Posted on Mar 23, 2014
SGT William B.
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I want to turn my love of concert photography into a small side business when I return the States and go back to school.  However, I'm not exactly sure where to turn for questions on how to "become legitimate."  There's so much involved in photography (contracts, pricing for market, management of expectations, creating a new website, getting a tax identification number, invoices, etc) and I'm finding that I'm absolutely *clueless* on how to run a business.

In your experience, what would be the best resources available for recently separated veterans to learn how to run a business, grants, etc.?
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Responses: 5
TSgt Phillip L.
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I would strongly consider finding some classes on finance and business. Photography, especially wedding photography tends to be a highly litigious industry. You need to adequately protect yourself and your business. The last thing you want is to expose personal liability and jeopardize your future financial security.
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SGT William B.
SGT William B.
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Roger, which is why I think an LLC versus a Sole Proprietorship would be better.  I've known photographers that didn't cover themselves through insurance or a well-written contract, and ending up paying for retakes for a wedding, which involved flying the bride and groom to South America, rebooking the venue, etc.  This is why I don't do weddings, ha.

On another note: insurance is definitely something I need to look into.  Nothing worse than breaking $4800 worth of gear.
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TSgt Phillip L.
TSgt Phillip L.
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Sounds like you are on the right track. Contracts are never going to cover gross negligence, but they cover about everything else. Good to see you are being smart about this. It's important to think of everything, step back, ask for advice...then just do it. Smartly.
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SFC Student
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SGT Bradley,

Here's a few links to check out for starting a business.


Here's a couple links for information on getting some capital to help with starting your business.


I hope these helped. If you're interested in contacting some photographers in southern Arizona, let me know and I'll give you some FB pages you can reach them through. They're mostly in Phoenix and Tucson, but Sierra Vista isn't that far.

V/r
SGT Mullet
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SGT William B.
SGT William B.
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Haha, one step ahead of you.  I personally know most of the major wedding and portrait photographers in southern AZ. 

The SBA page is exactly what I was looking for; should have figured an analyst would have found it before I did.  Thanks a lot.
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MSG Wade Huffman
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My take is probably quite a bit different than most. I feel hobbies are an important outlet for most of us, and as such, should remain as hobbies. The beautiful thing about having a hobby is that when those times come where you become frustrated by a certain aspect (and most will) you have the option of putting it down, walking away for a while, and coming back to it later. Not at all true once your avocation becomes your vocation.
I agree that there is a LOT to be said about doing what you love to do (and making money from in to boot!), but I have seen many take this route and end up hating what they once loved because they now have their livelihood tied to it and the enjoyment fades.
Not saying this would happen to you; but something to give some thought to before proceeding.
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