Tonight my professional practices class had the privilege to go see the US News & World Report's Washington, DC office, located in Georgetown. We were escorted around the facilities via one of their photo editors, Ms. Lauren Stockbower. The discussions ranged from going through a photographer's submissions, to daily rates, usage rights, and cost benefit analysis of hiring a local photographer versus sending a staff photographer to cover an event. It seems like more than ever, in order to become a successful photographer you have to have a MBA in order to make sure you're able to break even in todays photographic market place.



In today's market place the photographic industry is saturated with creative individuals, some of which can actually earn a comfortable living while doing what they love. Unfortunately, there is no direct corelation between being able to make a properly composed/exposed image, and being able to earn a living while doing it. The second most popular item up for sale on many of the more popular auction sites, are the business shingles of all those that have tried and failed. Often the photographer's failure can be linked to their poorly executed business plan, or lack of accountability, rather than to their inability to produce a dynamic image.

The following is a list of resources that have been proven effective by many photographers just starting out, and looking for assistance.

 

What did you think of this article?

Liked
Disliked
No Opinion