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08/02/2006 02:21:06 PM · #1 |
I'm trying to find a way to raise $10,000 so that I can travel abroad and write/photograph a book. As many of you know I've been trying to do this for like 8 months now....unsuccessfully. I've looked into loans...I've looked into government grants...heck, I've even looked into robbing a bank.
The only other thing I can think of is trying to find sponsors for the trip. People who believe in me and are willing to invest time and some money into me and what I want to accomplish. If I did find someone who is willing to do this they would surely be well rewarded in the end. I come to you guys because the people on this site are some of the smartest and most respectable people I know....even though I don't know most of you personally, I look up to you.
I also thought about doing some sort of "Print Drive" in order to raise the money. I've actually started to upload some prints to DPC...not too sure how much money I could actually raise selling prints though.
If anyone has any words of advice send me a pm. I really like hearing words of encouragement from fellow photographers, because I think that most of you have gone through what I am going through now....or at least some manifestation of it.
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08/02/2006 02:24:39 PM · #2 |
I don't have much advice at this point, but I look forward to seeing what you produce, I know it will be good.
One thought is perhaps taking pre-orders for the book once you figure out how and when you are going to produce it.
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08/02/2006 02:26:46 PM · #3 |
Are you working at all and saving any money from that?
Look into a high interest rate savings account if you haven't already. ING and HSBC are two good examples. Let your money make you money. :)
Message edited by author 2006-08-02 14:33:04. |
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08/02/2006 02:28:11 PM · #4 |
I had a friend that, out of college, wanted to pursue professional golf. He did an entire marketing plan on himself and "sold" himself to investors. It was really quite well done and received.
As a side note, he didn't really do that well in golf, but now has a successful marketing career. |
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08/02/2006 02:32:33 PM · #5 |
| Go to the local bookstore and flip through Matthew Lasko's books. |
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08/02/2006 02:38:50 PM · #6 |
Try to find 10 weddings and charge around $1,000 each. I have my second wedding comming up and they'll be paying me between $1,000-$1,500 for it. My first wedding I did for $500.00 though. Good Luck raising the money! I hope to publish a photography book one of these days too :)
Message edited by author 2006-08-02 14:39:03.
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08/02/2006 02:45:40 PM · #7 |
| You need to talk to this guy: //www.wherethehellismatt.com/ , or at least use his experience to help keep your dream alive. Read through his journal. It might spark some ideas for you. GL! |
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08/02/2006 02:47:51 PM · #8 |
Originally posted by error99:
You need to talk to this guy: //www.wherethehellismatt.com/ , or at least use his experience to help keep your dream alive. Read through his journal. It might spark some ideas for you. GL! |
Exactly what I was going to suggest. You could come up with a presentation to his sponsor and see if they are interested in doing something with you. Get creative. |
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08/02/2006 02:55:02 PM · #9 |
Well you could start with posting on your website what book you want to do. What topic, and look for sponsers that way. Things to look at are ways of marketting yourself, (good practise to how to market your book later.)
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08/02/2006 02:57:05 PM · #10 |
| Have you tried approaching a publishing house with your portfolio and outline for the book and asking them to give you an advance? |
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08/02/2006 03:21:17 PM · #11 |
Originally posted by Zal:
Have you tried approaching a publishing house with your portfolio and outline for the book and asking them to give you an advance? |
It's almost inconceivable that this could work. Publishing houses only advance funds on projects they are certain will make money for them, and this usually means backing established writers and photographers. Caleb will have to make a name for himself first, but in order to make a name for himself he has to be able to finance his work. It's a classic catch-22, but it's the way the world works.
Caleb's best bet is private fund raising, with family and close friends of family.
R.
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08/02/2006 03:35:48 PM · #12 |
Originally posted by Bear_Music:
Caleb's best bet is private fund raising, with family and close friends of family. |
That would be the fastest route.
There's also the good, old-fashioned, get a job & save up method.
I imagine that getting a bank loan, bank line of credit, or credit card with a $10,000 plus limit is not an easy task for a 20 year old. It's that catch-22 again. My bank phones me on a regular basis asking me if I want a line of credit or business loan for $20,000 plus. They like making the interest. Of course, I'm old.
It couldn't hurt to give your bank a call to see if they have some sort of loan for young entrepreneurs. I know I couldn't have finished university without a student loan, which I took years to pay off. The worst they could do is say 'no'.
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08/02/2006 03:51:09 PM · #13 |
How is your business plan? Is is bank worthy? Friends worthy? Well you told your family the idea and they liked it? Lots of work involved in running a business for yourself, and your book idea will need to be treated as a your job/your business. Are you ready (just be honest with yourself, some people at 20 are some aren't at 50) to take this on? What sort of return on investment are you offering your investors and based on what numbers? Just a few things to think about. If there is a few courses about running a small business in your local area take them. There is a lot of skill involved in a project like this beyond taking great photos. Hope this helps.
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08/02/2006 03:53:27 PM · #14 |
It won't come to you like the wind...
do you have a business plan allready? |
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08/02/2006 04:03:21 PM · #15 |
Originally posted by elsapo:
Try to find 10 weddings and charge around $1,000 each. I have my second wedding comming up and they'll be paying me between $1,000-$1,500 for it. My first wedding I did for $500.00 though. Good Luck raising the money! I hope to publish a photography book one of these days too :) |
Weddings are probably the quickest way for a novice photographer to make money (as a photographer, that is), since [...and I suspect I'll catch some flak here..] it doesn't take a great deal in the area of credentials to get business. If you're confident in your abilities, have the equipment, and can find a friend/relative/desparate couple about to get married(?), ...you can book one "starter" wedding (as elsapo did). That can be leveraged for referrals.
Then, once you've made enough money on the weddings to finance your venture, - get the hell out. Weddings have the very real potential to stifle the creativity out of any talented photographer!!
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08/02/2006 06:32:20 PM · #16 |
Originally posted by error99:
You need to talk to this guy: //www.wherethehellismatt.com/ , or at least use his experience to help keep your dream alive. Read through his journal. It might spark some ideas for you. GL! |
Hey....thanks a bunch for this link!
It's pretty freaking amazing. Thanks to the rest of you for the advice....It has really gotten me thinking about different ways to raise money.
Caleb |
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08/04/2006 04:38:32 PM · #17 |
| Hmmm...anyone else have ideas/inspirations? |
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08/04/2006 05:04:17 PM · #18 |
In this life you can't get something for nothing. Hard work and determination is how you make stuff happen. Rely on no one but yourself for your dreams.
Now Quit Talkin' and Start Doin'!
:-P
Good Luck |
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