How to Honor a Deceased Loved One at Your Wedding
Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life and although nothing could replace your loved one being present, we’ve brainstormed a few ways you can honor them on your day.
How to Start Your Wedding Photography Business
Are you just starting out as a wedding photographer but unsure of where to begin?
If you’re like me, you just want to get to the good part of this whole thing where you can actually start taking photos for clients. But before you do that, there are some crucial steps you need to take in order to set yourself up properly and be a legitimate business. Don’t worry, it’s not as scary or confusing as it seems.
I wrote this blog post in tandem with my husband, Darren, who started a business called Taction. These guys help get small businesses set up and take care of all the back-end processes like business formation, accounting, operations, strategy, and marketing. Here’s what they have to say about starting a business:
Operating a business is a rewarding experience and some of the most important business decisions are about minimizing risk. The first and most critical step you can make to minimize your business from failing or getting shut down is to follow the requirements set forth by your state. – Taction
Okay nerds, thanks for that! In this blog, you’ll find how to start your business step-by-step. The information below is an adapted version specific to wedding photographers from a resource that Taction developed. The links are specific to Washington State, but the same exists for every state so you can use the links provided as a guide of what to look for in your state.
At the end of each step, we will translate the necessary information into the simplest language in case Darren’s writing is at all confusing.
Step 1: Create A Business Plan
The first step in business setup is to make a detailed business plan. Thorough research and planning in this phase will help your business start off in the right direction. The most valuable aspect of writing a business plan is the knowledge and experience you gain from researching and writing your plan. A comprehensive business plan will:
Guide you through the steps for business formation
Help you avoid costly mistakes
Help you understand the financial commitment: determining where startup costs will come from. Fund business yourself or obtain outside funding.
Help gain the confidence of others who may have an interest in your business (ie. partners, investors, vendors/suppliers, potential customers)
Your efforts in this phase will pay off! You may be tempted to hire someone to prepare a business plan for you or even buy a one-size-fits-all model. However, it’s in your best interest for you to do the leg work. That’s not to say that you should do it yourself. That’s where our team can help guide you through the process and advise you in the development of your business plan and the necessary steps of business formation.
Translation: Figure out how much your stuff (equipment, software, etc.) is going to cost, who is going to pay for it, and how much you have to make to keep your business going.
Step 2: Register with the Secretary of State
In order to register your business with the Secretary of State, you will need to have decided on a name for your business as well as the entity classification (Limited Liability Company, General Partnership, Corporation, etc.). Check out more detailed information on business entity types here! There are also legal requirements for each type of business entity such as bylaws if you are a corporation or an operating agreement if you are an LLC. In addition, you will need to provide personal identification information for all governing individuals.
Once you register, the Secretary of State will issue your business a Unified Business Identifier (UBI) number in your formation documents. You will use your UBI when dealing with all Washington state agencies.
Contact:
website: www.sos.wa.gov/corps
email: corps@sos.wa.gov
phone: (360) 725-0377
Translation: Register with the Secretary of State so you can obtain a UBI number that you’ll end up needing for other things.
Step 3: Apply for a Business License with the Department of Revenue
After you have registered your business with the Secretary of State, you can apply for a business license with the Department of Revenue. However, we strongly suggest you read through all the steps in this document before you apply for a business license! You must have a valid business license to be recognized as a Washington business. File your Business License Application online at: www.bls.dor.wa.gov/file.aspx
The application will ask you the following questions:
What is your physical address? (Your physical address must be in Washington if you have employees)
How much do you expect to make the first year?
Will you have employees?
What percentage of ownership do your owners and governing people hold?
Will your business sell, manufacture, or redistribute alcohol? If yes, go to: https://lcb.wa.gov/licensing/apply-liquor-license
The DOR will then send you a business license, send you more information on your tax reporting responsibilities, and provide information on how to create a taxpayer account online.
Translation: Get a business license through the Department of Revenue; this license is what will allow you to actually conduct business and charge for your services.
Step 4: Check for your local and city and/or county licensing requirements
We recommend you research your local government requirements prior to applying for your business license because you may be able to apply for city or local business licenses through the WA DOR business license application process. Other local governments require businesses to apply directly. Sometimes businesses may receive updated business licenses as different licenses or endorsements are approved.
For general help understanding government requirements go to: Washington State Small Business Guide
For help with city and county requirements, go to:
Translation: Check to see if the city or county you’re doing business in (usually your home) requires you to have a permit. I’m doing business in Shoreline, so they require me to have a permit. Shoreline is in King County, but they don’t require me to have a permit. So, I only need a permit with the city of Shoreline.
Step 5: Apply for an Employer Identification Number
A federal Employer Identification Number (EIN or FEIN) is used to identify your business with the Internal Revenue Service and required for every organization, even if it will not have employees. Sole proprietors are allowed to use their social security number in place of an EIN. Do not apply for an EIN until your organization is legally formed. When you are ready, apply online for an EIN on the IRS website using this link.
After you complete and submit the application, you will get your EIN immediately. You should download, save and print your confirmation notice.
Translation: Get an employer identification number (EIN) through the IRS. You’ll need it for things! This is not a necessary step if you decide to be a sole proprietor, because you’ll just use your social security number instead. I am an LLC, so I have an EIN.
Step 6: Open a Business Bank Account
Opening a bank account is not required by the state, but it is extremely important in order to keep your personal and business finances separate. Most banks require personal information on owners with greater than 20% stake in the company and authorized signers. You will need your organization’s EIN in order to open a business account or apply for a business loan. If you need more guidance on this (or anything from this post), reach out to Taction. They can also provide recommendations on the best banks for small businesses.
Translation: Your life will be a lot easier if you open up a business bank account completely separate from your personal accounts. If you don’t your accountant will be super annoyed or you or you will be annoyed with yourself for creating a mess!
CONGRATULATIONS! You can now take pictures in exchange for money.
Stephanie Keegan
I’m an adventure elopement and wedding photographer based in Seattle and the surrounding Pacific Northwest. I focus on capturing love in beautiful places while sharing a passion for the outdoors. Rock climbing, backpacking, hiking – I love it all!
Hey! I'm Stephanie.
I'm an adventure elopement photographer based in the Pacific Northwest. My job is to help couples craft and document their dream day in the outdoors.
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