Business advise needed

[TrueColors]

Hey everyone-

This is an exciting time for me. I was hired by a small school to be their prom and year book portrait photographer. In order to get these jobs I needed a tax ID number and a letterhead. Im glad to have this kick in the butt to get the ball rolling because I have been putting a lot of time getting ready to establish a photography business. I have shot many events including weddings, baptisms, birthdays, etc. I have been putting a lot of my thought into weddings, but lately ive been wanting more.

As of now I have studio lighting, and backdrops. I do not have a studio however. I am kinda stuck doing any kind of photography on location. What are some good markets to go after that I could utilize my experience and equipment to maximize profits? Here is some of the stuff I was thinking:

Charitable photography (setting up at churches and other non profits advertising that I would donate xx percent profits)

Schools (proms, yearbooks, sports)

Weddings

Senior living (perhaps older couples wanting a good portrait for the newspaper announcing their 50th anniversary)

Tourist attractions (Im not familiar with the legalities concerning setting up at a public place and collecting profits)

Sports events (not to set up lighting, but to photograph and post images on a website to parents to buy)

Does anyone have any other ideas?

Also I would like to rent certain equipment - for high end events like an expensive wedding I would like to rent a nikon d3s and some very nice lenses... I would pass this cost off to the customer and then some. I just couldnt see charging even medium end prices shooting with prosumer level equipment. Does anyone have any experience starting off this way?

Thank you very much!!!

 

[Big Mike]

Plenty of photographers work without a studio, no problem there. But you should consider whether or not a studio is in your long term plans. A typical wedding photographer probably doesn't need a studio, but a portrait photographer probably does.

I know some wedding photographers that have an office/store front, but it's mostly as a place to meet clients and to have a presence in the community, and not a place to shoot photo.

 

[vtf]

I saw a company that takes newborn portraits in the hospital for the parents.

 

[pbelarge]

Truecolors

Did your already get your tx ID #?

If not, post here again, and I will explain some stuff you may not know and as a small business, you should know.

 

[TrueColors]

nope not yet - actually i was going to do that tonight. Im hoping youll tell me i dont need to charge tax.

 

[gsgary]

You should think about getting a dye sub printer if you are shooting events, and printing on site get the sale before they leave thats what we do (in the UK), it cost us about £0.90 to print an mount and 8X6 which sells for £10

 

[KmH]

nope not yet - actually i was going to do that tonight. Im hoping youll tell me i dont need to charge tax.

As far as Connecticut sales taxes go, visit DRS: Sales Tax Information

 

[DanEitreim]

I've been a photographer almost 20 years and have never opened a studio. It's easier than you think to do location portraits - plus people are generally willing to pay more if you work in a location that has meaning for them.

BTW - most dance schools are only occupied in the after school and evening hours - few if any are open on Sunday and a whole lot of them are closed on Saturday.

If you run across a situation where you really NEED a studio location for a specific shoot...most dance schools would be thrilled to rent you usage of their space during their off hours.