if I were to start part-time business...

[arthur]

I am in photography because I enjoy it. I will never quit my day job to be a professional photographer.

Having said that, I wouldn't mind getting paid for the small amount of photography I do (if only to justify the expense of the equipment to the Mrs.).

A friend suggested I upload stock photos on one of those websites, where people pay a small fee to use them. He told me that I'd be surprised at how much income can come in from that.

I would also like to do some occasional sports photography. Cycling for example. Something where you intend to sell to the participant.

Any suggestions in these two areas would be appreciated.

[CaptainTom]

First of all,,, go for it.
secondly, as in any "business" you need to get your legal needs taken care of.
I recommend a simple DBA be filed at your local court house. Then, open a checking account in the name of the business. This will establish you as a business, and will facilitate keeping your business records seperate from your personal life.
Thirdly, make sure you keep good records. i.e. inventory your equipment, record your expenses, record your income. If you treat your business like it is a big deal, you will be much happier when it comes time to do taxes, etc.

You will need some vehicle to market your photos. Stock agencies are OK, but there are a bunch of them, and finding the one that is best for you can be a full time job. Often, the best ones have very strict submission requirements that eliminate a lot of photographers.

You will need some way to sell photos to the bikers, etc. Again there are many out there. I use www.exposuremanager.com and am very pleased with them.

If you keep your expectations low, you will enjoy turning your hobby into a money maker.

[arthur]

thanks for the info Tom. Very helpful.

[Russell]

My only comment is that I would be careful with some of the web stock collections. When your friend says, "...I'd be surprised at how much income can come in from that." How much does he mean?

Don't get me wrong, there are some valuable on-line stock sites but conversley, there is are bunch of junk as well. I think that the $1 a download sites devalue the stock photo market and don't serve as a means of progressing the profession.

My advice is to focus on the area of stock in which you are interested, research the agency and find out their sales track record, and try to sign with one who values your creativity by promoting fair prices for your imagery.

Good luck!

Russell

[cmalana]

I had my beginnings professionally in sports photography but have focused on wedding photography.

First of all, how much are you looking to make part-time? $100/month? $500/month? $2k/month? That will determine what your business plan will need to be.

With regards to shooting sports - at minimum, you'll need something in the 70-200mm zoom range as well as a portfolio.

My advice is to sit down and think of a business plan even if it's part-time, then start figuring out what it'll take to implement it. Some require a lot more work than others...but can also have better rewards if successfully done.