Proofs, Hosting, Websites and more help?

[PhotoByLeal]

I would like to ask the PROS on this forum.

If I were you what would I do first to get a business started?

Then, do I use one or several websites to do proofing, hosting and online purchase?

I do not know what to ask?

Any help would be appreciated!

Thanks,
TxmexNitro – Angel

[acesteward]

first go get your self a DBA, (doing business as) from your locale courthouse. it cost me $20, it is different prices depending on the county but hey I am in tarrant so shouldn't be much more I would think. I would only use one website for proofing, at least to start. otherwise it can get very confusing. I use instaproofs if you want to know. several other photogs here do as well others will suggest other websites, it is just a matter of personal preference. instaproofs.com is free to start and charge 4% on your sales only. Find a good reputable print company. That way you can figure your prices you want to charge. Don't worry, it will take you a while to figure out what you are going to charge, lots of trial and error and I think it depends alot on what you are going to be shooting and charging for. I also use bayphoto.com for my print company they have been very reliable so far(especially over a few others I have tryed) and they offer 2 day shipping for only $1.50 for all orders over $12. I have found these different companies to offer a good start, when trying to start a business with low funding. email me if you would like anything else or hit me up on aim.
smilescaptured@express56.com or acstwrd on aim. I am sure that others will chime in shortly as well to help you out. And good luck on your business venture. - Raymond -

[PhotoByLeal]

Originally Posted by acesteward

first go get your self a DBA, (doing business as) from your locale courthouse. it cost me $20, it is different prices depending on the county but hey I am in tarrant so shouldn't be much more I would think. I would only use one website for proofing, at least to start. otherwise it can get very confusing. I use instaproofs if you want to know. several other photogs here do as well others will suggest other websites, it is just a matter of personal preference. instaproofs.com is free to start and charge 4% on your sales only. Find a good reputable print company. That way you can figure your prices you want to charge. Don't worry, it will take you a while to figure out what you are going to charge, lots of trial and error and I think it depends alot on what you are going to be shooting and charging for. I also use bayphoto.com for my print company they have been very reliable so far(especially over a few others I have tryed) and they offer 2 day shipping for only $1.50 for all orders over $12. I have found these different companies to offer a good start, when trying to start a business with low funding. email me if you would like anything else or hit me up on aim.
smilescaptured@express56.com or acstwrd on aim. I am sure that others will chime in shortly as well to help you out. And good luck on your business venture. - Raymond -

Raymond,

I would like to thank you for your advice. I am going to the courthouse tomorrow to get a DBA. Then I need to find out what I would like to do next. I am not going to be selling a lot at first or everyday, so I need to find something cheap if not FREE!

Thanks once again for helping, I am a strong believer get a HAND give a HAND!
We were all new-bees @ one time or another!

Later,
TxmexNitro - Angel

[HotHolly]

I'm assuming you have a camera! After that - get legal (as stated). After that, get you a website and start training yourself. Books, classes, organizations, workshops, etc. Get as much info as you can. I so wish we didnt have to lone it when we started. This town doesnt share - at all. No workshops, nothing. And the forums I found initially werent very helpful. It took me forever to figure out what flat lighting was. A workshop would have cleared that up for me faster than anything. But thats me. As for books - Amherst media has a bunch of great illustrated books.

[acesteward]

I agree with hotholly(and I didn't even think to mention the books) one the the best books I remember reading was "Understanding Exposure". The way I see it you can never be too knowledgable about anything, especially something like a business that you are going to end up putting money and your own time into. Regards Raymond

[PhotoByLeal]

Thanks Holly and Raymond,

Is it better to proof yourself or have a company do it?
I do not know what is easier, faster and take less money at first?

Later,
TxmexNitro - Angel

[HotHolly]

Online proofing creates issues - mainly with monitors being so whacked up. I ran into one of our 1st clients at work and heard her friend looking at this girls wedding on the monitor saying the colors are horrible. Our client told her its the monitor, but it was working better at that point in time to release paper proofs or a proof book. Pad the cost of your shoots with the additional cost. And make sure they are marked PROOF - otherwise you wont sell to much.

[LadyShutterBug]

i have never used anything but online proofing, and it's gone very well.

i work through photoreflect.

[PhotoByLeal]

Thanks Holly and Kasey,

I just booked a wedding!!!

I am so excited; I don’t even know where to start?

I guess the best way to start is to, JUMP IN!

Thank,
TxmexNitro - Angel

[Outlaw]

Congratulations on taking the big step, Angel! Just a few hit points:

- Get a sales tax ID to go with your DBA and you're pretty well set, legally. (http://www.window.state.tx.us/taxinf...s/index.html);

- Get some business cards and a web site going; use your cards to get in people's minds as a pro photog and to drive eyes to your web site, where you can sell them on your unique talents: great photos, customer service, products, location, others or all of the above! (I believe www.exposuremanager.com is a common name mentioned and sponsor of TPF; ShutterFly and PrintRoom are other good options);

- Start doing cost-effective marketing and use your initial profits to expand your marketing campaign. (newspapers are a good option here, specifically the Classifieds section under Services, Business Guide ads, professional services special sections such as How To Choose, Best of the Best, etc.)

- Network with anyone associated with your target market: flower shops, hair stylists, wedding coordinators if you do weddings - daycares, PTAs, youth sports leagues if you photograph children - ad agencies, media outlets, models if you do commercial work, etc.

- Use your profits beyond your marketing to improve the quality of your work. (books, workshops, better equipment such as camera bodies, lenses, lights, etc.)

- Pay yourself a salary to ensure you're making personally what your time is worth. Until you're ready to do Cost of Doing Business figures or talk with a CPA, charge a median price for your area; not the most, not the least - right in the middle. (Google for local photogs, or photogs in your nearest metro area);

- Repeat ad nauseum, live well. :-)

[brad]

Everyone else here is skipping ahead to getting the DBA and other starting the business things...

As someone who has been in business for himself for 11 years now, I have a different suggestion for the steps to starting your own business:

1. Take a basic business class: How to run your business.. the pitfalls of small businesses.. something that covers all the details (such as the dba's, checking accounts, tax and insurance liabilities, and such).

If you get past that step and still want to do it...

2. Get your head examined.

If that turns out ok...

3. Take a marketing class. Without marketing and advertising, you will flounder at best.. fail in the first year at worst.

After all that, most most most important is treat it like a business. Do it right. Get the tax ids and file the forms you need. Set up that business checking account. Keep the money separate. Make purchase decisions based on ROI (see step one - that's one of the things you'll learn in a basic business class, return on investment), not on gadget-itis.

Scare ya? Good. LOL

Good luck!

[PhotoByLeal]

Thanks James and Brad,

I am a strong believer not to knock down any good advice until you try it.

Just like life and kids, there is not a book that we tell you what to do, well there is but every kid now days is different.

I will keep you posted on Business progress!

Later,
TxmexNitro - Angel