Best Business Practices for Photographers
by John Harrington
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Book Summary Information
Author: John HarringtonEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Original Language); English (Unknown); English (Published)
Published: 2006-10-04
ISBN: 1598633155
Number of pages: 352
Publisher: Course Technology PTR
Book Reviews of Best Business Practices for Photographers
Book Review: Great book, but...
Summary: 4 Stars
This book came highly recommended by a variety of sources, and although I am only about 30% completed reading it, my conclusions are that although John is an excellent businessman, but I'm not really sure this is the book for a photographer just starting out on his or her own. I am in the fourth year of my sole proprietorship; Many of the pricing, negotiation, billing and accounting procedures recommended are geared toward an established photographer with established national commercial clients. He says to just bill them for every nickel-and-dime expense one can dream up, but nothing (so far) about how to package one's quotes in a manner that gives the appearance of value or "a deal" to the client. He offers reasons why these expenses should be considered legitimate, and indeed they are, but in my world, this kind of invoicing would put my smaller, local clients off.
Although I do not especially subscribe to all the specifics John recommends, it has made me re-think the way I approach my pricing on a macro basis, and how to project the real costs of providing my services. I suspect if I had it to do over again, I would rethink many of my past projects that, upon reflection, were indeed money-losers.
The real value of this book for me is the insight John provides about the mindset of advertising, corporate, editorial and other commercial clients. He tells me how they think, what the hierarchical structure is with magazines, etc. He reveals how they negotiate, and how to "dance" with them. GREAT stuff!
The discussions on equipment were of particular value. He recommends buying the highest quality equipment you can afford, and his reasons made sense in a way I had not considered, especially on strobe lighting.
The writing style is good, straightforward, and again, geared toward photographers who do not need an explanation of f-stops. This is refreshing. I do, however, find annoying his extensive use of faddish internet and business buzzwords, some of which are just plain incorrect English.
On balance, I'm glad I bought this book. By and large it's made me change my mindset, and this is good. Currently, as of early 2009, I am 300% over last year, in spite of a severe recession. Next month am projecting a record month. I needed this kick in the pants to move my business up to a new level of professionalism, accounting standards, and negotiating acumen. Any photographer truly interested in improving the way he or she runs their business will want this book. This is a business-only book; no f-stop or creative photographic discussions here, it's all business. Not perfect, but wow, better than anything else I've seen. Best $35 I ever spent.
Summary of Best Business Practices for Photographers
A truly successful photographic career means not only financial success, but also personal satisfaction and fulfillment. The goal of Best Business Practices for Photographers is to help you achieve success in each of these areas. This book is not a guide to taking better pictures or selling your photography. Instead, it explains how photographers can meet important business objectives. It covers the focal points of best practices - best practices in interacting with clients, best practices in negotiating contracts and licenses, and best practices in business operations. It provides a roadmap for successfully navigating these - and many other - issues facing photographers today.General Books
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