Well, when you've got folks paying you to teach them photography, you've got folks paying you for portraits, and you've been asked to do a wedding or two, and you're considering delving into the art fair world, I believe that means it's time to take your Hobby to the next level...a business.
Whoa...where to begin???
What are you guys typically calling yourselves? LLC's, Sole Proprietor? etc...
The LLC forms on the State Level seem complicated...like they're for people who have an actual business office/building/studio etc. I do location work only, no studio.
Just confused...need some advise from those who have gone through the paperwork maze and come through in one piece!
Thanks for any advise. And thanks to those who responded to my Liability Forms question...it was most helpful!
Hi Kate,
I've operated as a sole proprietor for the last 28 years and that works for me.
Here is a start list:
Get a business license at the city or county level.
Get a sales tax license from the state.
Register as a DBA if you are using something other than your name.
Keep good records of everything.
I would get a copy of John Harrington's book "Best business practices for photographers HERE.
Hope it works out for you.
Neil
The best money we ever spent was to sit down with a good accountant who was intimately familiar with starting and managing a business in our state. Everything from taxes to managing short term expenses and long term investment to licensing and insurance was covered- accurately, too. There are unique traits of a photo business for sure, and those can be covered in photo books, but your business has to live right along with all other businesses within the legal and tax structures of your city, county and state, as well as the nation.
Here are a couple of "cute" sayings that pretty well cover the reality:
"A photography business is 95% business and 5% photography" says my wife, the experienced business manager.
"You know how you can spot the pro photographer? He/she is the one driving the ratty car and using old photo gear. They put their money into retirement plans, real estate and other long term investments." I don't remember who said it, but no truer words were ever spoken.
Discussion
2 repliesWell, when you've got folks paying you to teach them photography, you've got folks paying you for portraits, and you've been asked to do a wedding or two, and you're considering delving into the art fair world, I believe that means it's time to take your Hobby to the next level...a business.
Whoa...where to begin???
What are you guys typically calling yourselves? LLC's, Sole Proprietor? etc...
The LLC forms on the State Level seem complicated...like they're for people who have an actual business office/building/studio etc. I do location work only, no studio.
Just confused...need some advise from those who have gone through the paperwork maze and come through in one piece!
Thanks for any advise. And thanks to those who responded to my Liability Forms question...it was most helpful!
Kate
I've operated as a sole proprietor for the last 28 years and that works for me.
Here is a start list:
Get a business license at the city or county level.
Get a sales tax license from the state.
Register as a DBA if you are using something other than your name.
Keep good records of everything.
I would get a copy of John Harrington's book "Best business practices for photographers HERE.
Hope it works out for you.
Neil
Here are a couple of "cute" sayings that pretty well cover the reality:
"A photography business is 95% business and 5% photography" says my wife, the experienced business manager.
"You know how you can spot the pro photographer? He/she is the one driving the ratty car and using old photo gear. They put their money into retirement plans, real estate and other long term investments." I don't remember who said it, but no truer words were ever spoken.