Learn The Photography Business From A Pro

Learn self-editing techniques so when you show your photographs to clients you are 100% certain the details in your image are perfect.  You want to make a good impressions with clients and be a step above the competition.  With a little time and effort, you can put yourself in the running for some brilliant jobs.

In the previous lesson we discussed the importance of becoming your own best critic.  An 8 Point Photo Quality Checklist was also presented to you.  This checklist is a guide to use to be certain your photos are technically perfect.  Now it is time to put your understanding of the checklist into practice with this exercise.

Your photographs can be stronger and more meaningful for clients by including a compelling back story, or behind the scenes glimpses to your process.  Often, this can make the difference between being chosen for a job, or not.  In this lesson we discuss the notion of a good back story.

A photo with a good behind the scenes description versus a photo without a caption could be the difference between being considered for a photo assignment and being told no thank you from a client.  Choose a variety of your photographs and practice writing a good back story description for each photo.

What was not good yesterday, may be splendid today.  Let's explore your archives - the photos you set aside because they were not so appealing?  Is the same true today?  Learn the importance of re-visiting your photographs with a new set of eyes.

Summary of the lessons from Section 2 - from becoming a self-editor to preparing emotionally for the photography business.

For you and your photographs to be given the attention they deserve from clients, being original is so very important.  This lesson takes you through an exercise for you to see firsthand how much of the work produced today is similar.  You will also reflect on your own work and determine how your photographs are different than every other photographer's photos.

Clear up the definition of style and why it is important, especially when a client receives your portfolio.  We will take time for you to define your own style and clearly state how your images are different than every other photographer's photos.

Photography is a business and you will need to play many roles in order to succeed.  Understand there is more to the business than clicking the shutter button on your camera.

Your success depends on you.  This is a scary thought of sorts but you are in control of where your photography career goes.  Understand how you can determine how successful you can become as a photographer.  

No matter how small or large, a success is a success.  Learn the importance of starting local and how each success is a stepping stone to the next success.

Mark shares his own experience about starting little and starting local.  We all begin in the same place.  With creative thinking the possibilities are (almost) endless.  Keep a keen open mind and anything can happen.

Let's Stop and make a list of every single local business that could hire you as a photographer.  If needed, take a walk around town or drive around with a pen and a notebook.  There are more businesses needing your services than you realise.

Gain experience locally before launching into the vast world of photography.  Understand why and how small successes are important for the next step of your career.  Everything counts in the photography business so don't think small successes don't matter.

Building a business takes time.  Three years to get established as a professional photographer?  Yes, it's true.  Understand the role of marketing in your photography business.

There are 3 P's of marketing you must apply to your photography business in order to succeed.  We will put into practice the three key elements of marketing for your own photography business.  Be sure to open the "Three Questions" PDF to complete this exercise.

Just beginning a photography business, or any business, can be overwhelming when all you really want to do is take cool photos.  Let's discuss how to keep everything in perspective and simple in your mind so you're not overwhelmed.

We have all been told social media is a must in order for our photography business to succeed.  If you want to be noticed, then a Facebook page, Twitter account, Snapchat, Instagram, etc are necessary.  BUT, are these social media platforms really going to advance your photography business?  My aim in this lesson is not to tell you to not use social media, but to question their effectiveness.

An overview of the essential elements of a photographer's website such as Home Page, Portfolio Pages, About Page, Contact Page.  The page names are obvious, though how the pages are constructed is important for the best possible impact for a viewer and search engines.  Also, understand why incorporating a blog into a website will help a photographer build a business.  

The Portfolio Pages of a photographer's website are the home for the best of your images; the images that best represent you as a photographer.  A discussion of the most effective ways to present images for the most impact.   The Portfolio Page(s) is/are where you impress your clients and/or potential clients.  It is important to make the best impact possible.  We discuss how to do just that.

The Home Page is your most important page of your website.  Understand the importance of the Home Page not only to your viewer but also search engines.  Also discussed are key elements to include for easy navigation.  The home page is the place where you need to impress visitors so they mover further into your website.

Is the About Page all about you, or is there more?  This lesson will take you through the important elements of a photographer's website about page.  There should be a benefit to your viewer throughout your website including the bio page.  Additionally, we discuss including contact details so clients can find you.

There are a host of reasons why incorporating a Blog onto a photographer's website is a wise idea.  A blog is where your personality, interests, behind the scenes stories and even your photographic process can shine.  Is a blog only for you to keep a journal or are there other benefits?  Will viewers of your website like a blog?  If so, why?  What role does a blog play with regard to search engines?  These questions and more are discussed in this lesson.

To succeed as a photographer, building a strong client base is essential.  Your client base is built through relationships you create.  You introduce yourself, then consistently stay in contact.  This lesson is all about the importance of client-photographer relationships and how to begin creating them.  Here is a secret - consistency is key. 

Taking photographs and preparation to promote your photography is a lot of work.  The work, however, does not stop here.  You must show up consistently to be noticed and remembered by the clients with which you want to work.  An introduction to building relationships, which is the key to building a business that lasts.

If you're keen to be hired as a professional photographer, a compelling resume is a brilliant way to start.  Follow my simple tips for writing a photographer's resume.

The photography world has changed significantly over the last 10 years, though the photography community is stronger than it has ever been.  Traditional forms of income generation are dying, but the evolving world has opened up many more doors of opportunity.  Get prepared for the journey ahead.

As a photographer, expect your income to come from a variety of sources.  A discussion of eight viable sources of income you can expect.

As a professional photographer you must rely on a variety of sources if you want to earn a reasonable income.  In the PDF attached to this lesson, Mark shares and describes eight viable sources of income for photographers.  If you are a creative thinker and great at self-promotion you can expand your opportunities well beyond the norm.  Also included are travel companies that are actively looking for your photographs and stock photography trends.

If you are just beginning, shadowing or working with a mentor can be a tremendous help to you as a photographer.  A mentor can offer you a real world valuable education as you can experience firsthand how the photography business works.

Some days might seem like it's you against the world.  Prepare yourself for these times and make the most of them.  Turn the dark days into bright ones and we will discuss believing in yourself.  

Your camera is merely a tool - that's all it is.  You are the one in control of each and every photograph you take.  You are the one with the knowledge and you share this knowledge with your camera.  We will discuss your power and ability to make your camera do what you want it to do.

We are all prone to making mistakes.  Some mistakes are minor.  Some mistakes are costly.  Know and understand it is ok to make mistakes; the world will not end.  Also know when you are making mistakes when working with a client to keep them to a bare minimum.

When you put your photographs into the public forum (online) or show them to a client, be ready for unsolicited comments about your work.  Some commentary you receive will be good, though you might receive harsh criticism when you least expect it.  Understand everyone is a critic and know how to deal with the good and the bad.

Go on location with a professional photographer and learn firsthand the approach and techniques a pro uses to get "the" shot.  Though shot at night, the approach can translate to any genre of photography.

In almost every genre of the photography business it is very possible for your life to change.  Often photography can be more than simply taking photographs - if you open your heart and your mind.  As a travel photographer, Mark has had many life changing experiences.  He shares behind the scene stories proving photography is an education of life.

One of the first questions you may receive as a photographer is - What camera do you use?  Does it matter which camera you use?  No, not really, though Mark shares what is in his camera bag from his lass assignment.

When you are not working with clients, personal projects can strengthen your skills.  Additionally, personal projects can lead to income generation.  I share with you various personal projects I worked on during my spare time that led to some of the greatest successes I've had as a professional photographer.

So you’ve turned pro and have greatly improved your skills. In addition, you’ve managed to add a lot of interesting and enticing entries in your portfolio. You believe that you are ready to conquer the world.  In reality, though, there are still a lot of things you need to work on to be able to comfortably and confidently proclaim that you are a true professional photographer.

Discussion of the importance of practicing your photography skills even after you think you've mastered the craft.  The technical bits of photography are important though mastering composition is the key to great photography.  Trends change, and with so much competition in the photography world, it is best to stay on top of curve.  Attached are seven creative exercises to challenge your creativity for you to do at your leisure.