The Legit Way.

I was discussing all things business with some friends and we got into the methodology of starting, maintaining, and running a professional service business - particularly, photography. One of the biggest things that we started to ponder over was legitimization of existence and the importance it has on so many realms.

Nowadays, there are many consumers who are getting the short end of the stick in regards to the photographers (and other vendors) they hire for their wedding. It's truly baffling how much risk is involved in contracting someone to do something and most people are completely oblivious to the pitfalls. So, for the sake of education, I decided to write up this post to help consumers out there be fully aware of the situation they might find themselves in and to encourage photographers going into business to do things the legit way.

Lets start...

1) Legit Business Identity
Nowadays, all a photographer needs is a few hundred dollars to launch a fancy website, a few nice pictures, and a makeshift pricing plan to look like a professional. However, many photographers - even some who have been in business for a few years - do things "under the table". With no legitimate business identification and no tax ID, they charge their clients thousands of dollars at times. Now, some might ask "how is this bad"?

Well, first and foremost, a consumer should know that they are out to hire a professional businessman first and a photographer second. How is giving thousands of dollars to a person whose business doesn't technically exist in the eyes of the Secretary of State a smart move to make? Moreover, if these so-called "business (wo)men" can't make the investment of a few hours and a few hundred dollars to establish and maintain their own business (which some of them claim to love with their hearts and souls), how much importance do you think they will give to their client's and other contracts. If they don't have the tenacity to run a legitimate business and if the government does not recognize them as a business, then should consumers really consider these "professionals" as options?

Another thing to consider is the whole tax situation. These "professional wannabes" are avoiding paying taxes on their income. Now, this might seem great for consumers as they save money on paying taxes and it helps keep the package costs down. However, there is a huge flaw in any logic that looks at doing things "under the table" as a good thing. Consumers should ask themselves whether or not it is a good idea to contract someone who is "playing the system". Is giving thousands of dollars to a person who is avoiding taxes and cheating the government he/she resides under a sound decision? What do all these things say about the service provider's business ethics? Moreover, what do all these things say about the clients of this so-called business?

Words of wisdom: when you go out looking for trouble, more than likely, trouble will find you.

2) Insurance
Something that completely leaves me gobsmacked is how so many "working professionals" do not have business insurance. What is equally disturbing is how many of their clients don't care. Again, I would like to pose some questions:

What happens if the photographer loses or damages all of the equipment (up to tens of thousands of dollars worth of stuff) before a client's wedding? They have no way to replace this equipment and many people can literally go out of business when such a thing happens. How are prospective clients contracting photographers who do not have their tools covered?

The bigger issue is liability insurance. Living in this society, it's only common sense to have a good coverage plan. What happens if a light stand tips over and falls on Uncle Mike's seven year old kid at the reception due to someone bumping into it by accident? What happens due to a massive equipment failure during the wedding? You get the point. Liability insurance is crucial, not only for the photographer, but for the client also. Does a smart consumer really want an uncovered photographer working for them at an event they have spent months (and tens of thousands of dollars) planning and developing?

The Bottom Line
The bottom line is responsibility. Be responsible, be aware, and be legit.

On a lighter note, we had a snow day here and in the first time in five years, I was able to run my fingers through soft, gorgeous snow. Since all posts are better with pictures, here's a snapshot of me outside enjoying the weather: