Freelance photographer

[Coastie72]

If you work as a photographer, you can't have a business license for every place that you may end up working. I have business license for the address of my business in the city that I live in. Those of you that know, how do you cover this scenario? At sporting events there may be hundreds of photographers, the same at political, festival, events. What is really necessary?:confused:

[ronmayhew]

In Georgia, if you are selling products at an event you are required to have a $10 peddlers license in the county you are selling. That doesn't apply if you are just there working. But, if you print and sell photos at the event, or in the same county you need the license.

[mtbkanata]

I think here in Ontario, there are no licences required.. I have a business master licence, but I can shoot and sell in any province.

[ssim]

I think here in Ontario, there are no licences required.. I have a business master license, but I can shoot and sell in any province.

Not entirely true. You could get away with selling images to someone from another province. If you want to work in another city (say shoot a wedding) you have to refer to the that's city's licensing requirements. Many of them have transient business licenses which you are supposed to purchase and in alot of cases these are more expensive than those for the full time businesses there. Most people ignore these requirements and get away with it.

I happen to know the licensing bylaw officer in my city quite well and she will watch for things like traveling art shows and if they refuse to buy the license she will shut them down. I think it is pretty hard to catch a photographer doing a wedding but if you happened to set up in a mall for a weekend shoot they might.

[amfoto1]

You really have to check local laws. Each municipality, county and state is different. It would be so much easier if there were standardization and reciprocity, but there's not.

On the bright side, most governments have their requirements posted somewhere online now. So, an Internet search might find you the answers you seek pretty quickly and easily.

A lot of people just get a license based upon their residence (if they work from home) or brick & mortar storefront location, and wing it from there. But, that can get you in trouble in some situations and locations, so best to check.

I think the most likely scenario where you'd get in trouble is if you are selling on site, somewhere other than where you are licensed. If you just travel to a location, take the photos and then return to home base to follow up and make sales from, it's less likely to be an issue.

Still, best to check local laws and be sure.

[Coastie72]

Right now I plan on selling online. Thanks for all the input.