The Photographer's Market Guide to Building Your Photography Business: Everything You Need to Know to Run a Successful Photography Business

This book is an excellent read. I'm currently taking a professional photography class from a local technical college and the information in this book covers every topic covered in the class in even greater detail. I highly recommend this book and convinced several other students in my class to purchase the book. All of them were pleased.

Arrived promptly. In excellent condition! Have used it often and have learned so much about taking pictures. Thank you! A+++++

I have to agree, only partly, with some of the previous reviews that say the author is stating the obvious. It may be obvious to a seasoned, professional photographer who has been in business for years - but to someone just starting out, it's valuable information. She uses stories about mistakes she has made, learning the hard way, and gives advice on how to avoid making those same mistakes (e.g. the "use tax" flub and the tax penalties she paid for her ignorance). As she says, good photographers are not necessarily good business people. I think this book does a good job of giving prospective photography business owners a real, down-to-earth, inside look inside the life of a photographer who is in business for himself/herself. Her writing style is very enjoyable to read, too.

This is an excelent book if you are thinking about OPENING A PHOTO STUDIO. Person that wrote the review before mine obviously missed the point of this book and expected something more for less than $20. So, this book gives a lot more than these kind of books usually do, particularly in the essence of the studio photography business. In addition, it is written very nicely with real life ups and downs of the business. List of just a few out of many things I have found useful: 1. Interviews with other professional photographers in different fields and from different backgrounds. Many examples on how to get into the business. 2. A whole chapter on business plan - covers the core of figuring out what your business is going to be about (target, competition, pricing, cost, your name, etc.) It also includes copyright issues. 3. Venue ideas - home, studio, sharing space, partnering, franchise... 4. Startup marketing techniques and ideas through author's own experience: message, goals, target market, direct mail, websites,auctions, mall kiosks, client gifts, etc... 5. In terms of different business entites, she explained the basics on partnership and corporation. Since she is a photographer and not a business advisor, she suggested to consult a professional advisor/attorney/accountant. There are many more things that I could write about this book. Since I don't have time, my suggestion: Buy the book. And don't expect miracules. The author obviously dedicated this book to studio photographers, so DON'T EXPECT to see marketing for stock or editorial photographers. Although, if you are smart enough you will be able to relate to the problems and ideas author is talking about. Cheers!

I am returning to the market after several years in the motion picture industry and was looking for a refresher on the business end of photography. Vik Orenstein has provided a wonderful primer for both beginner and professional alike, and I unreservedly recommend this book to anyone who is serious about pursuing a career in photography. She thoroughly covers necesary subjects such as choosing CPAs and lawyers, networking, and the various photographic markets available for pursuit. She does all of this in a winsome way, relating both her successes and failures as she developed and grew her own studios. If you are considering entering the field of photography as a professional, seriously consider purchasing this book. You will be making a very wise investment!