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09/07/2007 01:12:52 PM · #1 |
Hi everyone,
I am wanting to start work as a photogrpaher here in seattle... general photography including portraits, weddings, commerical, business events, etc... I am not sure what would be neccessary for contract work though.
Should/Can I make it part of my work contract to be able to use the photographs I take for my portfolio?
For anyone under 18 do I need parental consent for photos to be taken and also used in my portfolio?
Does anyone have examples of contracts they use with clients I could use for reference?
For a beginner in the business what would you all suggest for price per hour?
What are your suggestions for prints? Any suggestions or good experiences with certain companies?
Any other suggestions or tips are very helpful!
Right now I am using my myspace page as my main webpage.... www.myspace.com/johnstonejr
I would like to get a seperate web page going as it would carry a more professional image I feel...
but I am not sure if I want to get the web page started right away or after things get going a bit more...feedback is welcome on this! Thank you all!! |
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09/07/2007 01:42:23 PM · #2 |
Tons of contracts available on the internet, just search. Obviously each will be different for different types of shoots. You always retain the option to use photos in a portfolio unless you sell the rights to the image. All that would need to be stated and agreed upon. A model release is needed for all portraits, but should be in teh contract anyway... a minor would need a parent to sign.
Pricing is totally up to you.
You will probably get a bit beaten down by other posters because your questions are very basic business operating questions that really should be taken care of before you plan to charge someone. I'm not going to get on you for that. You really should write a full business plan. Not only will it help you know what needs to be done, it will give you an operating plan w/ goals and budgets. Very helpful and if you ever want to borrow money from a bank, they require one. Be detailed, a good plan is like your operating manual.
You need to know exactly what your costs are (equipment upgrades, can't shoot a wedding with only a kit lens and a 50mm w/ no back ups, printing, time, advertising, website, etc...
Once you know your costs you can work from there to hopefully turn a profit. Meticulous record keeping is the way to go. If you can account for every cent coming in and out you will know exactly where your business is at all times. Not knowing is a recipe for failure and over spending.
You do not want to start out unprepared or unable to produce the results people expect. Bad word of mouth right away will sink you and kill your confidence. A few questions you need to ask yourself before starting out.
Is this a full time venture? If so you have a ton of work ahead before you even take a picture.
Do you have the proper gear to cover the stuff you want to do?
Do you have the skills to do what you want?
Do you have the time to do it properly?
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09/07/2007 02:17:28 PM · #3 |
Originally posted by Jmnuggy:
... your questions are very basic business operating questions that really should be taken care of before you plan to charge ... |
If you are planning on starting a business, excellent resources are available from Nolo Press. They have books and forms coving both the running of the business and on copyright/IP law ...
Message edited by author 2007-09-07 14:17:43. |
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09/07/2007 02:25:27 PM · #4 |
Check the group SCORE and the SBA.
Service Corps Of Retired Executives. These guys are wonderful, a bunch of old execs helping newbies out for free. Call the local group, pitch your business, if they think its viable or at least well planned, they will set you up with an advisor who will meet with you whenever you want.
Small Business Assoc. They are a government group who can offer advice.
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09/07/2007 03:21:01 PM · #5 |
Originally posted by Sunshine86:
Hi everyone,
I am wanting to start work as a photogrpaher here in seattle... general photography including portraits, weddings, commerical, business events, etc... I am not sure what would be neccessary for contract work though.
Should/Can I make it part of my work contract to be able to use the photographs I take for my portfolio?
For anyone under 18 do I need parental consent for photos to be taken and also used in my portfolio?
Does anyone have examples of contracts they use with clients I could use for reference?
For a beginner in the business what would you all suggest for price per hour?
What are your suggestions for prints? Any suggestions or good experiences with certain companies?
Any other suggestions or tips are very helpful!
Right now I am using my myspace page as my main webpage.... www.myspace.com/johnstonejr
I would like to get a seperate web page going as it would carry a more professional image I feel...
but I am not sure if I want to get the web page started right away or after things get going a bit more...feedback is welcome on this! Thank you all!! |
yes
yes
sure if you PM me your e-mail addy
don't sell yourself short. business is business, figure out what it will really cost you to run
I wouldn't use myspace for your main gallery :0)
Good Luck!!! :0)
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09/07/2007 04:18:09 PM · #6 |
Originally posted by GeneralE:
Originally posted by Jmnuggy:
... your questions are very basic business operating questions that really should be taken care of before you plan to charge ... |
If you are planning on starting a business, excellent resources are available from Nolo Press. They have books and forms coving both the running of the business and on copyright/IP law ... |
Thanks! |
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