I finally got my act together and started a weekend photography business. Since my "toys" cost so much, and so many people ask me to shoot photos for them, I decided that I would start a business.

Now, I thought about it a long time and considered the ways of doing it. I also considered what type of photography I like. This is what I decided:
1) it will all be on-site. No studio work. I really don't like studio work
2) I will focus on weddings, because, well, that is where the money is
3) it will be all digital

So, what did I need to do to set it up?
1) Form an LLC (taxes are a bit more complicated, but the limited liability is worth it, plus you look like a "real" business)
2) Get a state sales tax ID
3) Get a website
4) Get a bank account
5) Get card processing (most people like to pay with plastic these days)
6) Makes forms for sales and invoicing
7) make promotional materials

Now, luckily, I already had my cameras, computer (also software) and printer. I also had somebody that I work with that built the site for me for free.

If you decide to start a weekend business yourself, make sure that you do it in small, logical steps. Such as: make sure that you have your LLC papers prior to trying to set up a checking account. Make sure you have the checking account before you try to get credit card processing. Also, check prices on stuff and try to utilize the talents of people that you know. For instance, I am sure that I got my web site at a bargain price because it was made by somebody who knew me. I also shopped around for my checking account, and found out that Comerica has free small business checking (which then led to their credit card processing services.)

If you would like to check out my web site, you can find it at: http://www.angela-marshall.com