Due to the effect of Covid-19 across many cities, it has become very difficult for many photographers to continue their services.

Many people also don't choose to go inside photography studios to prevent socialization with the crowd of strangers. Safety measures have been taken to effect ever since the pandemic spread out. 

Many photographers, new and experienced, start to consider having their studios and business at home. They tend to keep the service running with the same quality of service but with the safety of their clients. But what does it take to start your own photography business at home? 

In this article, you will get a complete guide to starting your photography business at home step by step. You will get an essential equipment list of setting up a professional photography studio and a 4- step tutorial about how to start and your photography business at home. 

12 Essential Equipment You Need to Set up a Home-Based Photography Studio

Cameras. No photographer can make the picture-perfect image without his trustee sidekick. The Camera is the major piece of equipment a photographer must-have. There are certain factors that you need to consider in buying the perfect Camera for your service. Do your research on the best equipment in the market and decide on what you need to have. 

Tripod. The Tripod is used as a stand for the Camera in case you cannot hold it in place and so that it can't make uncertain movements that can compromise the quality of the image. 

The Camera Bag is used to protect and prevent your Camera from being broken or lost; you need to put it on a safety bag that is made specifically for a very sensitive object as a camera. 

Lighting. Lights and reflectors are always essential for a professional photography studio. There are different kinds of lighting like ring lights and ground lights that have their specific use. 

Lenses. Investing in the right lenses for studio photography is necessary. This can help your output be better and improved. Different Lenses are specifically used in different angles and shots. 

Photography Backdrops. Since you will be starting a home photography business, you need to consider buying good photography backdrops that can be used to enhance the creativity and quality of the output. This can also be a good help in your studio photography. Read more to know How to Choose The Right Photography Backdrops? 

Props. This can be a good aid if ever there would be a request for themed portraits and creative shots. 

An Online Platform. This can help you be recognized by different people in the internet world, thus making it a promotion for your business. 

Online Payment App. For a home-based studio photography business, you need an online payment app so that it will be easier for you and your client to have a business transaction. 

License to Operate. This is to be recognized by the business world and the photography industry, and for legal purposes, you need to apply for a business license. This can help you if ever you were to have any legal problems in the future. 

Client to Service Provider Contract. Having a contract with your client will have a formal transaction and can be a great help for legal purposes if ever there will be a misunderstanding. You must put your rules and all there is to be spoken about between your business brand and your clients. 

Photo Printer. Invest in having the best printer for the best quality photos. This can be an advantage for your business venture because clients may see the high quality of your work and output. 

These are the basic equipment that you need to set up a professional photography studio at home. These are the ones that you need to invest in so that you can bring quality service and good outputs not only with physical images but also images that could be uploaded and posted online. 

Keep in mind that you don’t have to buy all of your own equipment. You can rent it instead. For example, if you live in the UK, you could rent out a photography studio in London that will supply all the equipment you need. The space will also be bigger, giving you more to work with. 

4 Steps to Start Your Photography Business at Home

Step One: Planning 

Create a checklist of all the things that you need to consider, like the studio place, printing space and method, promotions, offers, and other important factors in building a small company. Make a list of the Pros and Cons of having your own Home Photography business. 

Here is an example of the PROs and CONs of having this kind of service: 

PROs: 

• Money and Passion. Making good money from doing what you love is a good thing for it does not only caters to your desires but also provides for you and your family's needs.

• Creativity. This can boost your imagination and creativity, for you are making art and sharing it with other people.

• New people. With this kind of business, you can meet new neighbors and person that can help you in spreading the word about your works and services.

• Flexibility. You have control of your time and resources now that you are in your home. You can also have your family members help you with your home photography business. This can help you prioritize taking care of your family and making money at the same time. Work from home jobs is one of the best ways to spend time with your family.

CONs: 

• Expensive Investment. Since you have to buy all the needed equipment, this may cost more. Please makes sure that you can spend a big amount of money in doing so and have to work hard for your return on investment.

• Working Hours. Though it is flexible, there will be times that it can cause you to procrastinate at work. Having a fixed working hour can help you be motivated in work. Plus, you can insert some social bonding with your family and friends if you know your schedules and calendar of work.

• Income. Since you are just starting, you must be ready for inconsistency in income. There will be times that no client may book for your service. You have to think of another creative and possible way to bring people to your business.

Step Two: Purchasing 

Once you have decided to pursue the home photography business and list down all the equipment that you need, you have to start buying and investing; You can start by buying what is needed the most, the cameras, lighting and the printer, or whatever you think is important for your home photography business.

Find the most trusted place and brand that you can find in the market. You can even ask the help of your friends that are into photography to assist you. 

Step Three: Portfolio 

Making your portfolio is a way to introduce yourself to the community. You can start by taking beautiful and artistic pictures of almost anything, from things to people; you can make it as diverse as you want to. This can help people see your unique craft and imaginative thinking when it comes to taking pictures. 

Step Four: Marketing 

This is the last and most complex step. Now that you have your equipment and portfolio, you must know how to market yourself to the community. Promoting and Marketing might be very difficult, especially now that people might get the more needed things than those that are not necessary. Try and find groups that could help you out and find different clients for their occasions and needs. You can also use the help of social media by posting your work now and then.

When running a home-based photography business, managing your finances meticulously is crucial. From tracking your income to understanding your expenses, every detail counts. Utilizing tools like paystub creator, a reliable paystub generator, can streamline how you document your earnings, helping ensure accuracy for tax purposes and business evaluations. Efficient financial management supports not only regulatory compliance but also provides clear insights into your business’s financial health.

You may use to work independently, but now it seems that the Covid -19 has made photographers more connected than ever before. Photographers can work as an industry. Whatever you are facing, you are not alone.

This article intends to help you set up a professional photography studio at home and start your photography business at home step by step during Covid -19. Take this opportunity to learn, improve, and find new opportunities.

To know more tips & tutorials to improve your photography, please read: 101 Essential Tips for Studio Photography

Author Bio:

Katebackdrop is not only a photography backdrop store but also a photography content website as well. Katebackdrop Blog offers photography articles, videos across all genres, including photography tutorials, DIY ideas, reviews, buying guides, etc. Here you can always find what you need.