Photography Business Questions

Originally Posted by hark

Pretty soon I will be entering the world of paid photography (part-time) and want to review everything required for a business. If you have any comments or suggestions regarding any of the following - or any other topics I may have missed - I'd appreciate your input. At this time, I won't be using our home for a studio so no need to address home owners policy for that. For now I'd be doing on location photography.

1. Website - this is vital. The problem for me is I might change the name from All About The Light to perhaps something shorter. This will probably be one of the first things I address. Hosting info will also be appreciated.

2. Business and/or Gear Insurance - I looked at the PPA web site, and going through them is a consideration. Unfortunately they don't offer business insurance. So any recommendations or suggestions on both business and gear insurance will be appreciated. I DON'T want to go through my Home Owner's policy with a rider. State Farm really isn't the best insurance out there so it isn't even a consideration. Looking for other companies.

You need a BOP Business Owners Policy. Your State Farm agent should be able to quote this. It's separate and distinct from your homeowner's policy.

3. Licensing - in the past I went to our local Chamber of Commerce trying to get info on starting a business. The man wanted to write down my info and asked for my business name. I didn't have one yet so he wouldn't give me any info or help. He could have at least offered pricing info for licensing but....

You don't go to the Chamber for this. You go to your local City hall. If your City doesn't issue business Licenses, then your County almost certainly does. Both/either will direct you to the other if you need both. It's usually a small fee based on gross sales... <--starting out you'll be in the lowest tier. They'll supply you with forms as well as what their requirements are for Business names... There are public notices that need to be filed if you file as a Corp. or use an alias name... usually NOT if you use your real full name... They'll give you all the details.

4. Payment Options - any and all suggestions for this will be appreciated! This would be both for paying through a web site and/or paying in person.

You'll almost certainly need to accept credit cards. You can visit your Bank and they'll be able to give you info and requirements for their accounts. You can also search online for the several clearing houses that interface with your cell phone with CC acceptance...

5. Vehicle Insurance - I know I will need to update this to include using my vehicle for a business.

Tell your State Farm agent that you want business coverage for your car while you're talking to him about your business insurance. He'll explain what you need.

6. Business Cards - first I need to decide on a business name, and if I get a business license number from the county, that would be included.

Hold off until you've been through the City hall business license process because that's going dictate what name you use... In Florida, without complicating the subject, it'll most likely be your real name + photography...

So what else have I missed? Any comments or suggestions on the things I've mentioned?

Last but not least, you should talk to your tax advisor and/or visit a CPA to get your books setup. He'll also be able to direct you toward the form of business you use based on how much you plan to make... as well as what other assets you may have... Unless a professional suggests you do an LLC, or Corp... I wouldn't be so quick to rush into those... They're just more forms to file and more fees to pay... You can start as a Sole Proprietor until you see how much money you're going to make...

Good luck with your new venture...

I don't know why now, but I always thought you were here in Florida... Maybe it's Marilynne (Sp) that I'm thinking of.

Look in your local phone book (if they have those anymore) or online for a local Independent Agent... They should be able to help you navigate all the insurance questions. They also represent a bunch of different companies to get you a reasonably fair price.

That's exactly what you want Cindy... They'll be able to tailor your insurance to your specific needs. Adding a floater to your BOP to cover all your equipment will also be significantly less than paying any association dues to buy their coverage...