Just thinking out loud on this, but what about some free-association of words/notions/phrases related to photography, and see if any of them work as a business name? I'll start with a few...just off the top of my head...
Why not just "Allure Photography". Something starting with an A comes first in the phone book and people usually start calling at the beginning if they haven't been referred somewhere.
Coming up with a name isn't really the first step though. It's probably somewhere in the middle to end. It's just a fun step...
lol yes ive had this pointed out to me. I'd like the thing I've already begun the first steps... you know, the photography. As far as the business thing, I think I meant for more that I wanted to start freelance work, not open up a studio (def can't do that right now).
You certainly live in an area with lots of photographers. I suppose that's both good and bad. Lots of peers to hang out with and form a network, but also lots of competition. Have Fun.
Your business name should be the web name - less confusion, easier to find you, etc.
Now if it's NOT your name, how are you going to cash the checks people write to you? A business account as a DBA - banks just can't give accounts to ficticious names - federal fraud laws and all - so now you have to register the name as a DBA with your state. May be cheap, may not. Here in PA it requires running an ad in the local paper (legal announcements section).
You'll need to get whatever business licenses you need, sales tax collection for the state or local, etc.
Since you've not got a real business, talk to a CPA about tax issues - what's deductible, and categories and (advertising, promotion, gear you expense and some you capitalize, etc) and how he prefers you keep records - let a CPA do you taxes, it's not that expensive, it's a lot better than guessing on your own, and it's a tax deductible business expense too.
Your business name should be the web name - less confusion, easier to find you, etc.
Now if it's NOT your name, how are you going to cash the checks people write to you? A business account as a DBA - banks just can't give accounts to ficticious names - federal fraud laws and all - so now you have to register the name as a DBA with your state. May be cheap, may not. Here in PA it requires running an ad in the local paper (legal announcements section).
You'll need to get whatever business licenses you need, sales tax collection for the state or local, etc.
Since you've not got a real business, talk to a CPA about tax issues - what's deductible, and categories and (advertising, promotion, gear you expense and some you capitalize, etc) and how he prefers you keep records - let a CPA do you taxes, it's not that expensive, it's a lot better than guessing on your own, and it's a tax deductible business expense too.
Ummm... wouldn't they just write the check to me regardless of my photo name?
Ummm... wouldn't they just write the check to me regardless of my photo name?
They don't. They like to write checks to the business name. You'd have to open a business checking account in order to cash them.
I think this all got confused... I meant more freelance... like perhaps I'd be an... independent contractor and pay taxes at the end of the year, not like HERE I AM, I AM A BUSINESS. I'm totally not ready for that any time soon. I know nothing about business.
How about I say... make checks out to Monica Mulder... end of problem? Busniess account. Grumble... this is all over my head.
Thats fine for now, just keep your "business" stuff seperated from your personal stuff. You should want to know how much youre making from photography. At the end of the year you should pay taxes on this money, but I would say most don't until they are established. Eventually some legal benefits come from being a business, such as not having your personal assets on the line.
Being a talented photographer is really the easiest part of making this hobby into a business. Most people will fail because of their business model or lack of one. It really would help you to start learning some basic business or at least some basic accounting. There really is no way to avoid this stuff.
Thats fine for now, just keep your "business" stuff seperated from your personal stuff. You should want to know how much youre making from photography. At the end of the year you should pay taxes on this money, but I would say most don't until they are established. Eventually some legal benefits come from being a business, such as not having your personal assets on the line.
Being a talented photographer is really the easiest part of making this hobby into a business. Most people will fail because of their business model or lack of one. It really would help you to start learning some basic business or at least some basic accounting. There really is no way to avoid this stuff.
Yea, yea! lol. I know. And I'm smart enough to learn, I just hate business and never had any interest in it so I never did. I need to find a mentor or something... lol.
I wouldn't go with M&M as it sounds both like Eminem and the sweets, and unless you're really into stock photography I doubt you'll be taking many pictures of either.
cool thread! im doing the same thing myself right now. thanks for posted that business plan jmnuggy, i just printed that out and will be using it as a guideline. good luck monica !!! :)
That bus plan guide is kick ass, you will see my business soon, launch is expected for next month. Its not a photography site but its cool.
Another thing that really helped me and my bus partner was the SCORE group. Its service corps of retired executives. Essentially old men who offer consulting services to startups for free. Amazing group with even more amazing connections. Our SCORE rep was a semi retired CPA with one of the largest firms in Vermont. Not a bad guy to know.
Here is the SCORE link for VT, I am sure there is one where you live. www.score84.org.
Just thinking out loud on this, but what about some free-association of words/notions/phrases related to photography, and see if any of them work as a business name? I'll start with a few...just off the top of my head...
