The Real Business of Photography [Paperback]

Richard Weisgrau (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2004

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 defies popular business myths and trend-driven behavior by providing a fresh, common-sense approach to running a photography business. The essentials of running a photography business are covered-from setting a strategic vision to managing finances.




• Protects photographers from business consultants who sell them expensive, impractical business concepts

• A perfect companion to ASMP Professional Business Practices in Photography (1-58115-197-7)

• Advertising to include Photo District News, Professional Photographer, and Shutterbug

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Richard Weisgrau, a professional photographer, operated one of Philadelphia’s largest commercial photography studios for over fifteen years. He then served as executive director of ASMP (American Society of Media Photographers). He has negotiated within a continuum from the small services contract to major industry agreements and political deals. He has taught the subject nationwide and has published numerous books on the business side of photography, including The Real Business of Photography, The Photographer’s Guide to Negotiating, and Licensing Photography. He lives in Narbeth, Pennsylvania.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Allworth Press; 1st edition (May 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1581153503
• ISBN-13: 978-1581153507
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #162,524 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #37 in Books > Arts & Photography > Photography > Professional

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent source of practical advice, June 28, 2005

By 

A. Key - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Real Business of Photography (Paperback)

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!

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The one essential Photography Business Guide, November 7, 2004

By 

Leif Skoogfors (Media, PA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Real Business of Photography (Paperback)

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

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very useful tool!, February 26, 2005

By 

Eric Roth (Topsfield, MA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Real Business of Photography (Paperback)

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!!