Just as a brief overview for those of you have never seen an Apple Pie session here on the blog…it’s a time where I answer any questions that photographers have for me about business, technique, or just in general questions. It is also a place that anyone can learn. If you ever have a question, please feel free to contact me and I would be happy to put it in our next session! So with that let’s get to today’s questions!
Q: BRITTA WRITES Echo, I have a question regarding taxes. Do you use the Ohio business gateway, and when/how often do you use it. Also, I applied for my license and have made sales in the past month, so do I need to file estimated yearly taxes? Do you have to do that quarterly or monthly…or even annually? Also, do they contact you at all about what to do or when you need to repay for your license? I have had a horrible time finding these answers when I call and I’m worried I am going to miss something and end up on trouble. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
A: Such a great question! Yes, I use Ohio Business Gateway. Easy online payments. When you file for your license there is information in the packet asking your projected income. With that being said, it will determine how often you have to file sales tax. Please keep in mind that it won’t be the same for everyone, for me its every 6 months right now (biannual). However, once your business collects a certain amount of revenue it is required to be filed every month. I would check with your county office, they should be able to tell you for sure what the income level is for the biannual tax versus the monthly tax filing. Regarding whether they contact you for you to file, unfortunately they do not send out reminders. It is your responsibility as the business owner to make sure that you file on time.
Q: SHANNON WRITES I am a photographer and I have followed your blog because your photos are absolutely gorgeous! I hope all is well with having the baby. I just had a baby in early July, it’s such a joy 🙂 I wanted to pry your brain a bit about advertising in photography. I own my own company (sort of, I have a business name) and I have begun doing weddings, families, seniors, etc. I am having a hard time finding jobs though, I’m not sure how to begin marketing my name and get more business. I was wondering if you have any suggestions about how to find business.
A: First off thank you sooo much for your kind compliments, it is really sweet that you have well wishes with Elijah, he is precious. I love being his Momma. Congratulations on your baby too! It is such an amazing time.
As for your questions, to be honest I don’t really advertise. Most of my business has always come by referral. Facebook has been a great start for me. Lucky for me, I started in college and had a ton of friends watch me grow into my photography role. So posting my pictures on fb was a big step into starting my business. And because I was a student at first, everything I did was for class. Then people wanted to start paying me and asked me to do sessions for them. So that’s kinda how my advertising started. My biggest advice is to ask anyone and everyone you know to get in front of your camera. Tell them your building your portfolio and need models, make sure they know they are agreeing to you using them for advertising. I would suggest writing a quick contract they can sign, that way your in agreement before the shoot. Offer an incentive of a couple of prints or a handful of pictures on a CD to thank them. Then use those photos on a website, blog, or fb. People will take notice, get creative. Reach out to the people you already know, they will be more inclined to talk about you and refer you rock out their session!
A: Who doesn’t want to look 10 lbs heavier in all of their photos? Ummm…no one! For starters, wear clothes that flatter your figure. If you purchase a piece of fashion that may not be flattering on you to begin with, odds are it’s not going to look good even in front of a camera.
On to the pose! If your standing, the first thing you want to do is angle your body slightly away from the camera. A straight on pose is rare. Once you have done that, you are going to place one foot slightly in front of the other then place all your weight on your back foot. Next, roll your shoulders back which will bring your chest slightly forward, while slightly ‘sucking in.’ Not to much otherwise it will be really obvious that your doing so. Bring your head forward a bit in order to do away with any possible double chin action, then place your hand(s) on your hip. By removing your arms away from your body it helps to resolve in body parts being smooshed against each other, ultimately in elongating your body.
If your sitting, again, make sure you angle your body slightly away from the camera. Make sure your legs are together and be sure to not cross them. This again helps avoid unwanted smooshing. Never lean backwards, so make sure your sitting tall and that you have your shoulders back, yet relaxed. Keep your chin parallel to the ground and find a slight comfortable tilt one way or the other.
Feel free to practice this as many times as you like, learn how to look natural in front of a mirror and feel comfortable in your own skin. You just might want to avoid embarrassment and practice when no one else is home! Or you can always lock the door for good measure!
