Business and Legal Resources for Photographers

Taking the time to acquire this essential knowledge is an important step toward empowering yourself to safeguard your rights, manage client relationships effectively, and build the foundation for a sustainable business.

Essential Resources and Guides

Starting Your Own Photography Business: Four Things You Need to Know: You'll need both good equipment and solid business skills to succeed as a professional photographer.
Professional Photography Career Guide: The New York Institute of Photography put together this guide that provides an overview of many things an aspiring photographer needs to know, from what type of education and certifications you might need to how to market your new business.
Launching and Maintaining a Wedding Photography Business: This academic paper, written by a professional photographer, looks at the steps you need to take to get into the wedding industry.
Business Quick Start Guide for Photographers: Use this checklist to make sure that you've covered all of the legal and practical requirements to start your photography business.
What Photographers Should Know About Copyright: You own the copyright to your photographic creations, unless your contract with a client or employer states otherwise.
Copyright Laws for Photographers: Before you start shooting for clients, you should have a solid understanding of who owns the rights to your work.
Photography Permits for National Parks: In most cases, you won't need special permission to take pictures in a national park, but there are some exceptions.
Photographers' Ethics and the Law: You're generally allowed to take pictures of almost anything in any public place, but there are some limits, both legally and ethically, to protect people's privacy.
Nine Photography Laws Every Photographer Must Know: Before you sell your services or your photos, you need to know your rights and responsibilities under the law.
Your Rights as a Photographer in the United States: If you photograph events involving a police presence, high-security areas, or the potential commission of a crime, you may run into issues with the law.
How to Start a Photography Business: Follow these steps to start your own independent business as a professional photographer.
Start Your Own Business Online:
How to Start a Photography Business: A Step-by-Step Guide: A professional photographer offers advice drawn from her own experience to help others start their own photography business.
12 Essential Things to Include in Your Photography Contract: Always use a contract with your photography clients to ensure that everyone knows their rights and obligations.
Short-Form General Photography Contract: Here's a template you can adapt to create your own contracts to use for your business.
What Does it Take to Be a Professional Photographer? If you're willing to put in the work, you can turn an enjoyable hobby into your full-time job and get paid for doing what you love.
How to Become a Professional Photographer: Before you can get paid to take photos, you need to carefully consider the type of photography you're best at and hone your craft. Then, you'll need to legally form your business and work on marketing yourself to attract clients.
Important Truths About Being a Professional Photographer: Being a professional photographer can be highly rewarding, but it's also challenging, especially if you're the sole operator of a photography business.
Professional Photographers of America: Find mentors, expand your professional network, and share tips with your fellow photographers in this national organization.
Photographic Society of America: Despite the name, this professional organization includes members from dozens of countries.