Home Jobs Idea: Portrait Photographer
Portrait Photographer Job Description:
If you are good with a camera, photo editing software, and people (especially kids and babies) then working at home as a portrait photographer may be a great career choice for you. The great thing about being a portrait photographer is that you really can do the job from home and you can set your own hours. You don’t need a fancy office space or studio. All you need is a simple space, good lighting, a good dslr camera, and an artistic eye to get you going!
As a portrait photographer you will take pictures of people. You will be responsible for photographing and capturing the personalities of newborn babies, kids milestones, high school seniors,pregnant women, and families among others. You could also photograph sports teams, businesses, and so much more!
You can stay at home with your kids and be a portrait photographer. I know from experience because I do portrait photography a couple times per month for extra money. You can see some of my work at AmandaCompton.com
How much does it cost to get started as a portrait photographer from home?
I’ll be honest, starting your own business takes money. For this job, plan on spending around $1500 to $2500 for the basics like an entry level dslr, lenses, backgrounds, and simple lighting. More costs could come up so this is just an estimate. If photography is your hobby and you already have a camera then you already have your biggest monetary cost behind you!
What equipment/tools do I need to get started for this job?
1. A computer
2. DSLR camera – the Nikon D90 Digital SLR Camera 
3. Various lenses with the Nikon 50mm Lens
4. Adobe Photoshop CS5
5.Portable 5 in 1 T Light Reflector
6.Cowboystudio Continuous Photography Light Kit
*If you do not understand what you would use some of the above items for then you are not ready to become a portrait photographer. I’m sure there are other things I didn’t mention but these are the most important to get you started in the right direction.
How Do I Make Money?
You will make money by charging a fee to take the photos. This is commonly known as a sitting fee. You will also make money by selling prints and other photo products. You should price yourself fairly so as to be making $15- $20 per hour.
Other Helpful Resources for aspiring portrait photographers:
Paint Shop Pro Tutorials – a free website that will help you learn how to use Paint Shop Pro to improve your photos.
Digital Photo School -this is another completely free website that can help you become a better photographer.
I will also be doing a post for party/wedding photography and pet photography in our Home Job Idea Series
If you have any other questions about becoming a photographer please post them in the comments so we can create a discussion and help each other.
Amanda Compton
Hi, I have been working from home as a full time blogger and part time photographer since 2003. I am also the proud mother of two handsome little boys that are eleven and eight. My boys are my life, and they are the very reason I choose to work from home. If you find these resources helpful or interesting then feel free to subscribe to our feed, our newsletter, and network with me below. Further, if you are interested in finding legitimate jobs for stay at home moms then please visit our Work from Home Jobs List and our Stay at Home Mom Jobs resource. Thanks for stopping by!
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This is such a great idea. I have just started my first digital photography class and was thinking of this as a hobby to start out. Now that I know the basics and the basic items to start, it will be much easier. Thanks for all of the great! info.
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