Commercial Photography Handbook: Business Techniques for Professional Digital Photographers

I wish this book had been around when I started down the "digital road" years ago. Its an easy read that should prompt you to ask what it is you really like to shoot and then consider how to organize the business side, marketing, etc. In a photographic world filled with what sometimes seems like aimless shooters (shoot everything and shoot it a lot) Mr. Tuck's book asks us to examine our talents and drive in a more cogent manner. Perhaps just as importantly his voice of experience told me a lot about handling essentials such as model releases, property releases, contracts for paid jobs, tax planning and insurance. All things a lot of us overlook in our rush to shoot, shoot, shoot. Consider this book a "What Color is My Parachute" for photographers with a lot of other solid advice thrown in for good measure. Another consideration he covers at length is to carefully consider managing the rights to our images. Do we give clients originals or not for example? You may not agree with his outlook on it, but regardless of how you do it this should thought through. Do you have a business model that separates you from competitors? Another thing worth considering before you hang out a shingle. More questions to consider. Should I go to a photo school? Become an apprentice to someone? Join professional associations? Kirk Tuck obviously speaks with his experience and shares it in this book. After reading it I'm considering a lot more essential areas that could have caused me issues down the line, and that alone is worth the price many times over. His writing style is down to earth and spending a day combing his thoughts would be invaluable to both beginners and a lot of professionals as well. Good stuff.