Best Business Practices for Photographers, Third Edition

2 reviews for Best Business Practices for Photographers, Third Edition

1. 

   Vicky (verified owner) December 25, 2018

   Although I am only 1/2-way through this book, I am convinced the advice contained within will facilitate my goal of developing an income-generating business as a photographer.

   The author is generous with his knowledge, including both the “probably not the best idea” along with a substantial number of strategies and tactics he has found beneficial.

   I am very pleased with my purchase.

2. 

   wepsphoto February 6, 2019

   John Harrington’s Best Business Practices for Photographers, 3rd Edition is a huge book filled with pragmatic advice and lessons learned from a prolific, professional photographer. With 45 chapters that cover everything from business, legal, tax, audit, and copyright to the very practical subject of backing up and archiving your files, Harrington clearly knows how to run a photography business.

   This book (and the author addresses this) is not meant to be a textbook, though many use it as one. There are some subjects that, while addressed, are simply not covered as comprehensively as one will need, especially when deciding which type of business entity you should be. But while some chapters leave some holes, the true strength of Harrington’s text comes from his own experience dealing with jobs ranging from single portrait shoots to high-end commercial work. There are plenty of resources referenced throughout the text for gathering more information and Harrington shares a plethora of examples of his own “paperwork”- bills, contracts, releases, etc. And there are personal stories that can guide new business owners from shortcomings that can prove troublesome- his own story of an IRS audit will help you to know what to expect and encourage you to document your paper-trails prophylactically so as to minimize your discomfort should you be audited yourself.

   Harrington’s personal preferences will potentially annoy those who differ- he uses Apple computers and feels that Adobe’s Lightroom is the only asset management software worthy of mention, despite options like Capture One. He mentions the PPA certification program for photographers but not the WPPI program. And in a discussion about shooting silently on a set, he describes blimps, camera enclosures to minimize shutter sounds, but never discusses the far more practical idea of using mirrorless cameras with their silent electronic shutter. These are not shortcomings if you keep in mind that Harrington is sharing his own methods- if this was a textbook, these omissions would be problematic.

   I would recommend this book for anyone who intends to earn money through their photography. Some of the chapters discuss levels of professionalism that few will aspire to, but the content is never irrelevant. What is revealed in Harrington’s text is what few photographers know or care to know- the legal and business side of their creative venture. But with his vast experience, as well as his smart advice about outsourcing the business-end of your company to those qualified to manage it for you, Harrington has generated a guide that will prevent potential problems and allow you to grow your business, focusing on the elements of it that you most enjoy without ignoring the parts that must be considered.