How to Start a Business with a Camera: A Guide for Aspiring Photographers

Photography is more than just a creative passion—it can also be a lucrative profession. Whether you’re interested in producing polished portraits or documenting significant moments, there are plenty of ways to turn your camera into a source of income.

For those starting, finding a niche is key. Some of the most consistent and in-demand photography services include corporate headshots, funeral live streaming, real estate photography, and product photography. While vastly different, all require similar technical skills, discretion, and a professional approach.

1. Corporate Headshots: A Reliable Income Stream

In the modern professional world, a high-quality headshot is essential for anyone. Whether for LinkedIn profiles, company websites, or business marketing, professionals from all industries require polished and professional portraits.

How to Start Earning from Corporate Photography

Set up a portable studio: Investing in mobile lighting and backdrops allows you to offer on-site sessions, making it easier for businesses to book you. Consider investing in a pop-up backdrop and portable lighting that you can easily transport (for example in a foldable trolley) and set up in different locations. This will save your clients time and hassle, and make you more competitive.
Understand lighting techniques: Whether using natural light or a studio setup, mastering lighting will set your work apart. Learn how to use different lighting modifiers, such as softboxes and reflectors, to create flattering and professional-looking portraits.
Build relationships with local companies: Many businesses regularly update staff photos, so securing corporate contracts can provide steady work. Reach out to local businesses and offer your services. Attend networking events and join professional organisations to meet potential new clients.
Offer professional retouching: Subtle edits enhance your final images and justify a higher price tag. Learn how to use photo editing software such as Photoshop and Lightroom to remove blemishes, adjust skin tones, and whiten teeth.
Expand into business branding photography: Group portraits and office lifestyle shots can increase your earnings from a single booking. Offer to take photos of the company’s office, employees at work, and company events.

Corporate photography is all about helping other professionals present their best image to the world—providing reliable income opportunities for photographers who can deliver clean, impressive results.

2. Funeral Live Streaming: A Niche with Growing Demand

One of the lesser-known but increasingly important photography and videography services is funeral live streaming. With families often spread across different locations, many look for a professional way to share the service with loved ones who cannot attend in person.

How to Get Started with Funeral Live Streaming

Invest in quality equipment: Start with a high-quality video camera, tripod, microphone, and audio recorder.
Maintain a respectful, low-profile presence: Unlike event photography, this service requires extreme discretion and sensitivity. Dress professionally and avoid being disruptive during the service.
Offer private live streaming: Families value a secure viewing experience, allowing only invited guests to watch. Make sure to use a streaming platform which requires a password to access the live stream.
Partner with local funeral directors: Building relationships with local funeral homes can lead to repeat bookings. Reach out to local funeral providers and offer your services.
Provide a recorded version: Many families appreciate having a high-quality video recording to keep for future remembrance. Offer to edit and produce a high-quality video of the service that the family can download and keep.

Although it is a sensitive field, it offers photographers and videographers a meaningful way to help people stay connected while providing a professional well-paid service.

3. Real Estate Photography

Real estate photography is an often overlooked field. It helps real estate agents sell high-end properties faster and at higher prices. High-quality photos can make a property stand out and help attract potential buyers.

How to get started with real estate photography:

Introduce yourself to local real estate agents
Invest in a wide-angle lens: This will allow you to photograph the entire room from wall to wall.
Avoid artificial lighting when possible: This will make the space look natural and inviting.
Stage the property: A clean look will help the space look its best.
Edit the photos: Manually enhance the colours and contrast of the photos.

4. Product Photography

Appealing product photography is used by businesses around the world to advertise their products professionally and appealingly. High-quality product photos can help to increase sales and boost brand awareness.

How to get started with product photography:

Invest in professional lighting including a lightbox: An indispensable tool to create even lighting and eliminate unwanted shadows.
Carefully choose the right background: Stick to a white background when possible.
Use a tripod for your photos: help you to keep the camera steady and avoid motion blur photos.
Edit the photos after the shoot: This will help to enhance the colours, clarity and contrast of the photos.

5. Expanding Your Photography Business

Once you’ve established yourself in corporate headshots or live streaming, you can branch out into other lucrative photography niches, such as:

Personal branding photography: Working with local entrepreneurs and professionals to create engaging portraits.
Wedding & event photography: Capturing life’s most important moments, which often comes with premium pricing.

6. How to Market Yourself as a Photographer

Being a successful photographer is not just about having the right skills—it’s about building a brand and continuously attracting new clients. Here are some relatively easy ways to grow your business:

Use social media effectively: Popular platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook help potential clients discover you and your work. Regularly post high-quality photos and engage with your followers.
Your own website: Use a website builder or hire a web designer to create a website that is both visually appealing and easy to navigate. Showcase your best work, and yourself as a professional and make it easy for clients to book your services.
Network with other local businesses: Attending local networking events and joining business groups will help you meet others and open up new opportunities. Get involved in your local community and build relationships with other business owners.
Actively encourage word-of-mouth referrals: Offering a small discount for referrals can hugely increase bookings. Ask your happy clients to recommend you to their friends and family.
Optimise your website for search engines: Making your website SEO-friendly helps potential clients find you via search engines. Use relevant keywords in your website content and titles.

Summing up

If you would like to make a living from your passion for photography you should think about finding the right niche, improving your craft, and marketing yourself effectively. Consider corporate photography, live streaming, or another area to build a strong brand reputation and provide a quality service that will set you apart.

You can turn this passion into a profitable career by developing these skills, investing in the right equipment, and promoting your business online and offline.