In every town or village there is always demand for passport size photographs, photo editing and ID card making etc. From school admissions to job applications, government documents to travel bookings , photographs are required everywhere. That is why opening a small photo studio offering photo editing and passport photo printing can be a steady source of income in villages.
This service needs basic knowledge of photography and software like Photoshop along with a small investment in equipment. Even if government schemes are not easy to get there are many simple ways to arrange the funding and start.
Why this Service is in demand
- Passport photos: Needed for Aadhaar, PAN, voter card, school, college, and job applications.
- photo editing: Removing background, adjusting brightness adding details is very common.
- ID card creation– Schools, colleges, and small offices often need printed ID cards.
- Special occasions: Festivals, wedding invitations and family portraits bring extra work.
In rural and semi urban areas, very few shops provide these services. A young entrepreneur can easily become the go to person for such needs.
Skills and training required
For this business one does not need advanced training. A short course or eve n online tutorials are enough to learn:
- Basics of adobe photoshop or free alternatives like gimp.
- operating a digital camera or even a DSLR.
- Printing passport size photos on a color printer.
- Laminating and making new ID cards with a lamination machine.
Platforms like Youtube, Udemy and local computer institutes offer low-cost courses. Within 1 to2 months one can become skilled enough to start.
Equipment and investment needed
To start a small photo editing and passport photo shop, here is what you will need:
- Digital Camera or DSLR : Rs25000 (second hand options available for Rs10000–15000).
- Computer or Laptop – Rs20000 to 30000.
- Color Printer – Rs 15,000
- Lamination Machine – Rs 5000.
- ID Card Cutter and Accessories – Rs5000.
- Basic Furniture, Lights, and Backdrop – ₹10,000.
Total Initial Investment: Around Rs 60000 to 80000.
With second-hand equipment, you can even begin with Rs40000–50000.
Location and setup
A small room of 150 to200 sq ft is enough. The shop should be in a busy area near schools, colleges, government offices or market places where people come for documents.
Put a bright board outside the shop with clear services listed:
“Passport Photos Photo Editing – ID Cards – Lamination”.
Inside a simple setup with one desk, computer, printer and one photo backdrop is enough to begin.
Advertising and getting customers
- Distribute leaflets near schools, offices and cyber cafes.
- give discounts for bulk orders, like schools printing id cards.
- Use Whatsapp groups and Facebook to share samples of your work.
- offer urgent photo service (within 10 minutes) — this attracts more customers.
Word of mouth spreads fast especially if you deliver quality photos at a reasonable prices.
Income potential
Passport photos are high demand low cost services. For example:
- printing 8 passport photos costs Rs10–15 in material but sells at Rs40–50.
- ID card making can be charged Rs50–100 per card.
- Simple photo editing services ( background removal, adjustments ) can be Rs50 to 200.
If 20–30 customers come daily, monthly earnings can easily cross Rs20,000– Rs 30000. With bulk ID card contracts earnings can be higher.
Loan options and Ways to arrange Funds
Unlike training centers or coaching institutes, photo studios may not always qualify for government subsidies. Still, there are options:
1. Small Loans from Banks (Mudra Shishu Loan)
Banks provide small loans up to Rs50000 under MUDRA’s Shishu category without any heavy collateral. This is perfect for buying a second hand camera and one printer.
2. Microfinance institutions
In many states, microfinance groups provide loans of Rs20000–50000 for small businesses. Repayment is weekly or monthly.
3. Self Help Group Support
If the entrepreneur is part of a self Help Group – they can get internal loans at low interest. Women SHGs especially get support for such activities.
4. Personal savings and family Support
Borrowing small amounts from family members or pooling money with a friend as partner is a very common way in villages.
5. Step by Step Growth
Start with only printing photos and lamination. Later add camera and Photoshop editing when income increases.
Challenges and how to overcome Them
- Competition: Keep prices reasonable and focus on quick delivery.
- Technology changes: Learn new tools regularly, Online tutorials are free and helpful.
- Customer trust: Be polite, handle documents carefully and never delay.
When customers trust your shop they will never go elsewhere.
Why This Business Works in Villages
- small investment, daily cash income.
- Useful for students, office workers, and families.
- easy to learn, does not need advanced degree.
- Can expand later into full photo studio, wedding photography or graphic design.
Summary and Key Points
- Passport photos, ID cards, and photo editing are in high demand everywhere.
- basic Photoshop skills and a color printer are enough to start.
- Investment: Rs50000–80000 ( lower if using second-hand equipment ).
- Customers come from schools, offices and government form requirements.
- Loan options include Mudra, microfinance, SHGs, or family support.
- Profitable business with monthly income of Rs20000 to Rs30000 possible.