by amee@work

Question by lucky777fairy: What do I need to open a Photography Studio?
I’ve been doing Photography for a couple years now. I only offer on-location Photography though since I do not have a studio. I am looking to open a studio so I can offer more to my clients. I was just wondering about the legal aspects of everything. Do I need a business license? Anything else I need to have before I rent a room and get started?

Best answer:

Answer by lensmen2
Read the post called – I am about to start a photography business but I need equipments and Prices?

Most cities and counties require a business license if your going to have a walk in place of business. If you work from home you may be able to side step this to a degree.

As a walk in place of business you will need insurance, liability insurance in case a trip, fall or lights hit a customer. You will also want property insurance against theft, fire and a host of other things that could happen.

A register business name to go along with the business license. If someone took you name, your dead in the water. Get the name registered with the county at a minimum, but I would go for the whole state at least.

I assume you have equipment..? If not, you better have a pile of $ $ or a rich uncle in the oil business to get some. Rent for your place and utilities..? Have at least 6 months worth in reserve, a year is better.

I had a small walk in business for 10 years. It was not photo related but it was a freekin’ nightmare all the small things that add up fast.

Don’t forget taxes. Business are taxed, sometimes monthly. You have to register all your equipment with the county tax assessors and pay a portion of their worth. The more ya have, the higher your tax is. However, when acquiring new equipment you also have deductions and deprecations you can now use.

Travel, if business related can be deducted as well.

There is more, a whole lot more.. You have to set down and THINK about it. Think of ANY business, the corner hardware store, but substitute your business there but think of all the ‘stuff’ they need to BE a business (not the stock stuff). Phone. Lighting. Heating. Cooling. Advertising. Credit card service. Your inventory, and on and on..

Good luck.. In today’s economy, you may need it.

Bob – Tucson

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