Music, photography, visual art and comedy

Starting a business as a photographer requires some special considerations as well as things that every business needs to take into account, including legal requirements, insurance and taxation.

Even if you start as a freelance or part-time photographer, you will still need to meet all of your tax and legal obligations of a new business.

Photography sectors

The first thing to consider is which sector you want to establish yourself in. For instance:

• wedding or portrait photography
• commercial and advertising photography
• creative or fashion photography
• photojournalism

You will need to consider and set up a charging structure, potentially including a rate card, both for your photography and also the rights usage.

You will also need to consider copyright, which is complex but extremely important. Make sure that you understand:

• how to avoid copyright infringement
• your economic rights from owning copyright
• how to license or buy other people's copyright

As a photographer, you will need equipment and, perhaps, premises - although many freelance photographers work from home. You might consider buying an existing business, going into a partnership or a joint venture with others in your sector, or you may just start from scratch.

You can get advice from professional associations, such as the Professional Photographers Association of Northern Ireland (PPANI).