ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to introduce you to some of the activities that you need to know about instarting up and managing a photographic business. An attraction for many people inchoosing to work in photography is the freedom and flexibility offered through selfemployment; however, it requires a certain degree of skill and knowledge to make a successful
living from working in this way, as you do not have the protection in terms of employment laws
or a guaranteed regular income, paid annual leave and other employment benefits offered by
working for an organization. It may be that at certain times in your career, you may be employed
by an organization as a staff photographer; or you may do both, combining part-time work for
an organization with your own business. Additionally, depending upon the type and size of
business, you may employ others to work for you. Business practice varies with the nature of the
work, and the location, but there are certain aspects common to all types of photographic practice
that it is important to be aware of, to protect yourself and the people working for you, to protect
your work and your equipment and of course to ensure that your business runs smoothly and is
viable. This chapter aims to identify these areas and give a general overview. It is important that
you find out the specifics for your own practice from relevant sources relating to your area.
