How To Become A Work-From-Home Photographer

You want to start your photo business. However, you don't have money for a studio. Don't worry. I'll teach you how to become a successful work-from-home photographer!

Work From Home Photography

There's a another term to use when referring to yourself as a work-from-home photographer. That word is "photographer." In fact, a great number of photographers work from home. However, they don't draw attention to it.

Of course, you can work-from-home taking photos in your house. This requires a few things we'll get into below.

However, you can also do all your work on location. We'll get into that below too. First, let's address who works from home as photographers.

Who works from home as a photographer

Once again, a lot of photographers work-from-home. In fact, if you are a stay-at-home mom who loves photography this might be the opportunity you're dreaming of. Of course, it's a lot easier if your kids are school aged. Then, you can schedule things when they're in school.

That said, working from home as a photographer isn't just for stay-at-home moms. You can do it as a side gig no matter what else you do. For example, you're retired but love photography. Then you can be a work-from-home photographer too.

Now you Know what type of people do work-from-home photography. So, let's talk about how to do it without a photography studio.

On Location Photographers

No matter the type of photography you do, chances are good that you can do it on-location. In fact, nearly all photography can be done on location. Of course, you'll need to make sure that your client is on board.

Types of on location photography

As I said above, you can do nearly all types of photography on location. That said, here are some ideas of what you can do as a work-from-home photographer:

1. Family Portraits, Seniors, and Babies
2. Headshots
3. Wedding and Event Photography
4. Advertising and Marketing Photography
5. Pet Photography

On Location Family Portraits

Family portrait photographers often work-from home. You can specialize in senior photos, newborns, or any type of family portrait photography you'd like.

Often, family photographers meet clients in parks or other locations. In addition, they typically hold meetings with clients in coffee shops. So, if you're interested in becoming a family portrait photographer then don't let not having a studio hold you back.

Headshot Photographers

Headshot photography might seem to require a professional studio. However, you can create professional headshots without one.

In fact, offering on-location headshots at your clients office even allows you to charge more. If you factor in your savings by not renting a studio you can make a nice living doing headshots as a stay-at-home photographer.

Wedding and Event Photographers

Wedding photographers are notorious for working from home. In fact, I can count on one hand the number of Pittsburgh wedding photographers I know who also own studios.

Additionally, other types of event photography require you to work on-location. Therefore, you shouldn't need a studio to do wedding or event photography.

Advertising and Marketing Photographers

Commercial photographers who do advertising and marketing photography often do have studios. However, if this is the type of photography you want to do then you can certainly start without one.

Most advertising photography is done on location. Businesses usually want their products or services seen in real life situations. Therefore, they're often done on the street or in the place of business.

In addition, marketing photography is nearly exclusively done on location. If you're trying to market a business it makes sense to take the photos at the business.

Finally, you can always rent space when you need it. There are a lot of places that offer by the day rental on warehouse space. Additionally, you may be able to bill the client for renting the space.

Pet Photographers

Pet photography is very popular. Plus it works great for stay-at-home photographers. In fact, you can do pet photography in a similar way to family or headshot photography.

Go on location for either candid or posed photos of people's pets. Doing so allows you to avoid the need to rent a studio. Plus, you won't have to worry about vacuuming, or worse when it comes to pets.

In-Home Photography

If you want to do photography at your house or on your property you'll need a few things. First, good liability coverage for the business.

Don't count on your homeowners paying if someone is injured. If you're conducting business in your home then your homeowners will likely not pay for it. Additionally, make sure to check with your agency. A lot of policies can be void if you advertise your address. Therefore, make sure that isn't the case before you begin to see clients at your home.

In addition to insurance, it's a good idea to make sure your property is ADA compliant. Of course, it's not illegal not to be. However, you don't want a client in a wheelchair to show up and be disappointed by a bunch of stairs. Therefore, if you're not ADA compliant then make sure people know that up front. After all, even a sprained ankle can make steps impossible to deal with.

Become A Photographer From Home

At the end of the day, you can become a photographer from home. In fact, many photographers are. Just make sure that you protect yourself. Plus, make sure to be confident in who you are. This is true both in terms of your photography and personal life. After all, confidence shows. Plus, it will make your clients feel more relaxed. In turn, you'll get much better photos.

Still struggling with focus? Check out this article on getting great focus each time!

In conclusion, don't let anything stand in your way of being a great photographer. You can work from home as a photographer.