Shooting as hobby

12 years 11 months ago #77377 by Country gal
If I am doing photography just for a hobby/practice are there any legal issues I need to worry about? I've been trying to read up on it but there is so much info it's just all running together. I know I will begin to photograph people other than close friends and was trying to figure out if I need to worry about insurance, contracts or anything of that nature? Also If I don't have a actual business can I still have a name for myself instead of "hey I have a friend who takes pictures"? I'll be honest I don't want to do this for free since I do value my time very much, but wouldn't that push me more to the business side of things? But I guess I should stay away from all that right now and focus on my photos.


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12 years 11 months ago - 12 years 11 months ago #77687 by effron
Somewhere in your long question, you answered it. If you don't want to mess with the business side, don't. I don't try to earn a nickel these days, and have never been more satisfied with my crummy photography.....:)

Why so serious?
Photo Comments
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12 years 11 months ago #77945 by Stealthy Ninja
I suggest you take a course at MLK Studios.

www.mlkstudios.com/
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12 years 11 months ago #77999 by Graflex 4x5
If it's a news worthy item, or public event you usually don't need any special permissions to take photos unless stated you can't. Also if your subject is not readly identifiable you don't need a release .... usually.

Items that are easily recognized as a trademark, such as a certain tree at Pebble Beach can be protected and need a release.

You can always work as a DBA (Doing Business As) as long as your name appears in the title and it's a sole ownership, you report your income on your regular taxes as additional income, but laws vary by state.

Anytime you accept money or promise to do something you should have a contract .... to protect both parties. Standard photography contracts can be bought from major business form places ... Just make sure you retain all rights to your photos.

No matter how fast I go, there's always someone slower in front of me.
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12 years 11 months ago #78013 by DestinDave
In today's lawsuit-happy society, it's always best to Cover Your A$$... juries love to spend someone else's money!
www.free-legal-document.com/photography-contracts.html

And, your rights as a photographer...
www.krages.com/phoright.htm
www.bobatkins.com/photography/tutorials/...aphy_law_rights.html

Dave Speicher
I thought I wanted a career.. turns out I only wanted paychecks.
dlspeicher.zenfolio.com

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12 years 11 months ago #78039 by chasrich
:goodpost: Thanks for the links Dave.

“Amateurs worry about equipment, professionals worry about money, masters worry about light, I just make pictures… ” ~ Vernon Trent
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12 years 11 months ago #78045 by DestinDave
You betcha...

Dave Speicher
I thought I wanted a career.. turns out I only wanted paychecks.
dlspeicher.zenfolio.com

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