How to Start a Photography Business in 8 Simple Steps (A beginner’s guide to becoming legit)

If you’re a new photographer wondering how to start a photography business, you probably have so many questions, like:

• How do I start a photography business?
• What should be in my wedding gear bag?
• What should be in my wedding emergency kit?
• What can I bring for styling flat lays?

After wrapping up my sixth (!) wedding photography workshop where I teach photographers how to properly photograph a wedding through an interactive full faux wedding day, these are the questions that keep coming up from photographers ready to turn their passion into a business.

I’ve put together 8 simple steps you can follow to learn how to start your photography business–and set it up for success to help you thrive as it grows.

Work at this list slowly; don’t feel like you need to do it all in a day. You are building a business, and building takes time.

Take a deep breath; you’ve got this!

1. Choose a name for your photography business

Will you use your name or create something cute or catchy?

Many photographers choose [First Name + Last Name] Photography or [First Name + Middle Name] Photography as their business name.

After choosing a business name, head to your state’s Secretary of State website to see if anyone is already using that business name in your state. You won’t be able to use a name that’s already in use by someone else in your same state.

Your odds are better if you’re using your own name!

If another photographer in your state is using a business name that’s very similar to the one you want, consider choosing a different name. You don’t want potential clients confusing your businesses (or the other photographer’s work tarnishing your own work).

2. Get an EIN (Employer Identification Number)

An EIN is a federal tax ID number for businesses. Think of it like a social security number for your business.

If you don’t have an EIN, you will have to place your own social security number on all of your business documents.

It’s free to get an EIN from the IRS. Apply for a free EIN here.

3. Determine your business structure (Sole Proprietor vs. LLC vs. SCorp)

Will you be a Sole Proprietor, LLC, or SCorp? Research all three and decide what the best fit would be for you.

I started my business as a sole proprietor because it was the simplest way to start.

As my business grew, I switched to an LLC. An LLC offers personal liability protection because it separates your personal assets from your business assets.

I hope you never encounter someone trying to ruin your good name and sue you for all you have! But having an LLC is a great way to protect yourself against that.

4. Sign up for a sales tax number

Yay for 6% sales tax on products and services… Just kidding!

When you get started, you’ll pay sales tax every quarter. Once you make over a certain amount, you’ll have to pay it monthly.

I suggest reserving 30% of your earnings for taxes. Put it in a separate account so you’re not tempted to spend it.

Then when it’s time to pay your quarterly/monthly taxes, you can simply pull money out of your tax account (instead of panicking that there’s nothing left in your bank account to pay the IRS).

You can sign up for a sales tax number through your state’s Department of Revenue.

(Note: I’m writing this as a Pennsylvania photographer. We must pay 6% sales tax on all products and services. If you live in another state, your sales tax rules may be different.)

5. Set up a separate bank account for your businesses

DO NOT mix your personal and business finances!

Open a completely separate bank account for your business. Make sure all of your business expenses come out of that account, and all of your revenue goes into that account.

I have a primary account for the majority of my expenses, and a few others for things like tax payments (see above).

This will help keep your financial records clean and orderly.

6. Always have a photography contract

I cannot stress enough how important it is that you have a contract!

I know it sounds stuffy and silly when you are first starting out, but a contract protects you and your clients. It sets expectations for your clients, it helps cover you in case of something unexpected happening, and defines your policies and procedures should an issue arise.

Always, always have a contract for your portrait sessions and weddings – even if you’re just starting out as a photographer.

7. Find a good accountant to make sure you are on track.

8. Get business liability insurance.

A simple liability policy isn’t more than a few hundred dollars, and it’s better safe than sorry.

Plus, if you plan to photograph weddings, some venues will ask for your insurance policy information.

Wait– I have more questions about how to start a photography business!

If you have more questions about business start-up and/or photography in general, I offer mentor sessions for photographers. You can request a mentor session here. For more details on the Wedding Day Walkthrough Workshop or the Big Day Little Details Workshop that I host, visit my website.