Professional Books - Page 2

Digital Stock Photography: How to Shoot and Sell

Michal Heron

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 6 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

You can sell stock photography, too. 4 out of 5 stars.
14 of 14 people found this review helpful.

Microstock, Google's "Image" search capabilities, and rampant stealing of images from Shutterfly, SmugMug, or PBase have made stock photography a lot less possible, and a great deal less profitable in recent years. However, if you're good with a camera and know how to produce large quantities of salable images, you can still make money in stock photography. Just don't expect big fees, and be happy with small payments that can pile up if your work is good.

This book, published in September 2007, is up-to-date enough that it advises you how to optimize your stock photography sales in today's real world. Read it carefully, re-calibrate your expectations, and get to work.

Editorial Review:

Digital Stock Photography equips photographers with everything they need to know to create digital stock photos that sell in today’s marketplace. From organizing a shoot to raking in the profits as the pictures sell and sell and sell again, all the steps are here: Capturing digital images, working with scans, digital delivery of images, evaluating equipment, organizing digital files, building an archive, and more. Thirty assignments, designed to reflect the latest trends in photography, provide readers with a blueprint for building a stock collection. Special sections explain how to market, negotiate and quote prices, and manage a business, plus obtaining model releases and protecting copyright.

Photographer’s Market Guide to Building Your Photography Business

Vik Orenstein

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 16 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Great for the start-up studio 4 out of 5 stars.
4 of 6 people found this review helpful.

Not Everything you need to know to start a business but a LOT of what you need to know. No book has Everything you need to know. I recommend this book to those who have not been in business before and want to open a studio. Great advice on customer service and dealing with the public.

Editorial Review:

Displaying the same wit and charm that made her Creative Techniques for Photographing Children a commercial success, Vik Orenstein shoots straight with photographers on what it takes to build a successful photo business. She combines big-picture thinking with a soft touch to deliver sound, practical advice on such core topics as developing a marketing plan, building a clientele, networking and maintaining creative fulfillment. This guide is a major asset for amateurs seeking a friendly overview of the business; established photographers delving into a new niche; freelancers interested in selling stock; photographers starting their own studio. At 320 pages, the book's similtaneous deep and broad treatment makes it an excellent companion to the business-focused introduction found in Photographer's Market. Vik also covers such important specialities as wedding, commercial and nature photography in individual chapters and frequently complements her own advice with that of industry experts.

The Art of Wedding Photography: Professional Techniques with Style

Bambi Cantrell, Skip Cohen

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 37 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

The hottest, most lucrative trend in wedding photography is gorgeously illustrated and explained in this cutting-edge guide that shows professional photographers-and those aspiring to be-how to create the arty, hip, yet elegant wedding albums sought by today's brides. Images that look like they're from magazines or art galleries fill these inspiring pages. Taken by a highly successful specialist in wedding photography, the pictures tell their unique, romantic story with a visual artistry and excitement that differs from staid, traditional wedding albums of the past. The book explains all the creative techniques-including wedding photojournalism-that produce such compelling pictures, and also fully explores the business side of wedding photography. Everything from finding clients to shooting the event and capturing the heartbeat of the day to selling the album and getting referrals is covered lucidly, with wisdom, authority, and humor-adding up to an immensely useful guide that can transform the career of anyone wanting to break into the profitable field of wedding photography. And for future brides, the book will provide visual inspiration on the must-have photography they want for their big day.Bambi Cantrell, an acclaimed wedding photographer and teacher who has been on the faculty of Hasselblad University and the Winona International School of Photography, is based in the San Francisco area.Skip Cohen is former president of Hasselblad USA and the president

Lighting for Portrait Photography

Steve Bavister

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 13 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

By far, my favorite 5 out of 5 stars.
7 of 7 people found this review helpful.

I am a portrait photographer and I pull this book out all the time to review lighting set ups and get inspiration. A definate must have for any photographer. I especially love that the book extensively covers one and two light set up and using foamcore bookends. You don't need a bazillion lights to create amazing images.

Editorial Review:

Great portraits are more than technique. They demand a broad range of skills...and a way with people. Lighting for Portrait Photography looks at the work of top photographers who reveal exactly how their finest portraits were created, and the beautiful full-color examples throughout the book show famous and unknown faces in commercial, editorial, and personal work. Many different styles of portraiture are covered, from simple set-ups using one light to more advanced multi-light plans. This fully revised edition of a popular original includes completely new lighting diagrams and the latest equipment and techniques.
* Great examples and explanations from top photographers

* Portraits of the famous and the not-so-famous--and how each image was created

* Fully revised and updated with new lighting diagrams and more

Shooting & Selling Your Photos: The Complete Guide to Making Money with Your Photography

Jim Zuckerman

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 10 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Great Introduction 4 out of 5 stars.
29 of 29 people found this review helpful.

This is a great introduction to selling photography by one of the very best in the business. Jim Zuckerman is very diverse in his stock photography subject matter and that diversity shows through in the wide range of knowledge he shares in this book. The best coverage is on selling photography at art shows and advice on submitting article and calendar proposals to publishers. If you're specifically interested in stock agencies, I highly recommend Lee Frost's Photos That Sell (see my review on that book). Mr. Zuckerman's advice on stock libraries is a good introduction but Lee Frost devotes most of his book to the topic. The photography in the book is of course wonderful, but I would have liked to have seen the author share more information about which images were his best sellers, how many times each image has sold and where, and other details which Lee Frost shares in this book in many cases. However, this is very solid introduction to selling photography and I recommend it.

Editorial Review:

Shooting & Selling Your Photos combines beautiful show-and-tell photography, straightforward, authoritative instruction, updated technological information and complete coverage on breaking into today's photography market.

The book is divided into three parts: "Shooting," "Building Your Image" and "Selling." By covering all three areas, Jim Zuckerman offers everything readers need to get serious about their photography. Zuckerman shows readers how to:
*pick powerful subjects
*decide between film and digital formats
*create dynamic portfolios in print and online
*use the Internet for marketing, self-promotion and photos sales
*understand the inner-workings of stock photo agencies
*get noticed with creative, professional submissions

Professional Model Portfolios: A Step-by-Step Guide for Photographers

Billy Pegram

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 17 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Helpful hints to helping models 4 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

This really helps with up and coming models who need a bit of direction.
I share this book with every new model I use.
Brings ideas to both of us.
It helps the models understand thier side of the business also.

Editorial Review:

This photographer's guide to creating successful model portfolios encourages a dynamic, diversified artistic approach and shares essential knowledge about the modeling industry, portfolio basics, and agency requirements. Photographers learn how to work with models for the best possible results, create and refine a standout portfolio, and sell that product to agents in the United States, England, and Asia. Three actual portfolios are included to help photographers conceptualize, sculpt, and refine their own portfolios to maximize their client's reach in the industry. Photographers learn why particular images were chosen for opening and closing shots, how to arrange the interior images, and what constitutes an appealing design. Featuring information on working with women, men, and children, this book will help new and experienced models and photographers alike in getting the results they desire.

How to Start a Home-Based Photography Business, 5th (Home-Based Business Series)

Kenn Oberrecht

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 15 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Interesting, but not that helpful 2 out of 5 stars.
20 of 20 people found this review helpful.

Hi points - Interesting, readable, good suggestions and examples on how to transition from a "9 to 5" job to independent photographer.

Low points - Over emphasis on film aspects (non-digital) of running a business (setting up a dark room and lab...), computer section so basic it's almost humorous, no review of digital tools such as PhotoShop or Paint Shop Pro.

The general information is good for those in the dreaming stage. I suggest you find it at your local library, (sorry Amazon) because it's not something you'll go back to over and over. Mr. Oberrecht's detailed use of a paper document and bookeeping system is excruciating. It seems he views computers as a necessary evil instead of the powerfull tool they can be.

As someone who is seriously considering making this move, I was disappointed.

Editorial Review:

From estimating your start-up costs and setting up your darkroom to staying profitable once you're in business, this comprehensive guide has it all for aspiring photography professionals.

Photos That Sell: The Art of Successful Freelance Photography

Lee Frost

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 14 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Books that sell 1 out of 5 stars.
6 of 11 people found this review helpful.

There's nothing new in this book that haven't already been said. I was fairly disappointed, as I was hoping for a book that explained to the point what people want to spend money on, and how to technically go about to get those images. Instead, I get "advice" that is nothing more than common sense.

In my opinion, you can skip this book entirely.

Encouragement in a book 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

When I get discouraged and feel I don't have what it takes as a photographer, I turn to this book. The information is simple and shows you that any quality shot can find the right buyer. I have reread this book over and over and its the most valuable tool in my arsenal of books.

Editorial Review:

Aimed at both full-time freelancers looking for fresh inspiration and part-time photographers wishing to build up a business, this book combines advice on markets and marketing along with photographic tips, techniques, set-ups and compositions. Part 1 Markets and marketing: Speculative selling; picture libraries; the digital age; commissioned photography. Part 2 Subjects that sell: People and lifestyles; nature and science; holidays and travel; sport and fitness; business and finance; transport, industry and science; animals and wildlife; agriculture, food and drink; concepts and style.

The Education of a Photographer

Charles H. Traub, Steven Heller, Adam B. Bell

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Essential in a photographer's library 5 out of 5 stars.
21 of 24 people found this review helpful.

I'm only halfway through and can only ask why such a book only surfaces now. Previous concise compilations of writings on photography concentrated on the mediums origins and historical figures. This one gives us a more contemporary context (ie the 50ies) and goes on from there until today, focusing on the ideas of key figures. Thank you editors!

Editorial Review:

This collection of essays drawn from the classic writings of the 20-century, as well as the most influential talents of the present, illuminates the intuition and spirit of people making images. Aspiring and professional photographers, especially those in arts programs throughout the Unites States, will find a comprehensive view of photographers' inspiration and development. The features include: provides educators and fans of photography with full view of what drives and inspires photographers to create great work; and offers a broad perspective on photography, including essays from designers, editors, and gallery owners. The book is being co-published with The School of Visual Arts. It is made up of classic writings from the 20th century, as well as the most influential talents working today.

Big Bucks Selling Your Photography

Cliff Hollenbeck

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 12 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Love the book, hate the title 4 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

I thought the book was very helpful and a great eye opener to new photographers setting up a photography business. It really does drive point the fact that this is a BUSINESS first. I think the information was usefull and informative. I don't like the title though, this is a VERY difficult industry right now so to imply that anyone can make "Big Bucks" is a disservice. There is money to be made, but it takes a lot of work and business senese. Its a small think but reminds me of the mindset of the eightys and early ninetys..not the current state of the industry.

Editorial Review:

This updated guide to financial success for aspiring photographers helps them make the leap to earning a living as freelancers. Explaining how to handle the financial complexities of professional photography, this resource provides expert guidance on attracting clients, staying out of legal trouble, navigating the ins and outs of copyright law, and setting and collecting fair but competitive rates. Important advice is also included on how freelancers can handle tax preparation and deal with the threat of audits. New sections feature discussions on how freelance photographers can effectively market their work and how to capitalize on new digital technologies. Forms to help freelancers elevate their careers, such as model release contracts and copyright applications, are also included.