The Business of Studio Photography: How to Start and Run a Successful Photography Studio [Paperback]

Edward Lilley (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2002

Portrait and wedding photographers will find scores of proven-effective strategies for starting a new studio or improving an existing one in this thoroughly updated edition of the industry classic. This volume provides practical advice and surefire strategies for every aspect of operating a photography studio: from choosing a location, financing, and equipping the business to pricing jobs, negotiating with photo labs, and selling to the public. Here are scores of no-nonsense guidelines for devising short- and long-term business plans, handling paperwork effectively, conducting public relations and self-promotion programs, and more. Also included is an all-new section on the use of digital photography as well as completely revised lists of Web sites, equipment, and other photography resources. " . . . the book could help photographers avoid some of the distress of a highly competitive studio business."–Studio Photography.

Editorial Reviews

Review

An investment in the book could help photographers avoid some of the distress of a highly competitive studio business -- Studio Photography

It is the most useful manual on studio startup that I have ever seen -- Bob Snell, Technical Editor, Shutterbug

Launch and run a new photography studio or make an existing one work more efficiently through Edward Lilley's Business of Studio Photography, a business guide written by a veteran photographer and studio owner. From choosing a location to financing the business, this provides valuable keys to operating a studio photography venture -- The Midwest Book Review --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Edward R. Lilley has run a successful photography business for more than two decades. He has operated his business, E.R. Lilley Photography in Harwichport, Massachusetts since arriving from Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada in 1979. He is a former president of the New England chapter of the Professional Photographers of America, the Professional Photographers of Massachusetts, and a founder and former president of the Professional Photographers of Cape Cod. He has been awarded the titles of Master of Photography, Craftsman of Photography, Master of Photographic Art, Qualified Family Photographer, Certified Professional Photographer, and Accredited Portrait and Wedding Photographer by the Professional Photographers of America.



Lilley graduated from high school in Bristol, Connecticut in 1963. After attending Bates College in 1963-64, he went on to earn a B.S. degree in physics and an M.S. degree in geophysics from the University of Alaska. He was six months from a Ph.D. degree in space physics from the University of Alberta when he decided to become a professional photographer. Ed Lilley and his wife Susan have been married for more than 30 years, and they have three sons, Hayes, Bryce, and Wyeth. They have lived on Cape Cod since 1979, where Sue is an active partner in the studio, being in charge of office management, print finishing, and portrait/wedding sales.



Lilley has received two National Awards (1995, 1992) from chapters of the Professional Photographers of America, and in 1996, he received the Diamond Award for service. He has written numerous articles for regional and national magazines and has been a speaker at many local, state, and regional conventions in Canada and the United States.

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Allworth Press; Revised edition (September 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 158115254X
• ISBN-13: 978-1581152548
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 6.7 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (35 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #631,340 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

49 of 50 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best I Have Seen So Far...., September 6, 2002

By 

S. Johnson (Jacksonville Beach, FL United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Business of Studio Photography: How to Start and Run a Successful Photography Studio (Paperback)

This is the best book on how to run the "business" aspect of a photography studio that I have seen. It's obvious that the author is very experienced in the profession and the book is loaded with tips and personal experiences that will save you time, stress, and money. I thought I could just open up a photography business and be successful, but after reading this book I found out that there was a lot I didn't know. I'm still going to pursue a career in photography, only now I'll be much smarter about it. READ THIS BOOK if you are thinking about making a living in photography!

35 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Book on the BUSINESS of Photography Ever, August 25, 2000

By 

J. Craig Shearman (Ellicott City, MD USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Business of Studio Photography: How to Start and Run a Successful Photography Studio (Paperback)

This is the best book on starting a photography BUSINESS I've ever read. This is for the photographer who already knows photography but needs help with the business side of running a studio -- from how to keep financial records to marketing your work. Lilley explains details of how to develop your price list, issues about whether to buy or lease equipment, tax issues, real estate, advertising, etc. It doesn't have ANY photos or very little technical how-to because it is a book on the BUSINESS of photography. If I had had this book 20 years ago I would have opened my studio then instead of waiting until now. This should be considered the Bible of photography business. This and Steve Sint's wedding photography book are must-reads for anyone entering the photo business.

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Don't Start a Business Without It, August 13, 2006

By 

Raymond J. Alstrom (Victoria, TX) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Business of Studio Photography: How to Start and Run a Successful Photography Studio (Paperback)

I bought this book based on the very positive reviews on Amazon. It's apparent why this book is rated so highly. The author exudes common sense. We all like to think we're common sensical people, but sometimes our opinions and the ideas we form keep us from seeing the entire picture. That's where this book comes in. The author relays his vast photography business experience in terms that we can easily comprehend. His style is very encouraging versus a lot of warnings. Anyone who is even in the thinking stages of starting a photography business - whether on a small scale or large - owes it to themselves to read this book first.