Serious small business related questions

[digitalapex]

I'm contemplating starting a side business to sell prints and be hired for photo shoots.
I won't get into weddings right now but would do graduation type portraits, events, autos, documentation etc...

Looking for honest opinions and input before I drop the money on a professional e-commerce site, registering a business, domain name and any other associated fees.


After looking through my gallery, would you consider me good enough to do any of the mentioned photo shoots or buy prints if you were in the market?


Here are a couple of my latest ones.

Those of you that run a business, do you believe i would need any kind of insurance with this business endeavor?

Any pitfalls to be aware of?

Thanks in advance.

Shawn.

[dreamcatcher23]

Hi Shawn,

your automotive work looks good, there's not much of the rest to look at so it's hard to tell. What I would say is that business is mostly about consistency. Consistenly being able to shoot to spec, deal with clients in a professional manner and setting up business workflows, structures and procedures that allow you to do this efficiently.

You would probably need liability and indemnity insurance, but check with your state legeslature.

Pitfalls - just remeber to treat it like a business and try not to get too emotionally involved. Don't do it unless you're sure - it can take a lot of the pleasure out of photography for many people and that's not good.

If you've any more specific questions, I'd be more than happy to help.

Best of luck with your new venture!

[digitalapex]

There are sub albums in the Outdoors area that have a decent array of photos.

Thanks for the input!

[PhotosGuy]

Here are a couple of my latest ones. They aren't displaying. I'm working on uploading more photos. When you do make a "pro site", be sure to only put a few of your very best images up. For instance, the light on this one (_MG_1607-2.jpg) looks pretty good (http://digitalapex.net/v/Automotive/_MG_1607-2.jpg.html), but you're too close to the background & I wouldn't want the trees reflecting in the hood.

How did you become a pro (or semi-pro)? (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=41194)

Lots of links here:
Getting a business license as Sole Proprietor or LLC (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=478815)

[digitalapex]

I know you don't know the location but it was a very limited area and the car was parked 3 feet back from the curb.
What would you have done different in that setting?
I thought the tree shadow helped show the reflectivity of the paint and body lines, but I can see your point in that it could be a distraction also.

Thanks for the links.

[Milamu'g]

I know you don't know the location but it was a very limited area and the car was parked 3 feet back from the curb.
What would you have done different in that setting?
I thought the tree shadow helped show the reflectivity of the paint and body lines, but I can see your point in that it could be a distraction also.

Thanks for the links.

I don't think that's really the point that "PhotosGuy" hitting at.
Your portfolio should ONLY include your BEST work. Whether the photo isn't the best of the best because of your mistake OR circumstances beyond your or anyone's control doesn't matter.
Check out http://www.zarias.com/ he (and his wife) are doing website critiques, about 3/4 every episodes and they're at E10. Can be quit annoying sometimes when they're chit/chatting back and forward, but hey they record it consistently at 2am! ;)

*edit* btw there's a huge difference between a portfolio website and an e-commerce site. If you can sell the photo do so, if the photos are just their to sell you, don't post it.

[Alleh]

No you don't have enough talent. Go look around the web at professional photographers websites and compare your work. Although you will have to be careful not to confuse the pros with people like you that put together a website. Most of the people out there with a photography business and a website don't actually make any money.

[digitalapex]

I don't think that's really the point that "PhotosGuy" hitting at.
Your portfolio should ONLY include your BEST work. Whether the photo isn't the best of the best because of your mistake OR circumstances beyond your or anyone's control doesn't matter.
Check out http://www.zarias.com/ he (and his wife) are doing website critiques, about 3/4 every episodes and they're at E10. Can be quit annoying sometimes when they're chit/chatting back and forward, but hey they record it consistently at 2am! ;)

*edit* btw there's a huge difference between a portfolio website and an e-commerce site. If you can sell the photo do so, if the photos are just their to sell you, don't post it.

Your right it does get annoying listening to them go back and forth. In a way its kind of like watching mystery science theater 3000.

I'm looking to sell photos, if the photos sell me then its a plus.

The website I put up was just to share those photos so I wasn't subject to the EULA on the typical photo sharing sites.

[PhotosGuy]

What would you have done different in that setting? Then, "that setting" is the problem. That shot would sell to the owner, but for a pro portfolio, I'd find another setting that's better. See how it looks in the light, & adjust, as in MOVE YOUR FEET! (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=536323)