Any photographers in the house? I need some tips or advise on how to start my own business in photography.?

I just started photography last year and now I am thinking of maybe starting my own business and start charging people. I need to know what is a good rate to start with. How much should I charge my clients?

The best way to get your name out there is to start a photo blog. You can put examples of your work up and also get to know other photographers. Put your work on FLICKR and start networking with other members, who you can direct to your blog.
The online community is the best tool you have for getting your work and your name out there and they are really supportive.
To be competetive you need to research what people in your area are charging. A kids photographer may charge an entirlely different rate to a wedding photographer, etc.
Also, not charging session fees is a great way to drum up business, and you make your money on your printing.
Be careful to watermark any proofs that you show your potential buyers because even these days with all the image protection there is out there, people can steal the proofs and pay you nothing for your time.
Good luck!

Use this basic checklist to make sure all the important steps are taken before you launch your new venture. This business checklist will make sure that you cross all your t's and dot all your i's before your business launch.

Steps to Starting a Business -
http://www.developer-resource.com/starti...

Other sites you might find helpful are:
SBA - http://www.sba.gov/
SCORE - http://www.score.org
Small Business Resource - http://www.small-business-software.net
Business Link - http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/act...

Goodluck!

Before starting any business you should contact your local Small Business Administration (SBA) office. They can put you in contact with members of S.C.O.R.E. - the Service Corp of Retired Executives which is part of the SBA. You will receive guidance on how and why to incorporate and whether to be a Limited Liability Company (LLC) or an S Corporation. THE SBA & SCORE can also advise you on state requirements for your business.

Failure to incorporate leaves your personal assets open to seizure if any legal action is taken against your business. So if you contract to shoot a wedding and totally blow it and the couple decides to sue* and wins a judgement, your car, cameras, anything of value can be sold to settle the judgement - if you aren't incorporated.

Then, of course, you have to deal with the taxes applicable to your business. Does your state require the collection of sales tax on prints? How often do you have to file your business taxes with the state and federal governments? How do you compute depreciation on your equipment? Can you claim the mileage you drive during the performance of your business?

What type of insurance do you need? Suppose a client trips and falls in your studio and breaks an arm. Or you're in an accident on the way to a shoot? What if you drop your camera or lens? Is there insurance to cover that?

Starting a business is not a whimsical, easy thing to do. It requires planning and research. I've seen a lot of people lose everything - house, car, tools - when the business they started wasn't incorporated. Taking bankruptcy to settle debts has long-term consequences. You really don't want to go there.

* In 2007, a bride in New York sued her florist for $35,000.00 because the flowers the florist delivered weren't a perfect match to the ones she chose from his floral arrangement book. I've no idea how that lawsuit played out but you can use your imagination as to the impact a judgement favorable to the bride would have on the florist.