You are NOT a real photographer unless you do this
So you got a sweet camera. And you just opened it up and started taking a few pictures.
After a couple of days or so after taking pictures of your cat and your brother and anyone else you can take pictures of, you decide to open a photography business.
To be official you start a Instagram account and a Facebook page for your photography.
After you get some shoots, you think you are ready to earn some "big money" and shoot a wedding?
Sound familiar?
That's how I started my business too.
But let me caution you after doing this for six years about all the different things that you're going to see in your path before you try to jump all the way into the business of photography.
I'm going to let you know right now that your running your "business" wrong!
And yes I put "business" in quotes for a reason. Your not an actual business unless you have a business license, insurance and safe guards in place to protect you!
You might want to get coffee and get some coffee before delving in- just warning you!
First, watch my little video about this on my youtube channel:
Do I have to have a license to take pictures?
Yes and no.
Yes, you can physically take pictures for personal use. But as soon as you start charging people, you need to have a business license for tax reasons!
Do I have to have insurance to have a business?
You need to have your A$$ covered if something (God forbid) would happen to your client!
What kind of form do I need for my customers to fill out?
I have a page on my website that talks about EVERYTHING that they need to know before booking me, from cost to how many photos they get. That way, they can have everything in writing and I don't waste my time answering questions!
This is actual form when they are ready to book that they fill out for a portrait session (and pay a DEPOSIT!) love how mobile friendly and paperless it is!
For weddings, I use this extensive form that covers my A$$ even more.
So there you have it. Be licensed, be legit, be good! You never want to get into some horror story that ruins your business!
Christal
Marshall Arts Studio is a Photography and Graphic Design Team in Chesapeake, VA.
We serve families, students and couples with amazing images that will be cherished forever. We would love to work with you! Contact us below to get in touch with us!
Also, 10% of our proceeds goes to building fresh water wells in South East Asia through our Water. Life. Love. Project. Check out the details here: www.waterlifelove.com.
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