New Book - The Passion of the Art. The Business of Photography.

[Jason Cole]

First let me start by saying this is NOT an advertisement for my book. The book isn't even finished yet. What this post is for is to get any input from you all on what you would like to see in a book like this. Is there a business process that really annoys you or that you want to know more about? If so then let me know and I will add that section to our book.

The idea of this book is to put as much as my knowledge as I can about the business of photography, from setting up the business, to running it, to all the little things that go on behind the scenes to keep it running.

So far this is what I have in the book, each section is a detailed explanation of what we do. There are also photos and examples throughout the book.

BOOK CONTENTS

Preface (yep there is a preface)

Chapter 1 – The Business of Photography

- First Impressions
- Respect
- Integrity
- Consistency
- Word of Mouth
- Service Guarantee
- Accounting
- Lawyer
- Print Advertising
- Negotiating
- Internet Forums

Chapter 2 – Business Foundations

- Internet website
- Business identity
- Staffing your business
o Protecting your business
o Rates of pay
- Insurances
o Public liability
o Equipment
o Income protection
- Alarms
- Hardware
- Storage of photos
- Software
- Graphic designer
- Credit cards
- Photography Equipment
o Cameras
o Portable lighting kits
o Accessories

Chapter 3 – Wedding Photography

- Intro. Talking a little bit about the art and our first wedding
- The Sales process (in-depth)
- Dealing with the pressure of capturing a one time event
- The Wedding Day
o Pre wedding photo session explained
o Pre ceremony photos
o Ceremony
o Formal Photos
o The Reception
o Candid moments
o Accidents
o Props
o Weather
o Dealing with a Bridezilla

- after the wedding
o Post processing photos – I am considering adding in some tutorials here. Thoughts?
o Creating Media
o Making albums
o Selling more services

Chapter 4 – Glamour / Model Photography

- Intro
- Finding models
- Scouting locations
- Finding inspiration
- Shoot preparation
- Sourcing clothing
- Managing Expectations
- Setting up a studio on a budget
- Magazine Photography
- Approaching Magazines
- Selling your first shoot
- Selling photos to models
- Free Photo shoots
- Hair, makeup and Styling
- The Guinea Pig


Anything else you would like to see added here?

[jgoodstein]

I'm first in line for the book!

Chapter one looks good, I like that you put this stuff right in the beginning. It kind of sets the stage for the whole book which is a good thing.

In chapter two make sure you balance actual products vs use of said products. I don't see an issue with mentioning certain brands or recommending certain manufacturers but make sure its not to "name droppy" or the chapter may come off as an add for the vendors you mention. Plus if you stick to implementation a bit more the book will hold its value longer IMO.

Chapter 3
There are lots of wedding photo books out there... but then again none by you as far as i know, so This chapter seems to be a very large section of the book. Go heavy on the examples and the setups. The tutorials are a great idea. Perhaps a CD/DVD to go along with the book with examples and setup shots, and bonus type material is in order.

Chapter 4.
Currently this chapter is what I'm looking forward to most, but just barely as they all look very good. Stick to whats worked for you in the past, setups, examples, etc. Perhaps through out the book make sure you leave little tips ( like in the dummies books).

In chapters 3 & 4 I'd love to see some time dedicated to proper posing technique. How to communicate while working with pro's and clients on what type of pose is appropriate / required for the shoot.

I'd also like to see those that reply to your post first receive a free copy

[harroz]

There's a lot of info in there, is this more of an overview book Jason?. You could almost have more information in each area and split it into 2 books. I find photography books tend to touch on areas a lot with overviews, but it is hard to find one that is really indepth and explanatory.

[JerelXTI]

Please let me know when and where I can get my copy of your book when it comes out.

[Kagemaru]

I think you should focus on one subject, either weddings or glamour. Not both.

[atomware]

Well done Jason. From the overview you have provided above, this will be a must-buy, even for a hobby photographer like me. Once again, I have to congratulate you on your efforts to run not just a fantastic business, but to be a fantastic role model and mentor too.

[Jason Cole]

thanks, i like to help others, its in my nature... hence i spend a lot of time answering questions from newbies.... but that's cool, i enjoy it

[Jason Cole]

Just to clarify, this book is about the BUSINESS of photography and is not a HOW TO book on photographic techniques. I might have a bonus tutorial section just for the fun if it but its definitely not a now to book... just fyi....

[atomware]

Indeed - no misunderstanding here regarding the purpose of the book - all business. I love to learn, and even though I may not be a photographic professional, as this is documentating a subject I feel not enough authors cover, I'm well and truly looking forward to it.

[tonybear007]

Where do you cover business license? Chapter 1 or 2?

[competent123]

You might want to put a small article on different forms of marketing. which sometimes help people tremendously who dont' have that much experience in marketing or that much of a budget.
Google " guirella marketing" or "viral marketing" to get the idea.

[vivitron18]

ch3 & 4 add the post processing technique...show your style lighting setup..a must..keep up the great work. You are great mentor to us all.

[reneethomas]

Sounds like a great book. I will keep an eye out for it. When will it be released?

I think the thing I would want covered (which it looks like you are doing) is set up. I cannot tell you how much equipment I have bought that I really did not need because of the darn internet! Most of it lighting but also gear. I know you cannot really suggest gear as it depends on the intention but maybe a checklist of questions you typically ask yourself when deciding what you need to buy?