The Real Business of Photography

By Richard Weisgrau

Book Overview

This honest, tell-all guide is written by one of the best-known players of the media photography business. Drawing from decades of experience as a working photographer and industry leader, the author... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1581153503
• ISBN13: 9781581153507
• Release Date: May 2004
• Publisher: Allworth
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 3.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.3" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

Excellent book for anyone wanting to start a photography business.

This is an excellent source of no-nonsense advice about starting or revamping an existing photography business. In fact, much of the information contained is applicable to any business. Richard Weisgrau gives the reader practical steps on everything from writing down a strategic vision, to analyzing the markets you want to reach, to negotiating prices and getting paid. It's all laid out in an easy to read and understand format that makes the concepts accessible to even the most non-business savvy. In fact, contrary to the notion that only certain people are cut out to be entrepreneurs, in this book Richard takes the position that if you can visualize the steps to a photograph, you can visualize the steps to a business. I found this to be a very refreshing perspective. I would highly recommend this book to anyone starting a photography business.

A photo-specific business guide

Richard Weisgrau's Real Business Of Photography is copublished with the American Society of Media Photographers, draws on the author's decades of experience as a working photographer and photographer's advocate, and provides a candid assessment which debunks many popular myths of a photography business. A healthy dose of business savvy lends to a photo-specific business guide.

Excellent source of practical advice

I was really impressed with this book. I've read a quite few books on the business of photography lately, and along with Lou Jacob's "The Big Picture" I think this book should be essential reading for all commercial photographers. I found the chapters on promotion, networking, sales technique and debt collection extremely useful. However I didn't give this book 5 stars because I found the authors stance on copyright a bit limp wristed (i.e. you can licence images for exclusive unlimited use, in perpetuity - so why would you ever need to hand over copyright?) and the advice on writing your own terms and conditions just seems down right dangerous. Other than that I think "The Real Business of Photography" is brilliant!

Very useful tool!

This book has really set my wheels in motion for fine tuning my photography business approach. Though I've had a successful studio for 22 years, this book has so many good business ideas and details, I can really apply it directly to my operation. The deal negotiation analysis is fascinating, and based on real-life situations. Thanks for a great reference source!!

The one essential Photography Business Guide

Weisgrau's book, compiled with the American Society of Media Photographers is a non-BS guide and a must for any student or working photographer. With his years of experience, he has put together a comprehensive guide covering everything from strategic planning to copyright registration. It is well written, easily understandable, and provides even the most experienced pro with current tnformation. This is the book to have. It provides not just the legal details, but inspires long range thinking for the professional photographer . Leif Skoogfors