Getting started...

[kork13]

Not sure if/how much any of you can help, but any thoughts would be great...

I've been doing photography for approx. the last 8 years, and would describe my level of expertise as an 'advanced amateur', with a wide variety of subjects but focusing on a few. Recently, I have had multiple individuals recommend to me that I start trying to sell my photography. I will soon be learning to mat/frame my photos, so I'll be able to offer them as 'ready-to-go'. However, I'm completely unsure of how to go about actually starting to sell my photography. Basically, any advice/guidance/recommendations on getting started into this would be greatly appreciated.

A website would probably be the cheapest, perhaps the easiest way to go, but I've never designed or maintained a website before, let alone sell anything through one. Selling through an art gallery on consignment is an option, but I'm uncertain of what is in my area (Panama City is fairly small), or if anyone would even be willing to sell my work for me at all.

How do I get myself 'out there' and get people interested in my work? Are there any 'legal-ese' considerations I need to deal with?

I don't aim to make a fortune with my photography--it's simply a passion of mine, and if I can make a little something on the side along the way, all the better. Thanks for reading.

[jIM_Ohio]

You can file a schedule E on your individual tax return.

You will pay ~16 percent self employment tax (SS and medicare for both you and employer) in addition to income tax (at marginal bracket levels).

You can deduct the cost of the web site, camera, developing and similar costs on schedule E (so you don't pay taxes on that money).

If you get clever (read up on IRS docs before you do this), you could put a sign on your car, deduct that cost, and many other costs associated with car now become advertising. I THINK.

I am still new at the tax game- Monkey Mama is a CPA I think- she might correct me on some of that.

I have two businesses I run and they are more for writing things off than making a significant profit.

[MonkeyMama]

This is the catch 22 of hobby/businesses. If they don't make money, they are considered hobbies. (I'd be careful about businesses for "write offs" - IRS is coming down heavy on these right now - 3 losses in a row is a guaranteed audit). You can't deduct hobby losses.

But if you make money off a hobby, you have to report it. Of course!

Any expenses directly related to the business/hobby are of course deductible against income.

That's my general tax advice. In the past the IRS did the 3-year rule for audits, but this is an area they are really coming down on right now.

& it's Schedule C - not E.

I have seen websites around (maybe do a google search) where you can sell photos through. I have been trying to talk my dad into it since he has a lot of great photos. I have some copies and always get a lot of comments and interest. & I heard good things about some of the sites.

[kork13]

This is cool.... so I could deduct the cost of the new lenses I'm looking at buying, framing classes and supplies, business cards, and such like that? awesome....

I'll look around for some established websites. Any that you might recommend?

Another thing I just thought of... I use my photos as gifts on occasion... If I were to sell a company/magazine/whoever one of my photos, do I lose rights to use it myself? Or is that only in a case where they specifically state that they would like to purchase exclusive rights to its use?

[snafu]

I wish I had your talent and skill set. Setting up a business and writing out a business plan would be a good start. Both internet and your library will have the information you need. Your library will also have [or obtain for you] material to develop a marketing plan. Have you ever done any 'cold call' sales? There are tons of books on that subject as well. Would you consider taking a Continuing Education course on marketing or basic business skills for an entrepreneur? In these recessionary times, joining an AM Business Breakfast Club can expand your contacts in an enjoyable way.

If you want to set up a web site for cheap, talk to your local high/middle school computer sciences teachers. S/he will likey be able to recommend a student who could do this for a modest fee and course credit. Kids who have grown up with technology aren't afraid to work past their limitations.
My DKs have been doing this type of assignment for pretend clients thru middle and 2 yrs HS and are amazingly proficient at making commericals for school events and non existent products. They are young enough to view your challenge as fun!

Try google Photographer's Market - Where & How To Sell Your Photographs Sites might be scams but there are a lot you could check out

[jIM_Ohio]

MM-

I always make money. It might be $100 or $200... the rest is written off.

Home office deduction, milage and some related expenses. If the organizations I work with (for?) have the audacity (requirement?) to issue me a 1099, least I can do is read the tax code to find things I can write off.

MM- do I understand it right that if a company sign is on a car then the expense of driving the car around is advertising?

same way that if company name/logo are on a shirt, the cost of washing that shirt is a business expense.

[minnie1928]

Several years ago we had a small business. We took a class that was offered by the local SCORE organization that outlined what we needed to in order to start the business. It talked about tax implications, accounting, naming the business, etc. I think we paid less than $50 for the class and it was very worthwhile.

[SacredFaerie]

Etsy works pretty good for most people. Just make sure when you upload pics to the site that you edit them and place a watermark over them. Also, be sure to upload them so they can't be clicked and downloaded.

[Bimmer]

deleted, got into wrong thread somehow.

[Goldy1]

With taxes and hassles, it was not worth it to me to pursue.

[zetta]

I have seen photographers set up displays and sell their pictures at craft fairs. If you are interested in selling in that sort of venue, strike up a conversation with a photographer at one to get the scoop on how to get started.