for all the misnomers

5 short video

1 and 2 are what you should / could get paid
3-5 are Copyright info

hope this helps everyone

 

Thanks for the link. Only tidbits, but he's spot-on about the cost and nature of business that most people don't fully consider. Too bad stock photography and crappy B-to-B photography services are lowering the opportunities out there.

 

For people who are seriously thinking of doing this as a business, I recommend John Harrington's book. The information in there is absolutely invaluable. I've also heard of good things about the ASMP book as well. The further I go along the path from amateur to pro, the more I realise that the photography is at times the easiest bit; the business side of it is the hardest part.

Google CODB calculator, and then punch in the values in the field; you'd be surprised at how much you have to bill just to break even

I was just having lunch with a friend who's in the same boat as I am today and I was flabbergasted at what he did. Two magazines published his photos submitted by models that he did a shot with. It was originally a TF shoot, and he didn't have her sign a release. Bad bad bad business practice. (just to give you a short example) He got NOTHING except photo credits, IF that.

 

As a working pro I offer this, never EVER sell yourself short. Stick to your rates and deliver a fair product to your customer. They will come back.

 

A photographer friend once told me "photography used to be fun until I started making money from it"

 

^^ Aint that the truth!!!

 

That's what I hear also.

 

I've heard that same thing from every pro I've talked to. That's why I don't want to do photography as a job - it is too much fun to kill.

On the other hand, I am now freelancing for our local newspaper, but giving them images for free. I'm also doing free stuff for charities. This way they can all give me something to shoot (an assignment) and I can approach things anyway I like - no bosses! It also gives me stuff for the resume (if that is ever needed) and makes me feel like I'm making a contribution

 

^^ Thats cool, and it will also get you access to some good stuff some day

 

I am in between. I have done paid shoots, and have also donated a number of photographs to societies I consider important. I have donated a number of images to National Parks, to the Wildlife Conservation society, and things of that nature. I have abandoned the modeling/studio work, and now only sell photos from my travels. The modeling/studio work was destroying my love of photography.