I saw this over on Holly McCraig's blog and it really got me thinking, so I too have decided to address these questions!
For me to turn my passion into a business has been a huge decision to make. I didnt want to be another scrapbooker turned photographer who wasnt taken seriously, or a "mamarazzi" who owns a DSLR and take photos of other mums children for FREE.
I see "photographers" out there that charge £35 for a session fee and then throw in a bunch of images on a CD for a few bucks more! Do these "photographers" actually run a business?? I really cannot see how they can. The cost of training, equipment, insurance and tax and petrol costs would just blow those silly prices out of the window for me, I couldnt make a living.
Anyways here are my anwers:
How long have you been in business?
Ok, I tried to start my business a few years ago and will admit to being one of those "photographers" mentioned above. It wasnt really a business more a hobby but I could take Ok photos. I didnt really know that much about lighting, I did though use my Nikon D80 on manual, so I was half way there, LOL. My post processing was a bit hit and miss as well!!
Realizing I didnt have enough experience and knowledge to take my photography to the next level and really feel proud to be able to call my self a professional phtoographer, I want out and got a part time job for the next 2 years.
In that time I studied, I read books, I attended workshops, I upgraded my Nikon body and I took photos, lots of them!
Two months ago I left my part time job as a TA and am now a full time photographer!
Do you have a place of business, a business license, a business phone and Yellow Pages listing, and a Web site?
Hmmm, like Holly I do not feel that having a yellow pages listing is gonna make me a photographer or get me more work.
My place of work is at home, I have a home studio and an office. I at present use my mobile and home phone number. I do have a business email address and website. I am registered as self employed.
Do you carry business insurance?
Not today but as of next week I have an appointemt with my business bank manager to sort out the appropiate insurance I need as a photograper.
Do you have employees or use assistants?
No I dont. I am not in a finacial position to hire an assistant. I do have a very helpful hubby that helps with packing and unpacking my mobile studio!
Will you provide me with a written estimate that clearly shows all the fees and expenses (subject to a standard 10-percent variance) that I will be charged if I decide to use your services?
Yes! All my prices are available on my website for my session fess and basic packages. I will also discuss with you other options available to you. Everything is either posted to you in a presentation pack or sent digitally. I will also provide all the legal forms that goes with this business prior to your shoot ie: contract, model release, copyright and print release.
There you go!
Thanks for stopping by and do pop by my website, the teen gallery has been updated!
Anna x
