Q: What’s the difference between a
photographer and a pizza?
A: A pizza can feed a family of four.
The joke brings a knowing smile to working photographers
because it makes light of a common issue.
How can you make a living doing the thing you love?
The first piece of practical advice is to quit treating your
hobby like a hobby. Most
photography studios don’t fail because of poor creative work; they fail because
of a lack of understanding and implementation of the business aspects of this
field. Fortunately, there are
professional organizations to provide education and some excellent books that
can guide you through what is sometimes a confusing compilation of sales,
marketing and financial strategies.
Here are a few of our favorite choices:
Best Business
Practices for Photographers, Second Edition by John Harrington
ISBN-10: 1435454294
John Harrington
deftly tackles many issues ranging from how to effectively market your business
to how to get through an IRS audit.
His CV includes editorial credits with the Associated Press, the New
York Times, USA Today and many others.
Harrington is generous with his knowledge and experience and his
teaching chops translate well onto the page. Consider adding this edition to your bookshelf or download
it to your e-reader; it will serve as an excellent reference for anyone who is
currently working in the business or one day dreams to do so.
Photography Business
Secrets: The Savvy Photographer’s
Guide to Sales, Marketing and More by Lara White, ISBN-10: 1118488407
Author Lara White states up front that a successful photography
business is 20% photography and 80% business, and many in the industry would
agree with her assertion. This
book is especially valuable if you’re at the stage where you’d like to take
those steps toward building a photography business but aren’t sure how to
start. White’s book offers
strategies for choosing a specialty or niche, building a brand and marketing
your services to the public. White
also covers how to create a business plan and pricing strategies for
services. White’s writing style is
easy and relatable, making the material accessible for the photography novice
or those who have little prior business experience.
Legal Handbook for
Photographers by Bert P. Krages Esq.,
ISBN-10 1608954757
The legalities around shooting and selling images can be
confusing even for well-schooled photographers, so Krages’ legal expertise
proves helpful in this book. This
isn’t a dry tone filled with legalese, but rather, Krages provides scenarios
and demonstrates how legal issues can impact the photographer based upon the
situation. This edition also covers
the important issue of photographing in public and how laws are applied in such
environments. An important
reference for working photographers or even those who enjoy shooting street
photography. Being current on laws surrounding the business and craft of
photography is key to keeping yourself on the right side of each shooting
situation.
ProMaster Guide to
Digital SLR Photography, 2nd Edition, by Jenni Bidner
For those looking to brush up on their
shooting skills or to get the most from their digital SLR, the ProMaster Guide
to Digital SLR Photography, Second Edition, by Jenni Bidner, is the perfect
partner for the job. The craft of
photography is a lifelong exploration and Bidner’s guide is designed to help
you make the most of the skills and equipment you currently possess. You can pick up your copy here: www.FortWorthCamera.com
