Considering going semi-pro

[Scott1970]

I have gained enough experience in the last couple years, and have decent enough equipment that I am considering charging for photoshoots. I get asked enough by friends, business acquaintances, etc, to take pictures (be it graduation photos, family portraits, wedding photos, etc) that I think I ought to start charging.

My deliverables would consist of the digital photos, either on DVD, or downloadable from my server.

I'm not quitting my day job; I will be happy if I make a couple hundred extra a month or so to make this hobby "pay rent" as it were, and to justify sinking the earned money into new equipment (more toys, plus tax writeoff).

Are there any good websites/books available on making the transition from amateur to pro, as well as any advice and warnings of common pitfalls to avoid?

I am considering calling my business "A Geek and his Camera".

[CaptainTom]

A simple search of this web site will provide you with enough material for several months reading.
Remember about advice you get here. You get what you pay for.

[zepp]

Originally Posted by Scott1970

Are there any good websites/books available on making the transition from amateur to pro, as well as any advice and warnings of common pitfalls to avoid?.

I can't recommend this book by John Harrington enough...

Best Business Practices for Photographers

http://www.best-business-practices.com/


Make it your first read before you venture into this profession even as a hobbyist looking for extra income. You will have less of a chance of selling yourself short, giving your stuff away, and devaluing the field itself.

Frank

[Shane]

Also remember, you have to pay taxes on your income that you bring in, whether your deliverable is in print form or digital format . . . read the "Tax Code" sticky thread in this section for more details.

[zepp]

Originally Posted by Shane

Also remember, you have to pay taxes on your income that you bring in, whether your deliverable is in print form or digital format . . . read the "Tax Code" sticky thread in this section for more details.

You must not only pay income tax but you must also obtain a State of Texas Sales and Use Tax Permit and collect state and city sales tax and submit it to the state on an interval based on the amount you you collect.

[toverman]

If you're comfortable with charging, also don't price your services low just because you can. That devalues your work and undercuts your fellow photogs. Price fairly for the market and in line with what it costs you to produce it while turning a profit. There's a lot of information floating around here!

Good luck!

[sldi-rooster]

I believe one of the courses at the Texas Photo School is about moving into the "Pro" field

[bondarnes]

Originally Posted by sldi-rooster

I believe one of the courses at the Texas Photo School is about moving into the "Pro" field

That would be Steve Kozak's class