Product Description

The rapid evolution of digital photography and the ease of distribution over the Internet has transformed the photo industry. Everything from marketing and sales to competitive pricing and job security has been affected. And now that the flood gates have come down, everyone from semi-pros to amateurs to the common consumer affects how business is done, whether it's pricing, assignments, or just getting your photos seen by potential buyers. In a market once dominated by agencies and seasoned professionals, succeeding in today's industry demands a fresh new approach. For those who are just starting out or those who are established photographers trying to compete more effectively in a changing market, Dan Heller's book Profitable Photography in the Digital Age provides a new and progressive approach to understanding and succeeding in the photography business in today's market. It will help established photographers find new strategies for diversifying revenue streams and adding nontraditional sources of income. For serious amateurs, this book explores realistic perspectives on what to expect and how to gauge their aptitudes for making it in this highly competitive arena. Profitable Photography in the Digital Age shows how photography is more accessible than ever to the average person, even though making money with photography can be more challenging. It also offers new ways of teaching (and learning) the basics of the photo industry apart from just making an impressive portfolio or reaching the right art director. It outlines some of the available paths to success, examines the methods available and provides the analysis on which methods achieve the desired results. While there is heavy competition, many new opportunities have opened up and more buyers are entering the field. "The digital era isn't just about making great websites or being great at photoshop," says Heller. "One must be able to work within that and many other mediums to broaden one's reach and market segments. What's more," he says, "the buyer's perception of images and the culture of the business has also taken an abrupt turn that isn't as accommodating to the traditional models as it once was." By following Heller's strategies and integrating the concepts presented in Profitable Photography in the Digital Age, anyone who wants to have a career in the photo industry will have the tools he or she needs to succeed.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #189455 in Books
• Published on: 2005-06-01
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 256 pages

From the Publisher
The ultimate digital-age resource for the serious amateur considering a career in photography and the professional wanting to take an existing businesses to the next level! Written by a professional photographer and Internet technology entrepreneur, this guide explains the fundamental shifts within the photography industry since the inception of digital imaging and the Internet. By explaining how business is done now, this book helps photographers understand what it takes to sell, deliver, and compete in today's market. Eschewing the "one size fits all" approach of other guides, this book explores an extensive range of business models to help the reader determine the best approach for selling his or her own photography. Whether working with film or the latest digital equipment, photographers will find real-world insights to crucial topics such as: setting business expectations; applying business sense; marketing photography successfully; setting prices; selling prints; running a Web-based photography business; working with stock photography agencies; legally protecting images; and much more. Profitable Photography in the Digital Age includes special tips for photographers selling images for posters, postcards, and calendars, as well as a photography equipment list. Any photographer wanting to think smartly and analytically about his or her business will need this book.

From the Author
"Today, success in photography is more akin to how the nature of politics changed when television was introduced in the 1960s' sit-com's and not really about the technology," says Heller. "It's about knowing how your target audience has changed and how to reach it."

From the Inside Flap
Since the arrival of digital imaging and Internet distribution, the photography market has exploded. Written by a professional photographer and Internet technology entrepreneur, Profitable Photography in the Digital Age explains the major shifts within the industry. Fundamental business principles are used to analyze what makes a successful photography business. Whether working with film or the latest digital equipment, photographers will learn what it takes to sell, deliver, and compete in today's market. Included are insights into crucial topics such as:

Getting into the business - Successfully marketing your photography - Pricing and selling your work - Negotiating with clients - Running your photography business on the Web - Working with stock photography agencies - Legally protecting images - And much more

For established photographers trying to compete more effectively and those just starting out, Profitable Photography in the Digital Age provides a intelligent approach to getting your business off the ground or lifting it to new heights.

Customer Reviews

A good dose of reality
The best book on the Photography business to date. It may be hard for some to swallow, but sometimes when you are forced to look in the mirror and evaluate the decisions you have made in your life and career, it's easy to criticize the one forcing you to do so. Dan has written a book that should be a classic for anyone even thinking about making money from photography at any level, be it just an amateur wanting to make a few bucks to support his equipment habit, or the serious photography looking to make a true career in the business. A must read for the new and the seasoned.

Profitable Photography is tough to get through
While this book was intended to be directed to photographers, I feel it is firstly just another sales book. The jargon and hairsplitting discussion on career direction and the importance of branding your product had a few nuggets of helpful information, nonetheless finding a way to apply it to my needs was a stretch.

Yet another chatty "how to" book
I wanted to love this book. I was impressed by Mr Heller's web site and his straight forward talk there, I thought the book would be a continuation from his web sit. Well, he talks a lot, almost chatter. Sure, it all makes sense but most of it is just plain old common sense. I wish I had saved my money.