20+ Photography Business Ideas Guaranteed To Make You Quick Money (2024)
Looking to start a mobile photography business but not quite sure what to start?
The good news is, there are so many opportunities to become an entrepreneur and build an innovative product/service in this line of work.
If you're looking to start your own mobile photography business, there are several low-capital options you can choose from.
We put a list together below of the most profitable mobile photography business ideas you can start today!
Here they are:
1. Start a film production company
A film production company is responsible for producing video content for social media, corporate promotions, television programs, commercials,s or other media-related fields. Ideally, the responsibilities of a video production company include scripting, location scouting, and also logistics to ensure a successful film.
Starting a film production company can be a daunting task. However, you can set up your business for success with proper guidance. Here are important steps for creating a video production company:
- Determine the company niche
- Choose a suitable company name
- Draft a solid business plan
- Hire an advocate to lead all legal matters of starting a company
- Fund your business
- Acquire video production equipment and skills
- Create a website and market your film production company
If you are starting a video production company from scratch, consider creating some proof-of-concept projects so you can market the business. Alternatively, you may buy a franchise or an existing business.
How much you can make: $5,000 — $1,500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 65 days (?)
Lemonlight CEO, Hope Horner, co-founded an on-demand video production company that has produced over 7,000 videos for more than 3,000 brands, generating over $6 million in sales and growing to a 45-person team, all without taking any outside capital and being recognized in Inc 5000 and Entrepreneur 360 for three years in a row.
2. Start an online video editing business
Video editors manage camera footage, dialogue, sound effects, graphics, and special effects to produce the final film or video product. To become an online video editor, you must have media production and communication knowledge and the ability to work with others.
To start a video editing business, you can outsource video editing skills from an experienced professional. Your role will be to pick video footage from the customers and upload them for the video editor to do the magic.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $100,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
VEED.IO, a London-based start-up co-founded by Sabba and her partner, offers a simple online video editing platform using batch job cloud architecture to help social media managers across the world auto subtitle, filter, rotate videos and much more, earning the company $5,300 MRR and the founders Ramen profitability within just a year of starting.
3. Start a podcast
The podcast business involves creating and producing audio content that people can listen to online.
It’s a popular form of entertainment and information-sharing.
To start a podcast business on a budget, you'll need a few key steps.
First, choose a niche or topic that you're passionate about and that has an audience.
Next, get basic recording equipment like a microphone and headphones.
Then, find a free or affordable hosting platform to publish your episodes.
Finally, promote your podcast through social media, online communities, and word of mouth to build an audience and potentially attract sponsors or advertisers.
How much you can make: $400 — $1,020,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 2 hours/week
A successful podcast production company that grew from one client making $15/hour to a team of 10 contractors producing over 30 shows per week with revenue of over $10k/mo, primarily through referrals and with a focus on providing high personal touch and being picky about working only with clients who are a good fit.
4. Start a photo sharing platform
Sharing memories through photos is a timeless human activity. Launching a photo sharing platform can make this easier and more dynamic for everyone.
In essence, a photo sharing platform allows users to upload, organize, and share their photos with friends, family, or a broader audience. It integrates social features, such as likes and comments, to create a community of engaged users.
With smartphones improving their camera quality, people are generating more photos than ever, providing a ready market for such a platform. Initially, you'd focus on building a robust, user-friendly app, and implementing scalable storage solutions.
A photo sharing platform not only taps into the pervasive demand but also presents opportunities for future revenue streams through premium features, advertisements, or partnerships. If you're keen on blending technology, creativity, and community-building, this business idea could be a compelling venture.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $4,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Photobooth Supply Co. offers a profitable business opportunity through their sleek and portable photo booths, with up to 97% satisfaction rate and a focus on customer experience, in a fast-growing event industry where photo booths are exploding.
5. Start a screen printing business
Creating a screen printing business is a blend of creativity and craftsmanship. At its core, screen printing involves transferring designs onto various surfaces, typically textiles like t-shirts and hoodies. This is done using a mesh screen, ink, and a squeegee.
This business idea is appealing for those who have a flair for design and a knack for hands-on projects. You can cater to a wide array of clients— from local businesses needing branded merchandise to individuals wanting custom apparel for events.
To start, you’ll need some basic equipment and materials, but the initial investment is relatively low compared to many other manufacturing businesses. Once you master the techniques, the potential for growth is substantial. There is always a demand for personalized, high-quality printed products, making screen printing a lucrative and fulfilling venture.
How much you can make: $8,000 — $80,000/month
How long does it take to build: 205 days (?)
This case study features an entrepreneur who started a screen printing company with no financing or investors, and despite struggling for the first few years, was able to grow his business to hit $80,000 in revenue in October 2018 and is set to hit $1 million by the end of 2019.
6. Create an online course
An online course business involves creating and selling digital classes teaching specialized skills or knowledge to subscribed students.
As an entrepreneurial course creator, you identify educational gaps around topics you have expertise in and develop engaging video lessons and supplementary materials.
With flexibility around self-paced or cohort-based structures, building a student base provides passive income potential.
For founders who enjoy information-sharing, launching an online course platform presents a lucrative way to monetize your instructional talents with small startup costs by serving eager lifelong learners seeking convenient access to emerging subjects.
How much you can make: $275 — $1,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 88 days (?)
Learn how one couple created a successful personal finance blog, The Savvy Couple, that now makes over $20,000 per month and has sold thousands of digital workbooks and courses, by focusing on purposeful content and optimizing their ROI with efficient time management.
7. Start a pet portrait business
Are you an artist looking for a profitable business you can start from home? If yes, consider starting a pet portraits business. You can focus on pet photography, drawings, personalized dog paintings, or cat portraits and start earning extra cash doing what you love.
How much you can make: $1,200 — $10,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $611 (?)
How long does it take to build: 15 days (?)
J.B. Shepard, a Baltimore-based mixed media artist, discusses how he turned his passion for dog photography into a successful pet photography studio, with typical commissions coming in at anywhere between $2.5k and $5k and their highest value single order tapping out at just under $12k.
8. Start a photo booth business
A photo booth business involves providing a portable and automated photography setup that allows individuals to take fun and creative pictures at events or venues.
This business is becoming more popular for various occasions like weddings, parties, and corporate events, providing a unique and entertaining experience for guests.
To start a photo booth business, you need to invest in quality equipment, create a user-friendly website to showcase your services and market your business to event planners and individuals hosting celebrations.
How much you can make: $50,001 — $500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $6,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 37 days (?)
This case study follows the journey of an Indian first-generation entrepreneur who built Studio 31, a profitable and award-winning wedding photography and film company capturing over 350 weddings annually, with a unique focus on customer experience and organic marketing, serving more than 90% NRI clients and generating an annual revenue of about a million dollars.
9. Start an explainer video business
An explainer video is a short online marketing video used to explain a company's product or service. Marketers place the explainer videos on the website landing page or product pages to illustrate how the product or service works to their target audience.
Different types of explainer videos include:
- Live-action explainer videos
- Live streams on social media
- Animated explainer videos
- Whiteboard explainer videos
To create an explainer video, you need a video script and voiceover. You can use an explainer video editing software to add characters, music, and sound effects to the explainer video.
How much you can make: $2,500 — $180,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
Italian entrepreneur Marco Gatti shares how he started Whiteboard.ee, a video marketing company that creates personalized animated videos, with a focus on doodle whiteboard animation, and currently invoices about $10,000 per month, having recently expanded internationally.
10. Start an aerial imagery business
The sky's the limit with an aerial imagery business. This venture involves using drones or aircraft to capture high-quality images and videos from above.
From real estate to agriculture and construction, a range of industries demand aerial views for various purposes such as planning, marketing, and monitoring projects. The core of your business would be to offer these imaging services on a contractual basis. You'll need to invest in reliable drone technology and perhaps even get certified, depending on regional regulations.
This business stands out because of its niche market and evolving technological advancements. As industries continue to seek more dynamic ways to manage and visualize their operations, your ability to provide superior aerial imagery could be highly lucrative. Interested in capturing a bird's-eye view and turning it into a profitable endeavor? This might be the business idea you’re looking for.
How much you can make: $1,000,000/month
TerrAvion delivers subscription imagery overnight throughout the growing season, having been founded in 2013 by Robert Morris and Cornell Wright, with flights taking place every day of the year capture image data and allowing their customers to have a real up-to-date picture of their fields.
11. Start a photo printing business
Are you keen on preserving moments and keen on business? Here's an idea for you: a photo printing service. This business centers around printing digital images onto physical mediums - think high-quality paper photos, canvas prints, or personalized photo gifts.
In today's digital age, there's a certain charm to physical photographs, creating a tangible memory people can hold on to. You'll be offering customers a nostalgia-inducing service, bringing their shots to life and enabling them to cherish these moments eternally. Strategizing your business for both online and physical interactions will expand your reach to photo enthusiasts far and near.
Entering the photo printing business might also tap into your creative side, allowing you to experiment with different materials and styles. With the right marketing approach and high-quality service, this business idea could be a profitable venture that allows you to combine passion with profit.
How much you can make: $400 — $1,500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $150 (?)
How long does it take to build: 62 days (?)
CanvasChamp, a custom photo products company founded in 2012, has grown to offer 60+ personalized photo gift products with revenue of 1.5m$+/mo through SEO and successful digital marketing strategies.
12. Become a real estate photographer
A real estate Photographer is responsible for taking photos of properties. These photos are used by buyers, sellers, and real estate agents to market and sell properties.
As a real estate photographer, you'll need to have an eye for detail and be able to take quality photos. You'll also need to be familiar with the latest editing software so that you can make your photos look their best.
The average salary for a real estate photographer is $53,633. Salaries can vary based on experience and location to as much at 60K with the high end earners making over 150k per year!
This real estate business trend is a great way to make money if you're creative and have a good eye for composition. With the different abilities, there is a need for quality photos of properties. If you have the skills and experience, starting your own photography business can be a great way to make money in the real estate industry.
You can use your photography skills to generate income through advertising and affiliate marketing. Or, you could use them to build a client base and eventually start your own real estate photography business.
How much you can make: $7,000 — $220,000/month
How long does it take to build: 68 days (?)
London-based entrepreneur goes from jobless to making £100,000 a year by starting two successful businesses: photography/videography company L.F Media and flooring selling/fitting company L.F Flooring, despite losing everything due to the pandemic.
13. Start a baby photography business
Baby photography is a business idea that involves taking pictures of babies, usually under the age of two. This type of photography is often in high demand as parents want to capture and document the early stages of their child’s life.
To run a successful baby photography business, it is important to have a strong understanding of lighting and composition. Having a patient and calm demeanor is also helpful, as babies can be unpredictable and may require extra time and effort to get the perfect shot.
One tip for running a successful baby photography business is to offer a variety of packages to meet the needs and budgets of different clients. This could include options for digital files, prints, or albums. It is also a good idea to offer a mix of posed and candid shots, as well as indoor and outdoor settings, to give clients various options.
In addition to taking pictures, a baby photography business may offer services such as photo editing, retouching, framing, and printing. Staying up-to-date with the latest photography equipment and editing software can help ensure that the business provides high-quality products and services to clients.
It is also essential to have a strong online presence to market the business and reach potential clients. This can include maintaining a website, having an active social media presence, and networking with local businesses and organizations.
Overall, a baby photography business can be a rewarding and lucrative opportunity for photographers who are passionate about capturing childhood's beauty and innocence.
How much you can make: $10,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)
Sophie Crew Photography, a newborn photography business in San Diego, was started by a former high-school French teacher in 2009, and has developed a strong brand reputation over 14 years through high-quality photography, SEO optimization and word-of-mouth marketing.
14. Become a travel photographer
Are you a talented creative with an ever-enduring sense of wanderlust and looking for a business to support your travel expenses? Becoming a travel photographer can be a great business opportunity!
Travel photographers focus on documenting places, animals, and sceneries on their photojournalist websites or library and selling to different clients.
For instance, you could get your photo on a national geographic cover or sell it as print art at local museums or galleries.
How much you can make: $2,300 — $2,100,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Wandering Aunt founder Robin Finney shares her journey of starting a sustainable travel business, including her decision to leave her corporate marketing job of 11 years, using a simple website and free tools like Mailchimp to grow her email list and attract customers, and the importance of investing in a coaching program for support.
15. Become a wedding photographer
Wedding photography is a highly sought-after service that involves capturing the special moments and memories of a couple’s big day. As a wedding photographer, you will be responsible for capturing the emotions and beauty of the wedding ceremony and reception through your camera's lens.
To start a successful wedding photography business, you must have a strong eye for detail, excellent customer service skills, and a passion for photography. You will also need to invest in high-quality camera equipment and editing software to produce professional-grade images.
In addition to having technical skills, it is important to have a strong marketing strategy to reach potential clients. This can include creating a professional website, utilizing social media, and networking with wedding coordinators and venues.
According to a recent survey, the average cost of a wedding photographer in the United States is $2,500. With the wedding industry expected to generate over $72 billion in revenue in 2021, there is a significant demand for wedding photographers.
To succeed in this business, having a strong portfolio and continuously improving your skills through education and training is essential. By offering top-notch service and beautiful images, you can establish a successful wedding photography business that captures the special moments of couples’ big day.
How much you can make: $1,200 — $14,000/month
How long does it take to build: 360 days (?)
This case study is about a wedding photographer in Australia who earns over six figures annually by keeping things simple, offering transparent pricing, and focusing on online advertising with an effective website and SEO strategy.
16. Start a stock photography business
Stock photography is typically sold on an exclusive basis to one buyer for a single usage fee. Stock photos are often available in different sizes, resolutions, and file formats. Businesses most commonly use stock photos for marketing purposes.
Stock photography is the supply of photographs often licensed for specific uses. Stock photos are the perfect marketing and advertising resource for website owners and bloggers.
You can build an impressive portfolio and earn a passive income by uploading high-quality stock photos.
To start a stock photography business , invest in some good photography gear and learn how to take stock photos. An excellent online presence can help you sell your stock photos faster and at profitable margins.
How much you can make: $1,200 — $45,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Pro Photo Studio founder Tsour Lee Adato shares how she turned a $5k investment into a business that services over 500 clients annually and makes approximately $350k per year with plans to expand and become a 7-figure business while offering advice to fellow entrepreneurs to always be innovating, learning and growing, and not to undervalue themselves.
17. Become a food photographer
Food photography is a growing field in commercial photography, with demand for high-quality food images increasing as more businesses turn to social media and online marketing to promote their products. As a food photographer, you’ll capture mouthwatering images of dishes, drinks, and other food products for marketing, menus, and other promotional materials.
You'll need a few key pieces of equipment to start a successful food photography business. These include a high-quality camera and lenses, lighting equipment, and editing software. You’ll also need a strong portfolio of work to showcase your skills and attract potential clients.
Building a client base is one of the biggest challenges of starting a food photography business. To do this, you’ll need to be proactive in marketing yourself and your services. This can include networking with local businesses, attending industry events, and building a strong online presence through social media and a professional website.
According to a recent survey, the food and beverage industry is one of the top industries using professional photographers, with over 50% of businesses reporting that they use professional photography for marketing and promotional materials. With the right skills and marketing strategies, there is plenty of opportunity for success in the food photography industry.
How much you can make: $11,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 15 days (?)
This case study follows the journey of Sean Audet, who built an award-winning commercial photography studio specializing in food and product photography, growing it from a part-time experiment to a full-time career that brings in around $11,000 a month, emphasizing the importance of taking risks and embracing new opportunities for aspiring founders in building and growing their own business.
18. Become a corporate photographer
The corporate photographer business idea involves providing professional photography services for companies and organizations. This can include taking photos for marketing materials, website updates, events, and other business needs.
To run a successful corporate photography business, having a solid portfolio showcasing your skills and style is essential. Networking with businesses and marketing yourself through social media and local networking events can also help attract potential clients.
It is also essential to have a clear understanding of the specific needs and goals of each client. By taking the time to understand their brand and vision, you can create images that effectively communicate their message and align with their overall marketing strategy.
Additionally, it is essential to have excellent communication and customer service skills. This includes being reliable, meeting deadlines, and being open to feedback and revisions.
Overall, a corporate photographer business can be a rewarding and lucrative venture for those with a passion for photography and a desire to work with businesses to help them achieve their goals through visual storytelling.
How much you can make: $8,300 — $50,001/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 100 days (?)
This case study follows the journey of an Indian first-generation entrepreneur who built Studio 31, a profitable and award-winning wedding photography and film company capturing over 350 weddings annually, with a unique focus on customer experience and organic marketing, serving more than 90% NRI clients and generating an annual revenue of about a million dollars.
19. Start a photography blog
A photography blog business is a platform where photographers can share their work and connect with a community of fellow photographers and photography enthusiasts. The blog can feature various content, including tutorials, behind-the-scenes stories, gear reviews, and interviews with industry professionals.
To run a successful photography blog, it’s essential to provide high-quality content that resonates with your audience consistently. This can be achieved by staying up-to-date with the latest industry trends and techniques and experimenting with different content types to see what resonates with your audience.
Another key to success is building a strong online presence and establishing yourself as an authority in the photography industry. This can be done through social media marketing, guest blogging, and networking with other industry professionals.
It’s also important to monetize your blog through advertising, sponsorships, and offering paid content or services such as ebooks, courses, or one-on-one coaching.
To stand out in a crowded market, consider specializing in a specific niche or style of photography, such as landscape, portrait, or street photography. This can help you build a loyal following and attract opportunities from businesses and brands in your niche.
Overall, a photography blog business is a great way for photographers to share their work, connect with others in the industry, and monetize their passion for photography. With dedication, hard work, and a focus on building a strong online presence, founders can turn their blog into a successful and rewarding businesses.
How much you can make: $1,200 — $27,400/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
A software engineer turned founder started a digital camera review website as a side-hustle which turned into a successful online publication with up to 1.3 million unique monthly visitors, generating around $1,000 per month, attracting visitors through guest posts, focusing on desirable quality content, and through answering popular questions on Stack Exchange, providing helpful advice for other entrepreneurs.
20. Become a documentary photographer
Documentary photographers capture images that portray people, places, and events and offer their audience an accurate visual recording.
To start a documentary photography business, you need a camera, a DSLR, or a regular point-and-shoot device. Proper photo editing skills will help you present quality results to your customers.
How much you can make: $8,300/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 1460 days (?)
From freelance photography to six-figures: This case study shows how a Raleigh-based photographer grew her business through organic Instagram growth to gain new client inquiries almost daily, built brand awareness through publications, and hired a marketing firm.
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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.
