If you want to make a part time job or career out of photography, it's easier that you might think. Portrait photography is in high demand in almost every city in the nation and it doesn't take much to build a working studio in your home. The best thing about starting with portrait photography is that you don't have to buy a lot of equipment at first- you can instead add equipment as your business grows. Here's how to take the first steps:
Set Up the Studio
There are a few things that you should pick up before attempting professional portrait photography. Obviously you will need a camera (preferably digital as it's easier for inexpensive photo editing) but you will also need a tripod, a basic light setup and some sort of light reflector. Most of this equipment is available at entry-level quality for a low cost, or can be improvised if you're short on cash (for instance, white poster board can work as a light reflector). It would also be helpful if you can get a laptop with some photo editing software as the portability of a laptop will come in handy.
Additionally, you'll need some working space. An extra room, garage, or living room can usually fit everything you need. White walls will act as natural reflectors, windows can provide natural light, and backgrounds can be provided by different colors of bed sheets.

Setting Up the Business
If you are really serious about starting a portrait photography business, you'll need to treat it as a serious business. You should consider getting some basic small business accounting software like Quickbooks for invoicing and tracking payments before your first client. It is essential that you track your income so you can identify possible problems with your pricing and plan for paying taxes on your services.
Set Up the Studio
There are a few things that you should pick up before attempting professional portrait photography. Obviously you will need a camera (preferably digital as it's easier for inexpensive photo editing) but you will also need a tripod, a basic light setup and some sort of light reflector. Most of this equipment is available at entry-level quality for a low cost, or can be improvised if you're short on cash (for instance, white poster board can work as a light reflector). It would also be helpful if you can get a laptop with some photo editing software as the portability of a laptop will come in handy.
Additionally, you'll need some working space. An extra room, garage, or living room can usually fit everything you need. White walls will act as natural reflectors, windows can provide natural light, and backgrounds can be provided by different colors of bed sheets.

Setting Up the Business
If you are really serious about starting a portrait photography business, you'll need to treat it as a serious business. You should consider getting some basic small business accounting software like Quickbooks for invoicing and tracking payments before your first client. It is essential that you track your income so you can identify possible problems with your pricing and plan for paying taxes on your services.