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Photography Q A Real Questions. Real Answers.
For years, editorial and commercial photographer Zack Arias has been a respected and trusted voice in the photography industry. Known for his photography, his teaching, and his ability to connect with photographers, Zack has long had an "open door" approach to discussing his career-the ups and the downs-and in so doing has provided a straightforward and candid look inside the industry. By consistently showing great work and offering helpful advice, he has built a large, loyal readership that looks to him for guidance in navigating the currents of a difficult and dynamic industry. Now, Zack finds yet another way to cut through the noise and offer truly valuable information to those struggling to make their way through the twists and turns of an ever-changing landscape.
"In Photography Q&A," Zack answers over 100 questions that he fielded directly from the public. These are questions that range across all aspects of the photo industry: gear, marketing, street photography, vision, pricing, branding, light, models, work/life balance, technical advice, and much more. From how to "put yourself out there" and start to get jobs, to how to get paid for those jobs when the client is slow to cut the check-and everything in between- Photography Q&A answers many of the pressing questions that photographers are asking, but until now have not been addressed. The book also includes intermittent "Visual Intermission" sections-where Zack discusses individual images that were milestones in his development as a photographer-as well as worksheets on topics such as pricing and costs that help photographers to "know their numbers."
With all this material, and with insightful, honest answers that come straight from Zack's experience as a photographer who has seen it all (or at least a lot of it), "Photography Q&A" is an essential resource for any photographer looking for the real answers to the real questions in the industry today.
"In Photography Q&A," Zack answers over 100 questions that he fielded directly from the public. These are questions that range across all aspects of the photo industry: gear, marketing, street photography, vision, pricing, branding, light, models, work/life balance, technical advice, and much more. From how to "put yourself out there" and start to get jobs, to how to get paid for those jobs when the client is slow to cut the check-and everything in between- Photography Q&A answers many of the pressing questions that photographers are asking, but until now have not been addressed. The book also includes intermittent "Visual Intermission" sections-where Zack discusses individual images that were milestones in his development as a photographer-as well as worksheets on topics such as pricing and costs that help photographers to "know their numbers."
With all this material, and with insightful, honest answers that come straight from Zack's experience as a photographer who has seen it all (or at least a lot of it), "Photography Q&A" is an essential resource for any photographer looking for the real answers to the real questions in the industry today.
- GenresPhotographyNonfictionArt
Unknown Binding
First published May 30, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
January 24, 2014
I tried to explain Zack Arias’ appeal to my wife. He isn’t [yet] a legendary photographer. He isn’t a tall, good looking, charismatic and powerful public speaker. He doesn’t claim to have it all figured out. So what makes me want to hear what he has to say and read what he has to write? In part, it’s for those very same reasons. Photography Q&A: Real Questions. Real Answers. is written by Zack Arias: Real Photographer. Real Man.
A few years back, Zack began answering questions put to him by readers of his Tumbler blog. To date he has answered more than 1,500 questions. Photography Q&A is a consolidation of the best of those questions and answers. The answers are edited and arranged topically, so there is a logical flow to the book.
Zack leverages his own life experiences to inform the advice he is gives. He writes of leaving school as a young man and taking on debt to buy equipment. That debt eventually led to bankruptcy and he completely left the profession of photography. Years later a friend lent him a camera and talked him into shooting a wedding. That rekindled Arias’ interest in photography and he cautiously re-entered the profession.
The business insights found in Photography Q&A have broad application beyond working as an independent photographer. Zack is real about the fact that photographers – like owners of any business – need to have a firm grasp over their finances and have to be effective at self-promotion. It is not enough to be a technically proficient artist; not if you intend on being a successful professional.
My only criticism with the book – and it is a minor complaint – is that the book is quite repetitive due to the Q&A format. Each answer is self-contained to the question answered, so where elements of one answer overlap elements appropriate for answering other questions, you end up with duplication.
I have worked for companies large, medium and small. I found little of what Zack wrote that did not square with lessons I have learned on my own. For this reason alone I would recommend this book to anyone thinking about launching a career as a professional photographer, or for that matter to any small businessman.
But that still doesn’t answer why I like Zack Arias. Zack openly expresses his deep love for his wife, Meghan, and for his children. There is something really attractive about people who love their families.
A few years back, Zack began answering questions put to him by readers of his Tumbler blog. To date he has answered more than 1,500 questions. Photography Q&A is a consolidation of the best of those questions and answers. The answers are edited and arranged topically, so there is a logical flow to the book.
Zack leverages his own life experiences to inform the advice he is gives. He writes of leaving school as a young man and taking on debt to buy equipment. That debt eventually led to bankruptcy and he completely left the profession of photography. Years later a friend lent him a camera and talked him into shooting a wedding. That rekindled Arias’ interest in photography and he cautiously re-entered the profession.
The business insights found in Photography Q&A have broad application beyond working as an independent photographer. Zack is real about the fact that photographers – like owners of any business – need to have a firm grasp over their finances and have to be effective at self-promotion. It is not enough to be a technically proficient artist; not if you intend on being a successful professional.
My only criticism with the book – and it is a minor complaint – is that the book is quite repetitive due to the Q&A format. Each answer is self-contained to the question answered, so where elements of one answer overlap elements appropriate for answering other questions, you end up with duplication.
I have worked for companies large, medium and small. I found little of what Zack wrote that did not square with lessons I have learned on my own. For this reason alone I would recommend this book to anyone thinking about launching a career as a professional photographer, or for that matter to any small businessman.
But that still doesn’t answer why I like Zack Arias. Zack openly expresses his deep love for his wife, Meghan, and for his children. There is something really attractive about people who love their families.
February 16, 2021
This book was detailed, insightful, and one of the best photography books (if not the best) that I’ve read in terms of useful, applicable information. Most of the questions in the book could apply to photographers at all levels of ability, and for the few questions I found that were more beginner level and didn’t apply to me, I just skipped over. Overall I liked the tone of this book and that the author used some humor throughout to keep everything entertaining.
I would definitely recommend this! It’s beyond the skillset of beginners photography guide, and I would say great for moderate level photographers, college students, or people wanting to break into photography as a professional career rather than side gig or hobby.
I would definitely recommend this! It’s beyond the skillset of beginners photography guide, and I would say great for moderate level photographers, college students, or people wanting to break into photography as a professional career rather than side gig or hobby.
March 2, 2020
While this book was published in 2013, it is still very relevant today. It is full of insights, perspectives, lessons, and wisdom for photographers who want to break into the business. It is easy to read and well organized. But you can jump around the different sections if you wish. It takes the readers behind the scenes on what it takes to get into the business, how to grow your business, how to network, build clients and price your work.
I borrowed the book from the library and liked it so much that I will be buying this one from my favorite bookstore.
I borrowed the book from the library and liked it so much that I will be buying this one from my favorite bookstore.
February 17, 2021
Very good photography book from my favourite photographer / photography teacher.
September 16, 2016
Over the years I've acquired a ton of photography "how-to" books that mostly say the same things in different formatting. This book has great formatting, but it's also something that I refer to over and over again because of Zack Arias's refreshing honesty, humor and knowledge. Highly recommended for anyone that considers themselves a lifelong photographer.
January 18, 2015
I've been an admirer of Zack's for a couple of years now - there was no way in hell that I wasn't going to own this book and read the bejeezus out of it!
First off, it's a great book to hold. The cover is a soft matte finish that feels to touch but scratches easily and is no friend to greasy fingers. The pages hold the images and print well too - it's a photography book after all. The only gripe I have is that in some places it's over-glued and pages have ripped close to the spine - it's a minor niggle.
Zack takes some damn good photographs, but he writes a damn good book too. This book was put together from a Q&A blog he put up a couple of years ago - a blog I always meant to, but never got around to reading! Thankfully, he's taken the best questions and answers, fleshed them out in places, and put together Photography Q&A.
He's inspiring, honest, technical, honest, blunt, honest, inspiring and funny. And honest.
The book is an easy read and it's packed with guidance, experience and stories from Zack's career so far. It's the best book for photographers that I've ever read and I hope it isn't the last that he puts out.
First off, it's a great book to hold. The cover is a soft matte finish that feels to touch but scratches easily and is no friend to greasy fingers. The pages hold the images and print well too - it's a photography book after all. The only gripe I have is that in some places it's over-glued and pages have ripped close to the spine - it's a minor niggle.
Zack takes some damn good photographs, but he writes a damn good book too. This book was put together from a Q&A blog he put up a couple of years ago - a blog I always meant to, but never got around to reading! Thankfully, he's taken the best questions and answers, fleshed them out in places, and put together Photography Q&A.
He's inspiring, honest, technical, honest, blunt, honest, inspiring and funny. And honest.
The book is an easy read and it's packed with guidance, experience and stories from Zack's career so far. It's the best book for photographers that I've ever read and I hope it isn't the last that he puts out.
December 26, 2014
Chances are, if you've been bitten by the photography bug, you will have questions. Many questions, regardless of whether you do it for love or money.
This book is one photographer's attempt at giving the best, no-bullshit answers to those questions. Zack Arias is honest, blunt, direct, almost ruthless in his response--but you can't say he doesn't do it from the heart.
Buy this book. It will continue to provide you with many, many insights and "a-ha!" moments many times over, as you leaf through its pages once in a while throughout the years.
This book is one photographer's attempt at giving the best, no-bullshit answers to those questions. Zack Arias is honest, blunt, direct, almost ruthless in his response--but you can't say he doesn't do it from the heart.
Buy this book. It will continue to provide you with many, many insights and "a-ha!" moments many times over, as you leaf through its pages once in a while throughout the years.
August 20, 2014
Helpful and practical guides to the business of photography from a deeply passionate author. Zack Arias is down to earth, unpolished and has a unique voice.
His suggestions on kit checklists for photographers of various levels will help many.
His sections on choosing your portfolio shots and personal projects were highlights for me that I will study more, as both subjects are where I find myself focusing now.
His suggestions on kit checklists for photographers of various levels will help many.
His sections on choosing your portfolio shots and personal projects were highlights for me that I will study more, as both subjects are where I find myself focusing now.
December 7, 2013
I just finished this, and I loved it! The only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 was because quite a few of the questions and answers seemed a bit repetitive. I love Zach's overall approach to photography and sharing his craft with people, though, and I'd highly recommend this to any photographer.
January 13, 2015
At times repetitive and required a tighter edit, but it looks great! I go back and forth on how I feel about Zack. His voice is refreshing in the industry, but at it's core this is really just another "DO THE WORK!" tome. Manages to be enjoyable, have insights, and be mostly useless (to me), which is quite the feat.
January 29, 2014
Full of very helpful advice and inspiration for someone who wants to make a living at photography. It made me get off my butt and build a web page, print some business cards and get out there. If you are or hope to be a professional photographer, then you need this book.
September 23, 2013
Honest, detailed, insightful answers to just about all the important questions for anyone struggling as a pro photographer or starting their career. Great advice and perspective.
October 3, 2013
this book was very straight forward and he is brutally honest about how to make it as a photography. Lots of great advice for business, lighting and misc questions.
August 4, 2014
This was surprisingly good, well-written, easy to read, and to the point. Liked the Kindle version so much I actually ordered a physical copy.
April 6, 2015
Good book if you like the direct style of answering that Zack Arias uses.
September 3, 2015
A "must read" for anyone contemplating a career in photography!
May 7, 2015
Awesome.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews