Am I Too Young to Charge?

[mrscoala]

Amazing photos!!! When you see work like THIS, who would be reluctant to pay???

Good luck.

[AnneWynne]

BTw, I noticed on your site that you both intend to major in a photography-related area (art and photojournalism if my memory is correct). Be sure to take as many business-related classes as you can to help you from the business side if you want to continue with a photography business. You are ahead of the game already simply by posing the question you did and seeking advice from people already in the business. If you can, find mentors along this journey you have embarked on.

Best of luck to you both.
Anne

[WickPhotography]

Thanks for all of the great advice guys! It's really helpful.

If I'm not ready to start an actual business yet, is it illegal to just charge on the side until we're both ready to do this for real? What I mean is, would that be like doing business under the table?

[Jim Bryant]

You know, it would probably be okay........but with your talent, you're gonna piss off the local pros But, with you the talent you already have, it's gonna happen sooner or later.
Don't advertise yourself as a photography business.....the pros could use that against you.

Originally Posted by WickPhotography

Thanks for all of the great advice guys! It's really helpful.

If I'm not ready to start an actual business yet, is it illegal to just charge on the side until we're both ready to do this for real? What I mean is, would that be like doing business under the table?

[sk66]

Originally Posted by WickPhotography

Thanks for all of the great advice guys! It's really helpful.

If I'm not ready to start an actual business yet, is it illegal to just charge on the side until we're both ready to do this for real? What I mean is, would that be like doing business under the table?

Yes, that's doing business "under the table", but it's probably all right as long as it's "small time". By the IRS regulations you will have to file income tax returns on your side business if you have a "net earning" of greater than $400.

Net earning means "after expenses". A nice bonus of doing this as a "paid hobby" is that equipment can be deducted from earnings to reduce your net without having to amortize or even file... normally equipment expenses (over $5000) have to be claimed and depreciated over time, not just written off. In your case any monies spent in relation to the "business" can be directly deducted to keep the net under $400 and thus still a "hobby" and non-reportable.

FWIW, I am NOT a tax spe******t, and I am not trying to give a definitive legal answer, just the "jist of it" as I understand things...(I've been self employed in one way or another most of my adult life, right now I have a "side business" I run as a "sole proprietorship" under a DBA.)

As an aside...many kids (used to) make much more than $400 cutting lawns and it goes "unnoticed"...no-one really cares.

[WickPhotography]

You guys are so great!

I was just writing again to mention that all of the stuff on the website I linked to was a couple of months old. I just did a shoot today that I'm really pleased with though if you all want to check it out It's on my flickr account, which I've linked to

[WickPhotography]

Originally Posted by sk66

Yes, that's doing business "under the table", but it's probably all right as long as it's "small time". By the IRS regulations you will have to file income tax returns on your side business if you have a "net earning" of greater than $400.

Net earning means "after expenses". A nice bonus of doing this as a "paid hobby" is that equipment can be deducted from earnings to reduce your net without having to amortize or even file... normally equipment expenses (over $5000) have to be claimed and depreciated over time, not just written off. In your case any monies spent in relation to the "business" can be directly deducted to keep the net under $400 and thus still a "hobby" and non-reportable.

FWIW, I am NOT a tax spe******t, and I am not trying to give a definitive legal answer, just the "jist of it" as I understand things...(I've been self employed in one way or another most of my adult life, right now I have a "side business" I run as a "sole proprietorship" under a DBA.)

As an aside...many kids (used to) make much more than $400 cutting lawns and it goes "unnoticed"...no-one really cares.

Thanks, that's really helpful. Thankfully the other photographer I work with's parents are both accountants, and both of my parents have started multiple businesses. So I think I've got a few good people to help me with this. It's always great to get other input too though, so thanks for that information.

[Jim Bryant]

Not a problem. Just ask. Keep up the outstanding work

[sarahdavis]

I think you're off to a wonderful start, especially if you continue your education, learn everything you possibly can, and start on some of these business suggestions all of these others have given.
But mostly - you're only 17, and you've already come this far - go for it!!!! You can only get better from here so follow your dreams and enjoy it.
Sarah

[RexK_Cozumel]

If you think that photography has anything to do with the age of the photographer have a look at Joey L His work is pretty amazing. Hard to believe that he is 18.