How to start up a small photography business?

My mother is an experienced photographer, she has a large client base but she never actually became a "professional" photographer. She just bought a Nikon with good lenses for family photos and slowly people began requesting her for parties, weddings etc. She also does make up and hair. So I was thinking of combining her talent to have a photography and wedding make-up/hair in one. (But that's so far not part of my business plan)

My question is, if I want to start her a business and create her a website and also myself become a photographer (I've learned from her) how do I go about starting up a small company? Do I get a DBA?
Are you allowed to have employees with a DBA?

Well you have to advertise about it. They won't know about it If you don't tell them. Ask friends, relatives and neighbours so they can hire you and pay you! Make a website about your lil business… Tell the whole world about it!

You can call the company whatever you like provided the name is not in use in your area. It does not matter what you are called to have employees. I hope you are making good money because it's very expensive to have employees.

All you need to start is find some clients. If you start making money, go to an accountant to help you set up your book keeping. You can also see an accountant first.

It depends on the state and municipality. Every location is going to have slightly different laws.

There's no such thing as a DBA from a business structure standpoint.

A DBA is something that has to do with a Sole Proprietorship (as opposed to a corporation or partnership.) If your name is John Smith, and you are doing sole proprietor business as John Smith, nothing important has to happen. However, if you are doing business as John Smith Photography you may have to do some additional paperwork. In most places, you just have to get a business license that would say "John Smith DBA John Smith Photography."

In most places you will need both a local and state business license in order to any type of business. It is a lot easier to open a sole proprietorship as opposed to a corporation or partnership.

You can still have employees as a sole proprietorship. However, you will need to apply for an Employee Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. You will also be responsible for witholding and remitting federal and state income taxes as well as FICA taxes from your employees.