{"id":1111,"date":"2022-04-14T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-04-14T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/articles\/how-to-become-a-photographer\/"},"modified":"2025-05-22T13:16:58","modified_gmt":"2025-05-22T13:16:58","slug":"how-to-become-a-photographer","status":"publish","type":"knowledge","link":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/freelance\/how-to-become-a-photographer\/","title":{"rendered":"How to become a freelance photographer UK"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re a photography enthusiast who wants to start making money from your hobby, this guide runs through how to become a freelance photographer.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We start with the basics. This means that even if you\u2019re not an expert yet, we explain how to become a photographer.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Then you can read about how to make the leap to self-employment, including what you need to think about when setting up your business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-is-being-a-freelance-photographer-your-big-dream\">Is being a freelance photographer your big dream?<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Photography is creative and rewarding, but according to Dr Michael Pritchard writing at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.prospects.ac.uk\/jobs-and-work-experience\/job-sectors\/media-and-internet\/how-to-become-a-professional-photographer\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Prospects<\/a>, the market for professional photography is shrinking. This is perhaps in part because of the fact that lots of people now carry high-quality camera phones everywhere they go.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But there\u2019s still an opportunity for professional photographers to stand out from the crowd with their own distinct style. And more importantly, the most successful freelance photographers build a reputation for completing projects on brief and on time.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s also important that freelancers upskill to meet the demands of the market and win more work. For example, photographers might also be expected to be able to use digital tools like Photoshop and shoot and edit video.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-become-a-photographer-first-steps\">How to become a photographer: first steps<\/h2>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-should-i-specialise-in-a-type-of-photography\">Should I specialise in a type of photography?<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When people search online for a photographer, they\u2019ll often have a particular type in mind. So if you\u2019re starting out, you might want to choose a niche. And if you already have a particular strength, you can focus on marketing that as your niche.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You might want to work for news organisations, or be on location with a fashion house. Maybe you\u2019ll prefer the comfort of a dedicated photography studio. But if you\u2019re not entirely sure where to specialise yet, here are some routes to consider:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">fashion<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">pet <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">portrait<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">press and PR <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">product<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">sports <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">wedding <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">wildlife<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Deciding on a specialist area should help you stand out from the crowd.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-practice-your-skills-to-become-a-photographer\">Practice your skills to become a photographer<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Getting as much experience as possible is important for practical professions like photography. Qualifications can help you train, but getting out there and doing it is key to building your skills, ability, and your portfolio.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You could start by offering to photograph a family member\u2019s wedding, for example. The other option is to speak to experienced photographers about offering your services on a part-time basis, or as an apprentice.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-photographer-qualifications\">Photographer qualifications<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While you don&#8217;t necessarily need them, qualifications can be a great way to boost your confidence and reassure customers that you\u2019ve got what it takes.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to Prospects, degrees can give you a grounding in both photography and business skills. University shows are also often where budding photographers first present their work publicly.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ucas.com\/explore\/subjects\/film-cinematics-and-photography\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">UCAS<\/a> says that universities usually require three A levels ranging from CDD to BBB. Universities may also accept vocational courses, including Level 3\/Level 6 qualifications (like the Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma, or an SCQF Level 6).<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The content of photography courses can vary, so make sure you choose one that suits the area you want to specialise in.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-much-does-it-cost-to-become-a-photographer\">How much does it cost to become a photographer?<\/h3>\n\n<div id=\"nba-body-001\">\n<\/div>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Being a freelance photographer can be expensive with a high initial investment. The cost will depend on what type of photographer you want to be and whether you\u2019ll be based from home or rented premises.<\/p>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-photography-equipment\">Photography equipment<\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cameras, lenses, flash guns, tripods. The cost of equipment adds up, especially when you throw specialist software (like Adobe Photoshop) and other hardware (like SD cards) into the mix. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/startups.co.uk\/guides\/how-to-start-a-photography-business\/#link-calculate-your-photography-business-costs\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Startups.co.uk<\/a> has a useful breakdown of costs:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><strong>cameras <\/strong>can cost between <strong>\u00a31,500<\/strong> and <strong>\u00a37,000<\/strong> and you should examine the specification carefully, from megapixel count to ISO range<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><strong>lenses<\/strong> can cost between <strong>\u00a320<\/strong> and <strong>\u00a316,500 <\/strong>and you might want to have a variety of lenses for different functions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><strong>tripods<\/strong> can cost between <strong>\u00a3100<\/strong> and <strong>\u00a3500<\/strong> and it\u2019s important to consider the tripods height, weight and stability<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><strong>lighting kits<\/strong> can cost between <strong>\u00a3150<\/strong> and <strong>\u00a32,000<\/strong> and <strong>external flashes<\/strong> can cost between <strong>\u00a320<\/strong> and <strong>\u00a3500<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-renting-a-photography-studio\">Renting a photography studio<\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If it\u2019s a studio you need, renting a shop may be an option. While you should take the cost into consideration, it\u2019s one way to get your business noticed through <a href=\"\/knowledge\/retail\/how-to-increase-footfall-in-a-retail-store-or-local-shop\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1000\" >footfall<\/a>. It can also act as your office.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But you can also <a href=\"\/knowledge\/starting-out\/running-a-business-from-home\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1506\" >work from home<\/a>. And if you do need a studio for a project, you can often hire them by the hour.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Converting your garage into a photography studio could be another option.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-much-does-a-photographer-make-a-year\">How much does a photographer make a year?<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our data shows that the photographers we insure earned an average <a href=\"\/knowledge\/business-tax\/what-is-business-turnover\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1577\" >turnover<\/a> of:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">\u00a332,404 in 2021<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">\u00a333,233 in 2020<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">\u00a331,934 in 2019<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/nationalcareers.service.gov.uk\/job-profiles\/photographer\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">National Careers Service<\/a> says that employed photographers have an average salary of between \u00a317,250 (for new starters) and \u00a345,000 (for experienced photographers).<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Freelance photographers will usually charge day rates. According to <a href=\"http:\/\/www.londonfreelance.org\/feesguide\/index.php?language=en&amp;country=UK&amp;section=Photography&amp;subsect=Day\/base+rates&amp;page=Advice\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">londonfreelance.org<\/a>, these should start at \u00a3400 a day. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It can be a good idea to research what other photographers in your location (and specialism) are charging for their services, too.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As a freelancer, the amount you charge should take into account the fact that you don\u2019t get holiday pay, sick pay, or automatic pension contributions. It\u2019s important to sit down and work out how much you\u2019ll need to earn to make a living. Our free templates can help:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/knowledge\/income\/how-to-budget-calculator-and-guide-for-the-self-employed\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"956\" >How to budget and a budget sheet template<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/knowledge\/cash-flow\/what-is-a-cash-flow-forecast\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"972\" >Cash flow forecast<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-write-down-your-plans-and-goals\">Write down your plans and goals<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s tempting to dive right in when starting a new business, but being clear on your aims and how you\u2019re going to reach them is a vital part of the process.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A business plan helps you answer questions and break down what you need to do to set up, launch, and grow your business.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Download your free <a href=\"\/knowledge\/strategy\/how-to-write-a-business-plan\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1199\" >business plan template<\/a> and read about the general <a href=\"\/knowledge\/starting-out\/how-to-start-a-business\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1444\" >steps to take when starting a business<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-choosing-a-structure-for-your-freelance-photographer-business\">Choosing a structure for your freelance photographer business<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You should think about the legal structure of your business before you begin trading, as there are <a href=\"\/knowledge\/starting-out\/sole-trader-vs-limited-company\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1532\" >differences between sole traders and limited companies<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The route you choose will likely depend on your personal situation and the type of clients you work with, so research your options thoroughly.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Don\u2019t forget to <a href=\"\/knowledge\/business-structure\/register-as-self-employed\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1501\" >register your business with HMRC<\/a> so you can pay your taxes and avoid being stung with a penalty. Keep in mind that sole traders and limited companies have different obligations when it comes to taxes. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Read more about <a href=\"\/knowledge\/business-tax\/self-employed-tax-changes\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1514\" >how to do a Self Assessment<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-insurance-for-freelance-photographers\">Insurance for freelance photographers<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Accidents and mistakes can happen, so make sure you think about insurance. Here at Simply Business, we offer <a href=\"\/business-insurance\/photographers-insurance\/\">photography insurance <\/a>that lets you build your own tailored policy. Read more about the different covers:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/business-insurance\/professional-indemnity-insurance\/\">professional indemnity insurance<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/business-insurance\/public-liability-insurance\/\">public liability insurance<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/business-insurance\/business-equipment-insurance\/\">business equipment insurance<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-marketing-as-a-freelance-photographer\">Marketing as a freelance photographer<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When it comes to winning business, your customers are going to be most interested in your natural creative flair and technical ability. They\u2019ll be able to tell whether they like your work or not by looking at your portfolio, which is the freelance photographer\u2019s shop window.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Local press is a great way to advertise your services, especially if you want to focus on weddings, portraits, or pets. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It might cost a bit to begin with, but as word-of-mouth trade grows, you should see your advertising spend shrink.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Read more about <a href=\"\/knowledge\/marketing\/how-to-advertise-your-business\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1410\" >advertising your small business<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-promote-your-photography-online\">Promote your photography online<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To market yourself effectively, get a clean and simple website and make sure you only show your best work. In a competitive marketplace you don\u2019t want to give potential customers any reason to click away from your site and on to the next photographer. Check out our top tips on <a href=\"\/knowledge\/starting-out\/how-to-create-a-business-website\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1424\" >building a website for your business<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And never underestimate the power of social media (but be sure to manage your time properly). Make sure you choose the most relevant platforms for your business. Think about <a href=\"\/knowledge\/retail\/how-to-sell-on-instagram-uk\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"942\" >Instagram<\/a> and Pinterest to show your photos in the best light.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-join-a-professional-association\">Join a professional association<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To stay ahead of everything happening in your industry, it\u2019s a good idea to join a professional association like the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.the-aop.org\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Association of Photographers<\/a> or the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bipp.com\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">British Institute of Professional Photography<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-other-skills-do-you-need-to-be-a-freelance-photographer\">What other skills do you need to be a freelance photographer?<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Finally, don\u2019t overlook the soft skills you\u2019ll need. If you choose to work with kids or animals, patience and warmth will be important traits to get across to your customers.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Similarly, with special occasions like weddings, emotions can run high. So keeping a cool head and offering a reassuring smile while your clients are celebrating will be essential.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-small-business-guides-and-resources\">Small business guides and resources<\/h3>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/business-name-generator\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"6\" >Business Name Generator<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/knowledge\/freelance\/what-is-freelance-work\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1412\" >A guide on how to become a freelancer in the UK<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/knowledge\/freelance\/how-to-become-a-freelance-graphic-designer\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"902\" >A guide to becoming a freelance graphic designer<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/business-insurance\/faq\/do-i-need-business-insurance\/\">Why do I need business insurance?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How are you getting on with setting up your photography business? Let us know in the comments below.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-azure-200-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-94e519ba wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"h-looking-for-tailored-photography-insurance\">Looking for tailored photography insurance?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">We offer <a href=\"\/business-insurance\/photographers-insurance\/\">photography insurance<\/a>, letting you build a quote that features the covers you need, from public liability insurance to professional indemnity insurance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-a89b3969 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/quote.simplybusiness.co.uk\/business\">Start your quote<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Rawpixel.com\/stock.adobe.com<\/em><\/p>\n\n<div id=\"nba-body-end\">\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Wondering how to become a photographer but don\u2019t know where to start? We explain how, from training and qualifications to going self-employed. Read more.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":26267,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"sb_hreflang":"","sb_hreflang_url":"","disable_breadcrumbs":false,"sb_breadcrumbs":[],"sb_reviewed_by":"","sb_review_date":"","sb_enable_content_gating":true,"footnotes":""},"categories":[336,335,111,110],"hidden-category":[],"coauthors":[26],"class_list":["post-1111","knowledge","type-knowledge","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-business-structure","category-freelance","category-marketing","category-business-news"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.2 (Yoast SEO v27.2) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How to become a photographer and start your own business<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Wondering how to become a photographer but don\u2019t know where to start? We explain how, from training and qualifications to going self-employed. 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