I wish I could say, “back by popular demand.”
After a couple of years, I thought the first blog had run its course, assuming it was even on a course. That blog attracted a number of viewers from across the continent, which led to lots (and lots) of e-mails asking the inevitable, “how much should I charge for…?”, “they stole my picture, what should I do …?”, “what does this contract mean…?”, and “how do I start my business…?”
Unfortunately, there are no easy answers or shortcuts. If there were, everyone would have taken that route by now. For any photo business to have a chance of succeeding, hard work and smart work are the only tools. I use the word “chance” because, unfortunately, there are no guarantees.
Educate yourself.
Sure the Internet is full of free advice and who doesn’t love “free”? But go out and buy a few books. Then, (and here’s the hard part), read and re-read those books. If you can find an accurate crystal ball, buy one of those too, (and get one for me).
Sure, read a few books on photography, but read lots and lots of books on the business of photography. Also learn about accounting and marketing. Read business success stories, irregardless of the type of business. Can the success of Starbucks somehow relate to your photo business? Does the way Apple markets its iPods influence how you might market your photography? What can FedEx teach you?
Think outside the box? Nope. Don’t assume that a box even exists.
Marketing and business skills are much more important for a photographer than his/her photo skills. Market and promote your business continually and smartly. And cross your fingers.
They say that successful people make their own luck. But luck, or opportunity, can’t knock on your door unless you’ve already cleared a path to the front steps.
Educate yourself.
University and college programs take two to four years. So why do you expect that your photo business education will take only a few weeks or just a few mouse clicks?
Also, it doesn’t hurt to buy a few lottery tickets now and again. :-)
––
Plan B for this blog is to help educate clients: how to be a good client; how to be a happy client; how and why to hire a photographer.
Not that I’m trying to tell clients how to run their business, but from time to time, I hope to offer suggestions on how to improve their public relations and marketing efforts, especially when it comes to photos and media access.
Thanks for reading.
-Cheers
Tags: freelancing
