A photo and video studio shoots portraits in its own space and covers parties, weddings and business events on location. Most start with two cameras, a few lights and a small studio, hiring freelance shooters and editors per booking. The money is made on packages priced with their real crew and editing costs, reservations collected upfront, and delivering on the promised date.

This guide walks through what it takes to start a photo and video studio in the Philippines: the capital, the monthly costs, the permits and the first 90 days. The peso figures are sample estimates for a studio with event coverage in Cebu as of October 2026; get your own quotes before you decide.

How much capital you need

The sample comes to about ₱767,750 including one month of fixed costs kept as a cash buffer. It splits into cameras and lenses (₱325,000), lighting and video (₱96,000), editing and storage (₱120,000), studio setup (₱105,000), permits and deposits (₱57,000), launch (₱10,000) and working capital (₱54,750). Other ways to start: freelance photographer at ₱200,000–₱350,000 and full studio with a video team at ₱1.5 million–₱3 million.

Monthly costs and break-even

Fixed costs in the sample are ₱54,750 a month; the biggest are editor and studio assistant (₱18,200), studio rent (₱15,000) and electricity (₱5,000). Each shoot sold earns about ₱6,886 after its own costs, so the break-even is 8 shoots a month, and the startup capital takes about 14 months to come back at full sales.

Permits and registration

Register the business name with DTI (or SEC or CDA), then get the barangay business clearance, the Mayor's permit through the city or municipal BPLO, and BIR registration; register with SSS, PhilHealth and Pag-IBIG once you hire. A photo and video studio also needs: drone registration (if you fly one), venue and location permits and data privacy compliance (ask first). Requirements and fees differ by city, so ask each office for its checklist first. DTI Negosyo Centers help for free.

Where to set up

  • On a main road or commercial strip that is easy to find
  • Near schools and universities, for graduation portraits
  • Near event venues, hotels and churches
  • A second-floor space with low rent works; most bookings come online

Mistakes to avoid

  • Lost files. Two drives plus the cloud, backups the same night, and cards kept until the client has the files.
  • Late deliveries. An editing queue with due dates checked every week, and freelance editors for busy months.
  • Cancellations close to the date. A non-refundable reservation fee and clear rebooking rules in the contract.
  • Gear breaks during an event. A backup camera body, spare batteries and spare cards on every shoot.

Plan it with the starter kit

The Photo & Video Studio · Negosyo Starter Kit has every worksheet behind this guide in a 26-page PDF, plus an Excel calculator: type in your own quotes and it works out your capital, break-even, profit and payback month. It costs ₱349 and downloads right after payment.