Offering Photography Services for Local Businesses, Products, or Events

I Started Charging for Photos—And It Turned Into a Real Side Business

My phone was full of nicely framed photos I’d taken for fun—until a local food seller asked if I could shoot her menu. That one job led to many more. If you enjoy taking photos, here’s how to turn it into income.

Who Needs Photography Locally

• Cafes and food stalls
• Small brands needing product shots
• Event organizers or birthdays
• Local clothing sellers

What You Need to Start

• A decent phone or entry-level DSLR
• Natural light or a small ring light
• Canva or Lightroom for editing
• Google Drive for delivery

Pricing Tips

• Product shoots: Rp100k–Rp300k per session
• Event photos: Rp500k+ per hour
• Charge per photo, or per package

Getting Clients

• Offer 1 free session in exchange for testimonials
• DM local brands on Instagram
• Share before-and-after edits

Final Thoughts

You don’t need a studio. Just consistency, creativity, and clear communication—and you can build a profitable photography gig.