The Badge Archive

General Safety Reminder: Always meet in a public place and during daylight hours when working for someone new. Let your parent or guardian know where you’ll be, who you’re meeting, and what time you expect to return. Never share personal information beyond your first name and a contact method like a phone number or email. Avoid giving out your home address, school name, or other identifying details.

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If you enjoy capturing moments and have access to a decent phone or entry-level camera, photography can become a practical way to earn money as a teen. You don’t need a portfolio or expensive gear to get started. Just have a clear offer, dependable service, and the ability to take meaningful photos for people who want to remember special occasions.

Photography builds your confidence, communication, and creative eye. Once you shoot one successful event, it’s easy to earn referrals and grow your work into a steady weekend gig.

Steps to Get Started:

1. Choose your photography focus
   • Stick to events you’re already familiar with or where expectations are casual
   • Popular beginner-friendly options include:
     • Birthday parties or small family celebrations
     • School dances or club banquets
     • Graduation day snapshots
     • Senior portraits for classmates
     • Holiday card or back-to-school photo shoots
   • Avoid weddings or corporate events until you have experience and gear. You’re offering relaxed, personal photography—not commercial or high-pressure services
2. Prepare a few examples to show you’re ready
   • You don’t need a full website, but collect materials to show you’re capable
     • 5–10 of your best photos from family events, school projects, or nature walks
     • A short note explaining what types of shoots you offer and what gear you use
     • A sample session plan that outlines your timing, photo types, and how files are delivered
   • Store everything in a folder or Google Doc you can easily share with clients
3. Find your first clients
   • Start with people who already know and trust you
     • Neighbors hosting small gatherings or birthdays
     • Classmates preparing for senior portraits or graduation
     • Teachers or club leaders planning banquets
     • Friends’ parents looking for holiday or family photo shoots
   • Ask an adult to help you post in family Facebook groups or school threads
   • Share 2–3 sample photos to showcase your style
   • Sample message: “Hi! I’m a high school student offering casual photography for birthday parties, graduation events, and senior portraits. I use a phone camera and editing apps to deliver high-quality digital files. Weekend sessions available — my first mini shoot starts at a low rate so you can try it out. Message me to book or learn more!”
4. Set up your process and delivery method
   • Let your clients know how your sessions work
     • Typical sessions last 30 minutes to 2 hours
     • Photos are delivered digitally via Google Drive, Dropbox, or shared album
     • Basic edits include cropping, brightness, and color adjustments
     • Files are delivered within 1–3 days
     • Ask the client what types of photos they want (posed, candid, group, portraits)
   • Use free editing tools like Snapseed, Lightroom Mobile, or Canva — no need for paid software
5. Show professionalism from the start
   • Earn trust by being reliable and respectful
     • Arrive early and make sure your device is fully charged
     • Ask permission before photographing children or private spaces
     • Communicate clearly with your client and any parents involved
     • Offer one preview photo before sending the full batch
     • Never post client photos publicly without approval
     • Follow up after the shoot to confirm delivery and ask for a referral
6. Stay organized and track your work
   • Organization helps your business stay on track
     • Use a notebook or spreadsheet to log session dates, payments, and delivery status
     • Create client folders with edited photos and backups
     • Accept payment safely through Venmo or PayPal (with parent help if needed)
     • Track which flyers, referrals, or posts helped you find each client

Start from Scratch

If you don’t have an existing network, here are safe ways to start building visibility and experience:

• Offer photography services at school events – Ask teachers, club sponsors, or your principal if you can take photos at school-sponsored banquets, club events, or sports celebrations. It may begin as volunteer work, but you’ll gain practice and visibility.
• Post flyers in local places (with permission) – Look for bulletin boards in community centers, rec halls, libraries, or places of worship. Teens often find photography clients through family spaces rather than business advertising.
• Ask your local library or youth program coordinator – Community spaces often welcome student photographers for holiday events, workshops, or small celebrations. You could volunteer for one event and ask for referrals afterward.
• Start with a trusted family or friend session – Offer a free mini shoot for a family member or friend. Photograph for 30 minutes, edit the best 5 shots, and create a sample delivery folder. This gives you something to share as an example of your work.

Create a mini portfolio

• Take 5–10 themed photos (fall colors, study poses, birthday decorations, group shots)
• Add short labels to each photo: “Portrait,” “Candid,” “Detail”
• Group your images into a sample gallery in Google Drive or Canva
• Share the folder with potential clients when you pitch a service

Every successful shoot makes your next client easier to find and builds your style along the way.

Sample Flyer

Casual Event Photography — Reliable Service from a Local Teen
Great for birthdays, senior photos, and graduation moments

Looking to capture special memories without a high-priced session? I’m a high school student offering dependable, relaxed photography for events, portraits, and family gatherings using a phone camera and editing apps.

What I Photograph:

• Birthday parties and casual celebrations
• Graduation day and cap-and-gown poses
• Senior portraits for students
• School club banquets or ceremonies
• Holiday card or seasonal photo shoots

What You’ll Receive:

• Digital files delivered within 2–3 days
• Light editing included (cropping, color, brightness)
• Files shared via Google Drive or Dropbox
• Flexible options for group or individual shots

Starter Rates:

• Mini session (30 mins, 5–8 photos): $15
• Full session (1 hour, 15+ photos): $25
• Optional rush delivery or custom edits available

About Me:

• Friendly, punctual, and respectful
• Comfortable working with natural light and simple poses
• No pressure shoots — just photos you’ll enjoy and remember

Availability:

• Weekends and after school
• Local locations only (parks, school grounds, homes)
• Trial shoots available for new clients

Contact Info:
[Your Name]
[Email Address or Parent’s Phone Number]
[Neighborhood or General Location]
[Optional: QR Code linking to sample gallery or contact form]

Let me know what memories you’d like to capture — I’d love to help!

Sample Rates

Rates by Experience

Experience Level	30-Min Session	1-Hour Session	Notes
Beginner (no prior clients)	$10–$15	$15–$25	Great for first-time shoots, trial mini sessions, and small events
Some experience (2–5 clients)	$15–$20	$25–$40	Suitable for multi-scene events or senior portraits with edits
Highly experienced or trained	$25–$35	$40–$75+	Includes advanced edits, varied poses, and longer multi-location shoots

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Optional Add-Ons:

• Light editing (cropping, filters, brightness): included in all tiers
• Custom backdrops, props, or themed shoot: +$5–$15
• Rush delivery (next-day): +$10
• USB delivery option or physical prints: pricing varies (optional for advanced users)

These rates are flexible based on region, shoot complexity, and the number of final photos delivered. Teens starting out should focus on affordability, reliability, and strong word-of-mouth to grow into higher pricing.

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For More Fun Ideas and Plans

for Daisy, Brownie, and Junior Scouts

This is a supportive Facebook community for Daisy, Brownie, and Junior Girl Scout leaders. Whether you’re seeking advice, fresh ideas, or meeting plans, you’re in the right place! Let’s inspire each other, share our experiences, and make every troop meeting a memorable adventure.

for Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador Scouts

This is a supportive community for Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador Girl Scout leaders. This group offers solutions to keep older scouts engaged in scouting amidst their busy lives. Share strategies, tackle challenges, and exchange ideas for fun, meaningful activities that resonate with teens and build lasting connections.

Find out how you can support The Badge Archive!

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• Return to the Side Hustle page.

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