Am I Too Young to Charge?

[WickPhotography]

My friend and I started a little senior photography business about a year ago. We didn't charge for the first four or five months, but now we've developed a pretty diverse portfolio that we're proud of. But we're both seventeen. People are always really interested in having us take their pictures when they contact us at first, but their parents are hesitant to pay teenagers. Should we not disclose our ages on our site? Or is that lying? Any input would be appreciated.

Our web designer isn't finished with our site yet, so we're still using our temporary one (p.s. this site isn't finished yet, so I apologize for the missing links and buttons! I'll fix it soon!)

http://www.wix.com/wickphotography/wick-photography-2

[oldwolf]

You're never too young to charge. It's the photographer's eye, not the camera and not the age of the photographer that captures something the client wants.

You've got a pretty good port. I'd start charging. Just make sure you talk to some type of accountant or lawyer so you do it right and don't get nailed for taxes and stuff later on. I'd also seriously look into an LLC so your liability or rather your parent's liability (if you're still a minor) is minimized.

[sftl99]

If you're producing quality work, and it appears as if you are, then you can charge. My brother started charging in his early years of college. He went super cheap to attract people but still be able to make a bit of side money. As he got more and more cheap jobs, he built his portfolio and resume. He did some cheap weddings that turned out fantastic then word of mouth spread and he got job after job. Supply and demand being what it is, he gradually raised his prices. He'll graduate this year and immediately be a full time photographer doing weddings, portraits, aerial, commercial, and more. SO, use that example for what it is and good luck!

[wdogg40]

This kid and his crew are all teenagers and they are amazing. I don't think age ever has to play apart in terms of charging. I can't imagine an 80+ year old asking the same question.

By looking at your stuff I'm willing to bet that people will have no problem paying money for you to take their pictures.

[Jim Bryant]

You're both 17 and shoot pictures as good as those? Why not start a business? Well, one thing is that you're both not 18. You might want to check your state's biz regulations as to what the legal age to start a photographic business. But, in all fairness, I'd say go for it. You may also have to get a city and state business licenses, go to the bank and set up a business checking account, register your business name, get insurance, start business plan, put together contracts for your clients, or it they are underage, their parents to sign, set up a price sheet for various packages and al la carte orders. And another thing, you 'll have to start charging your customers a state sales tax, because the state will want their cut as well. So it's best to hire a CPA to figure out all that stuff for ya.

Taking pictures on the side is one thing, but starting a business, is another. You really, really need to educate yourself in all facets of business, not just the photography side. Taking pictures these days is the easy part. You might want to get your parents involved in this venture.

Go read my posts. Want to make $$$$! Educate yourself first.

Never-the-less, you two have some very good photos

[AnneWynne]

Fabulous portraits. I echo what Jim stated, you could go ahead and start a business. However, you really need to consult an attorney about this as you may not be able to "officially" start a business until you are 18 (somehting about minors not being able to enter into contractual relationships and that kind of stuff). But by all means, pursue it. You young ladies have talent to spare.

Good luck,
Anne

[candleman]

Originally Posted by AnneWynne

You young ladies have talent to spare.

yup...

if it doesnt pan out the an attourney (as Anne said) you could use the time until you're 18 to learn about the business side of things and save for some advertising, and do an official launch then.
study up as much as you can and get all lhe legal stuff checked out.

you have a bright future ahead of you

[ntinlizi]

with photos like this? hell no!!! you should deffinately charge, you guys are amazing! in fact, im wondering if you can give me any pointers im just getting into portraits (just fun...for now) but im having trouble with creativeness, composition, and posing. any advice for a newbee?

[calmaxgan]

Age is irrelevent and doesn't need to be mentioned. You are probably quite proud of what you have achieved thus far (and very rightly so!) but as you are discovering, it may cause more harm than good. I wouldn't be mentioning your ages, any more than I would ever put my date of birth on a resume or employment application.

Let your work speak for itself.

[sk66]

Ok, I'm going to be "harsh"....
You have some good pics on the site, some very good and some just passable...Overall, the pics don't make me think there's any reason you should "go pro", well not exactly....

What I "do see" is that you may have an unusual ability to "relate" to a younger clientele and have a better ability to "capture them". In this aspect your age is a bonus...you relate to your clientele! That's invaluable.

Otherwise, you can attempt to hide your age, but eventually you will have to show up for the shoot...I'd say let your work speak for itself, and word of mouth....I wouldn't "advertise" your age, but I would make no attempt to hide it either...

I would continue to work on your portfolio...

The step from "side business" to "professional business" isn't really very difficult. A registered DBA, a bank account under that name to keep monies separate, and some basic legal contracts typed up in word....

BUT the realities of running a professional business can be a bitch! Accounting, estimated taxes, management, sales tax, unemployment/workers comp(even if self employed), customer service, sales, etc etc.... that's why I'm a hobbyist...

I'm not trying to discourage you, if you want it, go for it. But you still have MUCH to learn. You are NOT too young (but your age may require some legal fanangaling..such as a LLC to make it "legit") in fact in some ways your age may be a PLUS....

If the specifics/acronyms mentioned are alien/confusing to you, you are not ready...