Essential Tips To Becomming A Pro Photographer

[john-in-japan]

I thought this was an interesting article by a Tokyo based professional photogapher.
Cheers,
John
http://tokyo.japantimes.co.jp/post/en/1329/Tokyo+Tips+5+Essentials+to+become+a+Pro-Photographer.html

[cdifoto]

No surprise it's just a plug for his seminars.

[Karl Johnston]

The tips are true, regardless.

[cdifoto]

Maybe so, but it always seems to be "tips" followed by a plug for seminars. If the guy's so good, how does he have time for seminars? Oh that's right - he built himself up as an expert but his real money is in selling the prospect of making it big to newbies wanting to do what he no longer does because it doesn't pay as much.

[elysium]

He forgot to mention the totally awesome mode!

[sapearl]

Not a bad summary of the solid, major points - but as Don mentioned it's a plug for his seminar which may be one of his cash cows; nothing wrong with that if he can pull 'em in. Afterall, that would be part of HIS business plan.:D

There is an important point he makes that we see a number of folks here missing by the nature of their questions, especially in the area of wedding and social event shoots. He states:

"1) Portfolio
– a photographer’s portfolio is their most important asset. A portfolio should represent your best, your style, and what the client can expect when they hire you. .....• Quality - only include images you feel showcase the best of your work."

Some people still show ALL their work to the client, not editing out the clunkers.... and caving to troublesome clients "demanding" to see everything . That's always asking for trouble and leaves yourself wide open to negative discussions. This also goes hand in hand with the concept of edited work. I only show finished work. This means it will be at LEAST an adjusted JPG; perhaps not the fully post processed image that may be slated for the album or wall photo, but it will have receiving the necessary "darkroom work" that indicates the quality of my work.

[jacobsen1]

Maybe so, but it always seems to be "tips" followed by a plug for seminars. If the guy's so good, how does he have time for seminars? Oh that's right - he built himself up as an expert but his real money is in selling the prospect of making it big to newbies wanting to do what he no longer does because it doesn't pay as much.

so true, hell, his pointers aren't really even pointers, more like questions w/o answers:

5) Business Plan
– succeed where other photographers have failed by understanding photography is a personal business. Do research on business practices and sales and apply them.

• Sales – study how to sell yourself and your services. Sales is an art and when used consciously will exponentially increase your conversion rate.
• Contracts - have all the contract you need ready. Whether this is a model release, intellectual property agreement, or a contract for a specific job, contracts are essential for a professional.
• Costs - keep track of all your costs and factor them in when deciding on your guarantee. Remember although digital cameras are free to use, they become outdated very quickly.

I mean really? That section could have had some info in it that might have been helpful, but instead it's all captain obvious comments.

hey guys, guess what, to be a photographer you need to take PICTURES.... :lol:

[sapearl]

so true, hell, his pointers aren't really even pointers, more like questions w/o answers:



I mean really? That section could have had some info in it that might have been helpful, but instead it's all captain obvious comments.

hey guys, guess what, to be a photographer you need to take PICTURES.... :lol:

Ah..... but maybe that's the beauty of the "system" Ben - pay up to go to his seminar and he'll provide all the answers.....;)

[CameraJockey]

I took a business course at my local community college for $23.00.........best thing i did when i started out........and met some great lookin ladies that turned out to be great models.

[jonwhite]

I think its an OK article and I don't think it plugs his business too much, ive seen far far worse and much more blatant articles.

Covering all the points and keeping the post a reasonable length is always gonna mean that there's not much more than headings there, I still think there's some good info though.

• Sales – study how to sell yourself and your services. Sales is an art and when used consciously will exponentially increase your conversion rate.

I know many photographers out there who don't know a thing about sales and would definitely benefit from learning at least the basics. Next time you meet a photographer ask them what their Unique Selling Points are and watch them stare at you blankly or stumble through a few sentences saying nothing that's unique.

[jonwhite]

p.s. no matter how bad you feel the article was written it achieved one thing for sure, it made someone who had read it come here and share it with others, that's a nice achievement and has value for him if nothing else.

[pcunite]

3 Essentials to become a Pro-Photographer

1. Shoot a few good looking models off craigslist.
2. Have your friends spam your website at POTN.
3. Offer classes and courses for being like "me".

[cdifoto]

stumble through a few sentences saying nothing that's unique.
You mean like the "article" does? :)