I mean, if you're really good at it, and you want to do it? My sister is 18 years old, and she's an excellent photographer and knows so many tricks for taking pictures. I'm interested in photo editing. I want to start a business with her, but I don't know if I can legally do that without a license. I mean, anyone can take a picture and edit it, but to start a business with it? Anyone can cut or style hair, but you have to go to school and have a license to be a professional hair stylist.
This is something I really want to do, but I don't have the money, and as a working mom definitely not the time, to go to school and get a license.
2006-07-25 10:36:18 · 2 answers · asked by EarthAngel 4 in Business & Finance ➔ Small Business
A professional license is not necessary though there will be business license issues.
The best routes to take are to research the process of starting a business as well as the industry you're interested in.
I recommend checking out the SBA, Entrepreneur, The Start Up Journal & Nolo. All 4 are great informational resources for the new/small business owner. I posted links for you in the source box.
Associations may be a good avenue to explore. These organizations will address many of the thoughts, questions and concerns you'll inevitably have as well as many you haven't anticipated yet. See the source box for some relevant links.
Research, research, research – this cannot be stressed enough. Read as much as you can about the industry. Here are some book titles that are relevant:
* Photographers Market Guide to Building Your Photography Business: Everything you need to know to run a successful photography business by Vik Orenstein
* Legal Handbook for Photographers: The Rights and Liabilities of Making Images Paperback by Bert P. Krages
* How to Start a Home-Based Photography Business, 4th Paperback by Kenn Oberrecht
* Shooting & Selling Your Photos: The Complete Guide to Making Money With Your Photography by Jim Zuckerman
I also posted links to some free articles in the source box.
Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!
2006-07-26 09:32:28 · answer #1 · answered by TM Express™ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
License would depend on where you live. (Heck, Louisiana requires licenses for florists!) Mosts states would insist on a business license once you start making any income of notice to the IRS. Degree? Might be a bonus, might not. At least it shows you've got SOMEBODY'S stamp of approval. I think the biggest benefits of formal training are the connections you can develop through the instructor(s). Though there's plenty of self-trained shutterbugs out there. I haven't seen any photographers flaunting a degree, but as a newbie, you'll want any kind of reputation builder you can get.
2016-03-16 05:20:30 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No you do not need any professional license to be a professional photographer, and luckily it is a low cost business to start-up if you already have the equipment and doing it as a hobby.
Wedding and such are the traditional ways to start a photography business, but i would suggest offering your services to advertisement agencies and smal businesses, small businesses especially. there are also firms that purchase a photgraphers photographs to use as stock photos which they lease use to corporations - good luck
2006-07-25 21:44:22 · answer #3 · answered by sillyshac 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋