The Art and Business of Photography

by Susan Carr

Photographers now have the ideal resource to build a solid foundation for success. The Art and Business of Photography takes an honest approach to the photography profession and is a guide to the artistic and business skills that are the foundation of a career in photography. Professional photographer and former ASMP president, Susan Carr, discusses the realities of the photography industry along with the struggles of expressing creativity and producing quality photography. Topics in this distinctive guide include the balance of being an artist and a business person, the basics of copyright, pricing skills, how to find future prospects, and the importance of craft and creativity. Firsthand experiences and sample photographs by top photographers--pursuing various photography subjects and different types of clients--serve to enhance the unique combination of art and business included in this book. This volume also covers the history of the profession and the current state of the industry. Anyone with a love for a photography and the creative process will benefit from this realistic yet inspiring approach to the photography industry.Allworth Press, an imprint of Skyhorse Publishing, publishes a broad range of books on the visual and performing arts, with emphasis on the business of art. Our titles cover subjects such as graphic design, theater, branding, fine art, photography, interior design, writing, acting, film, how to start careers, business and legal forms, business practices, and more. While we don't aspire to publish a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are deeply committed to quality books that help creative professionals succeed and thrive. We often publish in areas overlooked by other publishers and welcome the author whose expertise can help our audience of readers.

Genres: Photography

226 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 15, 2011

Reviews

[Melissa Roach · Rating 2 out of 5]

Description:
In The Art and Business of Photography, Carr offers both a detailed history of the industry and of-the-moment advice about the profession today. Her comprehensive guide provides essential information about the photographer’s legal and business concerns, and explains the difficult balance between maintaining a successful business and pursuing creative, noncommercial photography work. Both aspiring and established photographers can draw inspiration from three photo essays, as well as interviews from eleven top photographers, including Ken Hawkins, Barbara Karant, and Gail Mooney.

In this book readers will learn about

•How to integrate artistic expression and business savvy
•How to find clients and future prospects
•Licensing in the new economy
•The new professional photographer
•Business management, marketing, and sales
•How to improve your craft
•Fostering creativity and openness
•How to balance both personal, noncommercial photography and a professional photography career
With equipment checklists, inspirational photo essays from prominent photographers, industry resource lists, and detailed charts illustrating essential legal and business issues, The Art and Business of Photography will help any budding photographer develop both creative abilities and business acumen.

“[The] persistence to start or maintain careers in this industry that I see in so many of my colleagues inspired me to write this book,” says Carr. “I hope to provide the information and practical resources necessary for photographers to find the delicate balance of art and business.”

My thoughts...
This rather long book is one that I would recommend for those wanting to start thier own photography business, or those who may already have a career in photography. I love taking pictures of my girls and family as much as I can; so I am not really sure this book is something I would want to read again. With over 200 pages, it goes into great detail of how to find clients, the changing world of photography business, balancing it all and more. There are some really great black and white photos in the book - I wish there would have been some color ones though. I would have liked to get ideas on where to do a photo shoot or how to create a set in your home (but alas I did not). So, for those of you who love photography and are thinking about starting a business of your own - check this book out!

To learn more about the book click here. You can find this book on Amazon (available 2/14/11)

Thank You so much Net Galley and Allworth Press for allowing me to read this book! I cannot wait to read more books from you in the future!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Net Galley review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

[Nichole ~Bookaholic~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I run a fairly small scale part-time photography business specializing in Equine and Pet Photography. I fell into this work almost by chance and a book like this would have been extremely helpful 7 years ago when I started out by winging everything I was doing, while it all worked out for me in the end if I had this book or one like it I would have had a lot less stress in the beginning.

Every year or so I go through a few books on the business of photography to help me with my business, inspire new marketing ideas and as a reminder of the things that need to be done to keep the business.

This book provides a photographer who is looking to start their own business with a good idea of what they are getting into, what to expect and also provides links excellent industry resources. This is a book that I would certainly recommend to anyone wanting to start their own business.

[Kathleen Messmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I purchased this book for an upcoming class, but when I started glancing through it I found myself not being able to put it down because it's LOADED with so much great information!

[Deb Schell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book with lots of advice for photographers starting out in the business.
Success stories along with personal journeys of photographers.
Great business practices, tips, and resources.