How to Start a Commercial Photography Business

Commercial photographers capture artistic photographs with an emphasis on marketing and selling products and services. Photographs can be used in advertisements, brochures, leaflets, and even restaurant menus. 

Ready to turn your business idea into a reality? We recommend forming an LLC as it is the most affordable way to protect your personal assets. You can do this yourself or with our trusted partner for a small fee.

 Northwest ($29 + State Fees)

DIY: How to Start an LLC

Start a commercial photography business by following these 10 steps:

  1. Plan your Commercial Photography Business
  2. Form your Commercial Photography Business into a Legal Entity
  3. Register your Commercial Photography Business for Taxes
  4. Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
  5. Set up Accounting for your Commercial Photography Business
  6. Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Commercial Photography Business
  7. Get Commercial Photography Business Insurance
  8. Define your Commercial Photography Business Brand
  9. Create your Commercial Photography Business Website
  10. Set up your Business Phone System

We have put together this simple guide to starting your commercial photography business. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.

Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas.

STEP 1: Plan your business

A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:

Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.

What will you name your business?

Choosing the right name is important and challenging. If you don’t already have a name in mind, visit our How to Name a Business guide or get help brainstorming a name with our Commercial Photography Business Name Generator

If you operate a sole proprietorship, you might want to operate under a business name other than your own name. Visit our DBA guide to learn more.

When registering a business name, we recommend researching your business name by checking:

  • Your state’s business records
  • Federal and state trademark records
  • Social media platforms
  • Web domain availability

It’s very important to secure your domain name before someone else does.

What are the costs involved in opening a commercial photography business?

Experienced professionals suggest budgeting for a minimum of $10,000-$15,000 for camera and studio equipment. If you plan to have your own studio space, double your starting budget to account for deposits and any necessary facility upgrades. 

Camera and equipment should include: 

  • Camera(s) and various lenses
  • Tripods and monopods
  • Hard drives
  • Laptop
  • Flashes and flash filters
  • Color meter
  • Editing software
  • Backup storage devices

As part of your initial investment, you will also need to discuss your insurance needs with a professional and have a simple, yet professional website built. Accounting and business management software would also prove beneficial. 

What are the ongoing expenses for a commercial photography business?

Ongoing expenses you could potentially incur, depending upon your target clientele and goals for the business include:

  • Brick and mortar
  • Travel expenses
  • Networking and marketing 
  • Maintenance or replacement of equipment
  • Business tools
  • Insurance
  • Payroll or professional fees

Who is the target market?

Unlike most professions, you define your own target market based on your vision, passions, and strengths. Your role is to help clients reach their target demographic(s), leaving virtually every demographic in need of inspiring photographers. 

How does a commercial photography business make money?

Commercial photographers are generally paid a flat fee per shoot. Fees are determined ahead of time and are based on a number of factors, including scope of project, client budget, and the photographer’s experience. 

How much can you charge customers?

Commercial photography business owners set their prices based on experience and project demands. In addition to expenses, a flat fee is standard. Daily fees range anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000 per day.

How much profit can a commercial photography business make?

Profits vary, depending upon a wide range of factors. Entrepreneurs who prefer to keep businesses small report an average profit of $75,000. Industry leaders report making well over $250,000 in profit. 

How can you make your business more profitable?

To maximize profitability, consider implementing the following strategies:

  • Include product photography in your list of services
  • Build an agency of talent of varying skill levels
  • Include video in your list of services

Want a more guided approach? Access TRUiC’s free Small Business Startup Guide – a step-by-step course for turning your business idea into reality. Get started today!

STEP 2: Form a legal entity

One crucial aspect that cannot be overlooked when starting your commercial photography business is the importance of establishing a solid business foundation. While sole proprietorships and partnerships are the most common entity types for small businesses, they’re a far less stable and advantageous option than LLCs.

This is because unincorporated business structures (i.e., sole proprietorships and partnerships) expose you as an owner to personal liability for your business’s debts and legal actions, while LLCs protect you by keeping your personal assets separate from your business’s liabilities.

In practice, this means that if your commercial photography business were to face a lawsuit or incur any debts, your savings, home, and other personal assets could not be used to cover these costs. On top of this, forming your business as an LLC also helps it to appear more legitimate and trustworthy.

More than 84% of our readers opt to collaborate with a professional LLC formation service to kickstart their venture. We’ve negotiated a tailored discount for our readers, bringing the total down to just $29.

FORM YOUR LLC

Note: If you’re interested in more information before getting started, we recommend having a look at our state-specific How to Start an LLC guide (DIY) or our in-depth Best LLC Services review (for those opting for a professional service).

STEP 3: Register for taxes

You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.

In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It’s really easy and free!

You can acquire your EIN through the IRS website. If you would like to learn more about EINs, read our article, What is an EIN?

There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more about state sales tax and franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.

STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card

Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.

When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil.

Open a business bank account

Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:

  • Separates your personal assets from your company’s assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
  • Makes accounting and tax filing easier.

Recommended: Read our Best Banks for Small Business review to find the best national bank or credit union.

Get a business credit card

Getting a business credit card helps you:

Recommended: Apply for an easy approval business credit card from BILL and build your business credit quickly.

STEP 5: Set up business accounting

Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.

Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.

STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses

Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.

State & Local Business Licensing Requirements

Certain state permits and licenses may be needed to operate a commercial photography business. Learn more about licensing requirements in your state by visiting SBA’s reference to state licenses and permits.

Most businesses are required to collect sales tax on the goods or services they provide. To learn more about how sales tax will affect your business, read our article, Sales Tax for Small Businesses.

Services Contract

Commercial photography businesses should require clients to sign a services agreement before starting a new project. This agreement should clarify client expectations and minimize risk of legal disputes by setting out payment terms and conditions, service level expectations, and intellectual property ownership. Here is an example of one such services agreement.

Recommended: Rocket Lawyer makes it easy to create a professional service agreement for your commercial photography business when you sign up for their premium membership. For $39.95 per month, members receive access to hundreds of legal agreements and on call attorneys to get complimentary legal advice.

Trademark & Copyright Protection

If you are developing a unique product, concept, brand, or design, it is prudent to protect your rights by registering for the appropriate trademarks and copyrights.

Learn more about trademark and copyright protection

STEP 7: Get business insurance

Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss.

There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face, begin with General Liability Insurance. This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.

Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need is Workers’ Compensation Insurance. If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers’ Compensation Coverage.

Find out what types of insurance your Commercial Photography Business needs and how much it will cost you by reading our guide Business Insurance for Commercial Photography Business.

STEP 8: Define your brand

Your brand is what your company stands for, as well as how your business is perceived by the public. A strong brand will help your business stand out from competitors.

If you already have a logo, you can also add it to a QR code with our Free QR Code Generator. Choose from 13 QR code types to create a code for your business cards and publications, or to help spread awareness for your new website.

How to promote & market a commercial photography business

Whether traveling on assignment, at a convention, or working from your home office, more than 65% of your time will be spent marketing. Get involved with the community, collaborate with a variety of contributing artists, and join professional organizations such as American Society of Media Photographers and Professional Photographers of America. In addition to advertising services, these associations offer members educational and networking opportunities. 

Once you have identified your target market, reach out to ad agencies that serve these niches. Schedule a meeting and come prepared with a portfolio that makes you stand out over the competition. 

How to keep customers coming back

Once you have convinced someone that you are the best fit, it’s your job to follow through. Build a reputation of professionalism, quality, and consistency. Nurture relationships in every facet of the community and word of mouth will become your strongest marketing tool. 

STEP 9: Create your business website

After defining your brand and creating your logo the next step is to create a website for your business.

While creating a website is an essential step, some may fear that it’s out of their reach because they don’t have any website-building experience. While this may have been a reasonable fear back in 2015, web technology has seen huge advancements in the past few years that makes the lives of small business owners much simpler.

Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay building your website:

  • All legitimate businesses have websites – full stop. The size or industry of your business does not matter when it comes to getting your business online.
  • Social media accounts like Facebook pages or LinkedIn business profiles are not a replacement for a business website that you own.
  • Website builder tools like the GoDaddy Website Builder have made creating a basic website extremely simple. You don’t need to hire a web developer or designer to create a website that you can be proud of.

Recommended: Get started today using our recommended website builder or check out our review of the Best Website Builders.

Other popular website builders are: WordPressWIXWeeblySquarespace, and Shopify.

STEP 10: Set up your business phone system

Getting a phone set up for your business is one of the best ways to help keep your personal life and business life separate and private. That’s not the only benefit; it also helps you make your business more automated, gives your business legitimacy, and makes it easier for potential customers to find and contact you.

There are many services available to entrepreneurs who want to set up a business phone system. We’ve reviewed the top companies and rated them based on price, features, and ease of use. Check out our review of the Best Business Phone Systems 2024 to find the best phone service for your small business.

Recommended Business Phone Service: Phone.com

Phone.com is our top choice for small business phone numbers because of all the features it offers for small businesses and it’s fair pricing.

Is this Business Right For You?

The creative individual that is passionate about photography and inspiring others through their work is drawn to this profession. Those entering this specialized field often do so because of their passion and eye for both fashion and photography. The combination of these two art forms serves as a creative outlet. Successful photographers are often able to travel the world, earning an income that supports them, as they work to fulfill their dreams. 

Want to know if you are cut out to be an entrepreneur?

Take our Entrepreneurship Quiz to find out!

Entrepreneurship Quiz

What happens during a typical day at a commercial photography business?

While most professionals are drawn to this industry because of the creative aspect, managing and marketing the business are equally as important. Your website must be maintained and portfolio updated regularly. Additionally, you or a member of your team will perform administrative tasks, such as making travel arrangements, managing the books, and maintaining business contracts. 

Whether your photo shoot is local or takes you on the road, the groundwork should be laid well in advance. This helps ensure the process goes smoothly and that everything is ready when you arrive. Commercial photographers who spend much of their time on the road indicate a trip can last anywhere from 3 days to several weeks. 

In addition to planning, directing, and photographing a photo shoot, successful professionals continuously strive to learn and better themselves. Networking within the community, researching, and noting the latest trends are all effective ways to grow creatively and professionally. 

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful commercial photography business?

In addition to having an appreciation of photography composition, it is critical that you understand marketing strategies. Who your client is trying to reach will dictate every aspect of the campaign. Understanding people and their needs, and being able to convey this to your client, are all critical components to your business’ success. 

Whether laying the groundwork or on-site, you represent not only your organization, but your client’s as well. It’s important that you are able to communicate professionally and connect with individuals from all backgrounds and cultures. 

Leaders in this industry advise working as a photography assistant before venturing out on your own. In addition to helping ensure you are at one with your camera, this firsthand experience will assist you in planning, problem-solving, and networking. Most commercial photographers specialize in one or two industries, particularly when starting out. Use your time as an assistant to identify what industries speak to you and which you have a natural eye for. 

What is the growth potential for a commercial photography business?

Because each marketing campaign requires something different, there is great demand for commercial photographers of all different styles. This is great news for professionals of every skill level, as it offers the opportunity for growth and ensures the work always remains fresh and interesting. Growth opportunities include opening an agency or a marketing firm.

Take the Next Step

Find a business mentor

One of the greatest resources an entrepreneur can have is quality mentorship. As you start planning your business, connect with a free business resource near you to get the help you need.

Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners.

Learn from other business owners

Want to learn more about starting a business from entrepreneurs themselves? Visit Startup Savant’s startup founder series to gain entrepreneurial insights, lessons, and advice from founders themselves.

Resources to Help Women in Business

There are many resources out there specifically for women entrepreneurs. We’ve gathered necessary and useful information to help you succeed both professionally and personally:

  • Funding
  • Events
  • Guides
  • Support

If you’re a woman looking for some guidance in entrepreneurship, check out this great new series Women in Business created by the women of our partner Startup Savant.

What are some insider tips for jump starting a commercial photography business?

Leading industry professionals offer the following advice:

  • While you’re blessed to turn your passions into a career, it’s important to remember that this is a business, too. Sign up for some business classes or work closely with a mentor before venturing out on your own.
  • While your job is to turn your client’s vision into a reality, the end result reflects directly back on you. Consider this when taking on new projects. Don’t sacrifice your own creative style, unless you believe it could help you grow creatively and professionally.
  • Never stop striving for professional and personal growth. Surround yourself with others in the community who challenge you. Learn from each other. 
  • When traveling out of the country for a project, obtain a work visa and carry a list of all equipment that’s traveling with you. This will help you with negotiations should an issue arise. 

How and when to build a team

Many entrepreneurs enter this field to fuel their artistic fire. If this is your primary goal, join the majority of freelance photographers and build a substantial support team. An assistant can remove the day-to-day stresses, while an attorney and/or accountant can ensure all contracts and finances are in order. 

Useful Links

Industry Opportunities

Real World Examples

Further Reading