---
name: photography-business
description: |
  Complete guide to running a photography business covering portfolio building, pricing packages, contracts and model releases, session workflow, editing turnaround, client gallery delivery, album design, marketing strategy, and specialty comparisons across wedding, portrait, and commercial photography. Use when the user asks about photography business or needs help with related topics. Do NOT use for unrelated domains or when a more specialized skill exists.
license: Apache-2.0
metadata:
  author: foundry-skills
  version: "1.0.0"
  tags: "entrepreneurship photography strategy"
  category: "business-strategy"
  subcategory: "operations"
  depends: ""
  disclaimer: "none"
  difficulty: "intermediate"
---

# Photography Business

## When to Use

**Use this skill when:**
- The user wants to start or grow a photography business in wedding, portrait, or commercial photography
- The user needs help with pricing packages, contracts, model releases, or client gallery delivery
- The user wants guidance on portfolio building, marketing strategy, or session workflow optimization
- The user needs editing turnaround frameworks, album design processes, or photography business financial planning

**Do NOT use this skill when:**
- The user wants photography technique or camera skills (use relevant photography skill)
- The user is starting a general service business not specific to photography (use consulting-practice or solopreneur-toolkit instead)
- The user wants product photography specifically for e-commerce listings (use ecommerce-advisor instead)

## Process

1. **Gather requirements.** Ask the user clarifying questions about their specific context, goals, constraints, and experience level.

2. **Analyze the situation.** Review the information provided and identify key factors, challenges, and opportunities relevant to photography business.

3. **Develop the framework.** Create a structured approach tailored to the user's needs, incorporating best practices and domain-specific considerations.

4. **Deliver actionable output.** Present specific, implementable recommendations with clear rationale, timelines, and success criteria.

5. **Address edge cases.** Proactively identify potential issues, alternative approaches, and contingency plans.

**Use this skill when:**
- User needs guidance on photography business
- User asks about photography business best practices or techniques
- User wants a structured approach to photography business

**Do NOT use this skill when:**
- A more specialized skill exists for the specific subtopic
- The request is outside the scope of photography business

## Questions to Ask First

Before providing guidance, establish the photographer's situation:

1. What type of photography? (Wedding, portrait, commercial, event, product, real estate)
2. Are you transitioning from hobby to business or already professional?
3. What is your current gear setup?
4. What is your experience level and portfolio strength?
5. How many sessions/shoots are you booking per month?
6. What is your current pricing?
7. What is your target annual revenue?
8. What is your geographic market?
9. Are you full-time or part-time in photography?
10. What editing software and workflow do you use?

## Portfolio Building

### Portfolio Strategy

```
PORTFOLIO ESSENTIALS:
  - 15-25 of your absolute best images (curated, not comprehensive)
  - Consistent style and editing across all images
  - Show only the type of work you want to book
  - Update quarterly (remove old work, add recent shoots)
  - Include diversity in subjects, settings, and conditions

BUILDING A PORTFOLIO FROM SCRATCH:
  1. Styled shoots: Organize your own shoots with models, florists, venues
  2. Second shooting: Assist established photographers for experience
  3. Model calls: Offer free or discounted sessions in exchange for portfolio use
  4. Personal projects: Document friends, family events, local businesses
  5. Collaborative projects: Partner with makeup artists, stylists, event planners

PORTFOLIO PLATFORMS:
  Website (essential):
    Squarespace:     $16-$33/month (beautiful templates, built for creatives)
    Showit:          $19-$39/month (WordPress-based, highly customizable)
    Pixieset:        $0-$38/month (portfolio + client galleries in one)
    SmugMug:         $13-$42/month (photo-focused, print sales built-in)

  Social media (supplementary):
    Instagram: Grid aesthetic, stories for behind-the-scenes
    Pinterest: SEO value, long-tail discovery for weddings/portraits
    TikTok: Process videos, day-in-the-life, editing tutorials

WEBSITE STRUCTURE:
  Home: Hero image + clear call-to-action
  Portfolio: Separated by category (weddings, portraits, etc.)
  About: Your story, personality, what makes you different
  Pricing: Starting-at prices or "investment" page (optional)
  Contact: Simple form, response time expectation
  Blog: Full sessions for SEO (venue name, location keywords)
```

## Pricing Packages

### Pricing Framework

```
COST-BASED MINIMUM:
  Annual expenses / Target number of bookings = Minimum per booking

  Annual Expenses:
    Gear depreciation:           $________
    Insurance:                   $________
    Software (editing, CRM):     $________
    Marketing:                   $________
    Education/workshops:         $________
    Vehicle/travel:              $________
    Second shooter fees:         $________
    Album/print costs:           $________
    Office/coworking:            $________
    Taxes (25-35%):              $________
    TOTAL EXPENSES:              $________

  Target bookings: ___/year
  MINIMUM per booking: $________

VALUE-BASED PRICING:
  What are clients in your market willing to pay?
  Research 10 competitors at similar quality level
  Position at 25th-75th percentile of your competitive set
```

### Package Design by Specialty

```
WEDDING PACKAGES:
  Essential ($3,000-$5,000):
    - 6-8 hours coverage
    - 1 photographer
    - 400-600 edited images
    - Online gallery
    - Print release

  Standard ($5,000-$8,000):
    - 8-10 hours coverage
    - Lead + second photographer
    - 600-800 edited images
    - Engagement session
    - Online gallery with prints
    - Print release

  Premium ($8,000-$15,000+):
    - Full day coverage (10-12 hours)
    - Lead + second photographer
    - 800-1,200 edited images
    - Engagement session
    - Wedding album
    - Parent albums
    - Canvas prints
    - Online gallery
    - Print release

PORTRAIT PACKAGES:
  Mini session (20-30 min):      $200-$400
    5-10 edited images

  Standard session (60 min):     $350-$700
    15-25 edited images

  Extended session (90-120 min): $500-$1,200
    25-50 edited images
    Outfit change, multiple locations

  Add-ons:
    Additional edited images:    $25-$50 each
    Print packages:              $200-$500
    Album:                       $300-$800

COMMERCIAL PACKAGES:
  Half day (4 hours):            $1,000-$3,000
  Full day (8 hours):            $2,000-$5,000
  Usage licensing:               Varies by scope (add 25-100% for commercial use)
  Product photography:           $25-$75 per product (simple), $100-$300 (styled)
  Headshots:                     $150-$500 per person
```

### Pricing Psychology

```
RULES:
1. Always offer 3 packages (most book the middle one)
2. Name packages with aspirational terms, not "basic/standard/premium"
3. Show highest-priced package first
4. Include one high-value, low-cost item in the top package
   (e.g., engagement session costs you 2 hours but adds $500 in perceived value)
5. Don't itemize hourly rates (clients focus on value, not hours)
6. Present pricing in-person or on a call, not just in an email
7. Raise prices when you're booking 80%+ of inquiries
```

## Contracts and Legal

### Contract Essentials

```
EVERY PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRACT MUST INCLUDE:
  1. Client name and contact information
  2. Event/session date, time, and location
  3. Package selected and pricing
  4. Payment schedule (deposit, remaining balance, due dates)
  5. Cancellation and rescheduling policy
  6. What happens if photographer cannot attend (backup plan)
  7. Image delivery timeline
  8. Usage rights (who can use the images and how)
  9. Model release (right to use images for portfolio/marketing)
  10. Limitation of liability
  11. Force majeure clause
  12. Signatures from both parties

PAYMENT TERMS:
  Retainer/deposit: 25-50% upon booking (non-refundable)
  Remainder: Due 2-4 weeks before session/event date
  Payment methods: Online invoice (HoneyBook, Dubsado, PayPal)

CANCELLATION POLICY:
  60+ days before: Full refund minus retainer
  30-60 days: 50% refund
  Under 30 days: No refund
  Rescheduling: One free reschedule, subsequent rescheduling fees apply

CONTRACT PLATFORMS:
  HoneyBook: $19-$39/month (contract + invoice + CRM)
  Dubsado: $20-$40/month (highly customizable workflows)
  ShootProof: $10-$30/month (gallery + contracts)
```

### Model Release Template Elements

```
A model release should include:
  - Subject's name and contact
  - Description of the photos/session
  - Grant of rights to use images for: portfolio, website, social media,
    print, advertising, editorial (specify which)
  - Duration: Perpetual or time-limited
  - Compensation: "In exchange for photography services provided"
  - For minors: Parent/guardian signature required
  - Date and signatures

Have a release signed at every session, without exception.
```

## Session Workflow

### Pre-Session Workflow

```
UPON BOOKING:
  [ ] Contract signed
  [ ] Retainer payment received
  [ ] Client questionnaire sent (style preferences, must-have shots, timeline)
  [ ] Calendar blocked
  [ ] Location scouted (in person or via Google Maps/Instagram)

1 WEEK BEFORE:
  [ ] Confirm date, time, location with client
  [ ] Review questionnaire responses and shot list
  [ ] Check weather forecast (outdoor sessions)
  [ ] Prepare gear (charge batteries, format cards, pack bag)
  [ ] Send "what to wear" guide and preparation tips

DAY OF:
  [ ] Arrive 15-30 minutes early
  [ ] Scout light conditions and backgrounds
  [ ] Clean lenses, test settings
  [ ] Review shot list one final time
```

### During the Session

```
SESSION FLOW:
  1. Greet and build rapport (5 min)
  2. Discuss the plan and put them at ease
  3. Start with easy, comfortable poses to warm up
  4. Work through shot list
  5. Get the "safe shots" first, then experiment
  6. Watch for candid moments between posed shots
  7. Review a few images together on camera back (builds excitement)
  8. End with the most important/complex setups

SHOT CHECKLIST (Portraits):
  [ ] Individual portraits (multiple poses)
  [ ] Group combinations (if multiple subjects)
  [ ] Wide, medium, and tight compositions
  [ ] Variety of backgrounds within location
  [ ] Detail shots (hands, accessories, environment)
  [ ] Candid interactions
  [ ] At least one "wow" creative shot
```

### Post-Session Workflow

```
SAME DAY:
  [ ] Back up all files (two locations minimum)
  [ ] Send sneak peek (1-3 images) via text or email
  [ ] Post behind-the-scenes or teaser on social media (if permitted)

WITHIN 48 HOURS:
  [ ] Cull images (select keepers from all shots)
  [ ] Begin editing

EDITING TURNAROUND TARGETS:
  Portrait sessions: 1-2 weeks
  Weddings: 4-8 weeks
  Commercial: 3-7 business days (negotiate in contract)
  Events: 1-2 weeks
  Mini sessions: 3-7 days

EDITING WORKFLOW:
  1. Import and cull (keep 20-30% of shots typically)
  2. Color correction and exposure adjustment
  3. Apply consistent editing style (presets as starting point)
  4. Skin retouching (if applicable, keep natural)
  5. Crop and straighten
  6. Export at appropriate resolution
  7. Upload to gallery
```

## Client Gallery Delivery

### Gallery Platform Options

```
PLATFORM     | MONTHLY    | FEATURES
-------------|------------|------------------------------------------
Pic-Time     | $0-$55     | AI culling, storefront, slideshows
Pixieset     | $0-$38     | Clean galleries, print store, mobile app
ShootProof   | $10-$30    | Contracts + galleries in one platform
CloudSpot    | $0-$29     | Simple, affordable, beautiful
Pass Gallery | $10-$30    | Modern design, video support
SmugMug      | $13-$42    | Print fulfillment, portfolio + galleries

GALLERY BEST PRACTICES:
  - Organize by section (getting ready, ceremony, reception for weddings)
  - Include a curated "favorites" section (your top 50-100 picks)
  - Enable downloads in full resolution
  - Set gallery expiration (6-12 months; creates urgency for print orders)
  - Include print pricing in gallery (markup 2-3x from lab cost)
  - Add cover image and personal message
  - Share via email with direct link (not through social media)
```

### Print Sales Strategy

```
PRINT MARKUP TARGETS:
  Lab cost for 8x10 print:    $3-$5
  Your price for 8x10:        $25-$50
  Markup: 5-10x lab cost

  Canvas (16x24):              Lab $30-$50 → Sell $150-$300
  Album (10x10, 20 pages):    Lab $100-$200 → Sell $500-$1,200
  Metal print (16x20):        Lab $40-$60 → Sell $200-$400

IN-PERSON SALES (IPS) MODEL:
  Schedule a reveal/ordering session after delivery
  Present images on large screen or projected
  Walk through print options and wall art visualization
  Average IPS order: $500-$2,000+ (much higher than online-only)
  Tools: ProSelect, SmartSlides, N-Vu for wall previews
```

## Album Design

```
ALBUM WORKFLOW:
  1. Select 50-80 images for album (curate a story arc)
  2. Design spreads in album software
  3. Present design to client for approval
  4. Allow 1-2 rounds of revisions
  5. Order from lab
  6. Quality check upon receipt
  7. Package and deliver (in person or shipped)

ALBUM DESIGN SOFTWARE:
  SmartAlbums: $149 one-time (fast, template-based)
  Fundy Designer: $199-$399 (album + wall art design)
  InDesign: Part of Adobe CC (full creative control)
  Album builder in Pic-Time, Pixieset (included)

ALBUM LABS:
  Milk Books, Kiss Books, Queensberry, WHCC
  Albums, Artifact Uprising (consumer-friendly)

ALBUM PRICING:
  Cost from lab:     $100-$300 (depending on size and page count)
  Sell for:          $500-$1,500
  Parent albums:     $200-$500 (smaller duplicate)
  Include in top package; offer as add-on for other packages
```

## Marketing Strategy

### Marketing by Specialty

```
WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY:
  Primary channels:
  - Instagram (curated grid of best work)
  - Pinterest (pin every blog post, individual images with venue tags)
  - The Knot / WeddingWire profiles
  - Venue preferred vendor lists
  - Wedding planner referrals
  - Styled shoots published on blogs (submitted to wedding publications)
  - Bridal shows (selective; track ROI carefully)

  Content: Blog every wedding with SEO keywords (venue name, city, season)

PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY:
  Primary channels:
  - Instagram and Facebook (local targeting)
  - Google Business Profile with reviews
  - Mini session events (seasonal, limited spots create urgency)
  - School and daycare partnerships
  - Mommy groups and community boards
  - Referral program ($50 credit per referral)

  Content: Before/after of editing, family session highlights, tips for clients

COMMERCIAL PHOTOGRAPHY:
  Primary channels:
  - LinkedIn (connect with marketing directors, brand managers)
  - Direct outreach to businesses with weak visual content
  - Portfolio website with clear commercial section
  - Industry networking events
  - Google Ads targeting "[city] commercial photographer"

  Content: Case studies showing business impact of professional photography
```

### Client Acquisition Metrics

```
TRACK MONTHLY:
  Inquiries received:            ________
  Inquiries responded to:        ________ (target: 100% within 2 hours)
  Consultations booked:          ________
  Bookings closed:               ________
  Conversion rate:               ________% (target: 30-50%)
  Average booking value:         $________
  Client acquisition cost:       $________
  Source of each inquiry:        ________ (track to identify best channels)

TOP SOURCES TO TRACK:
  Referral, Instagram, Google, Pinterest, Wedding platform,
  Venue referral, Planner referral, Paid ads, Other
```

## Wedding vs. Portrait vs. Commercial

```
                    | WEDDING        | PORTRAIT       | COMMERCIAL
--------------------|---------------|----------------|---------------
Avg booking value   | $3,000-$10,000| $300-$1,000    | $1,000-$5,000
Bookings/month      | 2-4           | 8-20           | 2-6
Seasonality         | High (May-Oct)| Moderate       | Low
Stress level        | Very high     | Low-moderate   | Moderate
Physical demand     | Very high     | Moderate       | Low-moderate
Weekend work        | Almost always | Often          | Rarely
Editing volume      | 500-1,000/event| 15-50/session | 20-100/shoot
Skill requirement   | Very high     | Moderate-high  | High (technical)
Equipment needs     | Extensive     | Moderate       | Specialty-specific
Insurance needs     | Higher        | Standard       | Standard
Repeat clients      | Rare (referrals)| High         | High
Scalability         | Limited       | Moderate       | High
```

## Financial Management

```
ANNUAL REVENUE TARGETS BY STAGE:
  Part-time/hobby:     $5,000-$20,000
  Transitioning:       $30,000-$60,000
  Full-time solo:      $60,000-$150,000
  Established brand:   $100,000-$300,000+

MONTHLY P&L:
  Revenue:
    Session/event fees:          $________
    Print and album sales:       $________
    Licensing fees:              $________
    TOTAL REVENUE:               $________

  Cost of Goods:
    Second shooter fees:         $________
    Album/print lab costs:       $________
    TOTAL COGS:                  $________

  GROSS PROFIT:                  $________

  Operating Expenses:
    Software (Adobe, CRM, galleries): $________
    Insurance:                   $________
    Marketing (ads, styled shoots): $________
    Equipment maintenance/rental: $________
    Education/workshops:         $________
    Travel/mileage:              $________
    Office/coworking:            $________
    Professional services:       $________
    TOTAL OPERATING:             $________

  NET INCOME (before tax):      $________
  Tax reserve (25-35%):         $________
  TAKE-HOME:                    $________
```

## Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Racing to the bottom on price (devalues the entire market)
2. Not backing up images immediately (losing a client's wedding is career-ending)
3. Delivering too many unedited or mediocre images (quality over quantity)
4. Shooting without a signed contract and model release
5. Comparing your year 1 to someone else's year 10
6. Neglecting print sales (huge untapped revenue for most photographers)
7. Overspending on gear before the business supports it
8. Inconsistent editing style (confuses your brand)
9. Not blogging sessions for SEO (massive long-term discovery opportunity)
10. Failing to communicate delivery timelines clearly (#1 source of client frustration)


## Output Format

Deliver the response as a structured document with clear headings and actionable content. Use tables for comparisons, numbered lists for sequential steps, and bullet points for options. Include specific examples where applicable.

```
[Photography Business deliverable]
1. Context and objectives
2. Analysis or framework
3. Specific recommendations with rationale
4. Action items with timeline
```


## Example

**Input:** "Help me with photography business for a mid-size project."

**Output:** A complete photography business framework tailored to the specific context, with actionable steps, relevant considerations, and measurable outcomes.


## Edge Cases

- **Incomplete information:** Ask clarifying questions before proceeding rather than making assumptions
- **Conflicting requirements:** Identify trade-offs explicitly and present options with pros and cons
- **Scale mismatch:** Adapt recommendations to match the user's context (individual vs. team vs. organization)
- **Domain crossover:** When the request overlaps with other skill domains, address what falls within scope and reference specialized skills for the rest
