starting a business

13 years 1 month ago #39796 by Todays Photos
What do I need to start a photography business? I would like to start a portrait studio specializing in fish eye portraits. But I have no clue how to go about starting a business.


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13 years 1 month ago - 13 years 1 month ago #39798 by chasrich
Welcome to the forum. I'm not sure what to tell you about your question. I'm sure some valuable information will emerge though. :welcomeclan:

“Amateurs worry about equipment, professionals worry about money, masters worry about light, I just make pictures… ” ~ Vernon Trent
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13 years 1 month ago #39799 by Baydream
You probably need a course or two in operating a business from your local community college. The licensing and tax laws are different in every state. Check with your state government about those. Federally, you may need to establish a "sole proprietorship" and obtain an EIN (Employer Identification Number - like an SSN for businesses). You will need to learn to keep detailed business records so that you will not face a tax audit next year. If you set up your studio in your home, local zoning rules may require a special permit.
There are a lot of things you need to consider and professional advice from you rarea is important.

Shoot, learn and share. It will make you a better photographer.
fineartamerica.com/profiles/john-g-schickler.html?tab=artwork

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13 years 1 month ago #39864 by Big Kevin
You'll need to set up a DBA for what you want to be known as "doing business as", set up separate bank account, rent or lease studio space, then buy some lighting equipment, advertising and a hot secretary.

OK hot secretary is optional. :cheer:


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13 years 1 month ago #39941 by Rawley Photos
Get a website built. There are a few companies that offer some pretty nice out of the box websites:

Smugmug or Zenfolio are a couple good ones to pick from.


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13 years 1 month ago #39953 by Rob pix4u2
you will probably need accounting software, and a local business license from your city as well and a business plan to obtain bank financing

Remember to engage brain before putting mouth in gear
Rob Huelsman Sr.
My Facebook www.facebook.com/ImaginACTIONPhotography

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13 years 1 month ago #40083 by effron
All of above, but don't give up your day job. You will risk any savings and assets if you dive in head first. I am not trying to discourage you, but times are tough right now. Plus, if you happen to turn profit, the government will tax the crap out of you. (See if the logo and name "GE" is available)

Why so serious?
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13 years 1 month ago #40273 by Big Kevin

Rawley Photos wrote: Get a website built. There are a few companies that offer some pretty nice out of the box websites:

Smugmug or Zenfolio are a couple good ones to pick from.

:agree: very good point, these days you need a good site


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13 years 1 month ago #40465 by Street Shark

Rawley Photos wrote: Get a website built. There are a few companies that offer some pretty nice out of the box websites:

Smugmug or Zenfolio are a couple good ones to pick from.


:agree: :thumbsup:


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13 years 4 weeks ago #41225 by Jol3n0b

Todays Photos wrote: What do I need to start a photography business? I would like to start a portrait studio specializing in fish eye portraits. But I have no clue how to go about starting a business.


OMG, I could never start a photography business. Specializing in fish eye portraits would be awesome, but it wouldn't be for me.


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13 years 4 weeks ago #41258 by Scotty
Specializing in fish eye portraits doesn't have a market, so you're kind of shooting yourself in the foot. When you start a photography business, don't be afraid to take on multiple fields of it, and slowly find yourself a niche.

When the last candle has been blown out
and the last glass of champagne has been drunk
All that you are left with are the memories and the images-David Cooke.

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