Start a Photography Business on a Budget: What to Skip

Starting a photography business can feel overwhelming. Everyone is telling you that you need this and this and this. A new camera. A studio. A fancy website. Five different apps.

The truth is, starting is a lot simpler than you think. Photography is not as expensive to set up as it looks.

Gear: you need less than you think

You don't need the newest camera. You don't need a bag full of lenses.

Start with one lens. A 50mm is a great place to begin because it is light, simple and gives you beautiful, natural-looking photos.

And don't buy everything new. The second-hand market is full of good cameras and lenses that other photographers no longer use. Check online marketplaces first. You can save hundreds and put that money towards something else, like practice shoots.

Subscriptions: keep it simple

It's easy to sign up for five tools that all do the same job. You only need a few.

Pixieset is where you send and host your photos for your clients. You can start for free, so you don't need to pay until you grow.

Lightroom Classic is where you edit your photos. One editing program is enough.

Gmail is all you need for your business email at the start. A custom email can wait.

Invoicing: use something simple

You don't need an expensive invoicing system on day one. Create PayPal buttons or payment links and put them in your emails. Your client clicks, pays, and you're done. When you are busy enough that it feels clunky, you can upgrade.

Courses, mentors and masterclasses: pick one

This is where many new photographers spend the most money, and it is also where you can save the most.

Skip buying everything. Pick one thing, finish it, and use it.

Free resources and one affordable, skill-based course go a long way. YouTube is full of free lessons. And this podcast is free too, so you can learn from us every week without spending a cent.

If you only buy one thing, make it posing. The Ultimate Posing Course is $27, less than a lunch out, and it's the one skill that will help you on every single shoot.

Marketing: stick with one platform

You don't need to be on every platform. Pick one, whether that is Instagram or TikTok, and show up there consistently. Trying to do everything is how you burn out.

Also, use free SEO. Set up your Google Business profile, write helpful blog posts, and use clear words on your website so women in your area can find you. It costs nothing but your time.

What to do next

Before you buy anything, ask yourself: will this help me get my first client, or my next one? If the answer is no, it can wait.

You got this, I believe in you <3