How to Start a Photography Business for Free: 5 Simple Tips for Beginners

Starting a photography business might sound expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. I’m living proof that you can kick off your photography career with little to no upfront costs!

Here are five tips that helped me build my business from scratch, and hopefully, they’ll inspire you to take that first step too!

1. Offer Free Sessions

It might seem counterintuitive but offering free sessions is one of the best ways to get your business off the ground. And, yes, I started by doing photoshoots for friends, family, and even small businesses at no charge. This allowed me to build a portfolio that showcased my skills and gave me the chance to experiment with different types of photography (because when you just get started, you don’t exactly know what you like to photograph, right?).

You may ask, Hey Kannika, but how long should you offer free sessions? To be honest with you, it depends on your comfort level and business goals. I officially started taking my business seriously this year, but I already had paying clients last year, all thanks to word-of-mouth.

This type of marketing is incredibly valuable and can definitely lead to more business opportunities than you might expect!

2. Use Free Online Platforms

I know you might be thinking, “I’ve got Instagram to showcase my work” - but let’s face the fact, Instagram is great for promoting your work but it isn’t really your portfolio. A professional online presence is essential for any photographer, but that doesn’t mean you have to break the bank.

I experimented with at least five different website builders, including Wix, Pixieset, Squarespace, and Adobe. Out of all of them, Pixieset stands out as the best option for beginners. It allows you to create a website with up to 15 pages, 100 photos, and 5 blog posts — all at no cost!

If you’re ready to take it a step further, I highly recommend Squarespace. It’s the platform I use now, and it’s perfect for those who want more customisation options and a polished look. But if you’re just starting out, Pixieset is a fantastic free option to get your name out there.

3. DIY Marketing Materials

When you’re starting on a budget, DIY is the way to go! I use Canva to create everything from my logo to business cards and promotional materials. Canva offers a user-friendly interface and tons of free templates that make it easy to design professional marketing assets, even if you have no design experience.

To spread the word about my business, I visited local stores and asked to leave my business cards there. I also printed out flyers and distributed them around the neighbourhood, placing them in letterboxes. I know this method takes time, but this is about investing into your business. This grassroots marketing helped me gain visibility in the local community, and it’s a strategy that anyone can use without spending much money.

4. Build a Social Media Presence

Social media is a powerful (and free, YAHHH!) tool for growing your photography business. Platforms like Instagram and Facebook allow you to showcase your work, connect with potential clients, and share behind-the-scenes content. I regularly update my Instagram with new photoshoots and BTS work, which not only highlights my branding style but also builds trust with my audience (and potential clients!).

Make use of hashtags, collaborate with local businesses, and engage with your followers. The more active and genuine you are on social media, the more your business will grow organically.

5. Join Loca/Online Communities

There’s a wealth of knowledge and networking opportunities in both local and online photography communities. I joined several Instagram and Facebook groups for photographers as well as local communities in my city, where I’ve connected with others in the industry and even found job opportunities. These communities can be incredibly supportive, and you can learn a lot from other photographers’ experiences (Besides self-taught photography, I learnt a great deal by mirroring and asking questions to my local photography friends!).

Some forums and groups even offer free resources or client referrals, so don’t underestimate the power of networking!

Starting a photography business doesn’t have to be expensive, but it does take time, dedication, and a willingness to get creative with your resources. These five tips are what worked for me, and they can work for you too!

Have any other questions or want to share what’s worked for you? Feel free to drop a comment or reach out! 🫶✨