Photographer's Insurance

[carrbowl]

Dianne, I would say you are ready to start collecting money IF and only if...you start looking at it as a business and quit the hobby status. You can't ride the fence. Which means, there is still alot of investment time and money to be done. I did that two years ago, and am just now to the point of getting some cash. Of course I wasn't full time...just occasionally did some shoots.

I have $15,000 worth of equipment insurance--$350 yearly and the liability is $320 per year. I hope it is ok to post that...if someone that is up in the chain at PPA thinks it isn't a good idea, please send a pm..I'll take it down...

[jscowsert]

Call Richard Reyes at Hill and Usher. I agree with Captain Tom...liability issues should be your first concern.

[cajun angel]

I'm working on liability first and then my gear. I need to figure out where my strong points are - portraits, mx, whatever. And I have to be able to affor the expenses whatever they are.

[Redneck]

Renae, thanks for the info, that gives me an idea.

One more question about this PPA membership. Is there any really usuable benefit from this membership? I didn't quite see how the photographer gets a real value out of it.
I mean what is included in this membership fee (besides a monthly magazin and some discount for additional services and products)?

Don't get me wrong, I have no intention to discredit any organization, only want to see why I should join it and if it's worth the cost.

[doctahjones]

i'm pretty much in the middle as well. i've really only done a couple paid gigs since the beginning of the year, and lately i've been doing tf* work (which is fine with me since i'm still experimenting/practicing).

however i have my camera stuff insured through my car/renters carrier: usaa. they have a seperate 'valuable property' (or something like that, can't remember) policy that you can put expensive items, such as cameras and lenses, into and it doesn't fall under your renters. for $12,000 (i valued all my junk at msrp) i think i pay like $120 year? but again this is under a personal policy, not a biz type policy.

i'm not sure what will happen when i go legit though. i never asked if they do biz insurance (libality and/or equip)

[carrbowl]

They have a forum, which you can use, they will help you if you have a copyright issue, you can do the webinars or seminars at a greatly discounted price if your a member. I think it is like any "club" you get out of it, what you put into it. It's not just about the member fee, you have to do something with it, once you join. So far, the biggest bang for my buck has been the SMS, studio management services. Two days of the best and most useful advice I've received. Of course business is where I was lacking the most and where you need the most information. I know there are other people that can do a better job of telling you what PPA can do...this is just what it has done from my little tiny perspective!!!