What do I need to do to start business

[cacoufal]

I have been slowly getting into photography and am ready to officially become a professional photographer. I have done several weddings per year but now want to start advertising and promoting my "businees."

What do I need to do to officially create my business and do things by "the book."

[CosmoKid]

Do you know of any other photographers in your area? Ask them who their accountant is. You'll need one and best to find someone with experience with clients who do what you do.

Knowing where you live would help.

In the US you need to set-up a business. There are different types of corporations, an LLC, etc. An accountant can help you with that.

Insurance.
Web site.
Go to bridal shows.

A lot of the marketing is your choice. Some people even put ads in their church bulletin on Sundays.

[carianoff]

Is the "book" really necessary for someone who's "been slowly getting into photography" seems like you should just ride the wave til before you create all the overhead of going by the book.

[cacoufal]

I'm not sure going by "the book" is necessary at this point, I am just trying to gather as much information as I can before I make this my sole profession.

Thank you for your responses.

BTW ... I work in Texas.

And to give you a little more information, I'm trying to decide how much money I need to make before it is necessary to pay income tax on my earnings. And, if I do need to start reporting my earnings, what is the best way to do this? I know, I need to consult an accountant and he/she can probably give me all the information I need. It's just always good to check with other photographers.

Thanks again for your tips.

[airfrogusmc]

If ya can actually turn a profit in the first couple of years you're be doing pretty good. First get a good accountant. Maybe someone that will advise you on things like sole proprietor or if its better to incorporate. Help you with taxes and deductions like when you should buy something etc.

[Karl Johnston]

At this point I recommend looking into taking some bookkeeping courses or getting in touch with a good bookkeeper to help you set up how to manage the expenses and earnings. I would also get in touch with your state's revenue agency (IRS?) to see about specifics on tax, questions like these vary ...for me its completely different than the laws you have in the USA

[gromeo]

Hire a good CPA, best investment I made, he set up my business did all the paper work, I even had him set up my Quickbooks for me and now all I do is send a copy of it at the end of the year. By starting up the business you may have better tax deductions.

[F4 Cyborg]

Go have a read here. Don't let it scare you as it has some mumbo jumbo in it not much but a hint.
http://www.incorporationmaster.com/

Like the above post's. If nothing else find a good CPA and pay for there time to explain the in's and out's of what would be good for you and where you are going for in your business model.

[Karl Johnston]

You don't need to worry about LLC or incorporation, not many do unless you're looking to delve into becoming a state wide or national entity.

I haven't seen any photographers who are incorporated ...one thing with incorporation is you have to report any changes to the business structure to the board of directors or shareholders before you do-anything- this is a stupid move to make for a new company. Get one off the ground with a simple license with your local municipality, hire someone to start your accounting or books and then look into insurance for your gear, liability and (if you hire other people) your workers.

[F4 Cyborg]

um LLC only need one in most states though in some you need two. I corp'd in case ( mother nature forbid) something catastrophic took place beyond the scope of my bond or my insurance. And it was on the advice of my bookie. But starting out one can stay local.
As for stupid well. I been at the venture of making money for a few many two or three years. So fare I have managed to keep my share of it. If the Board gets antsy I take me out to lunch and explain it to myself, why I did what I had done in the first place. Most of the time I agree with me and when I don't I tell myself oop's(the board) to go jump in a lake.
If you mingle around a few five, or six photographers more, you might per say run into a few that have actually corp'd