Cost Of Doing Business Calculator By The Profitable Studio

To truly price your products and services appropriately you must first figure out your cost of doing business.

Use this worksheet & calculator to figure out yours. Start with the worksheet linked below. Estimating these calculations may take you a bit especially if you're just starting out. Download and print so you can add in totals as you discover them. Once complete use the CODB calculator to learn your total CODB.

Remember: the more research you do to obtain real numbers the more accurate your CODB will be!

DOWNLOAD YOUR CODB WORKSHEET HERE
Section A

Equipment Expenses

What is the total cost of your current camera equipment. If you are just starting off do some research on what equipment you will be investing in to get started. Most professional photographers have a minimum of two camera bodies, two lenses, a TTL flash, extra camera batteries, several memory cards, & camera bag.*

Rows	Cost
CAMERAS:
LENSES:
FLASHES:
STROBES/CONTINUOUS LIGHTS:
LIGHT STANDS & SOFTBOXES:
WIRELESS TRANSMITTERS:
MEMORY CARDS:
MISC GEAR (CAMERA BAG, TRIPOD, ETC):

Section B

Prop Expenses

What is the total cost of your current studio props such as backdrop, wraps, blankets, hats and headbands, beanbag, baskets, etc. If you are just starting off less is more! You don't need a ton of props to get started you just need the right props. Choose gender neutral props that can be used over and over. I recommend 4 to 5 backdrops, 4 to 5 wraps, 4 to 5 hats and headbands, and 3 to4 props to pose babies in or on. I did not include any maternity items because they are not necessary.*

Rows	Cost
BACKDROPS:
WRAPS:
BLANKETS/FABRIC:
BEANBAG:
BASKETS, BUCKETS, BOXES, ETC:
HATS & HEADBANDS:

Section C

Computer & Software Expenses

What is the total purchase cost of any computer equipment used for your business? Include desktops, laptops, monitors, backup storage, printers, etc. Also include any monthly or yearly software such as Lightroom, Photoshop, client management software, email service provider, online client galleries, etc. Calculate the amount you pay ANNUALLY and enter it below.*

Rows	Cost
COMPUTERS:
PRINTERS:
HARD DRIVES & CLOUD STORAGE:
SOFTWARE:

Section D

Studio Expenses

Whether you have a physical on location studio or an in home studio you will have overhead to consider in your expense. Things to consider are insurance, rent, utilities, maintenance, etc. If you are a home-based business, do you expect your business to pay all or part of any utilities (internet service, power, etc.)?If so, estimate the YEARLY amount here. If you are just starting off and don't know costs for insurance call around to your due diligence.*

Rows	Cost
RENT:
INSURANCE:
HEAT:
INTERNET & PHONE:
WATER:

Calculation

Section E

Taxes, Licensing & Accounting Expenses

Every state/town/city will have different rules and regulations when it comes to licensing, special permits, and taxes so be sure to do your research! You should also consider outsourcing your accounting and book keeping. These tasks can be daunting and time consuming, your time is better spent on marketing!*

Rows	Cost
ACCOUNTING END-OF-THE-YEAR TAXES:
BOOK KEEPING:
BUSINESS LICENSING & PERMITS

Section F

Life Expenses To Consider

Photographers never remember to include living expenses! These are expenses that if you were working for someone else the employer would automatically take out of your paycheck- retirement, health insurance, etc.*

Rows	Cost
HEALTH INSURANCE:
RETIREMENT:
529 COLLEGE SAVINGS PLAN:

Section G

Working Hours
What is your desired salary per year?*

Rows TOTAL ANNUAL SALARY

HOW MUCH YOU'D LIKE TO MAKE:
How many days do you want to work per year?*

Rows TOTAL NO. OF DAYS

HOW MANY DAYS PER YEAR DO YOU WISH TO WORK:
Rate per Client

Rows	TOTAL ANNUAL SALARY
HOW MUCH YOU'D LIKE TO MAKE:

Rows	TOTAL NO. OF DAYS
HOW MANY DAYS PER YEAR DO YOU WISH TO WORK:

Totals
Equipment Expenses Total
Prop Expenses Total
Computer & Software Expenses Total
Studio ExpensesTotal
Taxes, Licensing & Accounting Expenses Total
Life Expenses To Consider Total
Revenue Needed To Meet Salary Expectations
Required Rate Per Client
OPTIONAL: A copy of this form can be emailed to you upon submit. Please provide your email address if you'd like a copy to be sent.
Email
example@example.com

Should be Empty:

Section A

Section B

Section C

Section D

Section E

Section F

Section G

Totals