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06/12/2007 09:14:56 PM · #1 |
I know that this site has a lot of people that do photography for fun and this doesn't apply to, but over the years since I've come back here I see more people asking business related questions, and I see what I think are a lot of talented people undervaluing themselves, giving away work for free, getting excited at the "opportunity to put something in their portfolio" etc. There is a place for those sorts of things (ie take pictures of your friend's band for free etc.) but for the most part I think it is damaging to the photo industry and to many photographers bottom line and I think some people here might benefit from thinking about what's said below.
Anyways - just some food for thought.
The following passage is quoted directly from a thread started on Lightstalkers.org by NYC photog Timothy Fadek, a photographer/photojournalist represented by polaris images.
"The following is some photography business advice from a successful photographers consultant in California. She speaks about both editorial and commercial work. I thought it was important to share. Possibly for some of us here, it will strike a cord and might cause a paradigm shift in thinking.
1. Learn to say no. It is key in any negotiation. People want what they can̢۪t have.
2. Believe in the value of your work. If you don̢۪t, no one else will either.
3. The level you go into a situation at is the level at which you will stay. If you do a job for a small amount of money and think you will be rewarded with a bigger job the next time around, guess again. When there̢۪s a big job to hand out, a big guy gets it.
4. If you are stuck in a poverty mentality get unstuck. I know that is easier said than done but this will only keep you down. This is a fear driven business – please try not to buy into any more fears than you positively have to.
5. This is a business. Don̢۪t try to make everybody like you. Make better images. That way you can walk away with a sense of accomplishment AND money.
6. Now a word about stock. I have always believed that stock should be more expensive than assignment photography. There are tremendous advantages for a client in using an already existing image. First and foremost there is no risk – they know exactly what they’re getting. They don’t have to deal with the photographer or the rep and that has to be worth something. In addition, the agency does not have to send an already overworked creative team to a photo shoot. They can stay in their office and be even more overworked, while saving the agency travel expenses.
7. I can’t say this enough – please get behind the value of your work and the contribution you are making to the marketplace. No one is doing you any favors when they hire you. How many magazines do you think would sell without pictures? The clients know the answer to that question and so should you. Photographers have always held the power but only a few have realized it." |
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06/12/2007 11:06:24 PM · #2 |
| i'll be bumping this a few times I think ... |
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06/12/2007 11:08:57 PM · #3 |
| Some good words of advice. Thanks for sharing!! |
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06/12/2007 11:10:58 PM · #4 |
| Great thread! Thanks for posting. :) |
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06/12/2007 11:19:45 PM · #5 |
| Great food for thought. - thanks for sharing. |
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06/13/2007 01:41:33 AM · #6 |
| 'nother bump, just for more folks to see. |
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06/18/2007 04:11:36 PM · #7 |
another bump so maybe some new folks can see it.
I think it would be cool if other folks would bump it so more people can read the first post, that is if you think it's a good thing to read.
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06/20/2007 09:24:46 PM · #8 |
| I've got half a mind to print this out and put it on my wall. |
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07/12/2007 11:26:20 PM · #9 |
| another bump for fresh eyes. please read 1st post. |
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07/13/2007 12:13:27 PM · #10 |
| Some nice advice there. Thank you. |
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