Customer Reviews

The Real Business of Photography

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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!

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

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!!

This is an excellent source of no-nonsense advice about starting or revamping an existing photography business. In fact, much of the information contained is applicable to any business. Richard Weisgrau gives the reader practical steps on everything from writing down a strategic vision, to analyzing the markets you want to reach, to negotiating prices and getting paid. It's all laid out in an easy to read and understand format that makes the concepts accessible to even the most non-business savvy. In fact, contrary to the notion that only certain people are cut out to be entrepreneurs, in this book Richard takes the position that if you can visualize the steps to a photograph, you can visualize the steps to a business. I found this to be a very refreshing perspective. I would highly recommend this book to anyone starting a photography business.

This was actually a phenomenally informative book. I found the first couple of chapters to be a bit dull, and filled with a lot of obligatory "I plan to cover this, this and this" nonsense, but once I really got into the meat of it, I found all of it to be straightforward and to come from a place in common sense. So often these business books are so filled to the brim with legalese and outdated poppycock that you find at the end you've learned practically nothing and are more confused than before. This book is definitely an exception to that. It is written in plain language that the average person can understand, and it really is quite practical. The only reasons it did not receive a fifth star from me are (1) the first few chapters really made me think I might not get through the thing without pulling my hair out, and (2) for a book aimed at photographers, I really believe it was a mistake to not include a single image. I mean really, that many words and no pictures? What do you take me for, an economist? Overall, a great job by Weisgrau, and a great read for anyone thinking about taking the leap into starting their own business as a freelance photographer. NOTE: This book is REALLY not aimed at the studio or event photographer, although many of the principles can be applied to any type of photography.

I was expecting only a few chapters to be useful to me since I've had plenty of experience in both photography and running a business, just not in specifically running a photography business. Luckily this book targets this business like a laser and leaves out the basic, common sense fluff I've seen in just about every other book. There are a few Business 101 pointers, but they are limited to just sentences rather than the usual chapters. You're run through the basic formation of your business in great detail, and the information on researching and determining your market are invaluable. The second half of the book is almost completely about relations with your clients, which I believe anyone who goes into a negotiation for an assignment should read.

All told, I keep this book on my desk for reference. This is my first 5-star review, and it's well earned. You're not just buying "Business for Dummies" with a few mentions of photography.

Probably the best and most useful book on running a photography business. The author's approach matches the material in other areas such as job seeking, and setting up other types of businesses. Highly recommended.

Overall a great company to buy from! I received the book really fast and in good condition BUT the packaging was cut open and the book was barely in the package due to the gaping hole. My invoice was also missing from the order.

Other than that I have no issue with the quality of the book or service. Would have given 5 stars, if invoice was present and package wasnt cut or torn open around the book.

Richard Weisgrau's Real Business Of Photography is copublished with the American Society of Media Photographers, draws on the author's decades of experience as a working photographer and photographer's advocate, and provides a candid assessment which debunks many popular myths of a photography business. A healthy dose of business savvy lends to a photo-specific business guide.