How I Started My Content Creation Business on a Budget (and What I Upgraded First)

AKA how to build a content biz without selling a kidney. ✨ Heads up: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase through them — at no extra cost to you. I’ve only linked items I genuinely use and love, but always do your own research before hitting “add to cart.”

When I started creating content, I had big ideas… and a very small budget. My first shoots were done on a basic entry-level DSLR with a kit lens and a lot of hope. Were my images jaw-droppingly good? Absolutely not. But they were honest, decent for the gear, and priced accordingly.

This blog isn’t about what gear you should buy — it’s about how to level up smartly, sustainably, and without going into debt before you’ve even proven your business has legs.

Here’s the real-talk, step-by-step version of how I grew my content creation biz from scrappy to sustainable.

Step 1: Start With What You’ve Got

I started with a standard beginner DSLR and the kit lens it came with. I knew it wasn’t top-tier, but I made it work — leaning into natural light, learning manual settings, and building confidence behind the lens.

💡Pro tip: When your gear is basic, your pricing should reflect it. I worked at a competitive (read: affordable) rate for my skill and equipment level, which helped me build both a client base and a cash buffer. My first photoshoots were $70. Eight years on I charge nearly 10x that amount.

Step 2: First Upgrade = Lens

Before I touched my camera body, I upgraded my lens — and it made a huge difference in image quality.👉 My favourite lens: Nikon 24-70mm

This lens gave me sharper images, better low-light performance, and more flexibility in my shoots. I also played around with a 50mm prime lens, which had beautiful depth but was too limiting for most of my client work. Zoom lenses are best bang for buck when you're getting started.

Step 3: The Big Leap – Full Frame Camera

Once I’d built up a steady client flow and saved up, I made the jump to a full-frame camera. Worth. Every. Cent.

👉 My current camera body: Nikon D780 DSLR The boost in image quality, especially in low light, was massive. If you’re shooting events, indoors, or want buttery bokeh, you’ll feel the difference immediately.

Step 4: Studio Setups That Won’t Break the Bank

Not every shoot can happen in a dreamy natural light location. That’s where a clean studio setup comes in handy — without needing to rent an actual studio.

👉 Backdrop Stand: Collapsible Stand👉 Backdrops: Neutral Curtain Backdrop

I've used these to shoot everything from headshots to products and Reels. If you're working from home or setting up temporarily at a client site — these do the job.

Step 5: Let There Be (Good) Light

Lighting can make or break a shoot. Even if your camera’s just “okay,” great lighting elevates the final product fast. That’s why my next investment will be a solid lighting setup. 👉 My current lighting set up: Softbox Lighting Kit This inexpensive kit has been with me for years now and has had my back from family photography, corporate interviews, product photography and beyond.

👉 On my wish list: Godox SL60W Lighting Kit Consistent, soft, and reliable — plus affordable for the quality. Lighting should be your next upgrade before you get distracted by even fancier gear.

Step 6: The Little Tools That Make a Big Difference

Some accessories are boring… until they save your butt mid-shoot.

👉 SD Card Protector (don’t lose your life’s work): Click here👉 Cheap + Effective Lapel Mics for iPhone: Click here

These mics got me through early content gigs where budget video still needed clean sound.

Step 7: Going Pro with Video

As I started working with higher-end clients and shooting more video, iPhone quality just didn’t cut it anymore. That’s when I discovered my holy grail:

👉 DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Creator Combo: Link hereIt’s compact, shoots stunning 3–4K video, and the 3-axis stabilisation is a dream. Ideal for content creators who want cinematic quality without hauling a full rig around.

👉 2nd Mic for Interviews: DJI Mic 2 Transmitter

Step 8: Dream Big, Scale Smart

I still have a dream camera I’m saving for. Not because I need it now — but because I believe in where this business is going. Even charging what I do now, making such a big investment in my business is scary. I'm operating fine with the set up i've got and plan to upgrade my camera next time I go all in on my business again.

👉 The dream setup: Canon R5When the demand, income, and confidence all align? That’s when you go premium.

So… When Should You Increase Your Rates?

Here’s my rule of thumb: 🔹 When your quality improves noticeably (via skills, gear, or both) 🔹 When demand exceeds your current capacity 🔹 When you’re booked out or consistently undercharging compared to industry peers

Pricing isn’t just about time spent — it’s about value delivered.

I’m working on a Pricing & Advertising Guide that’ll help you confidently price your offers, know when to raise your rates, and advertise without feeling awkward. Stay tuned — it’s coming soon.

Final Thought: Build With Purpose, Not Panic

You don’t need to buy it all at once. You don’t need to be the best on day one. What you do need is clarity, consistency, and a commitment to keep levelling up — slowly, wisely, and with integrity. don't be worried about starting small, because... there are people out there at ALL budgets looking for creatives to help elevate their brand and for those with small budgets, your freshness to the industry plays perfectly to their budget.

And if you’ve found this post helpful and choose to shop using my affiliate links — thank you. It supports me to keep creating and sharing real-world insights for creators like you.

Got questions about gear, pricing, or starting out? Drop them in the comments — I reply to every one.