I Am A Craigslist Photographer

SunnyOctopus wrote in post #11099698
I am a minor.

Yup, the others are right--if you're a minor, you're still legally obligated to pay taxes. I sure as heck know that when I had my summer job at 16, the gov'ment was stealing my money

SunnyOctopus wrote in post #11099728
/I don't think anyone'd be able to successfully sue me.

You are kidding right?

MOkoFOko wrote in post #11099804
Yup, the others are right--if you're a minor, you're still legally obligated to pay taxes. I sure as heck know that when I had my summer job at 16, the gov'ment was stealing my money

Oh. Right. I'm sorry, guys. I probably sound pretty unexperienced in life. Haha, I've never legally had a job in The United States, or ever faced any situations where I had to personally pay taxes, with the exception of sales tax.

I'll re-state this: the idea that a person just beginning in photography and building a portfolio needs to have insurance and lawyers and backup equipment is preposterous. These are the rules for a rigged game that slants toward business people and against, for example, artists who, yes, have a lot to learn about business. Presuming he is upfront with his clients about his circumstances--and we have no reason to doubt that he is--there are plenty of folks out there willing to pay less for a beginner and assume whatever risks are associated with that.

SunnyOctopus wrote in post #11099789
Thanks for the warnings. I will definitely heed them to an extent. I'll be 18 in less than 18 days, so any troubles I face will be my own, and they are risks I'm willing to take.

However if it possible, I'd rather not take them. How is that you all would recommend changing my business dynamic?

Has nothing to do with your business dynamic (what IS a business dynamic?).

Find a small-business incubator. In LA there are a gazillion and many of them are free for the smallest of businesses. This is your start because you will get the info on the MUSTS if you intend to make this a business of any kind. Now, you will hear much of what you have heard here and you will need not to blow it off. There's a reason you're hearing it in multiple places. It's critical.

Pay your taxes. It starts with paying your taxes. Really. Why? If you don't it ENDS with not paying your taxes. Try having a federal tax lien or garnishment on your credit bureau as your ONLY trade line.

SunnyOctopus wrote in post #11099789
Thanks for the warnings. I will definitely heed them to an extent. I'll be 18 in less than 18 days, so any troubles I face will be my own, and they are risks I'm willing to take.

However if it possible, I'd rather not take them. How is that you all would recommend changing my business dynamic?

Go to school. Take a few business classes and learn to understand the basics of running a business. Shoot for fun. Once you understand how to make money and survive, then start shooting for pay. Get insurance, create a budget, balance sheet, pay taxes, get insurance, have contingencies for worst case scenarios.

At 18 your parents can still be sued if they are your livelihood.

Are you willing to ruins someone's wedding day? The one day most women dream about since they are born? That is an ignorant approach to life and displays no empathy to real world situations. Do not gamble with someone's dream day.

Christopher Steven b wrote in post #11099822
I'll re-state this: the idea that a person just beginning in photography and building a portfolio needs to have insurance and lawyers and backup equipment is preposterous. These are the rules for a rigged game that slants toward business people and against, for example, artists who, yes, have a lot to learn about business. Presuming he is upfront with his clients about his circumstances--and we have no reason to doubt that he is--then there are plenty of folks out there willing to pay less for a beginner and assume whatever risks are associated with that.

Until he has equipment failure and they don't even get $149 worth.

At least he'll have his contract to fall back on.

Oh yea, contracts are just for businesses trying to keep the little guy down.

-F

This kid is full of fail. Enjoy getting sued!

Thanks, Chris/others. I really appreciate your against-the-graininess in this thread. It helps keep my spirit up.

I'd hope that for $149, the client would understand the risks involved, and for the most part, I think I consistently exceed the quality, service, and reliability one could reasonably expect of such a cheap photographer. I imagine that anyone who'd hire me, would hire me, or the next cheapest guy, and I imagine that guy to be even less prepared than me. For people paying what I charge, it's typically me or nothing.

Christopher Steven b wrote in post #11099822
I'll re-state this: the idea that a person just beginning in photography and building a portfolio needs to have insurance and lawyers and backup equipment is preposterous. These are the rules for a rigged game that slants toward business people and against, for example, artists who, yes, have a lot to learn about business. Presuming he is upfront with his clients about his circumstances--and we have no reason to doubt that he is--then there are plenty of folks out there willing to pay less for a beginner and assume whatever risks are associated with that.

True, if the contract states that and the end client takes that risk. No contract can get you sued, regardless. That is not a slant, but reality.

Photography for money, at the end of the year is a business and those wiser in business are historically more successful than those who fail to comprehend the basics of a balance sheet, and at the end of the year will have the 1099 to prove it.

There are so many talented shooters out there making nothing working in dead end jobs while others with perhaps less artistry are thriving because they did it right.

turbo212003 wrote in post #11099873
This kid is full of fail. Enjoy getting sued!

Kinda harsh, no? I had less business acumen when I was his age. Everyone starts somewhere.

Here is a case that occurred recently where the photographer was sued. They won, but guess what? They paid thousands in attorney fees. You can be sued for countless things, never mind if your equipment fails. These suits are why many are warning you.

How are you making a profit at $149 per wedding?

Assuming
-1 hour of travelling time
-10 hours of shooting

That puts you at $13.55/hour.

What about time you spent on editing the pics? Oh wait I guess you shoot RAW and don't edit pictures?

I'm sorry but this is not a liable business.

MOkoFOko wrote in post #11099905
I had less business acumen when I was his age. Everyone starts somewhere.

Yup, totally agree. I wish I had the internet to tell me how stupid and under-equipped I was at 17/18

Tawcan wrote in post #11099919
How are you making a profit at $149 per wedding?

Assuming
-1 hour of travelling time
-10 hours of shooting

That puts you at $13.55/hour.

What about time you spent on editing the pics? Oh wait I guess you shoot RAW and don't edit pictures?

I'm sorry but this is not a liable business.

You're totally right: he should have shot his first wedding for something between $800-1200.

The idea that one just suddenly charges rates that constitute a profitable business is absurd. It's a process.