Do I need a "photographers license?"

[gardenstate]

Hi all,
Over the past 2 years, as an advanced amateur, I turned my photography hobby into a side business to earn some extra money. I have gotten "paying jobs" shooting family photos, making DVD slide shows, and covering Bar and Bat Mitzvahs. My fees have been very reasonable.

In November, I have an opportunity to participate in a Bar/Bat Mitzvah Fair (at a very large and well-to-do temple) with over 30 other vendors. Of those, I think there will be 4 other photographers (who probably are pros that shoot full time and have studios). The cost per table is $250.

My question -- do you see any potential issues if I were to compete for business in this type of forum? do I need some type of an official "photographers license?"

Thanks.

[RandyMN]

Photography is an art, fairs are a business. You need no license to display and compete with your work. If someone asks for credentials, let your work speak for itself.

If you bought the table I'd say your fine.

[amonline]

I wouldn't worry too much... the fact is you won't know the attitude until you attend the fair... sometimes competition consists of jerks, other times they're friendly and supportive. I've done many trade shows and have seen both sides of the fence... I tend to get along and make friends with other showing vendors... sometimes it throws them off balance. Remember, kindness and caring sells too. It sounds like you're fairly humble already... that comes across positive.

[mbellot]

Originally Posted by gardenstate

do I need some type of an official "photographers license?"

Yes. And you need photography shoes as well.


On a more serious note, don't ask questions like this in public. It will probably make it back to Richie Daley and suddenly you WILL need a costly photography license (issued by the city naturally) just to carry a camera.

[Seefutlung]

Every time you drive your camera ... you better have a license.

[cdifoto]

I still haven't learned how to parallel park.

[JaertX]

nope...no need for a license, but I do second the fact that you need photography shoes.

[cdifoto]

Originally Posted by JaertX

nope...no need for a license, but I do second the fact that you need photography shoes.

I just bought a pair of Canon Air L sneakers.

[RandyMN]

I think youe all poking fun not realizing what GardenState was actually asking. My interpretation of this OP is that in a competative world, would it be to my advantage to have some sort of certification or professional membership so that I am standing in the same shoes as those other photographers in this fair?

Maybe you all skimmed through the OP too quickly too understand the question.

[Curtis N]

We live in a state where you need a license to cut hair but not if you're an electrician. Go figure.

All kidding aside, when you start charging people for your services, there is going to be some legal red tape. If you sell prints, you need to apply to the state dept. of revenue for a resale number, charge sales tax and send that to the governor's campaign fund.

The zoning laws in your locale may require other permits as well. I had to buy a "home occupation permit" for the city where I live, even though all my paid work is done elsewhere.

[JaertX]

Originally Posted by RandyMN

I think youe all poking fun not realizing what GardenState was actually asking. My interpretation of this OP is that in a competative world, would it be to my advantage to have some sort of certification or professional membership so that I am standing in the same shoes as those other photographers in this fair?

Maybe you all skimmed through the OP too quickly too understand the question.

see...it really is about the shoes!

okay, okay. how about join your state PPA? Or maybe the local guild? That would probably be the best way to get really serious about it.

Speaking of local, garden state in IL? now I'm confused.

[gardenstate]

Thank you all for your comments.

Some comments:
I grew up in the "gardenstate" and now live in the Chicago area...

I've been an advanced amateur photog for over 10 years (first using a Canon 8008 film SLR and now with Canon digital equipment).

My part-time business has been listed on a separate IRS form and taxes have been taken out per sales. I do NOT have a local business license or TAX ID.

At a Bar/Bar Mitzvah, I use a Canon G6 (their advanced amatuer 7.1MPixel camera - with a high speed 4GB card + other memory), Canon 420EX flash with Gary Fong diffuser, Quantum 1+ battery pack, and a Bogen monopod.

For remote group shots, I have 2-285HV Vivitar flashes with Lumiquest softboxes w/BOGEN stands that are fired by a WEIN digital slave module -- powered by another Quantum 1+ battery pack. The camera is placed onto a BOGEN tripod.

My unique business prop is photographing the event and selling high resolution digital images only WITHOUT actual prints being made and the customers are given a copyright release as part of the price. In addition, I direct them where to get the best deals on processing the 8x10 and 4x6 resized files at local shops and with an online PRO lab (ADORAMA in NYC). I also take the time to do general touchups on the images to help people look their best (remove acne, de-emphasize wrinkles, etc with Photoshop and other imaging software). In addition to the above, I also create multi-image collages and create DVD movie slide shows with music.

I try to emphasize VALUE - high quality images where you do some work to make your own albums.

Images are processed and DVD movie slide shows are made on a dedicated business computer - Dell E310 with 2.8GHZ Intel processor, 2GB RAM, 19" Dell Hi-resolution CRT monitor. My imaging software ranges from Adobe Photoshop CS2, Paint Shop Pro XI, DCE Autoenhance, and various plugins (Skintune and iCorrect Portrait). Slide shows are made with CodeJam MemoriesOnTV Business version. Collages are made with Lumapix Fotofusion Pro.

[gardenstate]

I forgot to mention that my wife and I have used the services of "full-time pros" at 2 major family events and another for my daughter's senior class picture. During this time, I did get an overview of varying prices, array of services, competitive atmosphere, and how quality can be vastly different. For example, I loved the portfolio prints shown by one photog during an "interview", but after hiring him, my wife and I really disliked the work he did AND his unfriendly attitude during the event.

To me, I greatly respect those that are involved in this craft as a full-time profession. In addition, I do understand that their higher prices are dictated by overhead costs and that selling reprints is an important way to gain profit. A photographer is like an artist with a camera instead of a paint brush.

On a shoot I try to remember what I did and didn't like about the photographers we had hired and try to be very cheerful, cooperative, friendly, and conduct myself in a proper business manner.

[JMHPhotography]

Yes, and you'll need to join your local photographer's union. :P

kidding, of course.

[Seefutlung]

Having "credentials" will help sales and also allow you to establish a better price.

Example: When I used to work for The LA Times, but freelanced/moonlighted every now and then. Informing clients that I worked for a major newspaper usual sealed the deal and they even swallowed my high hourly rates.

Belonging to an association may help ...but having a degree from a respected art institute is a good credential to post, having been published is another credential which is useful in establishing one's credibility. Awards or winning contests is good.

All things being equal (quality of photos, pricing, et cetera) if I was a potential client and you had a business license, belonged to a professional association, belonged to the BBB ... that would be the extra push for choosing you over a photog which lacked said photographic license(s).