Lifestyle Photography

Lifestyle Photography Success Stories [2025]

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Updated: September 26th, 2024

Looking to capture moments in an authentic, meaningful way? Think about starting a lifestyle photography business.

Lifestyle photography is all about documenting real-life events or milestones in a way that tells a story. Unlike traditional portrait photography, you’ll focus on candid, unposed moments that reflect the true essence of your subjects.

This business idea is perfect for those who have a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling through visuals. With social media platforms driving the demand for genuine, relatable content, there’s an increasing interest in capturing everyday moments that are raw and unfiltered.

Starting a lifestyle photography business isn’t just about having a camera. It requires an understanding of lighting, composition, and human emotions. As you grow, your portfolio will become a testament to the lives you’ve touched, offering not just photos but memories that last a lifetime.

In this list, you'll find real-world lifestyle photography success stories and very profitable examples of starting a lifestyle photography that makes money.

1. Digital Cohort ($120K/year)

Sepideh Maleki, a photographer based in the Seattle Metro Area, came up with the idea for her product photography business after setting up a Shopify store to sell wicker baskets. As she started shooting her own products and improving her photography skills, she realized that product photography itself could be a viable business opportunity. With a low cost of entry and a focus on acquiring local customers through platforms like Craigslist, Sepideh has been able to generate an average of $10k per month in revenue for her business.

How much money it makes: $120K/year
How much did it cost to start: $15K
How many people on the team: 2

From Amateur Photographer To Starting A $10K/Month Product Photography Business

Product photographer Sepideh Maleki shares how she grew her business from scratch, generating an average of $10k per month through a focus on customer acquisition with a clear traffic and revenue plan, organic search optimization, and impeccable customer service.

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