This revised second edition of the best-selling handbook provides practical, actionable insights on how to establish a successful photography business in the current climate.
Written from the perspective of a photographer's agent, this book offers the perfect viewpoint to honestly assess what works, what doesn't, and why some photographers succeed where others fail. Packed with useful templates and advice from leading photographers and commissioners working in all areas of the profession today, industry expert Lisa Pritchard covers all of the essentials: preparing the best portfolio and website; marketing yourself; getting clients; costing and producing shoots; finding representation; financing and running your business; navigating contracts and legal obligations; and more. Updated to take account of shifts in the industry and the increasing importance of digital marketing and social media, this book provides fresh insight and inspiration for the budding and established professional.
This book is essential reading for anyone who wants to be a professional photographer – whether studying to become one, thinking of a change of career, or wanting to know how to improve their existing photography business.
Introduction 1. What’s it like being a professional photographer? 2. Who buys photography? Where to find your clients 3. What sort of photographer are you? The options 4. The learning curve. Gaining knowledge and experience 5. Making the leap. The transition to becoming a professional photographer 6. Business basics 7. A start up business plan 8. Marketing and promotion. Getting clients 9. Pricing photography 10. The Small Print 11. Organising a photoshoot 12. Industry codes of practice and legal obligations 13. Agents, agencies, libraries and galleries 14. Building your business 15. Tips from the top: Professionals’ advice for success 16. Address Book 17. Business Templates
Biography
Lisa Pritchard is one of the UK’s leading photographers’ agents and has been working with and advising photographers for more than two decades. In 2002 she set up her own agency, LPA; she represents both established and emerging photographers and produces photoshoots for creative agencies and brands directly. She also offers portfolio reviews and a Pop Up Agent service to photographers without agents. Lisa has a keen interest in supporting and nurturing aspiring talent through her programme LPA Futures, which has launched the careers of many advertising photographers. She is also the author of Running a Successful Photography Business. For more information, visit her website at www.lisapritchard.com.
Praise for the first edition
By the end of reading Setting Up A Successful Photography Business I found it to be very informative, helpful and inspiring, with things that I have missed or did not fully understand before. It is presented clearly and written in easy to understand terminologies for anyone that are looking into a career of commercial or editorial photography, but the business discipline is universal to all. I think this book has enough information to get you off the starting line, and pointing you in the right directions, saving you a lot of time what and where you should go and do next.
- Sunny Lau, Director and Photographer, www.forty-forty.com
I was unsure of where to begin in setting up my own business before but after reading through Setting Up A Successful Photography Business I'm much more confident in knowing the steps I need to take. It's an extremely informative, easy to read book with varied topics covering all areas of starting up a business from the legal side of your career, financing and approaching companies/agencies to building your portfolio and marketing your business. The well-arranged chapters also make it effortless to jump to a particular section if need be. The inclusion of tips and quotes from working photographers adds depth to the book by giving genuine and up to date advice which I found to be very useful. I'd definitely recommend it to anyone wanting to make a career out of photography.
- Siobhan Stewart, Photographer, www.siobhanstewart.com
