Many startups are based on a business idea fuelled by a hobby. There are those who put their gift of writing to good use (think copywriters), animal lovers who begin a pet-sitting service, and the DIY types who make and sell their creations online. Great ideas, all. For the purposes of this article, however, we are looking at one hobby in particular. Photography. If you are snap happy and have photography skills beyond your use of a smartphone (we are talking about real cameras here), there are many business opportunities at your disposal. The following are just some of them.

 

Wedding Photographer.

People are getting married all the time, and to alleviate the chances of their father-in-law leaving the lens cap on during the photo shoot, many couples do the sensible thing and hire a professional photographer to capture their happy day. To get started, build up a portfolio of photos to prove your credentials, and display them on your own website. Then spread word about your business, such as handing out business cards at weddings you have been invited to (don’t gatecrash) and sharing your skills on social media.

 

Photo by Andrew Ruiz on Unsplash

Product Photographer

Lend a hand to other business, and follow the example of Coconut Product Photography. Online businesses need somebody to make their product stand out in the best way possible, and like the linked company, you could be the person who gives the business a greater chance of success at a sale. After all, a customer can’t see and feel the product first-hand, so a photograph needs to act as the ‘next best thing,’ showcasing the product in all its glory. To get started, head online and offer your services to any business you think needs a hand in this way, and again, showcase your worth on a website you have created.

 

Pet Photographer

Animals play a big part in our lives, so there are countless numbers of people keen to celebrate the blessing they bring to their lives. Provided you have a love of animals and have some skill in handling them (a dog is relatively easy, a cat less so), you can offer your services in a variety of ways. Portrait photography is one thing, but you could also extend your work to calendars, t-shirts, mugs, and any other way you can think of to allow pet lovers to show off their cute and cuddly companions.

 

Freelance Photographer

A jack (or jill) of all trades, you can take pictures for any occasion. You could hire yourself out for specific purposes – we have already mentioned weddings, but you might also include christenings, birthday parties, graduations, sports events, etc. On the other hand, by keeping your camera to hand at all times, you may be able to take interesting photos that prove newsworthy. You might see a celeb in the high street, or be witness to a breaking news story, and with a few snaps, you will be able to sell your photos to any newspaper or magazine willing to take them off your hands.

 

Finally

We have given you a snapshot of business ideas to get you started, but you may have ideas of your own. Whatever the case, turning your photography hobby into a business is a fantastic idea if you want to spend more time with your camera, so consider the opportunities ahead of you.