With smartphones with high-quality cameras and free editing software, everyone can indulge in the art of photography. In light of this, many people have taken photography up as a hobby in the past decade. Moreover, many have proceeded to turn this hobby into a business. Although a photography business seems easy enough to start if you have the right tools, it is actually quite difficult. There are various things that you need to work on before you can turn your photography business into a successful one. It is important to do your research and to help you with the same, we have listed the 5 best photography business books.
The List of 5 Photography Business Books
Below we have listed the 5 best photography business books. They cover everything you need to know about this field. For example, the books discuss how you can choose your niche, find the right equipment, structure your business, and much more. Further, they also talk about how you can network and create a strong online presence to attract more clients.
1. Learning to See: A Photographer’s Guide from Zero to Your First Paid Gigs By David Molnar
Whether you want to improve your daily photography or make a full-time living as a photographer, David Molnar shows you where to begin. The five-part structure in this book instructs you on how to:
- See, have an idea for your shot, and carry it out.
- Shoot: learn how to use your camera properly.
- Edit: aids in recreating the mood of the shoot day.
- Develop: determine your photographic niche.
- Earn: Begin getting compensated for your artwork.
It is a tried-and-true method that every shooter employs, but few discuss it. However, using it will cut years off the learning slope David experienced as an amateur photographer.
2. ASMP Professional Business Practices in Photography By American Society of Media Photographers
This manual is completely updated with the most recent information on key business practices, industry standards, and resources. Further, it covers in detail digital asset management, the role of the Internet, and the effect of media consolidation on assignment and stock photography. The ASMP provides comprehensive advice on the complete spectrum of business and legal questions that photographers may have. Moreover, industry specialists discuss pricing and negotiating, ethics, rights in traditional and electronic media, publishing, and much more. This is the one reference book that every effective photographer should have on their bookshelf, with business and legal forms, checklists, and a comprehensive cross-media bibliography.
3. The Successful Professional Photographer By Roberto Valenzuela
To build a thriving company, you need a different kind of knowledge and a new set of tools. In this book, Roberto focuses on the business and marketing of your photography, so you can develop and sustain a highly profitable company as a photographer. Roberto discusses all of his hard-won experience with finding clients, marketing, and presenting your work. Further, he talks about getting paid what you are worth. Topics covered include:
- Instagram best practices and strategies
- Being discovered through SEO
- Promoting yourself and your work
- Developing long-term client relationships
- Using promotional videos to form personal connections with clients
- Why you should highlight your work in publications
And much more.
4. Best Business Practices for Photographers By John Harrington
This book is a complete and comprehensive guide for photographers starting, maintaining, and growing their businesses in order to achieve financial success and personal fulfillment. Accordingly, Harrington covers all of the important points of the professional photography company in great detail and with a friendly, conversational voice. Moreover, he provides today’s best practices that you need to know. This work discusses:
- How to Form Your Company
- Planning a shoot
- The worth of internships
- Setting your costs
- Pricing your work
- Using video in your company
- Marketing, branding, and social media
- How to handle a breach of contract
- Licensing your work
And much more.
This book is for you if you are just starting out in the photography industry or even a seasoned shooter seeking to improve your finances.
5. Take a Leap of Faith and Start a Photography Business By Russell Davis
Despite the fact that many people now own smartphones with excellent cameras, nothing beats the ability of a professional photographer. Photography services are simply more organized and efficient, resulting in better-looking images. This is the reason why a photography company is in high demand. However, starting a photography business is not easy. By finishing this book, you can reduce your odds of being discouraged.
In this book, you will learn:
- A list of the expenditures you should make
- How to go about legalizing your company
- A step-by-step guide to promoting your company
- Should you claim ownership of your images?
- What you should include in your contract
- Analyzing your company and “following” your competitors
And so much more!
You may also read: 5 Books on Influencer Marketing To Boost Your Business Through Social Media
Conclusion
This article lists the 5 best photography books. We have compiled a list that will truly help you excel in this venture. Everyone can try out photography as a hobby but very few can make a living out of it. With the help of these books, you will be able to turn your photography skills into a successful business.
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