The Photographer's Guide to Making Money: 150 Ideas for Cutting Costs and Boosting Profits

Copyright\n......Page 2
Contents\n......Page 3
1. Specialize in a genre......Page 7
3. Don’t try to fit a square peg in a round hole......Page 9
4. Consider unexpected specializations......Page 10
5. Develop a unique style......Page 11
6. Plan for success......Page 12
8. Promote your work to those around you......Page 13
12. Know what a technically correct image looks like......Page 14
13. Master your craft......Page 16
14. Practice is the cheapest training......Page 17
15. Make yourself worth your fee......Page 18
16. Build a resource library......Page 21
17. Learn more about photography online......Page 22
18. Photography conventions are well worth the investment......Page 23
20. Keep your head about you at the trade show......Page 24
21. Industry magazines keep you current......Page 25
22. Find a mentor......Page 26
26. Attend or enter national print competitions......Page 27
27. Photography safaris and short-term photo schools serve as vacations......Page 28
29. Join a professional photographic organization......Page 32
31. Develop your brand......Page 33
34. Put off hiring until you can afford it......Page 34
38. Equipment may not be your most important investment......Page 35
41. When you get new equipment, thoroughly learn to use it......Page 37
43. Assemble a small “tool” kit to accompany your camera gear......Page 38
45. Don’t waste time fixing poor captures......Page 39
46. Use plug-ins to save time—and images......Page 40
47. Don’t steal software (but don’t pay full price either)......Page 41
49. Use image manipulation as a sales edge......Page 43
50. Create an “old fashioned” image in a flash......Page 45
51. Paint in Photoshop (without additional software)......Page 46
52. Graphics tablets and other hardware can be acquired for less......Page 47
55. Don’t purchase studio lighting without a hands-on trial period......Page 48
57. Save time by mastering your camera’s white balance settings......Page 49
61. Find lighting looks you enjoy, then learn to emulate them......Page 50
63. External flash is an excellent first lighting investment......Page 51
65. Build your own external-flash shield......Page 52
67. The most clever light enhancer ever—for under $15......Page 53
71. Use a mirrored acrylic panel as a strong reflector......Page 55
72. Try the freestanding “hunk” reflector......Page 56
73. Paint nonmoving subjects with a spotlight......Page 57
75. Build a “take apart” scrim for studio and location work......Page 58
76. Use an affordable shop light as a studio light source......Page 59
79. Do you really need a light meter?......Page 60
82. Be a card-carrying photographer......Page 61
84. Create specialized business cards......Page 62
87. Post a web site as soon as possible......Page 63
89. Postcard advertising pays off......Page 64
94. Follow up with past clients to keep them coming back for more......Page 65
95. Offer gift cards......Page 66
96. Partner with retail stores......Page 67
97. Learn to say no......Page 68
99. Create public service/community awareness displays and volunteer your services......Page 69
100. Get free publicity instead of, or before, buying it......Page 70
101. Look for free display opportunities......Page 71
104. Marketing workshops are good investments......Page 72
106. Use skits to encourage subject interaction......Page 73
109. Collect verbal “smile catchers” and mood makers......Page 74
110. Always be on the lookout for great images......Page 77
112. Don’t take all the advice that comes your way......Page 79
114. Think quick, save a shot......Page 81
115. Save your leftovers......Page 82
117. Think hard before opting for a storefront studio......Page 83
118. Consider a quaint or artsy studio location......Page 85
120. Be on the lookout for objects you can adapt for photographic purposes......Page 87
121. Effective print displays sell larger wall art......Page 88
122. Build a “portrait pen” in your studio or garage......Page 89
123. Construct portable studio risers......Page 90
124. Create a studio on wheels......Page 91
126. Create a studio setting in your client’s home......Page 92
128. Photojournalistic photography doesn’t require a studio......Page 93
131. Create a custom background that suits your subject......Page 94
132. Hunt for public areas that look like expensive designer sets......Page 99
133. “Cool” backgrounds are easy to create using found items......Page 100
137. Save money on high-end photographic costuming by skipping sizes......Page 101
138. Take a seat (or not)......Page 105
139. Only portions of objects are needed to hint at a “set”......Page 107
141. Wearable art serves as mobile advertising for the photographer......Page 108
142. Offer photo handbags that can be updated as the child grows......Page 109
144. Don’t stock up on frames—no matter how good the deal......Page 110
145. Canvas wraps bring in extra profits......Page 111
148. Make a statement with your packaging......Page 112
150. Use the money you’ve saved......Page 114
Contributors......Page 115
Resources......Page 118
Index\n......Page 124
Other Books from Amherst Media\n......Page 127