Customer Reviews

Best Business Practices for Photographers

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Here's a well written photography book that most photographers will not want to read. That's because it's aimed at professional photographers who already have at least a little business experience under their belt. Moreover, it's aimed at assignment photographers, rather than studio or fine arts photographers, although some of the people who shoot in these genres may benefit from discussions of things like rights, pricing and insurance. It's all business, with no photographic technique or vision (although Harrington certainly does describe business techniques and vision). Finally, even though it's an excellent book, it does not deal with every aspect of the business of photography.

The author begins by reminding the professional photographer that he is in business. There is a brief discussion of equipment in which the author urges the readers to get the best equipment he or she can afford, and a warning that the professional had better consider the logistics of every job.

In another part Harrington discusses working with assistants, employees and contractors as well as pricing, including consideration of factors like retirement accounts and insurance. He discusses hiring accountants and lawyers. To me, the meat of the book is in the discussion of contracts. Besides furnishing the reader with samples of his own documents, he explains essential provisions. There are also chapters on infringement and enforcing contractual rights. There's a brief tour through archiving images, although the essence of Harrington's message is, read Peter Krogh's "The DAM Book", a point with which I heartily agree. The author also touches on the market for stock photographs.

He finishes the book with chapters on care and feeding of clients (literally), training yourself and others, and a discussion of your obligations to your family and community.

A theme that keeps coming through is the importance of protecting your work by making sure you keep your ownership interest in your images and that you charge enough for their use. I agree with Harrington, but he certainly is a little strident on the subject.

I do have bones to pick. He covers the IRS's 20 factors that determine if a person is an employee or a contractor, which is important if you don't want to be responsible for paying that person's Social Security and income taxes. He suggests ways of avoiding the characterization of a person working for you as an employee. However, if you follow his suggestions and comply with federal regulations, you may find yourself paying someone who can't be made useful to you, or alternatively paying those taxes at a later date. Read this section with care so that you understand the regulations, but then discuss it with your lawyer.

There is also a discussion of negotiating indemnity agreements in contracts. I suspect many readers don't even know the consequences of an indemnity agreement, which will make it difficult to negotiate these provisions. Hopefully this will be explained in the next edition.

Finally, Harrington is sometimes hardnosed in his advice for dealing with clients. If you follow his advice, you better make sure your diplomacy skills are also in place.

Photographers who are just getting started in business would probably benefit from reading books like "Starting Your Career As a Freelance Photographer" by Tad Crawford or "American Society of Media Photographers Professional Business Practices in Photography". However, once you are on the road as a professional, this is certainly a must-read book

...don't be confused. This book IS NOT for people who want to start a photography business. This book is for people who already run a photography business.

I wish I could give this book to every "photographer" on Craigslist who only charges $100 for a photo shoot. They don't realize they hurt the photo industry as a whole by undervaluing the craft. This book is an excellent wakeup call to anyone truly serious about making a living as a photographer.

Not only does this book cover solid business principles with real-world examples, it gives the reader insight into the value of the work we do as photographers. To me, this book says: "Don't sell yourself short. You are a business: start acting like it. Determine what it costs to be in business and charge accordingly."

If you're serious about making a living as a photographer, read this.

If you're looking for a behind-the-scenes view at what it takes to be a truly successful commercial photographer, this book offers about the best picture you're going to get. I don't think John leaves one stone unturned in detailing all the facets of the business. Here is a sampling of some of the topics covered:

- Tactical decision making and serving the overall strategy
- Importance of proper equipment
- Being prepared for the unexpected
- Working with employees, contractors, interns, and apprentices
- Pricing and licensing your work to stay in business
- A real cost-of-doing-business approach with a photography-tailored CODB calculator
- Proper bookkeeping and accounting
- All types of insurance needed, and the importance of a COI (certificate of insurance)
- Everything about legal issues including copyright registration, infringements, and contract breaches
- All types of contracts and negotiations with real-life examples, and when to say "no"
- Why you need an accountant and an attorney, and what to ask them
- Great methods for dealing with slow and non-paying clients
- The power of email and professional writing along with the use of proper signatures
- Great advice on proper storage archiving, redundancy, security, and the importance of backing up both onsite and offsite in this new digital age

John also offers ample recommended reading at the end of each chapter, and sites excellent references from other sources throughout the book. There's no question John has been around the block multiple times in this industry. Some of the stories he tells are invaluable lessons and give real insights into the rapport of the business. The book is also up to date with discussions on the new and various methods of tapping into that extra stock revenue using the latest stock portals such as Digital Railroad and PhotoShelter. Through all of this, John does not lose sight of the importance of the human aspect, covering everything from the proper care and feeding of your clients to ongoing education, networking, charity, and giving back. And in case you are wondering, he explains how it is possible to do what you love and still have time for your loved ones.

In summary, a fantastic book, and one that will have a lasting impact on both your business and your personal life. Thanks John for paying it forward.

While the book is meant for full-time working photographers, this book taught me a great deal about what it would be like if I relied on photography for all of my income. I license stock images occasionally and this book opened my eyes to issues I don't deal with due to my limited vocation experience. I think the title should be "Case Studies: Best Business Practices for Photographers" as the author uses actual examples from his business in many lessons, and it gives the reader a blow-by-blow account of what he does from start to finish on many photographic jobs. After reading this I have learned much, and more importantly, become more aware of what I'm ignorant about in this industry.

I got my hands on a copy of this book last night, and found it addictive. I noticed the raves from presidents of NPPA, ASMP, and APA on the back cover, and was impressed. Reading it last night, the book met, if not exceeded, the expections set by such prestigious reviewers. It was very real world, with tons of examples of contracts, negotiation tactics (as the author negotiated assignments and stock sales you see the back and forth via emails), and advice on how to avoid the many pitfalls we face as photographers today. I am putting to use many of his suggestions and recommendations starting tommorrow! A definite MUST HAVE book!

After I bought this book, I read it straight through without putting it down. This is a great book and you won't be disappointed. This book is written so well, that it has knowledge for the beginning photographer all the way through the experienced pro. Clearly the best photo business book I have ever read. John Harrington uses witt and examples to enforce his points. A must-have book for any serious photographer in the business. The book is up-to-date, so buy it soon.

I have been attending John Harrington's seminars in a variety of locations for the past 4 years. John's knowledge of the photography industry is second to none. In his seminars, John shares what used to be considered "trade secrets" by most other photographers. He captures what he's learned in nearly two decades of successful business and willingly shares it with photographers who can immediately apply to their own businesses what they've just learned.

At most of his seminars, John gives away handouts (binders, really) that would be considered a book in and of themselves. It's about time someone asked John to get all this down on paper and publish it. Most of my seminar handouts are well worn at the corners and filled with hand-written notes; one has actually been re-photocopied and wire-bound. I'm looking forward to having what should be an excellent addition to my library of photography reference books.

I am always a little suspicious of reviews of books, since so many of them are made by friends of the author, but this book is definitely a "must read" for any photographer that is serious about making it in this business, regardless of what sector you are interested in. It definitely is an eye opener on some subjects, and makes you aware of things you never thought of, on others. Regardless of whether you are a working pro now, or thinking about it, buy this book, period! This book pretty much covers it all from a business standpoint. I'm glad I choose this one over all of the others.

I read John's excellent book on business twice and then met him at the ASMP seminar in LA. This is not a how-to take good photos book rather a how-to negotiate effectively and stay in business and MAKE MONEY!
I have applied all his techniques and can promise it increased my income! I learned to price on usage and value.
Highly recommended to professional photographers and starting out photographers that would like to learn the business side of photography.
Jason
www.wallisphoto.com