How to Start a Commercial Photography Business

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:

• What will you name your business?
• What are the startup and ongoing costs?
• Who is your target market?
• How much can you charge customers?

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

STEP 2: Form a legal entity

The most common business structure types are the sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), and corporation.

Establishing a legal business entity such as an LLC or corporation protects you from being held personally liable if your commercial photography business is sued.

You can form an LLC yourself and pay only the minimal state LLC costs or hire one of the Best LLC Services for a small, additional fee.

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!

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.

Get a business credit card

Getting a business credit card helps you:

• Separate personal and business expenses by putting your business' expenses all in one place.
• Build your company's credit history, which can be useful to raise money later on.

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.

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.

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. 

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.