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VisionMongers: Making a Life and a Living in Photography
Uses interviews with working photographers, along with his own personal experience, to offer guidance to aspiring professional photographers.
255 pages, Paperback
First published November 2, 2009
34 people are currently reading
516 people want to read
About the author
David duChemin
87 books166 followersDavid duChemin is a world & humanitarian photographer, best-selling author, and international workshop leader.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 4, 2011
I think I read this book at the wrong time to be honest. If I could have read this two years ago when I jumped into photography it would have been a game changer. It is geared more towards the photographer considering getting into photography or trying to make the move to full time photography. I'm glad I read it because I can now recommend it to photographers starting out.
duChemin has some great wisdom on steps that are necessary to be in the photography industry and is very honest at how hard it is as well. I appreciate his honesty and ability to communicate that clearly.
I particularly loved this section at the ending of the book that wraps it all up:
“So many of the questions I have been asked simply have no answer, and more often than not I think what people are looking for is the permission to risk, to try it their way. Yes, your kids need to eat. But they also need to find in their parent a legacy of living life to the fullest if they’re to do the same. Living your dream and pursuing your passion - as long as you do it with wisdom - is not reckless parenting but responsible. Better the gift of courage and passion than a new GameBoy.”
duChemin has some great wisdom on steps that are necessary to be in the photography industry and is very honest at how hard it is as well. I appreciate his honesty and ability to communicate that clearly.
I particularly loved this section at the ending of the book that wraps it all up:
“So many of the questions I have been asked simply have no answer, and more often than not I think what people are looking for is the permission to risk, to try it their way. Yes, your kids need to eat. But they also need to find in their parent a legacy of living life to the fullest if they’re to do the same. Living your dream and pursuing your passion - as long as you do it with wisdom - is not reckless parenting but responsible. Better the gift of courage and passion than a new GameBoy.”
July 31, 2011
If you're so new to photography you've yet to shoot manual, are questioning whether you have it in you to start a business and/or have never heard of Twitter, let alone have an account, then the content of David duChemin's "VisionMongers" may just be revelationary to you.
If, on the other hand, you've been doing this for a while, check your social media accounts in your sleep and are pretty comfortable and/or confident in your photographic skills, well….not so much.
For me, the biggest factor in not giving "VisionMongers" a stronger review is that so much of its content is like reading a Cliffs Notes version of many other photo-related books and magazines out there (plenty of which I've already read). Had I read this in 2007 (even early 2008), I think I would have latched on to so much more content than I did this time around, as it would have been all new to me. While that can't be said now, I will acknowledge that all the material duChemin treads in "VisionMongers" is still great stuff for any photographer to review—whether they've been shooting for 3 months or 30 years. And because every person looks at the areas of our industry differently—from pricing and style to branding and technique—I believe you can always learn a thing or two from someone's new insights on the topics.
Here are some snippets of the seven pages of notes I took on this title (and given that number, well, clearly, I found plenty from this veteran photographer that I wanted to remember -- even if much of it reads like an inspirational quote book for the photographer in need of a motivational boost.)
Words to live by -- all of these:
"If you don't feel like photography is something you are called to do—by God, your gifts, your talents, a small nagging voice inside, or just overwhelming passion for it—then it's probably not the right choice for you."
"In an age where high levels of competence at your craft are assumed, the thing that differentiates us is vision: the way in which you wield your craft to tell the stories you see with your eye and your heart."
"It's your calling, after all. You should love it. But you still have to put in the hours and log the time. These dreams aren't going to chase themselves."
"Your passion for what you shoot—and who you shoot for—will place you head and shoulders above the mediocrity that's so prevalent in our industry."
"We shoot best that which we love best" (and for me, that's weddings!)
On maintaining a consistent brand: "Consistency builds familiarity and confidence. It is a repetition of design conventions like fonts, colors and styles that make you more memorable in the market."
And my favorite:
"This is your journey. Do it slow, do it fast, do it however you choose, but do it your way. Any other path will suck the joy from the endeavor."
If, on the other hand, you've been doing this for a while, check your social media accounts in your sleep and are pretty comfortable and/or confident in your photographic skills, well….not so much.
For me, the biggest factor in not giving "VisionMongers" a stronger review is that so much of its content is like reading a Cliffs Notes version of many other photo-related books and magazines out there (plenty of which I've already read). Had I read this in 2007 (even early 2008), I think I would have latched on to so much more content than I did this time around, as it would have been all new to me. While that can't be said now, I will acknowledge that all the material duChemin treads in "VisionMongers" is still great stuff for any photographer to review—whether they've been shooting for 3 months or 30 years. And because every person looks at the areas of our industry differently—from pricing and style to branding and technique—I believe you can always learn a thing or two from someone's new insights on the topics.
Here are some snippets of the seven pages of notes I took on this title (and given that number, well, clearly, I found plenty from this veteran photographer that I wanted to remember -- even if much of it reads like an inspirational quote book for the photographer in need of a motivational boost.)
Words to live by -- all of these:
"If you don't feel like photography is something you are called to do—by God, your gifts, your talents, a small nagging voice inside, or just overwhelming passion for it—then it's probably not the right choice for you."
"In an age where high levels of competence at your craft are assumed, the thing that differentiates us is vision: the way in which you wield your craft to tell the stories you see with your eye and your heart."
"It's your calling, after all. You should love it. But you still have to put in the hours and log the time. These dreams aren't going to chase themselves."
"Your passion for what you shoot—and who you shoot for—will place you head and shoulders above the mediocrity that's so prevalent in our industry."
"We shoot best that which we love best" (and for me, that's weddings!)
On maintaining a consistent brand: "Consistency builds familiarity and confidence. It is a repetition of design conventions like fonts, colors and styles that make you more memorable in the market."
And my favorite:
"This is your journey. Do it slow, do it fast, do it however you choose, but do it your way. Any other path will suck the joy from the endeavor."
March 13, 2016
David Duchemin is a wonder and this book should probably be required reading for photographers who want to make a living at it. The subtitle to this book is "Making a Life and Living in Photography". Duchemin always prompts real thinking with his great questions. His photography is, of course, amazing, and he is a teacher in the best sense of the word. He shows and asks instead of telling and endlessly talking. I'd actually love to meet him.
Personally, this book wasn't as good as Within the Frame for me. But, that's because I don't intend to ever make a life and a living with photography. So, it didn't exactly apply. Still, it was well worth reading as I do love to make pictures.
Reread from December 11 to 19, 2012
I love David duChemin. I love his photographs, his attitude toward photography, and his generous spirit. This is a well-written, honest look at life as a professional photographer. It's a must read for anyone thinking about becoming a professional photographer.
Personally, this book wasn't as good as Within the Frame for me. But, that's because I don't intend to ever make a life and a living with photography. So, it didn't exactly apply. Still, it was well worth reading as I do love to make pictures.
Reread from December 11 to 19, 2012
I love David duChemin. I love his photographs, his attitude toward photography, and his generous spirit. This is a well-written, honest look at life as a professional photographer. It's a must read for anyone thinking about becoming a professional photographer.
March 21, 2022
Wonderful account of the author's journey. It's not a step-by-step guide on how to make it as a photographer. There are plenty of those out there.
This is more of a philosophical account of how David duChemin makes a living following his passion. Well written with great case studies from other Visionmongers. Highly recommended
This is more of a philosophical account of how David duChemin makes a living following his passion. Well written with great case studies from other Visionmongers. Highly recommended
June 24, 2018
A great book for those considering a career in photography, this book is full of ideas, stories, and information on what to do as well as what not to do. David is a gifted writer who has a passion for photography and helping others. This book will help you decide to go all the way, or stay where you are. Read the book, make the choice.
October 8, 2023
Quite good advice on how to earn a decent living in a creative trade from someone who's been there buoyed by other testimonials and interviews with working photographers. Certainly recommended to anyone attempting to make a career out of photography.
January 4, 2012
If you are photographer considering going pro or even if you are already a professional photographer and just feel that you need some more direction in your business, this is a great read. This is not a technical photography book. This book assumes that you already know how to take good enough pictures to be a pro. But it does give some pretty solid advice on how to get your act together so you can make a living with your camera.
I highly recommend this book to all photographers, especially those just starting out in the business. I read it with a notebook, making notes and brainstorming about how to get my own business further off the ground. It was really great inspiration.
I highly recommend this book to all photographers, especially those just starting out in the business. I read it with a notebook, making notes and brainstorming about how to get my own business further off the ground. It was really great inspiration.
September 27, 2012
So far this book is amazing if you are looking for some inspiration in learning the photography business. Although David deChemin says that, "This book isn't a a textbook, an encyclopedic checklist, or God-forbid-a system. It's more like a sketchbook of ideas, wisdom, and inspiration for photographers braving the water of vocational photography in particularly turbulent times." David is not try to make guidelines for every single photographer out there because he knows that everybody is different and how they approach it will be different. Think of this book more along the lines of trial and error and finding out what works best for you.
April 6, 2011
Definitely a must read for any photographer who dreams about one day making a career out of it. Don't read this book if you're looking for any secrets. Every story is about a lot of hard work, persistence and even then you need some luck. If after reading this book you're still optimistic then you probably have the right personality to do it.
Why'd I dock it one star? The book is full of success stories. I think it would have been nice to read about a few horror stories to better illustrate the pitfalls, but I think it must not be in David Cuchemin nature. He's is too nice. :)
Why'd I dock it one star? The book is full of success stories. I think it would have been nice to read about a few horror stories to better illustrate the pitfalls, but I think it must not be in David Cuchemin nature. He's is too nice. :)
June 4, 2010
a fantastic 'real world' look at photography ,but could easily be about architecture, art, painting.... any artistic passion.
I thought I would skim this book, but I read it cover to cover, in one sitting.
I love the interviews with the photographers, and I love the organic feeling of how it was written -- much less like a manual, and much more like I had a one on one conversation with David Duchemin.
HIGHLY HIGHLY recommended.
I thought I would skim this book, but I read it cover to cover, in one sitting.
I love the interviews with the photographers, and I love the organic feeling of how it was written -- much less like a manual, and much more like I had a one on one conversation with David Duchemin.
HIGHLY HIGHLY recommended.
July 14, 2010
This is the book you need to read if you want to work with passion in photography and not just as a hobby. The only downside: this book can't make you go do your work, it can only inspire you to do so.
December 31, 2012
A great book with amazing stories. It does seem a bit generic with the advice it gives at the beginning, but once you get past that it gives great advice on marketing and branding yourself. A good book for any photographer!
November 28, 2009
I would give 5 stars to the photographs in this book both by Duchemin and the contributors but the writing just did not grab me and I found it repetitive to the point of boredom.
December 10, 2010
Great advice and inspiration for anyone considering becoming a professional photographer.
May 1, 2014
Love David's focus on the importance of vision, mixed with practical advice on making a business work.
May 10, 2011
Great read.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews