Fast Track Photographer: The Definitive New Approach to Successful Wedding Photography

by Dane Sanders

When photographers try to make the jump to the professional ranks, it is tempting to believe that a good approach is to mimic existing photographers who are perceived as successful. It turns out this approach is short sighted and can lead to some really bad habits that ultimately stunt the growth of enthusiast photographers.
In Fast Track Photographer, author Dane Sanders makes the case that a far more effective approach is to get clear on the gifts and talents you as an particular individual bring to the table and build a vision from that starting plot point. The trajectory of that vision needs to be informed by the evolving landscape of service based businesses globally and wedding photography in particular but the starting point remains consistent.
Start with your most powerful You.
To help identify your talents and strengths, Dane provides a powerful self assessment tool called the Photographer DNA (pDNA) that both describes your gifts and prescribes a road map to individual success around your personality, raw abilities and circumstances.
By the end of the book, the reader is empowered to not only navigate the exciting waters of the wedding photography industry, but do so with grace and dramatic speed.
In sum, Fast Track Photographer gives you powerful tools for discovering your core strengths and a foolproof plan for maximizing them in the flat new world we live in. If you want to build a recession-proof, competition-proof photo business in the 21st Century, you need to throw out the old rule book. You need to get on the Fast Track.

Genres: Photography, Business

224 pages, Paperback

First published July 24, 2008

About the author

Hi. I’m Dane. I’ve authored two business books for creatives – both published by Random House – as well as a number of other resources for photographers.

More recently, I founded fasttrackcreative.com, home of the Better Together Creative Community and Converge: the business of creativity podcast.

In addition to my books, I’ve been grateful to have some of my work featured in a number of publications including Rangefinder, Professional Photographer, Grace Ormonde Wedding Style, You & Your Wedding (UK), Shutterbug & Photojojo.

Readers of Photo District News named me one of the 30 most influential living photographers of the last decade – a crazy idea but still felt great. I’ve taught at Brooks Institute, PPE, WPPI, iUSA, an impromptu speech at SXSW as well as international events throughout North and South America, Europe and Asia.

My family & I make our home in Newport Beach, California.

Reviews

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great info.

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've long been a fan of CA wedding photographer Dane Sanders — both because he just SEEMS like such a genuinely nice guy, but also because he is so giving and so eloquent with his advice to budding photographers.

This book is Dane's best step forward in those respects. I finished feeling energized about all the questions he asked of me (the photographer), especially so as I try and discover a brand for my business and where I go next.

The one caveat for potential readers: Dane speaks at length about a self-discovery survey he's created called pDNA (it's discovering your photographer DNA). It probably sounds hokey, but it's really not. I just bring it up to note it's worth taking (though it does set you back about $20).

A great read for someone who's wanting to grow in the business-sense related to their photography careers.

[Daniel Lundgren · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book that has redefined the field of photography over the past couple years. It opened my eyes to the kind of success that is only possible when we each do our own unique thing while at the same time maintain a spirit of open collaboration. This was a great introduction to discovering what kind of photographer I wanted to become. It also provided me with an excellent opportunity for the soul-searching that ultimately pointed me in an entirely new direction career-wise.

[James Moes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dane Sanders makes a good argument on how to build a successful (as he would put it, wealthy) wedding photography business by leveraging one's personality/brand in a celebrity-like manner (or one could freelance and make less). Still, I don't feel I connected with his voice, or was more inspired to shoot.

[Marisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not a how-to book. Inspiring advice for photographers at any level- but especially good for those starting out in the business because it is encourages you to stop worrying about what others are doing and focus on what your unique brand can bring to the table.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exactly the book I should have read in college. Great way to decide if you really want to start your own business or work for someone else and how to succeed at both of those possiblilties

[Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it! I suggest this to EVERY photographer out there, be they seasoned or newbies, and especially the GRUMPIES! Ha! Such an amazing book! I learned so much!

[Lschilberg]

Really really intelligent writing in this book. Great structure! Makes me want to take on the world

[Ed]

I very good book, I must read if you are thinking about becoming a professional photographer.

[Marci Lambert · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent for those trying to elevate their business to a higher level. gets you thinking about the quality of business you want to have.