Music, photography, visual art and comedy

Starting a business as a photographer requires some special considerations as well as things that every business needs to take into account, including legal requirements, insurance and taxation.

Even if you start as a freelance or part-time photographer, you will still need to meet all of your tax and legal obligations of a new business.

Choose your photography sectors

The first thing to consider is which sector you want to establish yourself in. For instance:

• wedding or portrait photography
• commercial and advertising photography
• creative or fashion photography
• photojournalism

Each of the sectors will have different rates, and may have different licencing requirements. Consider creating a rate card showing day rates, usage rights, retouching fees and expenses. 

You will also need to consider copyright, which is complex but extremely important. As the creator of your photographs,you own copyright automatically but commercial clients buy usage rights. Always use written contracts covering:

• usage duration and territory
• exclusivity terms
• additional usage fees

Make sure that you understand:

• how to avoid copyright infringement
• your economic rights from owning copyright
• how to license or buy other people's copyright

Remember to watermark online portfolios and register trademarks for your studio name/logo.

Workspace options for photography businesses

As a photographer, you will need equipment and, perhaps, premises - although many freelance photographers work from home. Consider if you require:

• home studio – check council planning permission
• shared space – studio fees can range widely
• location shooting – minimal overheads

If you're starting up, you might consider buying an existing business, going into a partnership or a joint venture with others in your sector, or you may just start from scratch.

You can get advice from professional associations, such as the Professional Photographers Association of Northern Ireland (PPANI).