If you love taking photos — and people always tell you, “You’ve got an eye for this!” — then friend, it might be time to turn your passion into a business.
You don’t need a full studio or a decade of experience to get started. You just need a little plan, some confidence, and the courage to put your work out there.
Whether you’re into portraits, brand shoots, events, or content photography, this post will walk you through how to start your freelance photography business and begin making extra money online — even if you’re starting small.
Heads up: This post includes affiliate links — I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend tools I love and personally use!
Step 1: Choose Your Photography Niche (or Style)
You don’t have to box yourself in, but it helps to get clear on the kind of photography you want to offer. This makes marketing your services so much easier.
Here are a few popular niches to consider:
- Brand photography – lifestyle images for entrepreneurs, products, or services
- Portrait photography – headshots, family photos, senior portraits
- Event photography – birthdays, baby showers, weddings
- Content photography – flat lays, product shots, Instagram photos for small biz owners
- Lifestyle & creative shoots – styled photoshoots for artists, musicians, or creators
✨ Start with what you already enjoy shooting, then build from there. The more you share your style, the more aligned clients you’ll attract.
Step 2: Create a Signature Photography Package (or Two)
Make it easy for someone to book you! Even if you’re brand new, a clear package builds trust and gives clients something to say “yes” to.
Example starter packages:
- Mini Shoot – $175 (30 minutes, 15 edited images)
- Full Brand Session – $450 (1.5 hours, 40 edited images, outfit changes)
- Event Coverage – $750 (3 hours, delivery gallery in 7 days)
Include things like:
- Shoot length
- Image delivery timeline
- Number of edited photos
- Travel fees (if applicable)
✨ Once you gain experience, you can raise your rates and create custom packages — but for now, clarity is key.
Step 3: DIY a Simple, Professional Brand Kit
You don’t need to wait for the “perfect” logo or hire a designer. A DIY brand kit can help you look polished and consistent — which does make a difference when people are choosing between photographers.
Here’s what you’ll want:
- Your name or business name (e.g., “Alex Rivera Photography”)
- A logo or type-based wordmark (use Canva!)
- 2–3 brand colors
- 2 brand fonts (one bold, one clean)
- A clean profile photo of you (preferably one someone else took!)
✨ Your brand style should feel like your photos — warm, moody, modern, soft, colorful — whatever feels true to you.
Step 4: Build a Website or Portfolio Page
Time to show off your work! And no, you don’t need a big fancy website. One scrollable page is all you need to start booking clients.
Use platforms like:
- Hostinger – affordable hosting if you want to use WordPress
- Elementor – drag-and-drop WordPress site builder
- Framer – sleek, scroll-based modern sites with built-in animations
- Pixieset or Notion – perfect for simple portfolios and client galleries
What to include:
- A few of your best photos (don’t overdo it — 10–20 is great)
- A short “About Me” section
- Your services or packages
- A contact form or link to book you
✨ Pro tip: If you’re just starting, offer a few discounted or free shoots to build your portfolio and gather testimonials.
Step 5: Use HoneyBook to Book Clients Like a Pro 📸
You don’t want to be chasing people down in your DMs forever. Set up a simple workflow so clients can book you smoothly.
That’s where HoneyBook comes in. It helps you:
- Collect inquiries
- Send proposals and contracts
- Schedule shoots
- Collect payments (cha-ching 💸)
Even if you’re just starting out, HoneyBook makes you look established and trustworthy — and gives your clients peace of mind.
Step 6: Start Sharing and Reaching Out (AKA Put Yourself Out There!)
Let people know you’re available! This is the part that feels the scariest — but it’s also the most important.
Here’s how to get the word out:
- Post your services on Instagram (Reels, carousels, or even a behind-the-scenes story)
- Share a “Now Booking” post with your availability
- DM local small business owners or creators and offer a brand shoot
- Post in local Facebook groups (e.g. “Looking for a local photographer?” threads)
- Ask past clients or friends to refer you or tag you in relevant posts
✨ You only need one shoot to get started. One shoot turns into a testimonial, a referral, more content — and momentum.
What You’ll Need to Launch
✔️ A niche or style of photography
✔️ 1–2 starter packages with clear pricing
✔️ A basic brand kit + logo
✔️ A one-page website or portfolio
✔️ A system to book and manage clients (HoneyBook FTW)
✔️ A little bravery to start posting and reaching out
My Favorite Tools for New Photographers
- 🖥️ Hostinger – reliable and budget-friendly web hosting
- 🎨 Elementor – WordPress website builder for non-techies
- 💼 HoneyBook – contracts, payments, proposals, and more
- 📷 Canva – to design your logo, price sheet, and IG templates
Affiliate disclosure: Some links above are affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them — at no cost to you. I only recommend what I actually use and trust!
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need to Wait
You don’t need to be “established.” You don’t need to go viral. You don’t need to wait for everything to be perfect.
You just need to start.
Offer one shoot. Share one story. Build one page. You’ll be surprised how fast things grow once you begin.
I believe in your eye, your energy, and your ability to turn this into something real.
Want More Tips Like This?
I’m always sharing helpful tools, ideas, and behind-the-scenes tips for creative entrepreneurs — especially if you’re just getting started.
✨ Come hang out with me over on Instagram for:
- Bite-sized business advice
- Brand kit inspo
- Website and portfolio tips
- Encouragement (because we all need it)
Tag me if you’re launching your photography biz — I’d love to follow along and cheer you on 📸💛
