Starting my own {quite small} business???

[ThePhotographess]

I've been researching a lot about starting my own photography business. And I mean A LOT. I know I need to buy another lens, probably a fill-in flash, and a professional editing software. But do you really need a license if you are based at home, but don't really have a "studio"? I know about marketing, but advice is welcome ! I want to focus on family and people portraits.

[SusanH1970]

Business license requirements vary from state to state (and even county to county) but it appears that in Nebraska, you will need one: How do I Obtain a Nebraska Business License? | eHow.com. That link also explains that you'll need to register with the Nebraska Dept. of Revenue (yep, ya gotta pay taxes). Good basic info from that link; contact an accountant for more detailed help.

Whether you own a studio or not, if you are charging people for photography, you're in business according to the IRS.

[RELum]

That will depend a lot on your city/county regulations. My county does require one, but I have heard of some that don't. Contact the small business office for your local government for the details.

[ChrisAdval]

Originally Posted by SusanH1970

Business license requirements vary from state to state (and even county to county) but it appears that in Nebraska, you will need one: How do I Obtain a Nebraska Business License? | eHow.com. That link also explains that you'll need to register with the Nebraska Dept. of Revenue (yep, ya gotta pay taxes). Good basic info from that link; contact an accountant for more detailed help.

Whether you own a studio or not, if you are charging people for photography, you're in business according to the IRS.

it is different country to country, state to state, city to city or county to county... I know for me, (different business) if I was running a business from home but had customers come into my home it was different than not letting customers come into my home (like an online retail business I was running), there would be more paper work and forms to be signed for fire inspections or other stuff like that. If you know you won't have customers in the home you save some cash on not getting the inspections (if allowed by the city)

[Biomech]

To be honest, I would say you're going to need a lot more than "another lens" "probably a fill flash" and some software..... what kind of photography are you planning on doing? Don't forget you probably need a multitude of lenses, filters, spare camera, spare batteries, spare memory cards, backup lens, you'll end up buying bounces, reflectors, camera straps, bags, cleaning kit, diffusers, maybe light meters, etc etc etc. And make sure you get insurance! for your kit and public liability

... and ALWAYS get a UV/Skylight?protection filter for every lens - should be the first thing you do.

And dear god, don't do what they do in the promo videos for those bags! I actually saw a promo video where the photo grapher took the next lens and they had it in the bag with no lens cap and no rear cap :O :O

[SusanH1970]

Originally Posted by Biomech

... and ALWAYS get a UV/Skylight?protection filter for every lens - should be the first thing you do.

That I have to disagree with. I had UV filters on my lenses and was unhappy with how they made my photos look (why put a piece of cheap glass over an expensive piece of glass?). I do, however, have lens hoods on every one of my lenses for protection. I've accidentally banged my camera in to a door/wall/whatever many times and the hood takes the brunt - a filter won't help you with that.

[Biomech]

Completely disagree It's not just the outer glass you pay for in a lens, its the quality of the internal components too. Why NOT protect the front of the lens? It's a lot cheaper to replace a filter than a £1200 lens! Plus a lens hood isn't going to protect against scratches and abbrasions, sand+wind etc

As for cheap?
B+W 77mm MRC UV/IR (486M) Filter (BW31976) - Warehouse Express
B+W 77mm MRC Clear (007M) Protection Filter (BW1001705) - Warehouse Express
B+W 127mm Slim MRC Clear UV Haze (010) Filter (BW21480) - Warehouse Express

[SusanH1970]

Originally Posted by Biomech

Completely disagree It's not just the outer glass you pay for in a lens, its the quality of the internal components too. Why NOT protect the front of the lens? It's a lot cheaper to replace a filter than a £1200 lens! Plus a lens hood isn't going to protect against scratches and abbrasions, sand+wind etc

As for cheap?
B+W 77mm MRC UV/IR (486M) Filter (BW31976) - Warehouse Express
B+W 77mm MRC Clear (007M) Protection Filter (BW1001705) - Warehouse Express
B+W 127mm Slim MRC Clear UV Haze (010) Filter (BW21480) - Warehouse Express

Meh...different strokes for different folks.

[corry]

Originally Posted by SusanH1970

That I have to disagree with. I had UV filters on my lenses and was unhappy with how they made my photos look (why put a piece of cheap glass over an expensive piece of glass?). I do, however, have lens hoods on every one of my lenses for protection. I've accidentally banged my camera in to a door/wall/whatever many times and the hood takes the brunt - a filter won't help you with that.

was just discussing this exact thing in the photog shop and consensus was if you have an L lens don't put cheap glass on the front... I however don't have any of those luxury lenses and my lenses often have a uv filter on

[Jim Bryant]

Originally Posted by ThePhotographess

I've been researching a lot about starting my own photography business. And I mean A LOT. I know I need to buy another lens, probably a fill-in flash, and a professional editing software. But do you really need a license if you are based at home, but don't really have a "studio"? I know about marketing, but advice is welcome ! I want to focus on family and people portraits.

Here' s some reading material that will kick you in the butt. http://digital-photography-school.co...hotography-dps

I suggest you read these:
I just bought a DSLR and I'm amazingly awesome, how can I start charging for it?
Answer: Read Jim's thrice daily columns on the photog biz. Here's a few to ponder.
Want to make $$$$! Educate yourself first
Building a portfolio
How to Shoot sports
How to become a professional photographer part 1
Cost of Doing Business
On being a photojournalist
How to build a website that sells to photo buyers and editors
making money with digital cameras