Start an Event Business: Start This for Under £300

▶

▶ Watch on YouTube

Introduction

Are you considering a career change or want to turn your passion for photography into a profitable business? Starting an event photography business in the UK can be a lucrative and rewarding venture, with potential earnings of £250 to £800 per day.

You don't need a studio, a degree, or thousands of pounds of gear to get started. With a basic camera kit and a clear style, you can start earning money and building a loyal client base.

What is Event Photography?

Event photography is a type of photography that focuses on capturing special moments and events, such as weddings, parties, and corporate events. As an event photographer, you'll have the opportunity to work with people, build relationships, and create lasting memories.

Video Breakdown

This article is based on a YouTube video that covers the essential steps to starting an event photography business in the UK. The video provides a comprehensive walkthrough of the process, from building skills to pricing your services.

Watch the full video on YouTube for the full walkthrough.

Key Takeaways

• Build skills through free YouTube tutorials, low-cost workshops, and online courses.
• Develop a clear style and create a small portfolio of 20-30 strong images.
• Practice by photographing friends and family events at a low rate or for free.
• Join local venues and ask to be added to their recommended suppliers list.
• Post your best images on social media and use clear local hashtags.

Startup Costs in the UK

MicroBiz365 keeps costs under £300; free tools and our PDF where possible. Here's a breakdown of the costs involved in starting an event photography business in the UK:

In practice, you can get to your first paying client for a total setup spend of roughly £100–£250, well under the £300 mark, then upgrade tools and protection as the business grows.

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Basic camera kit (see above)
• Website (optional)
• Branding basics (business cards, logo, etc.)
• Tools & equipment (tripod, reflector, etc.)
• Contract/template

How to Start

1. Build skills through free YouTube tutorials, low-cost workshops, and online courses.
2. Develop a clear style and create a small portfolio of 20-30 strong images.
3. Practice by photographing friends and family events at a low rate or for free.
4. Join local venues and ask to be added to their recommended suppliers list.
5. Post your best images on social media and use clear local hashtags.

Earnings & Scaling

Pricing varies by region and experience, but small parties and birthdays can earn £200-£500, while corporate events can earn £500-£1,000 or £125-£175 per hour.

Pros, Cons and Risks

• Pros:
• Low startup costs
• Potential for high earnings
• Flexibility to work with different types of clients
• Cons:
• Requires building skills and experience
• Can be physically demanding
• Requires good communication and people skills
• Risks:
• Unpredictable income
• Dependence on client bookings
• Risk of equipment failure or damage

UK-Specific Tips

Here are some UK-specific tips to keep in mind:

• Register your business with HMRC and obtain any necessary licenses or permits.
• Use UK-specific tax deductions and benefits.
• Take advantage of UK-based platforms, such as Etsy or Facebook Marketplace, to sell your services.
• Follow UK-specific regulations and guidelines for event photography.

FAQ

Q: How much can I earn as an event photographer in the UK?

Pricing varies by region and experience, but small parties and birthdays can earn £200-£500, while corporate events can earn £500-£1,000 or £125-£175 per hour.

Q: What skills do I need to become an event photographer?

You'll need to build skills through free YouTube tutorials, low-cost workshops, and online courses, and develop a clear style and create a small portfolio of 20-30 strong images.

Q: How do I get started with event photography?

Start by building skills, creating a portfolio, and practicing by photographing friends and family events at a low rate or for free.

Conclusion

Starting an event photography business in the UK can be a rewarding and lucrative venture. With minimal startup costs and potential earnings of £250 to £800 per day, it's an opportunity worth exploring. For more ideas on starting a photography business, see our post on starting a photography business in the UK.