John Harrington - Best Business Practices for Photographers, Third Edition

John Harrington

Best Business Practices for Photographers, Third Edition

John Harrington

www.johnharrington.com

Project editor: Maggie Yates

Project manager: Lisa Brazieal

Marketing manager: Mercedes Murray

Copyeditor: Cathleen Small

Layout and type: Petra Strauch

Cover design: Aren Straiger

Indexer: James Minkin

Softcover ISBN: 978-1-68198-266-3

Hardcover ISBN: 978-1-68198-329-5

Third Edition (1st printing, November 2017)

John Harrington, 2018. All Rights Reserved.

All images John Harrington unless otherwise noted.

Rocky Nook Inc.

1010 B Street, Suite 350

San Rafael, CA 94901

USA

www.rockynook.com

Distributed in the U.S. by Ingram Publisher Services

Distributed in the UK and Europe by Publishers Group UK

Library of Congress Control Number: 2017934249

All rights reserved. No part of the material protected by this copyright notice may be reproduced or utilized in any form, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without written permission of the publisher.

Many of the designations in this book used by manufacturers and sellers to distinguish their products are claimed as trademarks of their respective companies. Where those designations appear in this book, and Rocky Nook was aware of a trademark claim, the designations have been printed in caps or initial caps. All product names and services identified throughout this book are used in editorial fashion only and for the benefit of such companies with no intention of infringement of the trademark. They are not intended to convey endorsement or other affiliation with this book.

While reasonable care has been exercised in the preparation of this book, the publisher and author assume no responsibility for errors or omissions, or for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein or from the use of the discs or programs that may accompany it.

Printed on acid-free paper.

Printed in China

This is the most comprehensive business guide for professional photographers I have seen. It is a perfect fit for photographers starting out or those in need of a business refresher course. The use of real-world personal examples greatly enhances the book, bringing your solid business concepts to life.

Susan Carr, past president, American Society of Media Photographers

Regardless of the level of your photographic skills, if you want a successful photography career, your business skills are whats really going to matter. Every day, the margin for error gets tighter and tighter. This book gives you an excellent insight into how the business works today, as well as providing strategies for surviving and thriving in the marketplaces of tomorrow. The real-world examples and battle-tested methods provide you with the essential business tools that every working photographer needs to make a good living in this demanding profession. Read this book before you shoot another image for a client!

Clem Spaulding, past president, American Society of Media Photographers

Photography is an exciting and rewarding career, but only if you can make a living at it. John Harrington is one of a select few photographers who have worked diligently to share their business knowledge so that the rest of us can make better choices and the industry as a whole can be uplifted. This book deserves a place beside all of the great photo books in your library of inspiration.

Alicia Wagner Calzada, past president, National Press Photographers Association

Theres a new kind of workflow its about prospering from good business practicesand John Harrington has just defined it. In this book he does more than just show you how to do the right thing; he shows you how to grow your business by doing the right thing. A thorough and consummate professional, Harrington delivers real-world counsel on how to succeed from good business practices from top to bottom. This book belongs in every photographers back pocket.

George Fulton, past president, Advertising Photographers of America

Well, its about time that someone put together a map of how to operate in the photography business world of the new century, and Im glad John Harrington is the one to do it. So much has changed in our business in the last dozen years. We have gone from a world of the handshake deal to one of multi-page contracts and predatory practices on the part of too many clients. John is very knowledgeable about both photography and business, and shares his savvy with those of us who might not be as alert to the pitfalls and possibilities of our new realm. He knows what hes talking about, and this book should save a lot of bad deals from happening, and turn many of them into good deals.

David Burnett, co-founder, Contact Press Images

If there ever was a how to book on how to better succeed in the business of photography, this is it. For the past 16 years Ive been a photography student, intern, freelancer, staffer, contractor, corporate and commercial photographerand I made it through that journey through trial and error, hard work, my fair share of luck, and a determination to steadily educate myself on all aspects of photography. Ive also greatly benefited from the shared knowledge from many good friends in the businesssomething not everyone is fortunate enough to have access to, especially when theyre at the start of their careers. Ultimately, there is no true substitute to following in the same path that I didbut this is the best shortcut money can buy. John Harringtons book has so much to offer in so many areas that Im not sure there is a single photographer out there who doesnt stand to benefit from this book.

Vincent Laforet, Pulitzer-prize winning photographer and former New York Times contract photographer

Creativity is a given but business is a learned art. Your art is your business. The art of business is equally, if not more, important than creativity itself. While John cant necessarily enhance your creativity, he can certainly increase your knowledge of business and help provide you with the necessary tools for a successful business. As a photographer, improving your bottom line is not just dependent on taking good pictures. Getting the right deal and having the right paperwork can mean the difference between success and failure.

Seth Resnick, D65.com , and past president, Editorial Photographers

In the 17 years that I have been successfully freelancing one of the most painful and exasperating experiences has always been where to find pricing, contract, and negotiating information that actually is based on sound, usable, growth oriented business information. If you were well connected, there was a chance you could find out how to do things right. If not, you were at the mercy of the whims of predatory clients. There was never one comprehensive source that dealt with doing business skillfully, comprehensively, and successfully. Finally, John Harrington has consolidated great business practices, in real world settings, between the covers of this book. Everything that you need to know to be successful as a practicing photographer/business person is here. Hallelujah!!!!