Question about selling photos online

4 years 10 months ago #648686 by TGonzo
As I become better, if I decide to start selling my photos online, do I need to formally get a business set up?

I'm not there yet, but feel in 2019 I would like to try selling some of my work as stock photos.  


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4 years 10 months ago #648710 by Nikon Shooter
Stock photos is no more what it once was!

You might consider galleries on a/your website and
offer your pictures there.

Light is free… capturing it is not!
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4 years 10 months ago #648713 by garyrhook
What you sell is irrelevant.

If you're going to do commercial work, you should be legitimate and create and register a business in your state. Then learn about how state taxes are handled in your locale, and report your income. And pay taxes on it.

All IMO, of course.


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4 years 10 months ago #648761 by icepics
I agree with Gary, find out for your state what you need to do. My state doesn't have any license necessary and you have to make a certain amount in a year to have to pay taxes on it.

For stock make sure you look at Terms etc. Most sites pay little for usage forever, and/or can use your photos however they want for little payment. Seems like people don't use stock sites for all that long before they're done with it.

I doubt it would be worth setting up a business unless you intend to do more than stock, but check into it. Try ASMP or PPA for info. from pro photographers organizations.

Sharon
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4 years 10 months ago #648782 by TGonzo
Well this is what I was fishing for, I have read that stock photography is kind of dead compared to where it is.  Granted people still buy photos, but because of the high volume of them, profits to be made on them have gone down the toilet.  Knowing the unlikelihood that I will make any serious money at this, and I'm doing this just to start validating my photography and taking a first step towards one day being able to sell prints.  

And while I think about this, if I don't make $600 at it, I don't have to report squat.  Which brings up the question, will I make over $600 in a years time.  Well that is the part I don't know.


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