I have been taking pictures for a long time and studying photography in school for just as long. Despite all that, I’ve never really been taught what the business side of running a freelance photography business looks like. Most of my teachers are out of practice or can only really tell you what they’ve seen work. It all comes down to trial and error.
This week, I feel like I learned so much more and was pressured just enough to get started. Having the right licensing and permits in photography is critical. I found that when you’re looking from state to state, the licensing requirements are about the same. So, just having a registered business is a great place to start.
I’m working on getting an LLC and learning so much more about taxes. In my research this week, I discovered that taxes aren’t as stressful as they used to seem to me. Especially with an LLC, you can file them in a more straightforward manner.
Forming an LLC not only simplifies the tax process but also provides legal protection and can make your business look more professional to potential clients. The steps I'm taking include registering my business name, filing the necessary paperwork with my state, and getting an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS.
Overall, diving into the business side of photography has been both enlightening and empowering. It’s given me a clearer path to turning my passion into a sustainable career.
