ASMP Professional Business Practices in Photography

by American Society of Media Photographers

This classic guide is the ultimate source on key business practices and industry standards from the foremost authority in professional photography.



From standard practices in stock and assignment photography to special one-time decisions such as acquiring a digital workstation, this "business bible" provides the latest answers to any legal or business question an aspiring or professional photographer can ask. In eleven in-depth chapters, over two dozen industry experts offer practical guidance on such topics as estimating prices, formalizing agreements, using electronic technology, and much more. This completely updated Sixth Edition also features dozens of ready-to-copy legal and business forms, helpful checklists, and an extensive cross-media bibliography.

Genres: Photography, Business, Reference

419 pages, Paperback

First published September 15, 1997

About the author

The American Society of Media Photographers, abbreviated ASMP, is a professional association of imaging professionals, including photojournalists, architectural, underwater, food/culinary and advertising photographers as well as video/film makers and other specialists. Its members are primarily those who create images for publications, though many cross over into wedding and portrait photography.

ASMP advocates for photographers' legal rights, supports information-sharing among members, and provides business and technical information. Much of the material is freely available to the public. For instance, it offers a web tutorial on registering copyrights, and on model releases and property releases. It also helps users of images find qualified photographers for project assignments ("Find a Photographer") and helps photographers find qualified assistants ("Find an Assistant.")

The ASMP has more than 4,000 members in over 30 countries.

Reviews

[Paris Chanel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great reference guide filled with methods, samples, legal jargon, and advice for photographers wanting to get their feet wet in the business of commercial and stock photography, as well as those who already have a career in it. However resourceful, this book needs an update to reflect the times we're in now.

[Jenna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably more like 3.5 - it's a collection of articles - not everything will apply unless you are doing stock and/or commercial

[datieray · Rating 3 out of 5]

Full of all the useful, legal information every artist needs to protect their art while trying to make a living at it. Not as dry as most technical texts I’ve read.

[Al Lock · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are a working photographer, you should read this book. The business practices it lays out are far more important to being a successful professional photographer than your choice of camera is.

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good business resource for photographers, but it is geared more towards established photographers who work in commercial/advertising & stock photography. While there is plenty of good information in this book for all photographers, there should have been more information aimed at photographers who are just getting started on their professional careers and for photographers who don't work primarily in the stock & commercial/advertising fields of photography.

[Erin Siegal · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book has helped me more than my art school education in the photo world

[Xina · Rating 4 out of 5]

rules of profesh photographers.

[Rachael · Rating 3 out of 5]

Most of this book could have been summarized.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book as a required text for a class. This book is not written like a text book-it is written in such a way that the legal terms can be understood by a non-legalese type person (like me)