Posted by Jamie Botdorf on January 25, 2010 at 12:07 AM
A few years ago I picked up the helpful "Business of Nature Photography" book by John Shaw. I found if very informative, but even then, it was a bit outdated. Does anyone have a recommendation on a good guide to the business side of nature photography in an era of micro-stock houses, web/blogs, e-zines, etc.?
The only books I've come across lately are geared toward studio photography or the brief mentions of the business-side of photography in the how-to nature photography guides.
Any recommendations are appreciated. I'm at a point where I'd like to get more serious about the business side of my work.
Thanks!
Posted by Richard Wong on January 25, 2010 at 2:48 AM
You should check out John Harrington's book - Best Business Practices for Photographers. This is probably the most comprehensive book there is on running a photo business regardless of your genre.
Count me #3 on the Harrington recommendation, but for us that's the small part of the equation. The time and money invested in consultation of a good CPA acquainted with taxes for businesses and artists have been priceless to us. He took us far beyond anything in guide books, but the books like Harrington are invaluable portals in the process.
I think that NATURE photography is such a specialized genre of photography, most likely you will not be too happy with the general approach of Harrington.
One reasons there is no such book out there (as far as I know) is exactly because it (the business) has changed so much and no ne really knows any fix rules for e-zines, what blogs are worth or websites in general, micro stock versus Getty/Corbis etc etc.
If one would take the time and tries to write and research all the info, such a book might be a good seller. danger is, by the time you are going to print, it might all be different again...
I (used to) teach workshops on that subject and always try to keep up to date, but it is pretty difficult...
some parts in J Shaws book are still ok, though. the way you should approach a magazine or book publishers is not too much different now.
not sure, but I believe Mike Moats (of NPN) has something like a business guide for nature photogs. gotta check out his website.
Discussion
4 repliesThe only books I've come across lately are geared toward studio photography or the brief mentions of the business-side of photography in the how-to nature photography guides.
Any recommendations are appreciated. I'm at a point where I'd like to get more serious about the business side of my work.
Thanks!
One reasons there is no such book out there (as far as I know) is exactly because it (the business) has changed so much and no ne really knows any fix rules for e-zines, what blogs are worth or websites in general, micro stock versus Getty/Corbis etc etc.
If one would take the time and tries to write and research all the info, such a book might be a good seller. danger is, by the time you are going to print, it might all be different again...
I (used to) teach workshops on that subject and always try to keep up to date, but it is pretty difficult...
some parts in J Shaws book are still ok, though. the way you should approach a magazine or book publishers is not too much different now.
not sure, but I believe Mike Moats (of NPN) has something like a business guide for nature photogs. gotta check out his website.
georg