Interview for a Event Photographer

[leninglass]

Hi guys. I will have a job interview as an even photographer in Oklahoma. My question is, WHAT do I need to bring to the interview?

[tracknut]

Last time I interviewed an event photographer, I asked him for a portfolio, a business license, and his insurance policy.

Dave

[leninglass]

What is a business license? and insurance policy? sorry im kind of a noob

[MXerMerin]

You need a business license to run a business. Insurance is pretty self explanatory, every business should have insurance to protect against being personally liable when sued.

[leninglass]

How do I get a license? and how do I get an insurance?

[tracknut]

I'm presuming this event photographer job is not as an employee, but they're expecting to hire you as a business, correct? If so, to my understanding if you don't have a business license (talk to your local city management) you're operating illegally.

Regarding insurance, it would be the liability for damage or lawsuit relating to the work, and the need for it might vary depending on what types of events you're shooting. In my case, it was cars on racetracks, where liability is certainly an issue. I suppose there are other events which are much less potential for liability issues, and you could argue whether having insurance was necessary, or perhaps if this is a one-off job, whoever's hiring you might be able to cover you under their policy. There's a long thread on insurance, at http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=54745

Dave

[leninglass]

Hmm.. Ok thank you so much for the tips guys! I will make sure that they will be hiring me as an employee. As for the insurance, hopefully they will have it for me.

For the portfolio, how many pictures should I have?

[Gary_Evans]

sorry, but is this thread for real?

[michael_]

i was going to say the same thing gary, but everyone has to start somewhere

[mitchella68]

This may be a great opportunity for you to learn what its going to take to be a photographer. I know from the very little experience I have so far is it is surprising how much time you have to put in to even do " events". Your business licence is the easy part. Getting insurance is a little more of a complicated issue. But going to this interview can be an educational experience. Just remember that insurance is a really important, without experience it will not be hard to set yourself up for a lawsuit.

[leninglass]

Thanks for the reply mitchella68. And yes this is a real thread people. I thought this forum was a good place to start photography and ask the dumbest questions that are easy for the members to answer but difficult for me as I am a newbie.

[PhotosGuy]

For the portfolio, how many pictures should I have? How many great ones do you have? If you only have 4, then I'd only show 4.
Otherwise, I'd show 6-10 & have a few more in reserve if they ask for more. Remember, they don't all have to be event shots.

[Alexajlex]

I guess it all depends on what you are doing.

There are many freelancers who do not have a business license and get paid and file a 1099 and pay taxes on it.
Most of photojournalists work this way.

[tracknut]

I wouldn't disagree that it's happening, but my point was that in the USA, I think those "many freelancers" are operating illegally if they don't have a business license. It's like hiring an illegal alien - nobody's saying it doesn't happen, but when somebody asks whether you should do it or not, especially on a public forum, I feel the correct response is "no".

From the SBA (http://www.sba.gov/smallbusinessplanner/start/getlicensesandpermits/SERV_BP_STREQ.html):

Business Licenses

A state business license is the main document required for tax purposes and conducting other basic business functions. Many states have established small business assistance agencies to help small businesses comply with state requirements.

[showngo]

leninglass,

Good luck, I really do not think that they will hire you as an employee, most people will not do that, it changes the way the IRS taxes them, they have to pay al sorts of costs. They will most likely hire you as an independent contractor.

In that case you do not need insurance, if they do not require you to have it. That being said, if this is something that you want to pursue as a full time gig or even part time, get the insurance. Talk to the agent you use for your Home/Renters/Car Insurance about it, they will point you in the right direction.

As for the business license you need it in every city that you operate, get it. They usually do not cost much, and save a lot of hassle.

Also are you doing this under a company name? If so register it with you state, and get a Tax ID number from the IRS (look at your state website for forming a company, they will have a guided list, then go to the IRS website to get the Tax ID).

This sounds overwhelming but it is pretty easy once you do it. When they hire you they may need you to fill out a W9 form, if you do this as a business and have a tax id number you will not have to use your SSN and your Tax guy will be a lot happier with you.

Best of luck to you.

[leninglass]

Hey Guys thanks for the Great constructive feedback. I had the interview today and they said they will give me a call the coming friday as they will interview a few more. I asked them if I will be working under their company and they said they will and that I will not need a business license.

I think it went well and I hope I get it! thanks again guys!

[Vangunda]

Regarding business license in Oklahoma

There is no general license to operate a business in the State of Oklahoma. However, there are a couple of things to consider. If you want to protect your trade name, you’ll want to register with the Oklahoma Secretary of State’s office. If you are a sole proprietor, you’ll need to decide if you plan to use your social security number for your business dealings or if you want to apply for and Employer Identification Number from the IRS. You can get one easily by visiting www.irs.gov or call 800-829-4933. If you will be using chemicals to process film, you might need a permit from the Department of Environmental Quality. You can contact Jimmy Carter at the DEQ in Oklahoma City at 405-702-9119 to be sure. If you will have employees, you'll need to register with the Oklahoma Tax Commission. Their business start-up documentation is available here: http://www.tax.ok.gov/forms/busregpk.pdf.

[leninglass]

^^ GREAT INFORMATION! Thank you!

[supergoat]

Hey good luck man!

[amfoto1]

Good luck on this.

One thing you should very carefully note: If you are an employee of the company, they own all rights to all photographs you take while shooting on their time and compensated either hourly or by salary.

That means you will have no right to sell or otherwise use the photographs you take, without their express, written permission.

They might use an employment contract that says otherwise, but I'd be very surprised if they did.

[genex]

leninglass what's the update?

On the insurance side there are great options if you are a member of a professional organization. A lot of places want $1M+ liability and you can get reasonable insurance through deals the organizations offer such as PPA, ASMP, etc.