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Home > New Photo Business! And other updates.

New Photo Business! And other updates.

October 25th, 2013 at 05:30 pm

So it's been a little over a week since my last update. Things have been real busy with work, freelance work, and the start of a new facet of my freelance work-- photography.

I've been practicing photography as a hobby for quite some time now, and I had my first engagement photo session a few weeks ago. After all was said and done, I looked at Craigslist to see who was advertising there... and realized my photos were just as good (and in some cases a bit more professional) than the ones posted. So what did I do? I created a website, and started posting ads on Craigslist as well.

(want to check it out?

Text is http://www.taradeephotodesign.com and Link is http://www.taradeephotodesign.com
http://www.taradeephotodesign.com)

For only being up for just over a week, I've booked two sessions with people I don't know- a wedding ceremony tomorrow and an engagement session next weekend. Not bad! I also have a couple of baby/family shoots in the works with people that I am friends with.

I also got some freelance work going with a nonprofit I used to work for, so I'm making up for the $250 or so I lost with drill being cancelled due to the government shutdown, which is really nice.

I did have some expenses that went along with it-- setting up and hosting the site, domain name, etc. I'm going to register for an LLC next month when I get paid, so I can be "official." I did also buy a new flash for my camera so I can get the indoor shots at the wedding more easily/effectively. I used my $50 Amazon gift card for that, so while it is still a business expense, it didn't affect my bank balance but for a couple of dollars.

So far, so good then Smile

While all that is happening, the job hunt is still going forward. I have an interview next Thursday with a company that is essentially a temp agency for creative professionals. I'm hoping that will go over well. They do contract-to-hire, so I'll basically work for a company on a "test basis" for a few months, then be hired on full time (ideally). So we'll see how it all works out.

Beyond that, nothing is really new on the financial front. I've been doing well making food/coffee at home so I don't waste too much money on food. I cooked dinner 4 times in the last week, and still have some leftovers. Time to hit the grocery store again!

Tomorrow I'm going to a murder mystery night at my BF's house. That'll be $20 (his room mate organized it, and all things accounted for, that's what he estimated it at per person, including dinner), and I do have to find something to wear. Hoping to find something awesome at a thrift store today *crossing fingers* - it's set in 1939, so this will be my Halloween costume as well.

Sunday I'm carving pumpkins with the BF. One of our favorite traditions Smile

Tonight will be low key. I've got that wedding to shoot in the morning (my first!) and I'm hitting the rehearsal tonight to talk with the couple and take some test shots in the church. Then BF and I will grab some dinner and either stay in and watch a movie or go out to see Captain Phillips with Tom Hanks. Easy going...

Anyway, this was a bit longer than expected. I hope you're all doing well!

6 Responses to “New Photo Business! And other updates.”

  1. snafu Says:
    1382720974

    Sending best wishes and much luck for your new, creative photo business. How wonderful to be a part of happy occasions like weddings and engagements. I'm confident you'll ace the interview and find interesting work that you enjoy.

  2. Kiki Says:
    1382725903

    Congratulations on your new business!

    To make it successful and cost effective for you start NOW tracking your costs and mileage (mileage is the biggest write off for me in the business I run). Especially mileage!

    Other costs to track: internet costs for your service/webpage, professional associations, print cheap business cards, logos, equipment, advertising. If you work from home and have a dedicated area just for the business there are deductions for electricity, gas, phone (another big one!), postage, disks to put client photos on, meals and entertainment, business licenses (make sure you get one where you live probably about $100), check into professional associations for insurance (my two policies through two associations run me about $200 for 3 million in coverage since I stay at people's homes and watch their homes and pets), repairs to cameras or equipment, tax preparation, bank charges, gifts (I send Christmas thank you cards with little treats for my animals), publications you subscribe to, parking, etc.

    If you send me a private message with your email I can send you my weekly and monthly sheet for tallying for your taxes (my accountant loves me, I make it easy on her as my monthly costs automatically go back to the front page of the spreadsheet all she has to look at is the front page).

    Earn back some of that tax money you would otherwise have to pay! (I got back most of my fed and state taxes last year because of deductions from my business.)

  3. imarunner Says:
    1382729778

    congrats to you! checked out your website and it looks good. hope you get tons of business. as mentioned, i would definitely get insurance for your gear and liability. much success.

  4. pjmama Says:
    1382906081

    Thanks so much, everyone! I've definitely got some spreadsheets started, but I hadn't thought of mileage and many others-- so I appreciate the help! It's so amazing how supportive and helpful this community can be!

  5. Kiki Says:
    1382937546

    Track mileage everywhere. If you go to a store and end up picking up something for the business it is a business write off. A meeting with clients, a trip to starbucks to be interviewed by prospective clients, etc. are all business expenses.

  6. pjmama Says:
    1382981915

    Great tip-- I have a 70-some mile trip I'm making for a shoot here in a couple of weeks. That'll help out Smile

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