Video Summary of Key Steps
Watch it. Pause. Action.
Read, absorb, act — knowledge is the fuel no one can steal from you.
Books sharpen the mind. Ideas from others empower your inner voice. When you fill your head with stories, strategies, and truths, you won’t just dream — you’ll do.
2026: How to Start a Photography Business in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos
(with a little help from 7hubent Tech — your free marketing powerhouse)
“You are the light, you are the lens — it’s up to you to focus it right.”
This article isn’t just a guide. It’s a companion. I’ve walked these streets, stumbled, fallen, picked up the gear again — and I want you to sprint ahead faster.
Also: 7hubent Tech is the first educative entrepreneur-marketing website in Nigeria, a free business advertising WhatsApp group + website platform with about 980,000 daily views (yes, you read that right). They help countless small businesses grow. Contact: www.7hubent.com.ng or www.lagoswiki.com.ng, or WhatsApp +2349077131487 to advertise free. Follow @7hubent on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter. Watch how to grow your business: https://youtu.be/3P8vSXH5lBo?si=zOZ8bWvxwQGSDvBF. And here are 7 ways to advertise for free: https://www.7hubent.com.ng/2024/10/free-advertising-website-in-nigeria.html?m=1
📷 My Story (so you know I’ve been there)
When I moved to Lekki Phase 1 in 2023, I carried only one DSLR, two lenses, and a heavy dream. My first shoot was a small birthday party for a cousin. I shot, edited, delivered — got ₦10,000. It felt like winning a sprint.
Then came the worries: rent, transport, backup gear, power outage, clients ghosting me. I had days when I wondered: is this camera business even going to pay my electricity bill in Lagos?
It did — slowly. Over time, I refined my niche, built trust, used free platforms (like 7hubent) to get leads, and added services (prints, minisessions). Today, I’ve done weddings, branding shoots, and yes — even small studio work in Lekki.
If I made it from scrappy to somewhat stable, you can too — faster.
Why Lekki Phase 1 is a Smart Place to Start
Lekki Phase 1 is hot. Young professionals, couples, fashion brands, startups — all live here. They need photos: for socials, events, engagements, brands. You’re not chasing people in far-off towns; your market lives around you.
Rent is costly, yes. But your proximity to your clients gives you an edge. Also, you can start from home (a spare room) before moving to a full studio.
🔍 Step-by-Step Guide: Start Photography Business in Lekki Phase 1 (2026)
Here’s your clean, checklist-style path — I call this the Lens to Launch plan:
| Step | What to Do | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Choose your niche | Wedding, portraits, product photography, real estate, social media branding | You’ll compete less and become “that person” for your niche (InvoiceApp) |
| 2. Write a business plan | Costs, services, revenue, growth path | Helps you stay focused and scale |
| 3. Register legally & open a bank account | CAC registration (or local business permit) | Builds trust with clients |
| 4. Gear up (minimum viable kit) | Camera body, 2 good lenses, lights, stands, backup battery, memory cards, editing laptop/software (apprenticeship.ng) | You don’t need a million-naira kit at first |
| 5. Build a portfolio | Do free or low-cost shoots for friends, local brands, model collaborations | You need visuals to sell visuals |
| 6. Price smart & package | Know your costs, time, editing, travel. Offer packages (e.g. ₦30,000 for event, ₦15,000 for brand shoot) (ProInvoice) | Avoid undercharging your worth |
| 7. Market yourself for free | Use 7hubent Tech, Instagram, WhatsApp, local groups, referrals | Free reach + trust = new clients |
| 8. Deliver consistently & ask for testimonials | Good work + good reviews = more bookings | Reputation is your fastest ad |
| 9. Reinvest profits | Save for better lens, studio space, assistant, better lighting | Growth is built step by step |
| 10. Scale | Offer classes, sell prints, retainer contracts, package deals | Diversify income |
How Much Do You Need to Start?
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Basic setup: ₦300,000 – ₦800,000 (depending on gear & location)
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If you want a small studio: ₦500,000 to ₦1 million+ (Business Post Nigeria)
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Events, weddings may command ₦100,000 – ₦500,000 depending on scale (VisCorner)
Start with what you must have. Don’t drain your savings on gear you’ll barely use in year one.
5 Punchy Motivations for Business Growth
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Every click is a chance — your next favorite client might be in that crowd.
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Your camera isn’t just a tool — it's a bridge between dreams and reality.
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If you don’t tell your story, someone else will tell a wrong one.
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Growth is never linear — a bad month doesn't mean end.
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When you help someone see themselves beautifully, you’ve done more than a job — you’ve made impact.
2026: How to Start a Photography Business in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos
Bible Pause: Encouragement
1 Peter 2:9 — “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession…”
You’re chosen. Your craft has value. Don’t shrink from your calling.
How 7hubent Tech Plays In (Your Marketing Secret Weapon)
Imagine shouting your offerings in a marketplace where 300,000 people already tune in daily. That’s 7hubent.
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7hubent Tech gives free advertising slots on WhatsApp groups & channels. (7hubent.com.ng)
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They are Nigeria’s go-to free business marketing WhatsApp network. (7hubent.com.ng)
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You can reach Lagos audiences quickly, affordably, without spending ad money.
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Many small biz owners have scaled using 7hubent as their first “ad channel.”
So once you have your basic portfolio & offer, post it to 7hubent — tell people in Lekki Phase 1 “I shoot here, DM me.” That’s how you hustle smart.
FAQ: Questions Your Brain (or Google) Will Ask
Q: Do I need a studio in Lekki Phase 1 from day one?
No. Start in your home, use client locations, outdoor shoots. Rent studio only when you have steady demand.
Q: How much do I charge per shoot?
Depends on niche, time, travel, editing. Example: ₦20,000–₦50,000 for portrait, ₦100,000+ for bigger events. Always account for your cost + margin. (VisCorner)
Q: Where to find clients in Lekki?
Use your social media, local Instagram hashtags (#LekkiPhotographer, #LekkiEvents), neighborhood WhatsApp groups, 7hubent, flyers, collaborations with fashion stores/salons in Lekki.
Q: What editing software should I use?
Start with Adobe Lightroom / Photoshop (subscription) or free ones like GIMP or DaVinci (if doing video). As you grow, hire editors.
Q: How long will it take to break even?
6 months to 1 year is realistic if you hustle, deliver quality, and market well. Some people break even in 3 months if demand is high.
Internal Linking Suggestions for SEO Juice
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“How to Grow Your Business Online” (on 7hubent site)
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“Free Advertising Website in Nigeria”
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“How to Sell Like a Pro”
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“2026 Lagos Business Marketing WhatsApp Group Links”
These internal links will help Google see this article as part of a rich ecosystem.
Video Summary of Key Steps
How To Start A Photography Business in Nigeria (My Journey & Tips)
Watch it. Pause. Action.
Challenge What You Think You Know
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You don’t need a studio.
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You don’t need a five-figure budget.
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You do need consistent value + marketing.
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You do need grit.
When someone tells you Lagos is saturated, smile and move — saturation means many eyes, many chances.
Your Turn: What’s Stopping You?
Do you have a niche in mind? What’s your biggest fear about starting? Drop a comment, share your vision, and I’ll respond. And hey — if you like this, share with a fellow dreamer.
Let’s start that photography business in Lekki Phase 1 and turn clicks into legacy.
With gratitude to 7hubent Tech (our marketing partner in this journey), you’ve got the roadmap — now drive.