SonyBug

Some of the issues are: Liability. If someone trips on your tripod is injured and you are there for pay, you can be liable for big bucks. There was a case some years ago where the photog lost his house, boats and cars to settle. If you insure your gear, the commercial insurance is several times higher than a addon to your home policy. I do some shooting for friends, but do not charge for these reasons.

StaneeRae Loc: Lincroft, NJ USA

Another thing regarding liability - some venues require you to show proof of liability coverage in order to photograph there. I saw this mostly with wedding receptions, but could apply to any event, such as a party. Companies that insure photographers have a certificate they fax to the venue for this purpose.

BJW

If you don't need the extra income from your photographic assignments, why don't you just tell whomever wants to hire you that you will do it for free, but suggest that anything they would want to pay, they should pay to a charity you both would support?

Keep shooting.

BJW

CaptainPhoto

If your now retired your not going to have time to do a photography business (part time or full time). Believe me, I've been retires for 12 years and my day is so filled with all the things I want to do and have fun doing, including photography that I don't know how I'm going to get them all done. I look back and say to myself, how did I get this all done when I worked full time. And now I don't have time to get everything all done. But I say to myself, that is why God made tomorrow. Have fun in your retirement- you eared it, enjoy it. Oh by the way, if your married, your wife will find plenty of things to add to your Honey-Do-List. But don't make out a Honey-Don't-Do list back to her, that doesn't work:-)

traderjohn Loc: New York City

I think $30.00 an hour is cheap. Plus pictures. If you want to do all the things that business do to be a business Lawyers, adverts, copyrights there is that expense. Granted that is a deduction. Still upfront money. If you are retired stay retired and take care of friends and family. You are not going to make $$$. Have you ever dealt with customers?? How are your skills in that area?

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

Where did you come up with this rate? My hourly is $125.
Do it for free or charge a more realistic rate. A low price cheapens the whole profession.

Silverman Loc: Michigan

As you might have seen from your investigation, a "LLC" will provide a Small Business owner more liability protection and a few extra benefits, although it costs more to establish, where as a "Sole Proprietorship" is less involved, cheaper to set up, but also provides less liability protection. Now saying that, I am NOT a Tax accountant, or Lawyer, or any kind of Legal expert, I personally have researched the possibility of a future Photographic Business venture and am relaying things that I have read and I think I grasp a very limited understanding, but if and when I take that "Leap", I myself will definately have to completely understand all the legal aspects of starting a "Small Business" venture.

jwn Loc: SOUTHEAST GEORGIA USA

check with your insurance agent on the definition of "business pursuits" in your homeowners policy. most policies cover "hobby businesses" for property and liability. . Ask him to refer you to the specific exclusion/limitation in the policy. The policy will be the final word not the agents if despite arises. You can then add business pursuits to cover your activity if you have studio in home or activity off premises. Then get umbrella policy (not excess) if you want to sleep at night.

Steamboat

The biggest risk is taking someones money and not delivering as expected. To me your either a professional or your not.
There are the usual business risks of insurance ...if someone trips over your camera bag your liable....etc.

There are lots of folks shooting for a few bucks and just to have fun .....start small, think small and be up front.

If you take on.... say a small wedding. You are a pro and better act like one, deliver like one and ALL the results better be professional.
However you agree to shoot a friends baby for $75 there is room for you to screw up....intern minimal risk.

You decide...... My advice comes from 40 years as a professional photographer....now retired
I turn down everything except the occasional family photo for a friend....they pay with a token bottle of red wine

Does this help you?

OneShotOne18

I am also retired. I have many interests and photography is one. I have always said: if I go back to WORK it will be because I want to NOT because I have to. So, look at yourself from your heart. If you have any doubt about doing a business - then don't. Nothing is worse than having to do something when you honestly don't want to. Your heart won't be in it and usually the quality will eventually show it. Keep it simple and enjoy it!

Steamboat

Man O Man you are 100% CORRECT!!!

Tomcat5133 Loc: Gladwyne PA

A couple of thoughts from a creative that has had many businesses.

I dropped my biz insurance a couple of years ago. This year opted for an online insurer "Next" with photo and video
gear protection and liability. About $40 a month. Tired of the nonsense with big insurers.

And looking at the amount of work you are doing I would be concerned about personal cost and overhead.

I don't think you need a name or LLC you can use our name in photography. And with basic protection of insurance
you should be alright.

Good luck.

Flyerace Loc: Mt Pleasant, WI

Do you REALLY want to be in business? Pretty soon people will be asking for you to photograph things you don't know how to do.
Since you are questioning whether this will ruin your photography hobby, you already know the answer.
Stick to family events that you enjoy doing. Say thanks, but no thanks to others. The demands may be more than you want.
All it takes is one person to have high expectations and a loud mouth to ruin your reputation. (i.e. Ugly person wants to look beautiful. Session doesn't have the client's "vision" in it, even though they don't tell you what they expect when you ask)

Enjoy your retirement and your HOBBY of photography.
Why would I say that? I started making chocolate items, edible boxes filled with toffee. Next thing I received 17 phone calls about when I was going to sell the items I made.
I said "not interested". They insisted and I sent out a promo email to let people know I was making toffee for the Christmas season. I had so many orders from people, that I was busy for 3 months. Heavy, hot trays. They love the candy, but there is a lot of work. Then the wedding business kicked in. Started with a friend. Then others wanted me to do it. I was not interested and so I charged a lot of money $3000 for 200 people (two pieces of toffee in a fancy box with bow). They paid it without a blink.Finally I just said I was already booked and couldn't handle the job. Then I just said I couldn't do it. Now I make toffee, and fancy chocolate molds for friends as gifts.

anotherview Loc: California

Your own words provide an answer: "Having a full-fledged business at this time of my life would take the fun out of photography."

I learned a lesson similar to yours when I volunteered my services to a non-profit artist colony. I was on call. My life revolved in part around this demand. I felt cramped. I gave it up, to follow my own bent.

Like you, I have no aim to start a business, because then my photography would become a quest for "the money shot."

Enough said.

Dannj

I’ve gone that route a few times...or maybe they’ll hand me a bottle of good Scotch, etc. Keeps it all simple and friendly.