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05/27/2005 08:46:26 PM · #1 |
A friend of mine has been badgering at me to have some work done with her kids. I want to build up a portfolio. I bought my new 20D with an eye towards building a biz.
My friend is doing me a favor by allowing me to photograph her kids and is insistent on paying me for it. My thoughts are to waive the sitting fee (or retainer as E. Lilley says) and charge her half price for any prints she is ordering from this. I figure win-win for us both.
My issues:
a) good lab to process (I plan on trying them out before the shoot)
b) price points, what to charge for what. I have some concept but at the same idea I want to know if I'm in the ballpark for a fledgling biz.
c) name for my biz. I had a name but after reading in E. Lilley's book that it's a good idea to have it named after a person (to be more personal) I'm leaning in that direction. But my name isn't particularly memorable...so it's sort of a quandry. My original name: Marmalade Photography (significant because it includes parts of mine, my DH's and my DD's names).
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05/27/2005 09:04:07 PM · #2 |
a) good lab to process (I plan on trying them out before the shoot)
MPix, Richmond Camera
b) price points, what to charge for what. I have some concept but at the same idea I want to know if I'm in the ballpark for a fledgling biz.
Print prices for your friend? 4x6 $1 5x7 $4 8x10 $8.
c) name for my biz. I had a name but after reading in E. Lilley's book that it's a good idea to have it named after a person (to be more personal) I'm leaning in that direction. But my name isn't particularly memorable...so it's sort of a quandry. My original name: Marmalade Photography (significant because it includes parts of mine, my DH's and my DD's names).
Lilley's book is great, but very 90s. Marmalade Photography sounds good. You will have to see if it's been used when you go to get legal and all. :) Bring a couple other ideas just in case.
M
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05/27/2005 09:31:32 PM · #3 |
Thanks Mavrik.
I stumbled onto your biz tips the other day and wanted to say thank you for providing awesome advice and I suspect a much read topic on DPC.
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05/27/2005 10:13:35 PM · #4 |
:)
Thanks for the kind words. Actually, the support here and other forums has led me to take those articles to the next level and write a book. I hope it goes well!
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05/28/2005 12:26:36 AM · #5 |
If the biz is named after you (Photography By Marianne for example) then you probably have to do nothing to be legal. If you call it "Dreamworks Photos" then you will have paperwork to file with your state and popssibly locally, run an ad in the paper, etc. Probably have to get a business checking account, etc. If it is your name, then no probs.
There are tons of places to get pics printed - there are 2 main systems, kodak and fuji. Then there are many types of papers and finishes. To keep it simple, try mpix.com or winkflash.com. Walmart etc works too. Ritz camera claims to be better, but they are more money.
Message edited by author 2005-05-28 00:27:08.
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05/28/2005 12:43:14 AM · #6 |
Originally posted by Prof_Fate:
If the biz is named after you (Photography By Marianne for example) then you probably have to do nothing to be legal. |
You should fill out a "Doing business as..." form if you name it after yourself (you are Marianne, not "Marianne's Photography" anyways).
M
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05/28/2005 12:46:26 AM · #7 |
Originally posted by mavrik:
Originally posted by Prof_Fate:
If the biz is named after you (Photography By Marianne for example) then you probably have to do nothing to be legal. |
You should fill out a "Doing business as..." form if you name it after yourself (you are Marianne, not "Marianne's Photography" anyways).
M |
Depends on the state i guess. Here in PA if your name is in teh business as in "Perry Photography" you are ok. "Perry and Sons Photography" needs a DBA.
Politicians and lawyers are involved in all this crap, so you know it can't be simple! As a 'person' company your tax id is your soc #. I have not investigated sales tax issues...PA is VERY confused on that bit.
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05/28/2005 12:51:52 AM · #8 |
Being in PA and being on the FM boards, have you talked to Josh (DragonflyDM) much? He is fairly up on that stuff and lives in Butler PA.
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05/28/2005 01:08:20 AM · #9 |
Originally posted by mavrik:
Being in PA and being on the FM boards, have you talked to Josh (DragonflyDM) much? He is fairly up on that stuff and lives in Butler PA. |
Yeah. At some point we are gonna get together for coffee. I know people that know him...it should be interesting to meet him.
According to the PA tax code book..."Photographic services, film developing, printing, processing, mounting, coloring, etc." are subject to sales tax.
Now, in allegheny county the tax is 7%. Here in beaver (and in butler) it is 6%. So...if my biz is in beaver, but the bride and wedding is happening in Allegheny... - Not simple. Cars go by where you register them...by zipcode. Some zipcodes cover two counties...having fun yet?
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05/28/2005 06:28:57 AM · #10 |
Don't forget - you may have to get a business license in order to legally run a business.
And before all you naysayers chime in, here in Easley (SC) you have to get a temporary business license in order to hold a yard sale, so it's worth checking it out before you get in trouble.
Not to rain on your parade, but better to be safe than sorry.
Sara
*edit - spelling
Message edited by author 2005-05-28 06:29:17.
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