Customer comments on this selection.
 Great Book!
If you want to become a professional photographer or already are a working photographer, this is the book you should buy first!
As a 15 year professional photographer I have learned things in this book that have made me thousands of dollars this year just by changing the way I invoice clients. And between this book, John's website, and blogs I hope to continue to make thousands more than I used to. I didnt know who John Harrington was until he came to a local Advertising Photographers of America seminar. I didnt buy the book initially, but I wish I had. Those wasted months cost me money.
Don't pass this up, add it to your cart now!
Thorough and based upon real experience
There's a lot more to earning a living with your photography than simply creating a great image. John's a successful pro and his advice is very thorough, very professional and based upon actual experience. Highly recommended!
A must for professional photographers
I read John's excellent book on business twice and then met him at the ASMP seminar in LA. This is not a how-to take good photos book rather a how-to negotiate effectively and stay in business and MAKE MONEY!
I have applied all his techniques and can promise it increased my income! I learned to price on usage and value.
Highly recommended to professional photographers and starting out photographers that would like to learn the business side of photography.
Jason
www.wallisphoto.com
You need this book!
I am always a little suspicious of reviews of books, since so many of them are made by friends of the author, but this book is definitely a "must read" for any photographer that is serious about making it in this business, regardless of what sector you are interested in. It definitely is an eye opener on some subjects, and makes you aware of things you never thought of, on others. Regardless of whether you are a working pro now, or thinking about it, buy this book, period! This book pretty much covers it all from a business standpoint. I'm glad I choose this one over all of the others.
No Stone Unturned
If you're looking for a behind-the-scenes view at what it takes to be a truly successful commercial photographer, this book offers about the best picture you're going to get. I don't think John leaves one stone unturned in detailing all the facets of the business. Here is a sampling of some of the topics covered:
- Tactical decision making and serving the overall strategy
- Importance of proper equipment
- Being prepared for the unexpected
- Working with employees, contractors, interns, and apprentices
- Pricing and licensing your work to stay in business
- A real cost-of-doing-business approach with a photography-tailored CODB calculator
- Proper bookkeeping and accounting
- All types of insurance needed, and the importance of a COI (certificate of insurance)
- Everything about legal issues including copyright registration, infringements, and contract breaches
- All types of contracts and negotiations with real-life examples, and when to say "no"
- Why you need an accountant and an attorney, and what to ask them
- Great methods for dealing with slow and non-paying clients
- The power of email and professional writing along with the use of proper signatures
- Great advice on proper storage archiving, redundancy, security, and the importance of backing up both onsite and offsite in this new digital age
John also offers ample recommended reading at the end of each chapter, and sites excellent references from other sources throughout the book. There's no question John has been around the block multiple times in this industry. Some of the stories he tells are invaluable lessons and give real insights into the rapport of the business. The book is also up to date with discussions on the new and various methods of tapping into that extra stock revenue using the latest stock portals such as Digital Railroad and PhotoShelter. Through all of this, John does not lose sight of the importance of the human aspect, covering everything from the proper care and feeding of your clients to ongoing education, networking, charity, and giving back. And in case you are wondering, he explains how it is possible to do what you love and still have time for your loved ones.
In summary, a fantastic book, and one that will have a lasting impact on both your business and your personal life. Thanks John for paying it forward.
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