Best Business Practices for Photographers

[jmborkowski]

I can't stress enough how valuable this book is. Given the price, there is literally no reason not to read it. I own a software company and could have spared myself some serious stress had I read the book sooner, and that's out of industry. Every single person here would benefit from it.

Amazon link (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1435454294?ie=UTF8&tag=johbpho-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1435454294).

This may have been mentioned here recently, but a) I haven't seen it if it has and b) I've come across more than a few threads recently with OPs that should read it.

[Karl Johnston]

Tell us more about it, you're not selling me yet. What is it about the book that you liked ? What kind of info should we expect?

Everytime I pick up a photo related book its filled with the same regurgitated drivel in glossier pages. Educate me! What kind of topics does this book cover in particular?

[kona77]

Tell us more about it, you're not selling me yet. What is it about the book that you liked ? What kind of info should we expect?

Everytime I pick up a photo related book its filled with the same regurgitated drivel in glossier pages. Educate me! What kind of topics does this book cover in particular?

Product Description

A follow-up to the successful and acclaimed "Best Business Practices for Photographers", this updated and expanded edition serves as an even more comprehensive guide to achieving financial success and personal satisfaction in your business as a photographer. Included in this new edition are sections on licensing your work, making the career change from a staff photographer to a freelancer, surviving an IRS audit, and more. This book includes best practices in interacting with clients, negotiating contracts and licenses, and business operations. "Best Business Practices for Photographers, Second Edition" is the key to a successful career in photography.

Or you could also click on the link.

jmborkowski, thanks for the info.:lol:

[Pyromaniac]

I'm with Karl on this. Whats the difference between this book and all the other books out there about the best way to run a photography business?

[kona77]

I'm with Karl on this. Whats the difference between this book and all the other books out there about the best way to run a photography business?

I just spent some time reading the reviews as well as other recommended books by Amazon, I was impressed and purchased the book. I will let you know what I think of it as soon as I get it.

[Rubi Jane]

Being from Canada I'd want to know is there sufficient content that's applicable to other countries or is this another US-COTU book (which is fine, just not worthwhile to me)? From the description I see copyright & IRS mentioned (likely US content only), however general contracts, negotiating and business operations could be relevant.

John, any opinion if this book is suitable for countries other than the US?

Cheers

[jmborkowski]

I'm with Karl on this. Whats the difference between this book and all the other books out there about the best way to run a photography business?
No worries, it's an easy answer, DETAIL.

The book is 500 pages long, touches on damn near everything and uses current, real life examples from the author's successful photography business. He shows you actual contracts, bid sheets, invoices, email threads with prospects and clients and on an on.

Strobist review (http://strobist.blogspot.com/2009/10/brain-food-three-new-offerings.html).

Chase Jarvis review (http://blog.chasejarvis.com/blog/2009/10/best-business-practices-for.html).

[amfoto1]

Just think how few questions we'd see here on the forum, if everyone started buying and reading this and some of the other excellent books out there! :cool:

[mickdaniel]

It's really one of the best books on photography business. There's also ASMP Professional Business Practices in Photography which is great too. Also, you can find a list of best photography business books (http://photography.pro/books/business) at photography.pro.

[Rubi Jane]

Those of you guys who have read the book.....is the content US centric or is there sufficient to make it valuable to other countries?

[LostShootingStar]

I just spent some time reading the reviews as well as other recommended books by Amazon, I was impressed and purchased the book. I will let you know what I think of it as soon as I get it.

That'd be great! http://stats.fm/uploads/G/w.gifhttp://stats.fm/uploads/B/P.gif I'm interested to see what you think of it.

[MJPhotos24]

http://www.sportsshooter.com/education/book_profile.html?id=685

http://www.sportsshooter.com/education/book_profile.html?id=783

[Rubi Jane]

http://www.sportsshooter.com/education/book_profile.html?id=685

Sounds like there's at least one Canuck who feels this book is of value. I'll check it out - thx for that link.

[Karl Johnston]

I ended up getting it and it is pretty damned good. :P

[sebmour]

thank you for sharing this information!

[Metalstrm]

Those of you guys who have read the book.....is the content US centric or is there sufficient to make it valuable to other countries?

Same question as mine. I'm interested in getting the book, but it it focusses too much on the US, I probably won't.

[Svetlana]

I ended up getting it and it is pretty damned good. :P

Hi Karl, Does it cover Canadian side of pro photography at all? What do you like most about this book?

[kona77]

Just a few points to make about the book. I am very pleased with the content thus far and I am only 200 pages into it. It does deal mostly with US law however the ideas, experience, legal terms, and business perspective that is shared by a very good photographer is worth it's weight in gold.

The first thing I learned is that I am undervaluing my photos and their use. He spends a fair amount of time showing you why you need to get paid and paid well for what you do as compared to other professional industries. He gives you real life experiences and how he dealt with them and also showed you why it was good to decline a project.

Secondly, he gives you the inside track on working with the client on price, contracts, and timing. You get an overview of job prospects, how fast you should move on a deal and how to take the bull by the horns. You will learn what a lot of project managers and editors know but don't want you to know.


I am very pleased I bought this book and after my cameras it would be the second thing I would replace. I will post more in the coming days.

Hopes this helps.

[japearson2]

Looks interesting. Thanks for sharing (another interested Canadian).
Jennifer

[Simply Ravishing]

I bought it, very useful. It's like 500 pages of useful stuff... Pretty much covers most everything you would need to know. A good way to spend $30

[Rubi Jane]

OK, for $35 Cdn I figured I'd order a copy. The legal stuff I'm not worried as I have that covered, have access to a friendly attorney, have all my contracts & terms in place and generally know the major differences between Canada & US copyright & release requirements. Sounds like there's still lots of good info to garnish. Thanks to those providing additional insight into the book.

[Rubi Jane]

My copy just arrived today so I can't comment on the content specifically yet. What I have noticed going through the chapter content is that it's a wealth of information specific to operating in the photography industry. Looking at the various topics the content isn't specific to the US and definitely applicable to Canada for the most part, and probably just as applicable to many other countries. It's a comprehensive business book for photographers. To top it off, John Harrington's writing style is laid back, descriptive and easy reading with what appears to be suitable examples for many topics discussed.

If you're another Canuck wondering about whether it's worth the spend, it is!

[FlyingPhotog]

Order Placed. Thanks to the OP and others for the info...

[drdiesel1]

Ordered. Thanks for all the info and to the OP for bringing it to POTN :cool:

[RDKirk]

The best business practice is to join a professional photography organization and take advantage of business workshops they offer.

In NorthAm, I strongly, strongly recommend the Studio Management Service offered by Professional Photographers of America. You can take advantage of their immense knowledge of how to run a photographic business in three ways: Workshops (including web events), in-depth personal counselling, and even just hiring them to do all your accounting.

In fact, one photographer I know personally got with SMS before he even bought a camera--his business was instantly successful and profitable from the first month.

[mflane]

I can't stress enough how valuable this book is. Given the price, there is literally no reason not to read it. I own a software company and could have spared myself some serious stress had I read the book sooner, and that's out of industry. Every single person here would benefit from it.

Amazon link (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1435454294/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=1598633155&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=07CZCCMY4FGJ426RJJRB).

This may have been mentioned here recently, but a) I haven't seen it if it has and b) I've come across more than a few threads recently with OPs that should read it.

I ordered this book right after I read this thread several days ago. It came in today and I'm having a hard time putting it down. Can't wait to read it all, and then start all over again.

[craigvince]

I ordered this book right after I read this thread several days ago. It came in today and I'm having a hard time putting it down. Can't wait to read it all, and then start all over again.

I got mine a couple days ago, too. I'm only about two chapters into it, but so far it's a terrific reference! I have no doubt it will make me more money than anything else I've bought so far.

[drdiesel1]

I got mine a couple days ago, too. I'm only about two chapters into it, but so far it's a terrific reference! I have no doubt it will make me more money than anything else I've bought so far.


Yep. It has high value to dollar ratio in my book bw!

[kona77]

I am half way thru the book and what a great wealth of information. You get a very good grasp of what your photos are really worth. I have already started implementing a few suggestions and it has already paid off. Well worth the money.

[danameless]

Too bad the OP can't get any commission for this, sounds like this thread made plenty of sales already!

[Rubi Jane]

I've started a thread about sharing any success stories (or flops :() from implementing changes to our business practices.

Head over and share your wins - here (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?p=9551297#post9551297)

[bdpaco]

Thanks for bringing this book to my attention, just ordered a copy, cant wait for it to get here

[sfaust]

There are a number of very good books similar to John's. While there are obvious areas of overlap, they also share different perspectives on the same issues. I know ASMP has a similar book, Lou Lesko has on with an advertising perspective which also incorporates how BlinkBid is used for estimating and bidding, and quite a few others I can't remember off the top of my head. I'll go through my library and compile a list to post here, or perhaps in a new topic. They are all worth reading and address a wealth of business practices in all disciplines (editorial, advertising, commercial, portrait/wedding).

[mflane]

There are a number of very good books similar to John's. While there are obvious areas of overlap, they also share different perspectives on the same issues. I know ASMP has a similar book, Lou Lesko has on with an advertising perspective which also incorporates how BlinkBid is used for estimating and bidding, and quite a few others I can't remember off the top of my head. I'll go through my library and compile a list to post here, or perhaps in a new topic. They are all worth reading and address a wealth of business practices in all disciplines (editorial, advertising, commercial, portrait/wedding).

Please... Post them here. I'd like to order some of them for, as you said, different perspectives. Thanks!

[kona77]

There are a number of very good books similar to John's. While there are obvious areas of overlap, they also share different perspectives on the same issues. I know ASMP has a similar book, Lou Lesko has on with an advertising perspective which also incorporates how BlinkBid is used for estimating and bidding, and quite a few others I can't remember off the top of my head. I'll go through my library and compile a list to post here, or perhaps in a new topic. They are all worth reading and address a wealth of business practices in all disciplines (editorial, advertising, commercial, portrait/wedding).

I'll be by tomorrow to take those off your hands.:lol:

[sfaust]

mflane, I'll do my best to remember to post them. I need to collect them from the studio and at my office at home. If I forget, someone please feel free to remind me.

kona77, weren't we talking about downing a beer together at some point if I remember correctly? If so, I'll let you feel them, but you won't get them out of my tightly wrapped hands. I still refer to them often ;)

[mikekelley]

I just ordered this thanks to this thread. We'll see what happens.

[Mick_I]

I carry this book with me. I've learned it's not the art of photography, it's the business of photography.

[sapearl]

I appreciate all the input and comments guys - thanks; just ordered the book.

[kona77]

mflane, I'll do my best to remember to post them. I need to collect them from the studio and at my office at home. If I forget, someone please feel free to remind me.

kona77, weren't we talking about downing a beer together at some point if I remember correctly? If so, I'll let you feel them, but you won't get them out of my tightly wrapped hands. I still refer to them often ;)


Ahhh, yes. Picking up parents at airport at 8am next week, how about a mamosa. LOL

[sfaust]

What airport? The mamosa doesn't have a flower or umbrella in it does it ;)

[jmborkowski]

Yeah, I definitely should have set up an affiliate link for this. :)

[dawssvt]

I just ordered the book. Thanks for suggesting it!

[sapearl]

Just got the ship notice from Amazon. In these cold snowy evenings - at least where I am - might be something interesting to browse when there's nothing on the boob tube.

[kona77]

What airport? The mamosa doesn't have a flower or umbrella in it does it ;)

LOL, no, Logan, but I will come down because I want an autographed copy of your new book when it comes out.

[sfaust]

LOL, no, Logan, but I will come down because I want an autographed copy of your new book when it comes out.

Give me a call and we'll try to make it happen. Although I might opt for a Manhattan instead ;). It will help pass the time while waiting for the flight arrival, and I'll use the time after to collect some Boston architecture shots.

[mikekelley]

Got my copy today. This thing is nothing short of a TOME.

But great reading thus far..

[dmp-potn]

Just added a sample to the queue on my kindle.

[sapearl]

Package from Amazon arrived yesterday - quite a volume of information I've got to say.

It's hard to know where to begin. I've actually just been leafing through it, noting those areas that apply to my own business and practice, where I'm hitting the mark and where I need to improve. At the Amazon price, the book certainly seems worth it's money so far.

[Karl Johnston]

Hi Karl, Does it cover Canadian side of pro photography at all? What do you like most about this book?
I think its mostly US cocentric but what I like is the magnitude of real information in it. Thats a bit vague but upon reading just one chapter of this book I found 10 different ways to do things, or step back and evaluate my goals from an objective point of view.

In the first few pages he talks about the essential task of looking at yourself-pardon...your BUSINESS*- objectively - where do you suck, where do you rule?

It covers practically everything to do with the small business management of a photographer in any special facet of the business.

Just finished reading it (it takes a while, this thing is like 500 pages of information to absorb) so I thought I would do a blog review up on it. Meanwhile I remembered that POTN had a thread on it too that would be worth bumping.

What I hate reading is ....go read this book. its great. Why is it great? What if i go and spend 40 $ on something I already know? I find there are few really good reviews of books, though this one seems to be really well known now and recommended so its not so bad. Anyway that was my reasoning for trying to do a review of it

[Mike R]

If this was the first business book I read, it would have been the only one. It will help you towards not overlooking fees to charge. Because of this book, I bought fotoBiz. which includes fotoQuote and have submitted my first Commercial shoot estimate and I'm confident that because of this book and fotoBiz my negotiating will be more confident and I'm not underselling myself, or overcharging.

[bdavisx]

Tell us more about it, you're not selling me yet. What is it about the book that you liked ? What kind of info should we expect?

Everytime I pick up a photo related book its filled with the same regurgitated drivel in glossier pages. Educate me! What kind of topics does this book cover in particular?

You want to know what's worth the price of this book alone? He talks about how he got audited, it was supposed to be a full audit (i.e. kinda like a body cavity search of your financials); but when the auditor saw how organized his records were (he talks about how to organize them yourself); they switched it to a spot audit (i.e. check a few records here and there, a pat-down).

This book helped me organize my book-keeping better than I would have ever thought possible.

[jmborkowski]

Lots of good stuff on his blog too...

http://photobusinessforum.blogspot.com/

Book link (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1435454294?ie=UTF8&tag=johbpho-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1435454294)

[mikekelley]

Want to also just say that I landed a five figure contract using advice from this book. Fantastic read for anyone looking to get into photography as a career.

Actually, it sucks don't read it. :lol:

[roszell]

Picked up this book as I plan to start doing portraits (and events eventually) part-time.

Just looking through the chapter titles it seems like there is a wealth of knowledge here. Everything from negotiating, accounting, to how to balance your family life (and keep your wife happy) with having a successful business.

I am hoping this book will allow me to get started quicker Instead of spending countless hours scouring forums for answers to these questions. :D

[sfaust]

I am hoping this book will allow me to get started quicker Instead of spending countless hours scouring forums for answers to these questions. :D

Don't waste your time on forums for business advice. I've found most of it counter to advise offered by those well entrenched into the industry, and with real world experience under their belt. Might as well go right to the source!

Here is a short list of books in my library that I've read, recommend, and are recommended by many within the industry. Read these and you'll be way head even if you spent 10 times the amount of time reading forums. Plus, its already organized, indexed, you can add notes to the pages and store it on your bookshelf for future reference :)


Advertising Photography: a straight forward guide to a complex industry
Lou Lesko
(highly recommended, also goes well with BlinkBid and Fotoquote software. Same author/company)

The Real Business of Photography
Richard Weisgrau
(highly recommended)

Licensing Photography
Richard Wesigrau and Victor S. Pearlman
(highly recommended)

How to Succeed in Commercial Photography
Selina Maitreya
(highly recommended)

Best Business Practices for Photographers
John Harrington
(highly recommended)

Professional Business Practices in Photography
ASMP, seventh edition
(highly recommended)

Pricing Photography: The complete guide to Assignment and Stock Prices
Michael Heron and David MacTavish

Professional Photographers Survival Guide
Charles E. Rotkin
(older, but relevant with interviews from industry notables)

The Big Picture: Professional photographers guide to Rights, Rates, and Negotiation
Lou Jacobs Jr.
(highly recommended)

The Business of Commercial Photography
Ira Wexler
(older book, but worth a read)

Photographers Legal Guide
Carolyn E. Wright
(highly recommended)

Diary of a Small Business Owner
Anita F. Brattina
(perspective of a small business owners struggles)

LLC or Corporation?
Attorney Anthony Mancuso

Art-Directing Photography
Hugh Marshall
(older, but gives the AD's perspective)

(note for internet police: I have no affiliation with any of the authors, nor any financial interest. I am soley responseible for my spelling erros, typeos, and gramar misteaks. I can be opinionated but do so in good faith)