So You Want to be a Photographer?

Are you interested in being a photographer? Either a professional or just a hobbyist taking photos of your dog? Perfect! I've found having a camera in my hand is such a rewarding hobby and career. Let's chat about what you need to get started.

If you are accepting money for your photography services, you need to have contracts in place. A contract is going to outline the terms and conditions of the service including the cost, the hours, the time of delivery, the delivery method, etc. You'll also need information in there about your cancellation policy. A contract protects both parties. Your contracts need to be reviewed by an attorney in your state to ensure they are adequate.

If you're accepting money, you're also going to need to record that as income. You'll need to be paying taxes. I realize that this is a lot of information to swallow, and you may be feeling a bit overwhelmed, but if I can do it, anyone can. It is important though to be recognized as a legal business.

How are you registering your business? Are you the sole proprietor or are you going to have an LLC? If something happens during a session and the client sues you, are they going to be able to go after just your business assets or your personal assets as well?

In order to be a legal business, you'll need a Tax ID and an EIN number. You're also going to need to have a bank account reserved just for your photography business. You can pay yourself out of that account, but it cannot be your personal banking account.

There is so much more than picking up a camera and starting a photography page on Facebook. For the sake of your business and others in the industry, please take the steps necessary to educate yourself. By coming in undercharging your competition, and not paying taxes, not having a business license, or having your equipment insured, you are doing yourself a big disservice. By undercharging, you are eventually going to burn out. You'll find yourself working constantly, but not being able to pay yourself a living wage.

Don't forget to insure your equipment! Oftentimes this can be an extension of your home owners or renter's insurance. Important component nonetheless, in the event that something happens to your equipment. You may not have the capitol saved to run out and buy a new laptop or camera to finish out your busy season.

Take the time to run your cost of doing business. You'll quickly find out why your competitors charge what they do. To have monthly expenses to run a legal business and doing things by the book is expensive. But less expensive than being fined or sued.

Everyone deserves to make a livable wage for their craft. Creatives are no different.