What does it cost to start a photography business?
A photography business can start with gear you may already own, so the real cost is in professional-grade equipment, editing software and marketing. Wedding, commercial and product photography need more reliable kit and backups than a casual side hustle.
As a guide, plan for around $4,800 – $31,500 in one-off setup costs and $350 – $4,800 per month in running costs. Adding a three-month cash buffer puts a realistic launch figure at $5,850 – $45,900.
One-off setup costs
The costs you pay once to get up and running:
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Camera bodies & lenses | $2,000 – $15,000 |
| Lighting & accessories | $500 – $5,000 |
| Computer & editing software | $1,000 – $5,000 |
| Backup & storage | $300 – $1,500 |
| Website & portfolio | $500 – $3,000 |
| Branding & insurance setup | $500 – $2,000 |
Totals roughly $4,800 – $31,500. Buying used or starting lean lands you near the lower end.
Monthly running costs
The ongoing costs of operating each month:
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Editing software subscriptions | $30 – $150 |
| Marketing & ads | $150 – $1,500 |
| Gear insurance | $50 – $200 |
| Cloud storage & backups | $20 – $150 |
| Travel & props | $100 – $800 |
| Second shooter/assistant | $0 – $2,000 |
Totals roughly $350 – $4,800 per month. Work out your break-even point →
Licences & registrations
- ABN registration
- Public liability insurance (venues often require it)
- Professional indemnity insurance
- Drone (RePL) licence if doing commercial aerial work
- Model/property releases for commercial use
Not legal advice — requirements vary by state and council. Check business.gov.au and your local council.
Tips to start lean
- A strong, niche portfolio wins better-paid work than being a generalist.
- Charge for your editing time — it often exceeds time spent shooting.
- Package deals and albums lift the average value of every booking.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to start a photography business in Australia?
A small, owner-operated start typically costs around $5,850 – $45,900. That covers roughly $4,800 – $31,500 in one-off setup costs plus a three-month buffer for running costs of about $350 – $4,800 per month. Your actual figure depends heavily on scale, location and whether you buy new or used.
What are the ongoing monthly costs?
Expect ongoing running costs of roughly $350 – $4,800 per month, covering items like editing software subscriptions, marketing & ads, gear insurance and more. Use the break-even calculator to see how many sales cover these.
What licences or registrations do I need?
Common requirements include: ABN registration; Public liability insurance (venues often require it); Professional indemnity insurance; Drone (RePL) licence if doing commercial aerial work; Model/property releases for commercial use. Always confirm the exact requirements with your state and local council.
Can I start a photography business cheaply?
Yes — the low end of the range (around $5,850) is realistic if you start lean: buy used equipment, start from home or solo where possible, and avoid a fixed lease until demand is proven.
Cost ranges are general estimates for 2025–26 and vary widely by location, scale and choices. Not financial or business advice.