Starting a Professional Photography business takes a lot more than just a camera. Here is a list the money breakdown to get you started so you understand what your getting into before you jump feet first without knowing.
2 professional camera bodies (pros have to have at least one backup) | $3400 each x 2 = $6,800
2 external flashes | $500 each x 2 = $1,000
4-6 professional lenses | $12,000
Computer for editing | $1,700
Protection plan for computer | $300
External hard drives to keep your images safe | at least 2 per year at $260
Camera strap | $125
Business license | $50 annually
Business liability insurance | $330 per year
Professional Photography Memberships PPA | $40 per month
Studio Management Software | $50 per month
Website hosting | $10 per month
Website setup | $300+
Logo design & branding | $1,000 (that is on the low end)
Rolling camera bag | $300
Lens bag | $250
Photoshop | $700
Postage – $400+
Office Supplies- $600 +
Prints -$1000-$20000 depending on how your selling
Props- $1000 a year for first 3-4 years.
Lightroom editing software | $300
Studio lighting setup | $2,000
Continuing education to make me a better photographer | $2,000 annually
Blankets/Backgrounds | $500+
Memory cards | $100 a year
Miscellaneous expenses:
Gas, car care, merchant fees, professional clothing, gadgets I’ve bought and then sold and lost money, networking events, advertising
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Total = $40,000+ (YES, THOUSAND)
Is this a lot yes it looks like a ton to get started I remember reading a list similar to this and literally putting my head down on the table after I read it thinking I can’t come up with $40,000. It’s OK you will in time it takes time to make money. You can save and that’s exactly what I did. Worked really hard and saved to buy everything. Before you know it you will see you can succeed running a Professional Photography business but there are many steps in the process and I am here to teach you the exact steps to get your started. Once you get the hang of it before you know it you be super busy and running your own company.