Professional Photography Resources

Pittsburgh Photography is a resource not only for finding talented local photographers but is also your source for professional photography resources gathered to help improve your photography business.

As a result, we've created this page as a repository of information both for professional photographers in Pittsburgh as well as for pros elsewhere.

Pittsburgh Specific Resources

On this page you'll find Pittsburgh specific resource. These include information on business registration, local and state tax info, and more.

If you're just starting your journey as a professional photographer in Pittsburgh this information should help you find success. Additionally, if you have other resources that are not listed here please contact us so we can add them to help others.

Photography Business Resources

There are many items that photography business owners need before starting out. Besides a camera and lens the following items are all important to running a successful photography business.

Protect Yourself

Many of these protect you and your personal assets. Additionally, some are practical considerations you may not have thought of.

Do you need all of these to begin your photography business? No. Should you have them all before getting started? Yes, ideally.

That said, many photographers start with little more than a camera and passion for photography.

Be Informed

This list is here to help you be better informed about the things you need to consider before beginning to market yourself as a professional photographer. This is not legal advice and you should consult with a business attorney if you have legal questions. Additionally, there are great resources like the Small Business Administration and others who can help you succeed.

Photography Business CheckList

Legal Structure
Business Plan
- Mission and Vision
- Market Research
- Pricing Strategy
- Accounting Strategy
- Budgets and Costs
- Types of Service (niche)
Marketing and Brand Identity
Website
Equipment
- Cameras and Lenses
- Lighting Gear
- Editing Hardware and Software
Workflow Process
- Delivery Method
- Archiving & Preservation Plan
Insurance Coverages
- Liability
- Equipment
- Illness & Injury

Pittsburgh Photographers Resources

If you're an aspiring photographer in Pittsburgh the following are great resources to help you get started.

Establishing Your Photography Business

In Pittsburgh there are a number of resources to help you establish your photography business. If you've never run a business before then be sure to visit the websites for the Small Business Development Center at the University of Pittsburgh and Duquesne University. The SBDC offices are state funded and provide free consultations. In addition, they offer free online classes that help you understand everything you need to start your photography business. The SBDC offers a lot of online classes throughout the state. Here is the statewide SBDC website.

Register Your Photography Business in Pennsylvania

If you're doing business in Pennsylvania then it's smart to register your business in Pennsylvania. If you google how to you'll find a lot of lawyers that will do so for a fee. However, you can also register your business yourself via the state's website.

Why Should You Register Your Business?

Legally, if you're conducting business in Pennsylvania you need to register your business with the state. Registering your business ensures that you are separating your personal life from that of your business. This makes it easier to protect your personal assets. In addition, there are taxes that you should collect. Registering your business and applying for a sales tax id allows you to more easily collect and pay these taxes.

Additional Local Resources

Beyond the SBDC there are other local resources to help you start your photography business in Pittsburgh. In fact, in many Pittsburgh neighborhoods there are economic development groups that welcome and help small businesses to open and thrive. In addition, the URA has programs to help new businesses.

Beyond your neighborhood there are groups for specific demographics including PCRG's Pittsburgh Community Reinvestment Group's Women and Minority Business Assistance. Outside of Pittsburgh the state offers additional assistance to historically disadvantaged groups via the Dept. of Commerce and Economic Development.

Photography Organizations

In addition to the above resources for aspiring photography business owners there are organizations like Black Women Photographers. There are also trade organizations such as the American Society of Media Photographers and Professional Photographers of America. These groups cost money to join but they do have resources that can help you get started. In addition, they can help you find other photographers to mentor you.

New Photography Business Consultation

If you're starting a new photography business and would like a free consultation with an existing Pittsburgh photographer contact us and we'll do our best to make that happen. Additionally, Don Orkoskey of WDO Photography offers free monthly photographer meetups for pros and aspiring pros. These are a great opportunity to meet and discuss photography with other local photographers.

Photography Resources Beyond Pittsburgh

This section of the page is still under construction. We'll be adding additional resources as we find them. If you have professional photography resources that you find helpful please contact us so we can share them.