Best Business Practices for Photographers

by John Harrington

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.

Genres: Photography, Business, Reference, Nonfiction

330 pages, Paperback

First published January 10, 2006

Reviews

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent reference book for the business side of photography. Loads of examples and resources throughout. That said, it's also a bit overwhelming for someone who isn't already in business as a photographer. I think the book contains a lot of great advice for getting things set up the right way from the beginning though.

For the non-pro reader, I would start with the chapter that walks you through copyright registration (chapter 17). It's followed by what to do when you're infringed in chapter 18 with a handy step-by-step to getting an ISP provider to remove your images from a site violating your copyright according to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) starting on page 329 ("Case Study: a DMCA Violation").

Then I would read chapters 6 and 7, "Setting Your Photographer's Fees" and "Pricing Your Work to Stay in Business" to remind yourself what your work is really worth.

Then I'd look at the chapters on contracts which include many examples of what clients expect/demand and what you can counter with. Harrington also discusses what the contract language means. There are several ways the language can be phrased so that it says you retain your copyright while you're actually giving all those rights away. Watch out for "exclusive," "transferable," and "sublicensable" rights. Completely avoid "work made for hire" if at all possible.

From there, I might go to chapter 26 "Licensing Your Work." It just depends on what applies most to you. There's a chapter on IRS audits that has tips that would be useful for anyone. Other chapters cover more of the nitty gritty business stuff: lawyers, accounting, insurance, staff, dealing with clients, etc. Make use of the contents and index.

I really appreciated how Harrington shared his correspondences with clients, and examples of invoices and licenses. "It's not our policy to..." is one of his great ways to say "No" to an unreasonable client request. There are a lot of examples in the book of what you can say to a client who insists on something (often all the rights to your image forever everywhere for one fee) or one who objects to the estimated cost you propose.

I hope Harrington writes a 3rd edition to keep the information current.

[James Moes · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't typically read business-type books, but when you're living cheque-to-cheque while trying to run a wedding photography business, the time comes where one has to be honest with himself and his lack of business skills.

This book taught me:
- To be a gentleman.
- "What you charge for your services should not be based upon time. Rather, it should be based on skill, creativity, and usage."
- "The best photographer is one who promotes and markets first himself, second his services and style, and finally, his price."
- Meet-and-exceed expectations.
- If you can offer a unique service that no one else has thought to provide or can provide, then you have a "hook" that surpasses the other photographers that the client might consider, and this will further diminish the role that price plays in the decision making process.
- That you should aim for a salary (and include this in your cost of doing business). Moreover, that you should aim to give your self health benefits, etc... (as your old employee did). Then decide how much you want to shoot, add in all the costs for the year, and divide.
- Make price adjustments depending on what city/market you are in. It's only fair.
- It is wise to find a business coach (even Tiger Woods has a coach).
- Always retain your rights to the images!


This book hasn't taught me:
- How to simply act on these lessons

Which:
- Ought not to be too difficult

[Ryan Watkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an amazing resource for anyone interested in the business side of photography. Harrington covers a wide variety of topics including pricing, licensing, contracts, releases, copyright infringement, etc. He makes a few unnecessary emotionally charged statements, notably in the chapter on copyright infringement, but overall this contains a wealth of useful information for those pursuing a career in professional photography. I have read the book in its entirety but I don't think that is necessary for most readers. This books functions best as a reference book for how to handle the various aspects of running a photography business when this situations arise.

[Kieren Geaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great resource for anyone with a photography. Mostly focused on US but much is appreciable to the industry as a whole, with guidelines for licencing terms which are useful if your photo might be used in national/ international press, album covers etc - basically contracting to match the use case/ volume

[Sophie Cheung · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great tips, such a huge book! I found some tips repetitive, could have been shrunk down.

[John Deven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really great read to understand image licensing, prepping for different types of shoots, and contracts. Definitely a great resource for photographers looking to jump into commercial photography.

[Teri Temme · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic resource!

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highly recommended.

[Jcplummer · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a book that really needed to be out there. Becoming a photographer is one thing, and running a successful business is on the other end of the personality spectrum. The natural ability to do both does present itself very often. John has provided what I consider to be the new textbook on the business end of photography.

[Hollie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good if you're planning to start a photography business. Very dry otherwise. ;)

On a serious note, this is a great reference for anyone with a photo business, whether just starting out or deeply entrenched.

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good reading, lots of little things I often forget about. When I first approached this about a half year ago I found it pretty intimidating, but most of the advice is common sense now. Definitely recommended reading.

[Lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book I refer to over and over again. No-nonsense business advice sorely needed for photographers.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very useful so far. Lots of specific advice and examples from the author's own photography business.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loads of great information. If I ever get enough to actually open a business, this will be my go-to guide.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent resource (2nd edition, orange/yellow cover) and tutorial for photographers in and wanting to get into the business of photography.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Resource for those in going pro in Photography or Media.

[Nicholas Doyle]

Often called "The Photographer's Bible", it provides incredibly valuable insight on doing business as a photographer. Are you a photographer? Do you do business? Read.