16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A great image is just the beginning!, June 12, 2011
This review is from: Marketing Fine Art Photography (Paperback)
"I know people in the ranks who are going to stay in the ranks. Why? I'll tell you why. Simply because they haven't the ability to get things done!" -- Dale Carnegie
Seemingly addressing the thousands of photographers who would like to make (or make more) money selling their photography comes this challenge from a professional who made enough money from the sales of one print to pay for his house in cash, "Put up or shut up." That's the message that lies between the lines in Alain Briot's third book, Marketing Fine Art Photography. Briot's point of view isn't intended to be harsh, but revelatory for the casual shooter.
His first two books helped readers learn how to master composition and creativity, develop their own personal style, and learn landscape photography. Now he reveals the results of years of hard work, trial and error, and experimentation to become a successful purveyor of fine art photography.
Briot says that the first key component of long term success (both artistically and financially) is, "Photography must be your career in order to succeed." He re-iterates this point in his three part definition of "fine art photography." The three parts are: artistic, technical, and marketing, each of which is further divided into as many as fourteen parts. He says, "The photographer must consider himself an artist." For Briot, a photographer doesn't "capture an image", he "creates art". Both the career choice and self image as an artist are quite simply attitudes -- attitudes not fully embraced by the photographic hobbyist.
As my personal sales mentor,Jim Winner
Split Second Choice: The Power of Attitude, always says, "You have to accept responsibility for your own attitude," if you're going to be successful at doing what Briot recommends with the title of Chapter One: "Taking Control of Your Destiny." In his studies and research, Alain Briot draws upon the work and inspiration of people like John Maxwell, Zig Ziglar, Percy Whiting and Dale Carnegie. Carnegie used to tell people to speak or write about something for which they had earned the right to talk about. Briot certainly has earned the right in this instance and has the success to back it up.
Marketing Fine Art Photography is divided into six parts that takes readers through the necessary steps required to achieve the level of success they desire. This reviewer would encourage readers to become students and learn from Briot's experiences. Apply his principals from creating a best seller on purpose to using marketing tools and selecting venues from which to make the best sales. (Venues discussed include everything from art shows to social media to affiliate programs.)
Each chapter ends with a "Skill Enhancement Exercise" to help students assess their own situations and apply what they've learned. In the "Conclusion," Briot returns to attitude with a chapter titled, "Art is not a commodity." We agree. Art is not a basic need like food but rather something we want. Art adds meaning to our lives and fulfills an inner desire that transcends just another picture hanging on the wall. If you are a photographer and have the desire to provide for those needs of your fellow man, turn pro, make it a career and follow Briot's steps to success.
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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent - Clear, Concise, Informative for Fine Art Photography, June 14, 2011
This review is from: Marketing Fine Art Photography (Paperback)
After waiting several months for the release of this book, I was pleasantly surprised how readable, clear, concise and justified the approach was. The author clearly differentiates between fine art photography and other forms (ie, stock photography for example). If you are searching for ways to monetize your hobby...this is probably NOT the book for you. On the other hand, if you are searching for tried and true methods of turning a "hobby" into a full-time artistic pursuit while creating a stream of income from your fine art...this IS the book for you.
The author takes the time to provide a strong foundation for fine art photography as compared to other forms - something the reader would be well advised to examine in brutal honesty. Does your photography really qualify as fine art? If not, can it or should you keep moving to find your own niche? From that foundation the author goes on to explore all of the nuts and bolts of selling, marketing, showing and networking including mention of recent technology ranging from payments to social media marketing. There is a superb balance between tried and tested methods and new approaches with an emphasis on realistic steps designed to help you begin at the basics and grow from there.
Exceptionally clear, very readable. Highly targeted and delivers exactly what is promised.
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9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
To Market, To Market, July 5, 2011
This review is from: Marketing Fine Art Photography (Paperback)
Often photographers believe that the images they capture are marketable to others, and have a yen to sell them. The way to do that is not always apparent, but Alain Briot offers one way.
The title makes clear what the book is about. It is not concerned with the creating of images. It is concerned with earning a living from the creation of fine art. Essentially he makes and repeats several points: if you don't market, you can't sell; go for small quantities and high prices; sell fine art photographs at art fairs. Everything else in the book supports these theses. The author convincingly repeats and amplifies these points over and over. If one buys into Briot's arguments, this book is quite thorough. He provides lots of details, ranging from the setting up of one's booth at an art fair to some of the most useful advice I've seen on preparing an artists statement.
Briot often sounds like a motivational speaker or a TV pitchman with his enthusiasm for his subject and I found that occasionally off-putting. Yet the content for his recommended type of marketing is certainly excellent. Although I might question whether the best way to make a living selling fine art photography is by peddling through art fairs, I must admit that his implementing recommendations make sense and agree with what artists who sell by this method tell me. On the other hand, many successful photographic artists make their living in other ways. For example, some photographers have supported themselves by selling through galleries which Briot notes is an entirely different road than he would recommend. Even so, some of the author's advice is applicable to other methods of selling fine art photographs. Most important is the recommendation that one can only sell fine art photographs by making a major effort to market. The author's recommendation to devote 50% of one's time to marketing may sound shocking but it rings true.
A few questions are glossed over. How can one tell if one's images are good enough to sell? Even though Briot has been financially successful, what are the odds that most photographers can achieve his level of success? Even the author seems to conclude that the only method of knowing the answers to these questions is to give them a sustained try. If the art fair route makes sense to you the book will provide an excellent foundation.
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