General
Things to Know Before Establishing Photography Business
By Adedapo Adesanya
Starting a photography business is a risky but it is a very profitable venture. However, it is very important to understand some of the key things before deciding what you want or how you want the business to be structured.
Like any business, the practitioner must have a deep interest for the profession. An inherent interest in the creative process of taking photographs will help in the overall success of the business.
In this part of the world, photography is mostly learned through apprenticeship by gaining experience from an established professional to know the rudiments of the game. After completion of the informal training, the next step is always to set up a studio, which involves capital.
Capital is the money used to start the business. In this case, the funds to get the necessary equipment would be put into consideration when planning to establish a photo studio.
Other fixed costs to consider would include rent (if the photographer chooses to get a studio) and other miscellaneous items. According to some practitioners who spoke with Business Post during a research into this topic, a new photographer who wants a standard studio can start with a budget of N3.5 million. However, you can start with a lower budget of about N500,000 to N1 million, depending on the tools and cost of rent.
Now the breakdown of this budget
Equipment and Estimated Costs
Photography is an expensive business because it involves a lot of technological hardware and software which are costly. Equipment comes in two varieties; hardware (physical) and software. Some of the major hardware components need in photography are:
Two cameras: From N150,000 to N1.5 million or more.
Multiple lenses: Prices range from N40,000 to N350,000.
Two flashes: N15,000 to N100,000 each.
Multiple memory cards: From N2,000 to N15,000 each
Two external hard drives: From N10,000 to N45,000 or more, depending on the size (it is advisable to keep one backup off-site)
Computer or laptop with sufficient memory: From N75,000 to N720,000, depending on the type, size, quality and make.
A studio: The cost of renting a place for studio solely depends on location and the size. The studio has to be painted to make it attractive to customers. Also, the necessary lightening tools have to be put in place like the LED lights & Strobes, tripod stand, wireless triggers, props, prime lenses, zoom lenses, Photoflex reflector.
For the Software: This includes Adobe Lightroom, Adobe Photoshop, Corel Paintshop, PortraitPro, GIMP amongst others.
Note: These are not all software for photography and are subject to the preference and versatility of the photographer. They can be purchased from computer stores.
Some Business Opportunities in Photography
Photographers can find employment in a number of places. Either as a self-employed individual or an organisation attachment. The creative outlet is needed mostly in every human endeavour, including at
Ceremonies: weddings, anniversaries, and celebrations.
Stock photography.
Contract photography.
Commercial photography.
Media photography.
Celebrity photography/Paparazzi.
Possible Challenges to face in the Photography Business:
Like a host of other businesses, here are likely challenges that a would-be photographer could face:
Funds – This is regarded as the biggest challenge to the business of photography, new models of equipment are released regularly and with this comes a high cost. With a constant supply of income, a photography business will thrive.
Clients – Photography is a competitive business. Finding clients to patronise the establishment may be a challenge. Even when the photographer finds one, some are likely not to pay for services offered.
Competition – There are a lot of photographers. It is then crucial to build a network of people which services are rendered effectively and efficiently.
Infrastructure Deficiency – Electricity, among other basic infrastructural necessities, is sometimes lacking and this poses a great challenged to a digitally driven business such as photography.
Finally, it is advisable for the photographer to register the business. This is done by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in Nigeria. Whether it is a remote or established business, it is very important. This allows the business open a bank account and file tax returns plus other benefits.
There are some persons in Nigeria who have become icon in the photography business, including TY Bello (former President Goodluck Jonathan photographer), Kelechi Amadi-Obi, Bayo Omoboriowo (President Muhammadu Buhari photographer), amongst others.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The South African Consulate General in Lagos, in partnership with Brand South Africa and the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), is hosting the 4th edition of the South Africa Focus Week in Lagos, Nigeria, from April 22 – 26, 2026.
The annual platform continues to grow as a strategic initiative aimed at fostering social cohesion between South Africans and Nigerians while positioning South Africa as a preferred destination for business, tourism, and education. Since its inception in 2023, South Africa Focus Week has attracted over 1,500 participants, bringing together stakeholders from across sectors, including trade and investment, arts and culture, tourism, aviation, and the culinary industry.
The 2026 edition holds particular significance as it coincides with the 30th anniversary of South Africa’s democratic Constitution, enacted in 1996, as well as 32 years of unbroken diplomatic relations between South Africa and Nigeria, established in February 1994. These milestones underscore the enduring partnership between the two nations, rooted in shared history and strengthened through formal agreements and ongoing collaboration.
The 2025 economic relationship between South Africa and Nigeria reflects a strategically significant, multi-dimensional partnership anchored in trade, energy security, investment flows, and strong institutional cooperation. While bilateral trade remains structurally imbalanced – with South Africa exporting US$468.48 million and importing $1.69 billion, resulting in a $1.22 billion deficit – this dynamic is largely driven by South Africa’s reliance on Nigerian crude oil, positioning the relationship as one of strategic interdependence rather than imbalance alone.
This partnership is further elevated by the relative economic weight of both countries. According to IMF projections, South Africa’s economy is valued at approximately $443.6 billion, while Nigeria’s stands at around $334.3 billion in nominal terms for 2026. As two of the largest economies on the continent, their bilateral engagement constitutes a central axis of African economic activity, with disproportionate influence on the success of continental integration efforts.
Beyond trade, the relationship is reinforced by deep two-way investment linkages. South African firms -including MTN Group, Shoprite, and Standard Bank – maintain a strong presence in Nigeria, while Nigerian companies such as Access Bank and Paystack have established a growing footprint in South Africa. Although investment flows are asymmetrical and some Nigerian firms have faced operational challenges, these exchanges reflect an emerging bi-directional economic corridor that extends beyond goods trade into services, finance, and digital innovation.
Aligned with Brand South Africa’s mandate to build the country’s global reputation and competitiveness, the week-long programme will convene leaders from government, business, civil society, academia, and the media. Discussions will focus on leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a tool for market access and global positioning, with Nigeria serving as a key focal point.
The South Africa Focus Week has features a series of high-level engagements and cultural activities designed to deepen economic ties and promote collaboration: South Africa–Nigeria Infrastructure Investment Conference (April 22, 2026) which was held under the theme South Africa–Nigeria Partnership: Unlocking Infrastructure Opportunities,” the conference will bring together key stakeholders in infrastructure development to explore collaborative projects in road, rail, and transportation systems.
The forum also examined the role of Public–Private Partnerships (PPPs) and facilitated discussions on project financing and implementation with institutions such as the DBSA and Nigeria’s Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC).
This was followed by the 2nd Economic Diplomacy Roundtable (Thursday, April 23, 2026), which was hosted in partnership with MTN Nigeria under the theme Role of Technology in Infrastructure Development, the roundtable will convene senior government officials, private sector leaders, and industry experts to identify investment opportunities and strengthen strategic partnerships.
Friday, April 24, was for Arts and Culture Experience, which is a dedicated cultural day will showcase Lagos’ creative spaces and features a panel discussion on South Africa’s arts, film, music, and culture. The programme includes a South African film screening, engagements with filmmakers, and a networking reception aimed at fostering collaboration between the creative industries of both countries.
The event continues on Thursday, April 25, with Freedom Day Celebration and Closing Ceremony. This commemorative event will celebrate 30 years of South Africa’s Constitution, 32 years of freedom and democracy, and the enduring diplomatic relations between South Africa and Nigeria. The ceremony will also provide an opportunity to reflect on outcomes from the week and outline future areas of cooperation.
The celebration forms part of Brand South Africa’s Global South Africans Programme, which recognises and connects South Africans in the diaspora as ambassadors of the nation’s values and identity.
The week climaxes with the 4th edition of the South Africa Golf Tournament at Ikoyi Golf Club on Saturday, April 26, 2026, which will be done in partnership with Crossflex International.
According to a statement, the event aims to strengthen people-to-people relations through sports diplomacy, bringing together South African and Nigerian golfers in a spirit of camaraderie and collaboration.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The former chairman of the defunct Skye Bank Plc, Mr Tunde Ayeni, has been apprehended by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Spokesperson of the anti-money laundering agency, Mr Dele Oyewale, confirmed the arrest of the businessman on Friday but declined to provide further details, according to TheCable.
Mr Ayeni was accused of diverting the N36.5 billion and $30 million loans from Polaris Bank Limited to companies with which he has links.
He was alleged to have obtained the credit facilities for marine security, electricity distribution, and real estate projects, but moved them to telecom investments tied to NITEL/MTEL assets via a NATCOM account.
After the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) revoked the operating licence of Skye Bank in 2018, it nationalised it to Polaris Bank.
The EFCC has been looking into the alleged diversion of funds by Mr Ayeni, resulting in his arrest in Abuja on Thursday, April 23, 2026.
He is being grilled over the matter and would be arraigned in court once the investigation is concluded.
This is not the first time Mr Ayeni has been nabbed and probed by the EFCC, as this happened a few months after his bank lost its licence.
The then acting spokesman for the EFCC, Mr Tony Orilade, said Mr Ayeni was quizzed by detectives over issues related to fraud and embezzlement allegedly committed by him when he was Chairman of the bank a few years ago.
By Adedapo Adesanya
“We are fully committed to working with the new Commissioner of Police and giving all necessary support towards the successful discharge of his responsibilities.”
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