How to set up a photographer profile on Websta in Belgium

What your Websta profile should contain

Your profile page acts as a website for your photography business. Clients in Belgium who search the marketplace by service and location will see your profile if they look for photographers. The core of your profile is a portfolio of images that show the type of work you do. Unlike a generic portfolio site, a Websta profile lets people in your area contact you directly through the platform.

Start with a clear description of what you offer. Write in the languages your clients use - most photographers in Belgium will want to list services in Dutch, French, English, or a combination depending on where they work and who they serve. Do not assume every client reads all three languages.

Add a photo of yourself or your workspace if it feels right for your brand. Clients want to know who they are working with. Keep your profile details up to date: your location, the types of photography you do, and how people can reach you.

• Portfolio section with your best images (weddings, portraits, events, commercial work - whatever you specialise in)
• Clear list of services you offer (e.g. wedding photography, family portraits, headshots, product photography, event coverage)
• Your location in Belgium (town or region)
• Contact information and response time expectations
• Option to show your hourly rate or package prices if you prefer not to quote per job
• Space to share your experience, credentials or style so clients understand your approach

How booking and quote requests work on Websta

When a client finds you through the marketplace, they can either book directly if you offer instant booking, or they can request a quote. A quote request means they send you a message through Websta with details of what they need - the date, type of shoot, location, any specific requirements. You then respond with your offer.

Many photographers prefer quote requests over instant booking because every job is different. A family portrait session is priced differently from a full day wedding, or from a commercial product shoot. Websta lets you set which option works for your business.

Clients can also call or email you directly if you provide those details on your profile. The contact form on your page is the main way people reach out within the platform.

How people in Belgium search for photographers

Websta has a marketplace where people nearby search by service and location. Someone in Brussels looking for a photographer can filter by service type (portrait, wedding, event, etc.) and see providers in their area. The marketplace path for photographers in Belgium is /marketplace/photo.

Clients usually search when they have a specific need - an upcoming wedding, a family photo session, headshots for LinkedIn, or event coverage. They search by location because they want someone local who understands their area and can travel if needed. Your profile appears in those location-based searches when your profile is set up properly.

Some searches may come through web engines too if your Websta profile is indexed. But the main flow is people using the marketplace directly to find photographers near them.

What to sort out as an independent photographer in Belgium

Before you set up your profile, confirm your legal status as a service provider. Most photographers in Belgium work as independent contractors (zelfstandige in Dutch, indépendant in French). You need to be registered with your local authority and have a business tax number. If you are not yet registered, contact your local commune office (gemeente/commune) or check the appropriate regional authority - requirements differ slightly between Flanders, Wallonia, and Brussels.

You will need a Belgian bank account to receive payments through Stripe, which is how Websta handles payments. Clients pay through the platform and the money goes directly to your account.

As an independent provider, you are responsible for your own insurance, invoicing, and tax compliance. Liability insurance is recommended in case of damage or loss during a shoot. Check with a local accountant or your regional business support service about what you need to register, declare, and pay as self-employed.

Your pricing is entirely your choice. Websta does not set rates - you do. Whether you charge per hour, per shoot, per day or by package is up to you.

Languages to use on your profile

Belgium has three official languages: Dutch, French and German. Most of the country speaks Dutch or French depending on region. English is widely understood but not the main business language in all areas.

Choose the languages that match your clients. If you work in Flanders, Dutch will be essential. If you work in Wallonia or Brussels, French is important. If you work internationally or mostly with expat clients, add English. You can publish your profile in multiple languages on Websta, and clients see the version in their chosen language.

What to write in your first hour

Do not try to build everything at once. Start with the essentials so potential clients can find you and understand what you do.

First, write a short description of yourself and your photography style. Two to three sentences are enough. Say what types of work you focus on and who you typically work with.

Second, list your main services. Be specific: wedding photography, family portraits, corporate events, product photography - whatever applies to you. Vague descriptions like 'photography services' do not help clients understand if you are the right fit.

Third, upload four to eight of your strongest images. They should show the quality of your work and the range of what you do. A wedding photographer should show at least one full wedding album preview, a portrait photographer should show different types of portraits.

Fourth, add your location and how clients can contact you. Include your response time if you can - e.g. 'I reply to quote requests within 24 hours.'

Once this is live, you can add more detail, testimonials, or a full portfolio over time. But these basics are enough to start appearing in searches and taking inquiries.

Payment and contracts

When a client books or hires you through Websta, payment goes through Stripe to your own bank account. You keep control of your money and your relationship with the client. Websta handles the payment processing but the funds are yours.

For every job, send the client a clear invoice or agreement so both of you are clear on scope, dates, deliverables and price. This protects you both. Many photographers use a simple contract template that covers usage rights, cancellation policy, and delivery timeline.