When to go pro

So I have the opportunity to have the time to photograph part time and not need another job. My question is when should one go from compensated hobbyist to professional full time photographer. Im currently working on a website rather I stay "semi-pro" or pro. I understand theres a lot of work to get a buisness started. But its when should one put forth the work and money to start a buisness. I know this is purely opinion and will get many answers. Im just looking for a broad scope of ideas

I've been shooting for 5 years and also working another job part time and my income from photography just passed my other income this year. I imagine I'll be full time within the next year. I think you call yourself a pro when you know your work is up to what you believe are pro standards. This is not to say that you ever stop learning, but if your clients are getting truly professional work out of you (including professionalism in customer service, data handling, communications, and PRICING) then you are a pro, not when your customer base is big enough to support you full time.

Also, PRICING is key. Don't put your work out there for cheaper than it's worth or you undercut your and the rest of our ability to ever be full time.

It less about calling myself a pro and actually going what I call pro. Meaning going from taking pictures I like and licensing or selling if someone shows interest to starting an actual buisness and actively seeking work. Im on the fence about making the switch. If I want to put forth the effort and money of starting a buisness and going from photographing how and what I want to pleasing clients

I've been getting paid to take photos for 10 years now. Is photography my profession? Not full-time, therefore, I don't consider myself a pro.

However, by the most basic definition, I've been a professional for 10 years since I've been getting paid to take photos for that long.

How good are you ? How do you assess how good you are ? How does your work compare with those in your potential market ? How sure are you that you can consistently deliver great results ?

gmm213 wrote in post #16867620
It less about calling myself a pro and actually going what I call pro. Meaning going from taking pictures I like and licensing or selling if someone shows interest to starting an actual buisness and actively seeking work. Im on the fence about making the switch. If I want to put forth the effort and money of starting a buisness and going from photographing how and what I want to pleasing clients

Well can you take a professional photo?

Christopher Steven b wrote in post #16867642
How good are you ? How do you assess how good you are ? How does your work compare with those in your potential market ? How sure are you that you can consistently deliver great results ?

I didnt even think of looking at it like that. Ill have to do some research. Ive looked at it from a buisness and photography standpoint indepently not jointly

Going pro is when you get paid for it, period. I'm a professional Photographer, it's my only profession (besides father) and It took me about a year and a half to start making a profit. This is my second business, I owned a successful recruiting firm before this and sold it to follow my dreams and start a photography business. Strangely enough they are very similar. In order to stay afloat you need, marketing, marketing and more marketing. Word of mouth will only carry you so far. When you feel you have the ability to market yourself aggressively then you should go pro. You're not trading a full time job to start photographing full time, you're trading a full time job so you can market more and shoot about the same, maybe even less.

Being professional for me is 60% - 20% paperwork - 20% photography related activities.

"Pro" is a completely meaningless label.

People will either buy what you sell or they won't. Being a business properly means charging prices which lead to a sustainable business be it part time or full time.

I guess I should rephrase. When to start a photogrophy buisness? When is it worth the extra work for a formal buisness with its own insurance, marketing, and a photographer activiley seking work, possible investing in studio space and equipment

Christopher Steven b wrote in post #16867642
How sure are you that you can consistently deliver great results ?

This is absolutely key to success. You will need to consistently exceed your clients expectations and be able to create on demand. That and plan on loosing money for 5 years. If you don't then it's a bonus.

gmm213 wrote in post #16868087
I guess I should rephrase. When to start a photogrophy buisness? When is it worth the extra work for a formal buisness with its own insurance, marketing, and a photographer activiley seking work, possible investing in studio space and equipment

Creating a business plan would be the first step to answering that question.

Numenorean wrote in post #16867680
Well can you take a professional photo?

That question invites others.

What is considered a professional photograph?

Is it a photo other professionals deem good. What ratio of a group of pros have to deem it good. 80/20, 75/25, 60/40?

Is it a photo that sold for a fee. What fee is considered legitimate. Is $1.00 to low?

Is it a photo an ordinary Joe would consider a professional photograph.

We have all seen photos people rave over and thought, meh. And vice versa.

I'm fairly new to this, and am curious if there is a hard and fast rule for what is considered a professional photograph.

madjack wrote in post #16868141
That question invites others.

What is considered a professional photograph?

Is it a photo other professionals deem good. What ratio of a group of pros have to deem it good. 80/20, 75/25, 60/40?

Is it a photo that sold for a fee. What fee is considered legitimate. Is $1.00 to low?

Is it a photo an ordinary Joe would consider a professional photograph.

We have all seen photos people rave over and thought, meh. And vice versa.

I'm fairly new to this, and am curious if there is a hard and fast rule for what is considered a professional photograph.

When it comes to running a business the only thing that matters is can you take pictures that sell at the price point you need to charge, and sell them at the volume you need to in order to be sustainable.

I would think of a few phases in your business success:

1) The very first thing is to talk with your accountant/tax person. The initial process to get a separate account, and local business license is not expensive but should be done right.

2) Step 2 is an LLC, IRS Tax ID, state sales tax license, itemized deductions, insurance, logos, trademark, and contracts. Your accountant will probably tell you this makes sense if you make over a certain amount, perhaps $1000.

3) A studio or office is a smart business decision and will only come after you are established or have worked with an established company. This will usually only make good business sense if you have been a full time photographer for 2-3 years.

Good Luck-
Scott