Events

Event and portrait photography

Photograph birthdays, graduations, church events, family portraits and small weddings, and deliver edited photos online.

Some evidenceLast checked 24 Oct 2026

See how this fits you, freeAbout 6 minutes, no sign-up.

Is this for you?

Best for

People with a decent camera or phone, a good eye and the confidence to direct people.

In South Africa: Strong in metros and towns.

What you need

  • A phone is enough to start
  • Works on everyday data
  • No camera needed
  • No cold selling
  • At least 6 hours a week · age 18+
  • Photography (competent or better)

The money

What it can earn

  1. Pocket money
  2. A top-up
  3. A second income
  4. Can become a full income

Part time, this can become a meaningful second income once you have regular customers.

What people charge

R1 050 to R1 850 per hour of coverage

Published party rates: R1,050 an hour (Fun-FX) to R1,850 (KJD). Editing time varies, so we do not model monthly income.

Costs to plan for

Start-up
R0 to R15 000
Every month
Editing software, storage, transport.
Payment fees
Deposit to book, balance before delivery.
Margin
High; editing time is the hidden cost.

How it is paid: Packages by hours and number of edited photos. Our viability score for it: 53 out of 100 (how we score).

How to start

  1. Test it cheaply Before you spend

    • Shoot two events for friends at cost to build a portfolio
    • Write three packages
    • Success signal: three paid bookings from strangers

  2. First week Days 1 to 7

    • Pick your best 20 photos for a portfolio
    • Write packages: hours, edited photos, delivery time
    • Set up a booking form with deposit terms

  3. First month Days 8 to 30

    • Shoot two events and deliver on time
    • Ask every client for referrals and a review

  4. By three months Days 31 to 90

    • Add portrait mini-sessions on weekends
    • Raise prices once booked out

Build a small portfolio first. First income usually takes 7 to 90 days. A day-by-day version for your situation is in the full plan.

Step-by-step guide

Event photography: from your first party shoot to steady bookings

23 short lessons with scripts, templates and rand prices to copy. R149 once-off, and the first lesson is free.

See what is inside

Customers and demand

Who pays

Families, schools, churches and small businesses.

Good photos of moments that matter.

Is there demand?

SA photographers publish party rates: R1,050 for 60 minutes and R1,725 for two hours (Fun-FX), R1,850 for one hour (KJD Photography).

Birthdays and baby showersGraduationsFamily portraits in parksBusiness headshots

Getting customers

A portfolio on Instagram and WhatsApp, and referrals from every event.

Word of mouth and referralsDirect messagesResponding to enquiriesIn-person networking

Risks and rules

Watch out for

  • Lost photos: back up every shoot twice
  • Underpricing editing time
  • Posting photos of children publicly without consent

Competition: High; style and reliability decide.

Room to grow: Grows with second shooters and packages.

Legal and tax in South Africa

  • Get written permission before posting photos of clients or children (POPIA).
  • Register for income tax with SARS once you earn above the tax threshold, and keep a record of every sale and every cost (stock, materials, transport and fees are business costs).

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start event and portrait photography in South Africa?

Our research puts start-up costs at about R0 to R15 000. Recurring costs: Editing software, storage, transport.

How long until the first income?

Typically about 30 days, and between 7 and 90 days. Build a small portfolio first.

Can I do it with only a phone?

Yes, a smartphone is enough to start, although a laptop helps as you grow.

What about tax and legal rules?

Get written permission before posting photos of clients or children (POPIA). Register for income tax with SARS once you earn above the tax threshold, and keep a record of every sale and every cost (stock, materials, transport and fees are business costs).

Sources (3)

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Researched by the Earn Path team · editorial policy