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Photography workspace with a DSLR camera and laptop editing a bridal portrait.

Argo Law

Film & Photography Content

Photography is more than just showing up to events, you’re creating something that makes your clients happy and memorializes their special day. But turning it into a business can be overwhelming. Looking to take your photography or other creative business to the next level? Let me help you get the legal things squared away so that you can focus on what you’re excited to do.

Schedule a consultation today to talk about your contract, trademark, business formation, or other legal needs.
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Independent Contractor Agreement

Whenever you’re working with someone else, whether that’s a client, a photographer, a model, or anyone else, it’s important that you get it in writing. I can draft a contract for your deal that outlines what you’ll do, what they do, what money is owed, and other important terms that might come up. This is important so that you can make sure everyone is on the same page, but also so that you can make sure that the intellectual property that is created as part of the deal.

Company Formation

If you’re in business, it’s a really good idea to have a company formed. It not only gives you more legitimacy in the eyes of a potential client, but ti also protects you legally. A Limited Liability Corporation (LLC) can create a layer of legal separation between you and your business, so you’re not personally liable when things go wrong. Note that I am only licensed in the state of Oregon, so if you’re looking to form a company in another state we’ll have to talk about getting someone from that state.

DMCA Takedown

Is someone using your work without your permission? You can have it taken down! I’ll help you issue a takedown request under the Digital Millenium Takedown Notice to have them take it down. If you have received a DMCA takedown notice, then let’s talk so we can figure out the best path forward to respond.

US Federal Trademark Registration

Your brand is an important asset when you’re in a business where you’re marketing your own talents. It’s how people know they’re working with you. It’s how you present yourself. When you’re building a brand, it’s important to protect it. Filing a trademark registration is the first step in that process. It puts the world on notice that your brand is yours. Let me help you navigate the process, give you advice on selecting a strong brand, and file an application on your behalf.

Picture yourself working with me?

Let’s set up a free consultation and chat. I love meeting creative people and their businesses and helping them succeed.

Consultations are done remotely via video call. We’ll talk about your and your business’s needs and decide on what services you’ll need, if any. There’s no fee for this consultation and you’ll be informed before I do any work where fees are assessed.

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portrait of Jacob Vela, lawyer at Argo Law

FAQs

I do all sorts of transactional work. This means I can help you draft or review contracts, register your intellectual property, and more. Transactional work means I do things other than going to court, though I can help you find a lawyer who does that and help you through that process if it gets to that stage. Every project and business is unique, so don’t hesitate to reach out and we’ll work out a plan that’s right for you.

When working with most clients, I generally am working in what’s called a limited scope of representation. This means that I help you with a particular, narrowly defined issue. My goal is often to give you the tools and knowledge to make the best decision for yourself and your business, not necessarily to solve all of your problems for you. What that scope of representation actually is will vary, so let’s talk about your needs.

I do not! I’m what’s called a virtual law firm. My office is my living room. As such, it’s uncommon for me to meet with my clients face to face.

This also can be convenient for you since our meetings are handled through Google Meet (or other online services) so you can meet with me face to face.

I like to offer a flat fee pricing model where I can. This means that I will quote you a flat price and that’s what you’ll pay. The way I see it, it doesn’t usually matter to you how many hours I spend on something, so why should you pay more? By the same token, if I optimize my processes and can do things more efficiently, why should I be penalized by making less money?

Granted, there are some jobs that aren’t so predictable in terms of time taken. In those cases I may need to charge an hourly rate.

Every project and business is unique, so if you have questions you can reach out directly to me at jacobvela@argolawyer.com or you can schedule a consultation and we can talk to try to get an estimate for what you need.

I use a service called Clover to take payment. When we get to that point, they’ll send you an email with a link to pay your bill. It’s all handled electronically. I never touch your credit card information, nor do I want to. They handle everything on that front.