Part time Business

I'm looking to start a part time business with two other people. We are in school but want to try and start a photography business now to flourish throughout school. We already have people buying our pictures on the side, but we want to to start a full business.

Any ideas exactly what I need to do and how i need to organize? Please Help

P.S. I'm not looking to start charging and doing weddings and all, so im not trying to take business from anyone. I want to get a business going to start and build a reputation, and also make a little money.

More information is needed for anyone to provide you with helpful tips. Wayyy too generic of a question, I mean - let's say I post a question like "What camera is best for me? Thanks" that doesn't say a lot does it?

Here's mine, I hope you don't take offence:

If you try run a business with a partner, you'll be in for a hell of a ride. If you try to run a business with two other partners, you're not going anywhere.

NickSimcheck wrote in post #2336557
More information is needed for anyone to provide you with helpful tips. Wayyy too generic of a question, I mean - let's say I post a question like "What camera is best for me? Thanks" that doesn't say a lot does it?

Here's mine, I hope you don't take offence:

If you try run a business with a partner, you'll be in for a hell of a ride. If you try to run a business with two other partners, you're not going anywhere.

I used to think these statements about partners were total crap and I had the I don't care what experiences other people have I can make it work attitude. My experience was not in photography but a business is a business and truer words are seldom spoken. Can it be done, yes. Is it very hard to do (especially when is school), yes.

You may want to consider an LLC or something similar in order to limit your exposure when dealing with multiple partners. Create a solid business plan as well as a good marketing strategy if you are wanting it to flourish. Expect to spend all your free time on it. Good luck.

I'm confused. In one sentence you say "I don't want to start shooting weddings for money" and in another sentence you say "I just want to start a business and start making a little money and building a name."

Huh?

What is it that you're trying to do?

Karen

Without a solid business plan, you'll make very little money. Go to your state's revenue department website to see if they have links to small business info. Illinois has a very complete site, but I'm not familiar with others. This should guide you in terms of corporate structure, tax liability, and business licensing. It's very important to have a solid base in the business aspect, as that is 80% of a successful photography business. It isn't just about "taking pictures."

Are you trying to sell a "service" or a "product?" You're unclear about that. A store of merchandise is one thing, a studio is another animal entirely. You've got to give us more information.

Successful full time photographers I know in my area do portraits, weddings, industrial commercial gigs, architectural, product photography, social events, more weddings, bar-mitzvahs, anniversaries, oh.... and did I say weddings? Social events like the latter are often their bread and butter.

LIke Liza says, you gotta' have a solid business plan to make money if this will be your only job. Many of us have a PRIMARY job, so that's how we survive on the modest earnings from our "secondary" photography jobs.
- Stu

Read Nick and Liza's comments over again slowly. Because, that is how it is in reality (but probably not in your mind at this point).