Feeling overwhelmed when you think about starting your photography business? Here’s our step-by-step guide to keeping things clean and organized when you start a photography business.

So, how do you start a photography business? Deciding to transform your hobby into an actual job is no easy task! But having to research, and know exactly what is required to become a legal business entity, can be enough to make your head spin!

These initial business decisions can have a tremendous impact on the future of your photography business (and your personal life as well).  It’s vital to make sure you learn exactly how to start a photography business.

start a photography business

In this article, I am going to break down the overwhelming amount of business information and give you the exact initial steps required to make an official and legal business.

More specifically, how to start a photography business and get your photography up and running quickly (and working for you)!

What do I need to start a photography business?

Most simply, to start a photography business you need a camera.  To start a legal, successful, and thriving photography business?  Well, that’s a little bit more complicated.

Opening a photography business isn’t particularly complicated.  But there are certain tasks to accomplish to become legal, viable, and survive in the long term.

To begin with, you’ll want a business plan to help coalesce all your thoughts and dreams into an actionable plan.  Then you’ll need to form your business entity.  register your business name and make your business official with some legal paperwork.

To keep your business finances separate from personal finances, a business banking account is in order.  And finally, you’ll need to deal with paying your taxes to stay on the right side of the law.  It sounds a little daunting but taken step by step, it’s really not too hard!

Step 1: Write a Business Plan

Although there are no legal requirements for having a business plan, it is a valuable document! Having a written plan will help guide you and get your photography business started on the right track, and on the way to success.  Putting together a business plan is no easy task, but running a successful business isn’t easy either.  This is meant to be a framework you can reference when you start to feel overwhelmed.

A well thought out, and comprehensive plan should include these topics:

start photography business

  • Description of Business – What type of photography business are you going to be in?  Large studio or small boutique? Are you going to focus on weddings or family?
  • Market Analysis – What is your target market? Who is your ideal customer? What is the competition like in your market? What is the market price point/price range for what you intend on competing against?
  • Competitive Advantage – How are you going to be different to gain market share?
  • Operations – Who is going to run the business? What roles will be involved in the day-to-day operation?  Is the business scaleable?
  • Financing – Is there a need to raise capital/money to get started?  If so, how much is needed? How will you get it/who will provide it?
  • Goals & Objectives – What do you want to achieve with the business?  Write your goals down so you can track them.  Set goals that are a challenge but yet still realistically attainable and set metrics to track your progress.

Want more ideas on a photography business plan?

Step 2: Choosing a Business Structure

The first true step and one of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make is what type of business entity do you want to operate. There are significant differences amongst each type, so it is important to research and learn about which is best for you.

The form of business structure you choose has direct implications on how much paperwork is required, how much or little personal liability is tied to the business, and lastly the amount and type of taxes you will have to pay.   If you are unsure which is right for you, consulting with a CPA can be a good move to make sure you are making the best choice.

Types of Structures Explained:

Sole Proprietorship  

A sole proprietorship is set up as a single business owner.  Profits are taxed at the sole proprietor’s individual tax rates, unlike corporations with other tax obligations and schedules.

Pros: Easiest to set up, run and operate

Cons: Owners are personally liable if a lawsuit occurs.  Personal assets such as houses, cars, etc. can be lost in a lawsuit against the business.

Partnership

Two or more persons as business owners.  Partnerships (the business itself) are not separately taxed, so all profits and losses flow directly to its partners. Either a written or oral agreement must be in place for a partnership outlining the partners and their respective ownership/share of the company.

Pros: Similar to Sole Prop, easy to set up & get going.  Pass-thru taxation, file taxes on individual tax returns.

Cons: No liability protection, personal assets at risk.

Corporation

A corporation is a separate, legal business entity owned by shareholders who enjoy protection from personal liability.” Corporations are taxed as a corporation rather than a single person or individual partners.

Pros: Prestige, personal liability protection, can reduce taxes.

Cons: Costlier to maintain & set up, more paperwork, can increase taxes.

Limited Liability Company

An LLC can be set up for tax purposes to act and operate as a partnership or a corporation.  Most often, LLCs are set up to function as a partnership, with multiple owners/partners.  Because it’s unlike a general partnership, where there is no protection from personal liability, an LLC business structure offers each of the partners limited liability.

Pros: Liability coverage (like a corporation), taxed similarly to sole prop or partnership (individual tax returns).

Cons: More formality fees and expenses than a sole prop.

So which business structure should you choose?  That decision differs from person to person. This is based on numerous factors, and you should do ample research before making a final decision. Let the above summary help guide you in your decision-making process.

Click here for more details regarding the different business structure options.

Step 3: Creating & Registering a Business Name

Once you have the business plan in place, you’ve done your research and know which type of business entity you are going to choose, the next choice – what are you going to be named?!

If you aren’t feeling creative at all and would prefer to go the “personal name” route to grow your business then you are all set and ready to register your name. However, if you would prefer to come up with a unique name, here are some of my tips on “what” makes a good business name.

how to start a photography business

Quick Tips for Naming your Business:

  • Make sure it’s easy to pronounce and spell.
  • That it’s easy to remember.
  • It’s likable and unique.
  • Make sure that it’s not too long, as people will get confused or forget.
  • Check that the name is available (no one else has the name and available for web domain address).

Once you have picked out the perfect name for your photography business and you have already researched to know the name is available, you are ready to make it official.  If you are choosing to use a business name that doesn’t include your name (i.e., “Cole Joseph Photography,”) you will have to register a “fictitious business name statement.”

This is also known as “Doing Business As” or “DBA” with the county clerk of where you plan to operate. Please note that the actual person and place where you file your DBA and register your name is completely dependent on where you are located and will be different for everyone.

Also, the fees in doing so will vary from county to county too. Please note, not all states require the registering of fictitious business names or DBAs.

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Step 4: Obtain Business Licenses & Permits

Within every state, there are numerous business licenses and permits that may or may not apply to you.  San Diego, California, requires the following licenses and permits as a “photographic services” business: sales and use permit, business tax certificate, and many others.  If you are in the US, this is a great resource to let you know which pertain to your photography business.

photography business

Step 5: Get a Business Bank Account

Even if you opt to remain a sole proprietor, you should get a business bank account.  A separate account lets you keep track of your business expenditures and ensures you don’t spend business funds for personal use.  Business structures like an LLC and corporations require separate accounts for legal purposes, but I recommend it for anyone starting a new business.

First, it keeps transactions separate.  This makes it easier to track deductions come tax time and creates a clear paper trail for the taxing authorities.

Second, a business bank account lends credibility to your photography business.  Customers may feel more at ease submitting payments to John Q. Photography, LLC, than to Joe Quinoz, the dude from Facebook.

And finally, a business account can help keep your business running smoothly with tools and personnel dedicated to small business issues.

Look for a business account with free checking or low fees.  Banking fees are tax-deductible but don’t pay them if you don’t have to!  Be sure to know what the rules for a banking account are (minimum deposit, minimum balance, maximum monthly transactions, etc.) and make sure you can adhere to them.

When you actually start the account, you’ll need your EIN from the IRS (tax ID number).  You’ll also need proof of your business registration like your articles of incorporation or a “doing-business-as” certificate.  It’s always a good idea to call ahead and set up an appointment to open a business account.

Your bank can tell you what to bring and have the paperwork ready for your signature.  Be sure to have some cash or a check to deposit as you’ll some seed money just to open the account.

Step 6: Paying Taxes

Depending on where you are located and doing business, you may have different taxes that apply to you.  The type of business structure you choose dictates the type of required taxes and tax schedules.

In addition to federal and state income taxes, you may be liable to pay sales and use tax. Also, expect payroll tax (if you have employees) or other individual taxes or fees specific to your county or state.

It is important to find out all the taxes required to run your business based on business type and location.  If you have to register a fictitious business name with the county where you operate, make sure to discuss your tax obligations as they will be a crucial resource for you. Your best bet is to hire an accountant to make sure all of the tax liabilities are understood and accounted for.

How much money does it take to start a photography business?

Starting your business, officially, will cost you some money.  You’ll need to pay for your business entity paperwork, money to open a business checking account, and pay some other license and registration fees.  For most states, that’s probably a few hundred dollars.

But each state has different rules and associated fees.  Be prepared to spend some money and keep track of those fees!  You’ll want to track them as business deductions come tax time.

Do you have to have a license to be a photographer?

No…and yes.  There is no single licensing board that oversees photography services like there are for doctors, attorneys, or CPAs.  You don’t have to pass a test or get permission to call yourself a professional photographer.  But you may need to have certain licenses to operate as a business in your state, county, and city.

You might also need a permit to shoot in a certain location.  Your local economic development center, chamber of commerce, or small business development center can be a great place to help you sort through the right licenses and permits.

Want a photography business checklist?

Conclusion

No matter the direction you choose, having a plan for growing your photography business is vital. The more organized you are, the more professional your business will be.  This is a massive step in making your dream a reality, so congratulations!

I hope that this article is helpful to any of you looking for a quick rundown of the necessary steps to start a photography business.

Make sure to subscribe to the website, not only to get your Cole’s Classroom toolkits, Lightroom presets, and user guides but also so you can keep in the loop and learn more business tips because let’s face it, these are only the initial steps required to set up the business, next up will be tips and tools on how to best handle everyday operations of running your photography business!

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