The first thing I decided to do when starting this business was to get a small business loan for $6,000 through my credit union. I was able to put my car up for collateral and got a low interest rate. Now I know that isn’t much especially for photography equipment but I didn’t want to go over board and figured this would get me started and anything else I needed I could rent for now. Besides I am not planning on doing this full time yet so I won’t be able to pay back my loan as quick as I would like.

Here is what $6,000 got me:
- Canon 30d
- Canon EF 50mm f/1.4
- Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L
- Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8 II L
- 2 Canon Batteries
- 2 Canon Equivalent Batteries
- 2 Battery Chargers
- Canon BG E2 Battery Extension Grip
- Canon Speedlite 580 EXII
- Gary Fong Whale Tail Flash Diffuser
- 2 Lexar 8GB Compact Flash Cards
- Lowepro Nova 5 Camera Bag
- Bogen 3021BN Tripod/Manfrotto 488RC Midi Ball Head

Now I know the smart thing when starting a business is not overspending and buying used when possible to save money. But I could not bare the idea of buying used camera lenses, I didn’t want to risk buying something that would break on me the next day, I have heard stories. So I just searched around for the best deals on the lenses I wanted and made sure I could get some warranties on them. Was that the best move? I don’t know some would argue both ways, but this is what I felt most comfortable doing.

I think I am off to a good start with what I bought, and I am very happy with everything. I know there is still so much stuff I need, like back up equipment and more compact flash cards. But all in due time my friends. I hope anyone else reading would agree. I will have to post a picture of all my goodies soon!