Professional photographer and former ASMP president, Susan Carr, outlines what you need to know to become a successful professional photographer in her book, The Art and Business of Photography. Published by Allworth Press, this informative guide is both honest and enlightening, covering numerous topics and concerns that affect working photographers on a daily basis. As co-owner of carrcialdella, a well-respected photography studio in Chicago, Carr knows what it takes to not only survive as a photographer, but how to thrive.
In addition to discussing the balance between artist and business person, the basics of copyright, and pricing skills, Carr delves into other fundamental topics, including, how to balance your personal creativity and desires with those of your client. Sample photographs and essays by top photographers, advice on finding future prospects, and a look back at the history of the profession and the current state of the industry are all additional topics that ensure this will be more than another photo book on your shelf, but rather, a true resource.
Preface
Part I - Art and Commerce
Chapter 1: Art The passion to pursue photography is shared by many; pushing that drive to an art is less common. This introductory chapter looks at this distinction and its importance to the contemporary working photographer
Chapter 2: Commerce A fast paced review of the history of photography through the lens of commerce and career profiles of Sean Kernan, Richard Kelly and Susan Carr. By looking at how various photographers have made a living, the critical connection of the independent artist and a method for monetizing artistic skills is revealed
Chapter 3: Arriving at a Peaceful Coalescence Photographers need to separate client and personal work in order to successfully find genuine artistic expression. This chapter discusses how by integrating personal work into a business, both are strengthened
Part II - A Realistic Look at the Industry
Chapter 4: Where are the Clients? This realistic look at the state of our industry concisely explains photography's dramatic and rapid change by highlighting the shifts in how advertising and media markets function. This look at the recent past provides insights for future solutions
Chapter 5: The Importance and Burden of Copyright This chapter covers the basics of copyright law including a brief history and the importance of registration. The current "copyright war" is discussed with options and ideas for the role of independent working artists in this debate
Chapter 6: Licensing in the New Economy Licensing remains a critical part of any independent working artist's career. This chapter provides a clear understanding of what it means to license visual works and provides practical tools for determining fees and prices
Chapter 7: Future Prospects Major changes in the business of photography are outlined. Eleven photographers are profiled revealing how they are growing sustainable businesses in the new economy
Part III - The Well Rounded Photographer
Portfolios A selection of images by Sean Kernan, Richard Kelly and Susan Carr are shown in combination with their artist statements about these particular projects
Chapter 8: The New Professional Photographer The well rounded photographer is defined as exhibiting excellence in business, craft and creativity. The combination is the key to success for today's photographer
Chapter 9: Business An outline of business musts: copyright, licensing, releases, pricing, business management, marketing and sales. Each category is discussed in detail and a list of resources is provided
Chapter 10: Craft This chapter articulates what craft is to the photographer and its critical connection to making art and building a successful business. The experiences of various photographers are shared and a resource listing for improving craft is provided
Chapter 11: Creativity Fostering creativity: mindful time, persistence, and openness. This chapter outlines each of these steps and provides a list of resources to help
Chapter 12: Conclusion Redefining the role of the photographer
Index
| Subject | Photography books and tutorials |
| Author | Susan Carr |
| Edition | First |
| Hard/Soft Cover | Paperback |
| Pages | 256 |
| Dimensions | 6 x 9" / 15.2 x 22.8cm |
| ISBN Number | ISBN: 978-1-58115-759-8 |
| Publisher | Allworth Press |
| Date Published | February 2011 |