p.2 #2 · How many make their living as photographers?
at what point do I need an EIN, and start filing Biz taxes? Only after I have started showing a profit? Anyone have any big recommendations on getting started besides the great info that you guys have already provided?
p.2 #3 · How many make their living as photographers?
Well...perhaps some great locations like the library, Barnes & Noble, and Borders.
They have all these books on lots of topics, like "how to start a small business." Some of these strange new places even allow you to buy coffee and look these compressed piles of wood pulp and india ink before you spend your hard earned money.
p.2 #4 · How many make their living as photographers?
DragonflyDM wrote:
Some of these strange new places even allow you to buy coffee and look these compressed piles of wood pulp and india ink before you spend your hard earned money.
p.2 #5 · How many make their living as photographers?
the best advice is to look at the books, as stated, so you know what you are really doing, and that its right for you...
on the other hand, depending on what state you are in, I would look into a sole proprietorship (easy to setup and dirt cheap) and applying for an EIN so you dont have to use your SSN for anything business related...
from there, get setup as a sales tax vendor BEFORE you do anything (reportable) and get a bank account in the business name...
Even if you don't do much in the next few years, having your business officially open for a longer period of time will benefit you in the future, for things like business loans, credit card processing, etc... And it really doesnt cost you too much to be setup...
You might have to file $0 sales tax returns every quarter even if you do nothing, but its a small price to pay for the convienience it'll provide you later on.
p.2 #6 · How many make their living as photographers?
1fstwrx wrote:
well, I am going to start building a portfolio, put together a nice website, get some business cards, etc. and give it a shot. Worst case scenario, it doesn't take off, I made some Biz cards and a nice website and I spend some more time shooting :-) Do you guys use templates for your sites, or do you build from scratch?
You are going to have a hard time bubba
p.2 #7 · How many make their living as photographers?
1f I have a template and a business plan should you care to purchase it.
Otherwise well, it's time to get out there and learn the hardway.
YOU need to do the research and door knocking if you want to get anywhere!
Cheers,
Jasin.
p.2 #8 · How many make their living as photographers?
Woodrow wrote:
You are going to have a hard time bubba
I know it is going to take a lot more than that, just didn't feel compelled to type it all I have to read a lot in the next few weeks and decide if it is still something I feel compelled to try for after I figure it all out. Because when I am starting out, I still have to work a day job, so we will say 50 hrs a week, plus the rest of my MA, while I am trying to do this. But at least if I start reading, learning, and picking things up from all of you helpful people on this site, maybe I will be ready in a few years to begin my venture.
p.2 #9 · How many make their living as photographers?
Well I would simply say it's worth trying. You will learn a great deal.
Much good advice here, tax laws are probably different in the US but Revenue Canada doesn't really look at you much for the first three years and a good accountant you can trust and talk to becomes invaluable once you get rolling.
There are many benefits to owning a business. There really isn't much you will lose by putting in the effort, if nothing else, like I said you will learn a great deal.
Good luck!
Nov 10, 2005 at 12:51 AM
genghis45 Offline • • • • • [X]
p.2 #10 · How many make their living as photographers?
1fstwrx wrote:
I am 23. I have a good job now, and in my opinion, and have been told by many others that I have a good business sense. I have worked for a huge company (they are blue and yellow :-) For 5 years now, and have been promoted at least once a year, so, I know how to help run a huge business, but running my own, well I think it would be similar, except with no one to boss around but myself, LOL.
Wow. You have some tough choices to make. That being said, your relatively young age makes this an ideal time to pursue your dream. Weigh that against how much you enjoy your present work.
I have to read a lot in the next few weeks and decide if it is still something I feel compelled to try for after I figure it all out. Because when I am starting out, I still have to work a day job, so we will say 50 hrs a week, plus the rest of my MA, while I am trying to do this. But at least if I start reading, learning, and picking things up from all of you helpful people on this site, maybe I will be ready in a few years to begin my venture.