Photography Business License: How to Start, Market and Grow Your Photo Business
Getting a photography business license is the first concrete step that separates a hobby from a legitimate business. It protects you from fines, lets you open a business bank account, and gives clients confidence that you operate professionally. Most sole proprietors need a general business license from their city or county, a DBA (Doing Business As) registration if operating under a brand name, and sales tax registration if they sell prints or products.
Beyond the paperwork, you need a plan. Knowing how to start a photography business with no experience means leaning on your existing skills — whether that’s a steady hand with a camera, an eye for light, or strong client communication — and building the business infrastructure around them. This guide covers licensing, marketing, aerial work, and the physical tools that leave a lasting impression.
Licensing and Legal Setup
A photography business license requirement varies by location. In most U.S. cities, the fee runs between $50 and $150 per year. You file with your city clerk or county clerk’s office. Some states also require a seller’s permit if you collect sales tax on delivered prints or albums.
If you plan to do aerial photography business work — drone shoots for real estate, construction, or events — you need an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate on top of your local business license. The written exam covers airspace rules, weather interpretation, and emergency procedures. Pass rate on the first attempt runs around 72%, so plan two to three weeks of structured study before your test date.
Insurance You Need Before Your First Paid Shoot
General liability insurance covers property damage and bodily injury claims. Professional liability (errors and omissions) covers disputes over image quality or missed deliverables. Budget $500 to $900 per year for a combined policy. Some venues require a certificate of insurance before they allow any photographer on site.
How to Market Your Photography Business
Learning how to market your photography business starts with a clear niche. Generalists compete on price. Specialists compete on expertise. Pick one or two primary markets — weddings, corporate headshots, aerial photography business clients — and build your portfolio around those types of shoots.
Google Business Profile is free and drives local search traffic. Fill out every field, add 10 to 15 portfolio images, and ask every client for a five-star review immediately after delivery. Profiles with 20 or more reviews rank 30% higher in local map pack results on average.
Social content that shows your process outperforms polished final images in engagement. A 30-second reel of a drone launch, a behind-the-scenes clip of your lighting setup, or a before-and-after edit comparison all generate saves and shares at higher rates than static portfolio posts.
Best Photography Business Cards and First Impressions
The best photography business cards are printed on 16pt or thicker card stock with a matte or soft-touch laminate finish. They feel substantial when someone picks them up. Include your name, specialty, website, and one social handle. Drop the phone number if you prefer email inquiries — fewer distractions on the card means the reader focuses on your URL.
A square format card (2.5″ x 2.5″) stands out in a stack of standard rectangles. If you shoot with a particular style — high-contrast black and white, golden-hour color grading — let your card design reflect that look. The best photography business cards double as a mini portfolio sample when the back carries one strong image.
Bottom line: Start with the photography business license, get the right insurance, and choose a niche before you print anything. Once your legal foundation is in place, learning how to market your photography business becomes a straightforward content and referral process that compounds over time.