be sent the newsletters. Within these emails will be calls to action to encourage business referrals.

Business Networking: Matte Flash will promote the business through the local chapter of BNI (Business Networking International), the Chamber of Commerce, and the Rochester Business Owner’s Association. Through these meetings, Flash will introduce his company’s work to other business owners, share leads on business, and receive both exposure and qualified referrals. To encourage members of networking groups to use Flash’s services so that they are educated referrers, Flash will offer a 25% discount on services to members of the networking group on their first purchase.

Web Marketing: Flash Photography will purchase search engine advertising with Google Adwords around commercial photography keywords for the Rochester market and gear its advertisements towards the needs of small and medium-sized businesses. Furthermore, Flash Photography’s website will be optimized for higher search engine ranking under these keywords.

Sales Strategy

The company’s sales strategy is to utilize the experience of Matte Flash as salesperson. Flash will be able to assure clients of what the company and its photographers can accomplish as all will be personally trained by him.

To increase the closing rate of prospects, Flash will meet clients at their businesses whenever possible to go beyond phone conversations. He will use a portfolio of images and testimonials. Flash will use Salesforce.com as a tool to manage the sales process, and to train additional salespeople when the time comes.

The scheduling and fulfillment of services will be administered by the office manager, who will use Salesforce.com and QuickBooks to manage clients and capture information related to orders. Standard procedures for order fulfillment will be created by Flash and checked on an ongoing basis.  

Sales Forecast

Sales for photo shoots are expected to drive the business and will grow with the growing staff. Additional photographers will be hired to meet the need first as part-time and then as full-time staff.

Supplementary revenue streams will be photo editing services and printing and framing of images. Finally, off-hours for the studio will be rented for events of other purposes to create a steady monthly stream of revenue.

The promotional marketing before the opening of the studio is in a two month period in which an initial Web marketing and email marketing campaign will take place, directed by the CEO, with some help from the part-time administrative assistant, and marketing vendors (a Web marketing specialist). Furthermore, ads will be placed to specifically highlight the studio as a rental option for other uses.

• Constant Contact will be used to maintain email marketing with announcements about the studio opening, new staff, and new services.

Management Summary management summary will include information about who's on your team and why they're the right people for the job, as well as your future hiring plans.">

Matte Flash will act as CEO of Flash Commercial Photography. Flash has extensive industry, sales, and operational experience. Immediate hires will include one part-time assistant photographer and one part-time administrative assistant.

The CEO will be responsible for sales and marketing, management of all staff, and fulfillment of client services.

The first part-time assistant photographer will be Timothy Smith, a recent graduate of the School of Visual Arts and an accomplished photographer new to Rochester. The assistant photographer will assist on shoots during training and begin to take the lead on photo shoots over time. He will move to full-time within one year if sales projections are met.

The administrative assistant will be responsible for bookkeeping (accounts payable and receivable), scheduling of shoots and labor, and fielding calls for rental of the studio and initial sales inquiries. He or she will execute marketing campaigns (update website, print brochures and portfolios, etc). He or she will offer customer service to answer basic questions by phone or email.

Personnel Plan

Flash Commercial Photography will begin its expansion with one part-time assistant photographer and one part-time administrative assistant, with the understanding that both positions will grow to full-time shortly. Each year an additional assistant photographer will be added.

Financial Plan investor-ready personnel plan .">

The launch of the business will be financed by the founder’s investment and credit and by investments from limited partners. In exchange for $53,000 investment in the business at startup, limited partners will receive 49% ownership shares. The initial funding requirements are modest for the business.

The growth of the business, beyond the first year, will be financed by the free cash flows generated by the business. This will allow for the expansion of staff to include additional photographers, the ramping up of marketing expenditures, and the resulting increase in sales. Only one photographer will be added per year in order to make sure that there is time for adequate training of new staff.

Start-up Funding

Funding for the business is in part from personal loans, credit cards, and cash investment by the owner, Matte Flash. The remainder of funding will be from one to three limited partners in the form of equity investment.

Break-even Analysis

The break even for the business is high, as the salaries of staff are relatively fixed.

Projected Profit and Loss

Gross margins are expected to remain consistent, as most costs of the business are not direct costs of sales. The greatest cost of the service is labor, which is part of salaries and not cost of sales, for example.

In year 2, profit is expected to drop as capacity is increased to prepare for growth. This will rectify in future years as sales come in line with the payroll expenses.

Projected Cash Flow

Cash flow is expected to be positive after the first month of operations. This is due to the fact that Matte Flash has a proven track record and can hit the ground running with continued work for existing clients. Cash reserves in the company will be increased over the first year to prepare for additional expansion in year two.

Projected Balance Sheet

The business is projected to show growth in retained earnings (which allow for dividends to be paid) as there are not substantial additional capital expenditures needed after the launch. There will be healthy growth in net worth over the first five years of operation, as additional debt is not required to fund the business.

Business Ratios

The business will spend more than the industry average on advertising, for example, in order to promote the competitive advantage of the company on the Web. The overhead reflected by Selling, General & Administrative expense is lower than the industry, as the business will make use of digital tools, reducing the costs of equipment and supplies.

Long-term Plan

The profitability of the company will increase in absolute terms with growth. However, the gross margins and net profit margins will not increase dramatically over time as the additional growth in revenues requires additional direct labor. To maintain the reputation of the company, this labor cannot be performed by less skilled, lower-wage photographers.

As revenues grow and additional photographers are hired, the CEO will focus a greater percentage of time on sales and prospecting. This will allow for steady growth in revenues while the brand of Flash Commercial Photography becomes established in the market. A larger studio space with multiple rooms can be leased after a critical mass of utilization has been achieved with the current space. This will allow for continued growth.

The quickest way to turn a business idea into a business plan

Fill-in-the-blanks and automatic financials make it easy.

No thanks, I prefer writing 40-page documents.

Discover the world’s #1 plan building software