starting to make money in photography....

I've been doing photography for about 3 years now, and I feel I am

getting to the point at which, perhaps, I could start making money

from this. Now, I don't have plans of becoming "pro" from this, but

if I could make some money on the side to cover developing and

equipment, that would be great. I shoot mainly nature photography

but am starting to branch out of that as my visualization gets

better/clearer. I'm not really even sure where I would begin. I

would love to hear some of your advise. Thanks very much...These

forums (and you who are in them and provide answers) have been a

great benifit to me on my journey.... Steve

<I> I could start making money from this. Now, I don't have plans of becoming

"pro" from this...</I><P>there is your core problem. As soon as you start charging

people money for your services you are pro in their eyes -- and in the eyes ofthe

taxman. so you better learn how to behave like one: the basics are: start with good

paper work (estimates, delivery memos & invoices if you are doing editorial, stock or

commercial work , estimates contracts and invoices if doing portraits and weddings)

and accounting (Quicken works great) and make sure you can deliver what you

promise when you promise it.<P>None of this is especially difficult so don't let it put

you off, it just takes doing.

Go to a bookstore and do some research. There are a number of books out there covering the business of photography. Go to Amazon.com and search for "business photography" under books and you'll see what I mean.

Photography: Focus on Profit, covers all aspects of starting a photo business and includes instructions on the comprehensive business software, included on a CDR, that is tailor-made for the biz. Best 35 bucks I could have spent. Good luck!

Check out Dan Hellers website www.danheller.com he has a nice section about photography as a business, great resource