I’m new to this site and wanted to hand on a gem I recently found that will help almost anyone self employed and shooting for a living. I wanted to bring to your attention John Harrington’s book “Best Business Practices for Photographers” (http://www.best-business-practices.com) which I think is fairly new. I found it a month ago at a local store. The first thing I notice is that NPPA, ASMP, and APA, as well as David Burnett/Vincent Laforet all have said how great and vital tool it was. No pictures since it’s purely about the business practices we all face each day, how to survive and be effective as a freelancer in todays tough market. There is so much cool stuff in the book that it had my head spinning until I got in a few good chapters. I realised that my 15 years at this ‘game’ hadn’t gone perfectly and I should immediately take some strong advice and improve even some basics such as email technique and protocols, copyright registration and even how I haul my gear.
Even if you only grab a few choice chapters you’ll learn a huge amount and it might turn your business on it’s head.
If you’re looking for bargain gift to tell the family to get you, this is the one, at under $20. It’s 300 pages of insights from a pro who might make you a huge return on that $20 investment. I’ll be the best thing you do for yourself as you head into the New Year. I’ve bought many a self-help book but I never made it through them like this. Easy practical illustrated advice. It’s hard enough just trying to be good at the image making/taking but the business needs to be addressed and here’s the easiest way to get it right. See for yourself. Cheers – Mark