Licensed Photographer?

mnt2bonstg

Hey guys! My reception venue requires that all vendors be professionally licensed. I've been looking around at Photography websites and I was wondering, how would you know if the photographer is licensed? Thanks!

ElisabethJoanne

Ask the photographer.

But states don't license photographers like they license caterers and bartenders. That would violate the First Amendment. If you're finding it difficult to find a photographer with a non-existent photographer's license, ask them if they have a business license. If that's hard, double-check with the venue whether this requirement includes the photographer. If the venue insists, ask it to name the statute and government agency that regulates photographers.

atomicphoto

There is no such thing as a license for professional photographers (I should know, seeing as I am one). What they are probably seeking is a business license and liability insurance. This is what most venues require photographers to have to work at their facilities. Any photographer running a legitimate business will have these two things. If they don't you should run far far away from them for a whole slue of reasons...

atremaine

Usually venues require photographers to have insurance incase the unthinkable were to happen (camera fall on someone's head, etc). I've never heard of a venue requiring a business license from the photographer. 

Alexandra Tremaine

Tremaine Photography

www.tremainephotography.com

Starfish0116

Each photographer should have a business license, as well as all their appropriate insurance. Just ask. They should be happy to provide their proof of insurance and such for any venue that requires it. 

angybanez

FYI, photographers in NY in any case require license if they're selling products created by them solely. The license (sales tax license really) allows them to sell items and tax it. If the photographer acquires the product from a 2nd source, which many do like albums, they are already paying for the tax for the product so what a client receives is the final price for the item. Hope that made sense...too early in the AM lol. In any case, venues typically ask for insurance information and all photographers should have one incase things happen! Make sure as a bride and groom you're asking to see the insurance information as well!

cliffordmatheson

Most states including Virginia do not license photographers. However, your venue might be meaning they want a photographer to carry liability insurance.  That is plain good sense and will protect you too if something happens. I heard of a photographer who raised his flash so high, it hit a sprinkler head. The result was all the sprinklers went off in the ballroom – instantly ending the wedding and causing 3-million dollars damage. Claims where made against the bride and the photographer. I don’t know the final outcome.  Good luck!  P.S.  I am a successful full-time videographer in the DC area and after hundreds of events; I feel I am qualified to offer this advice.