Best Business Practices for Photographers

A successful photographer must pay close attention to all of each business obligation and must find a balance that keeps his or her business thriving. It takes more than just talent to get ahead in the marketplace. Strong business skills are just as important. Best Business Practices for Photographers covers the essential business topics that professional photographers need to know in order to succeed. It does not focus on taking pictures, starting a photography business, or selling photography, but rather explains how photographers can meet important business objectives. Instead, it covers the focal points of best practices--best practices in interacting with clients, best practices in negotiating contracts and licenses, best practices in business operations. This book provides a roadmap for successfully navigating these, and many other issues, facing photographers today.

Amazon Sales Rank: #573357 in Books Published on: 2006-10-04 Original language: English Number of items: 1 Binding: Paperback 352 pages

Most helpful customer reviews 52 of 53 people found the following review helpful. All transactions by Conrad J. Obregon Here is a well written book that most photographers do not want to read. This is because it is aimed at professional photographers who have at least a little experience under their belt. It is also intended to commission photographers, rather than studio or art photographers, although some of the people who shoot in these genres can benefit from discussions on issues such as rights, and insurance pricing. It's all business, but photographic technique or vision (even if Harrington is not really the business and technology vision to describe). Finally, even if it is an excellent book, not with every aspect of the business of photography. The author begins by reminding the professional photographer that he was in business. There is a brief discussion of the equipment in which the author invites readers to get the best equipment they can afford, and a warning that the professionals had better take into account the logistics of each job elsewhere Harrington discusses working with assistants, employees and contractors, as well as prices, including consideration of factors such as retirement accounts and insurance. He discusses the hiring of accountants and lawyers. For me, the meat of the book discussion on the contract. Besides giving the reader examples of their own documents, explaining the main provisions. There are also several chapters concerning the infringement and enforcement of contractual rights. It is a short tour of the archives of images, but the core of the message Harrington ie read Peter Krogh "The DAM Book", a point that I completely agree. The author also refers in the market for stock photography. He ends the book with chapters on care and feeding of clients (literally), training himself and others, and a discussion of his obligations to his family and a community issue that continues to convey the importance of protecting your work, make sure you keep your assets in your pictures and you charge enough for their use. I agree with Harrington, but he is certainly a little shrill on the subject. I have bones to pick. It covers 20 of the IRS factors that determine whether a person is an employee or a contractor, which is important if you do not want to be responsible for paying Social Security and the individual income tax. He suggests ways to characterize a person who works for you as an employee to avoid. However, if you have suggestions to follow and comply with federal regulations, you may find yourself paying someone who may not be useful for you, or, alternatively, pay taxes later. Read this section carefully so you understand the rules, but then you talk to your lawyer There is also a discussion on negotiating compensation agreements in the procurement. I suspect many readers do not even know the consequences of a payment arrangement that make it difficult to negotiate these provisions. This will hopefully be explained in the next issue. Finally, Harrington hardnosed advice can in dealing with customers. If you follow his advice, you should make sure that your diplomatic skills are also available. Photographers just starting out in business would probably be read from books such as "the beginning of your career as a freelance photographer" by Tad Crawford and value, "American Society of Media Photographers Professional Practices in Photography." However, if you're "on the road as a professional, it is certainly a must-read book 30 of 34 customers found this review helpful. It is a beautiful book, but ... ... d By B. Jackman Do not confuse this book is not for people who want to start a photography business. This book is for people who already runs a photography business. 10 of 10 people found the following review helpful. From an eye opener S. Austin While the book.