How Much Does It Cost To Start A Mobile Photography Business? (In 2024)
Looking to start a mobile photography business?
But curious about:
- how much it costs to start a mobile photography business?
- what are the typical mobile photography business startup costs?
- or the actual cost of starting mobile photography businesses?
Well, we have the data to prove it, supported by real mobile photography businesses and how much they actually cost to start.
Let's go over it.
What is the average cost of starting a mobile photography business?
Based on our data reported by actual mobile photography business founders, the average cost of starting a mobile photography business is between $500 and $75,000.
Additionally, our data shows that the the median startup costs for a mobile photography business are around $5K.
Remember, though, not all mobile photography businesses are the same - and neither are people's budgets. It's important to distinguish between different levels or types of mobile photography businesses
Real World Examples: How much does it cost to start a mobile photography business?
We asked real mobile photography business founders and business owners how much it actually cost to get started?
Here is what they said:
Kyle Nelson
Founder of Results Imagery ($110K/month)
"Launching Results Imagery began by gathering a local base of clients to help fund the initial website development and start-up costs. The company was bootstrapped at conception and to this day has only taken a small investment from family."
Kyle Nelson and Eli Libby are the co-founders of Results Imagery, a product photography, video production, and media consultancy agency that currently generates $45,000 in monthly revenue.
Samantha Bachand
Founder of Two Little Monkeys Photography ($2K/month)
"I talked my husband into spending money on a Canon 40D camera which at the time was more than we could afford but we made it work."
Samantha Bachand is the founder of Two Little Monkeys Photography, a newborn and family photography business based in Indian Trail, NC, serving the Charlotte, NC area.
Stephan & Adriana
Founder of Stephan & Adriana ($14K/month)
"We had saved a lot of money from our years with Disney On Ice, which we used to invest in our business. In 2019 we made pretty much no money because everything was being reinvested into what we wanted to do!"
Stephan & Adriana are the founders of Stephan & Adriana Photography, a wedding photography business that specializes in elopements and intimate weddings in California.
Catherine Nguyen
Founder of Catherine Nguyen Photography ($8.3K/month)
"For me the biggest challenge was start-up capital. I had just finished studying photography and basically, I did not have any. Fortunately, I had acquired the equipment needed during my time in school and I started working with a real estate photography company called Open Homes Photography. The market was hot, and I shot about 140 homes that summer."
Catherine Nguyen is the founder of Catherine Nguyen Photography, a Raleigh-based advertising and editorial photography business specializing in residential and commercial interior design and architecture.
Chris Garbacz
Founder of Studio Ninja ($150K/month)
"We started work in August 2015 and by February 2016 we were ready to launch version 1 of Studio Ninja to the world, and we were also very broke."
Chris Garbacz is the co-founder of Studio Ninja, a photography business management app that helps photographers manage their leads, clients, shoots, invoices, and more.
Brandon Wong
Founder of Photobooth Supply Co. ($500K/month)
"We did a quick Google search for a local fabricator to create our first alpha unit. Because our initial unit did not need any tooling, we had very low initial costs."
Brandon Wong is the founder of Photobooth Supply Co., a photobooth business that provides turnkey business opportunities with their sleek, portable photobooths.
Tsour Lee Adato
Founder of Product Photography Studio ($45K/month)
"To start the business I used my own money, which was approximately 5k."
Tsour Lee Adato is the founder of Pro Photo Studio, a product photography business that started over 5 years ago, servicing high-end commercial clients as well as eCommerce sellers on platforms like Amazon and Etsy.
Steven Duncan
Founder of SvenStudios ($6K/month)
"Startup costs for me as a stickler for digital processes included a huge amount of redundant equipment, such as numerous camera bodies, lenses, computers, etc. I also got into a habit of backing up all files on a sophisticated network of backup equipment... Today I sport around $20,000 worth of equipment when I travel to each wedding I go to while starting my outlay in costs actually saw me making a business loss for the first 3 years while building my business’ reputation."
Steven is the founder of SvenStudios, a wedding photography business that specializes in capturing unique and genuine moments for couples on their big day.
Enjoyed reading these real world examples?
Our platform is full of case studies of successful mobile photography businesses that you can learn from.
Starting a mobile photography business - what you should know:
Starting a mobile photography business can be both exciting and challenging, with various factors influencing your initial investment and operational costs.
Camera and Equipment Costs
Investing in a high-quality smartphone with a top-tier camera is crucial. Premium smartphones like the iPhone 14 Pro or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra can cost between $1,000 and $1,400. Don't forget additional accessories like lenses, which can cost around $100 to $300 each, and stabilizers or tripods, which range from $50 to $200. Additionally, you'll need a reliable computer for editing, typically ranging from $1,000 to $2,000 for a decent laptop.
Software and Apps
Post-processing and editing are vital in mobile photography. Subscription-based apps like Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop will cost around $10 to $20 per month. There are also one-time purchase options for software, which can range between $50 and $200. Don't overlook specialized apps for mobile photography, such as ProCamera ($8) or VSCO (subscription starts at $20 per year).
Marketing and Branding
Investing in a strong online presence is key. Building a professional website can cost between $200 and $1,000, with hosting fees of about $10 to $20 per month. Marketing your business on social media might require an advertising budget, which can start from as low as $50 per month but can scale upwards depending on your reach and goals. Professional logo design and branding materials might set you back another $100 to $500.
Travel and Operational Costs
As a mobile photographer, travel costs are a significant part of your budget. Local travel expenses can vary, but budgeting around $100 to $200 per month for gas and public transportation is feasible. If you're traveling long distances, airfare, hotel stays, and other travel-related expenses can quickly add up to $500 to $2,000 per trip.
By considering these detailed costs and planning accordingly, you can set a realistic budget and make informed decisions as you embark on your mobile photography business venture.
Potential Costs of Starting a Mobile Photography Business
Starting a mobile photography business involves various expenses, ranging from equipment and software to marketing and insurance. Below, we break down the potential costs you might incur.
| Category | Item/Description | Estimated Cost ($) |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | Camera (DSLR/Mirrorless) | $500 - $3,000 |
| Lenses (various focal lengths) | $300 - $2,000 per lens | |
| Tripod | $50 - $300 | |
| Camera Bag | $50 - $200 | |
| Memory Cards | $20 - $100 | |
| External Flash | $100 - $500 | |
| Light Reflectors | $50 - $150 | |
| Portable Lighting Kit | $100 - $600 | |
| Mobile Studio Backdrop | $100 - $300 | |
| Software | Photo Editing Software (Adobe Suite, etc.) | $10 - $50 per month |
| Online Presence | Domain Name Registration | $10 - $20 per year |
| Website Hosting | $3 - $30 per month | |
| Website Design | $500 - $2,000 (one-time) | |
| Marketing | Social Media Advertising | $100 - $500 per month |
| Business Cards | $20 - $100 | |
| Print Advertising | $100 - $1,000 | |
| Operational Costs | Insurance (Liability, Equipment) | $200 - $1,000 per year |
| Business License/Permits | $50 - $400 | |
| Travel Expenses (Gas, Public Transport) | $50 - $300 per month | |
| Labor | Self-Labor (Time Investment) | Variable (depends on hourly rate or salary expectations) |
| Assistant/Second Shooter | $15 - $50 per hour | |
| Professional Services (Accounting, Legal) | $100 - $500 per service | |
| Miscellaneous | Miscellaneous Supplies (Batteries, Cleaning Kits) | $50 - $200 |
| Client Meeting Costs (Cafes, Restaurants) | $10 - $50 per meeting |
This table outlines a comprehensive list of potential costs to consider when starting your mobile photography business, giving you a clear picture of what to budget for to ensure a smooth launch.
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Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
