How to Start a Photography Business In Tennessee

There are some specific steps to start a photography business in Tennessee.
The state of Tennessee has resources that will help you start a business in Tennessee: Tennessee Smart Start and Register a New Business In Tennessee

1. Register your photography business name.

Find out more about registering a fictitious name here: https://tnbear.tn.gov/ECommerce/NameAvailability.aspx

If you need help choosing a business name: How To Choose A Photography Business Name

2. Select a business structure.

Sole-proprietor, LLC, Partnership, Corporation, etc.

3. Register your photography business.

You can register your new photography business with the state of Tennessee here:https://tnbear.tn.gov/Ecommerce/RegistrationInstr.aspx

4. Open a Business Checking Account.

You will need to open a separate bank account for your photography business with your new business name.

5. Taxes.

You may want to file your own taxes if you are a small company. As you grow, it will be easier to have an accountant do the work. Be sure to research sales tax requirements. More information about taxes here:

6. Get Liability Insurance.

You may want to consider liability insurance to help in case of any photography-related catastrophes.