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Photography Question 

Rachel Larson
 

Do I need a license to shoot weddings/portraits?


Do I need a license of some kind to legally start a photography business, which will specialize in weddings and portraits? I have successfully shot a wedding last summer and have another one this spring. I use a written contract and a consent form which is signed by the party and myself. Do I need something more to cover myself legally?


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January 26, 2006

 

Justin G.
  Well I've read horror stories where somebody was shooting with lights and one of the bubls blew up (literally blew up) and glass shards went into the models eye nearly losing her eyesight. The model is now suing the daylights out of photographer 'fred' and 'fred' is losing everything (equipment, house, etc. EVERYTHING). I don't know much about businesses...i personally am speaking with an accountant on monday to discuss differenences between Inc, L.L.C./L.L.P., Corp. etc. Some businesses have protection from personal stuff and if this photographer had has one of those licenses his house would now be protected. At least find an accountant to speak with so they can give you your "rights" of a business so no body can sue the daylights out of you and take your house, car, etc. I'll keep this thread up to date on what my acct. says Monday morning.


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January 26, 2006

 

Pat Wimpee
  Rachel, Besides the insurance, You also need a business license from the city in which you live. As well as a state tax ID number. You by law, have to collect sales tax on anything you sell (pictures).


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January 26, 2006

 

Denyse Clark
  This question interests me....

What is the deal w/ a "photograhers license" anyways? Can anyone explain that, I really have no clue what that would even mean? My city let me start my business w/o requiring a license. An LLC/LLP, that's a business type, (corporation, partnership, sole propriotor, LLC) not a license of some sort from my understanding. No?


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January 27, 2006

 

Justin G.
  I don't know much about business and stuff but I believe your LLC is what we're referring to. I'm going to setup mine Monday.


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January 27, 2006

 

Bill Hanscom
  Rachel

Check with your city, county and state governments for requirements. They can give you the information on what you need to start.

Bill


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January 27, 2006

 

Pat Wimpee
  That's interesting Denyse. My city requires a business license that you have to renew every year. I thought all cities require that.


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January 27, 2006

 

Christopher A. Vedros
  As Pat said, it's not specifically a photographer's license, it's a business license. Most cities, counties, or parishes (in Louisiana) require anyone operating a business to have a license or business permit. They also will expect you to collect and pay sales tax.

This license doesn't protect you from any type of liability, though. An LLC or LLP like Justin mentioned, is a Limited Liability Corporation or Partnership. It's something a person forms to separate their personal assets (car, house) from their business operation. You would need to consult an attorney to find out what is right for you, and also what other types of protection (insurance, etc.) you should be considering.

Chris


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January 27, 2006

 
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