How do you start a pet photography business in 2027?

Startup costs: $5K-$25K (mirrorless body like Sony A7 IV or Canon R6, fast 35/85mm primes, two strobes, light stands, backdrops, treats and squeakers, editing rig, Lightroom + Photoshop, ShootProof or Pixieset gallery, scheduling like HoneyBook). Permits/licenses/insurance: business license, professional photographer liability + gear insurance ($300-$900/yr through Hill & Usher, PPA member plan, or Athos), park/venue shoot permits ($25-$200 per shoot), model release forms for owners. Customer acquisition: Instagram and TikTok carry the genre, plus rescue/shelter free shoots for portfolio, local FB groups, breed-club partnerships, vet/groomer/daycare flyer swaps, Google for higher-intent searches. Revenue model: $250-$700 session fee, $400-$2,500 print/album packages, end-of-life sessions price higher. Year-1: gross $15K-$50K part-time, full-time profitable usually yr-2-3 once portfolio compounds.