Excellent talk you two! You've definitely touched on several areas that I (and perhaps others) need help with. 1) Establishing cohesiveness between FB, Instagram and website. 2) Determining if the website is attractive to potential clients. 3) Identifying, finding, targeting, approaching your market niche. 4) Finding time to do ALL it takes to build a photography business while still working 50 hours a week at a regular job. So, just keep setting goals, educating oneself, staying focused, listen to mentors and above all else have fun. Thanks!
At 38, I am learning Photography and I really suck at accountancy and budgeting. Your podcast really has motivated me. Thank you for that 🙏 BTW, amazing setup for the podcast 👏
It is important to "reach out", "collaborate", or however you put it. I've done projects in the past, where my sincere effort to save others work was later called a "one man show" approach. From the outside, those who couldn't read my mind, (read "nearly all of them") considered this to be arrogant, where my intentions were actually the opposite. That was a good lesson.
being a handyman is an excellent skill for a photographer. I needed an old style candelabra for a photo session but couldn't find one anywhere, so I cut some plastic tubing, covered it with spackling compound and gave it form, a piece of pvc tubing for the candle holder, a bowl cut in half for the base and painted gold and it came out so awesome. For another photoshoot I made a faux chimney (In PR we don't actually have real chimney's, it's 90 degrees almost all year long) , went to home depot, bought some wood panels, decorative foam planks, wood glue, screws, pvc panels and paint and made a beautiful chimney. Now I use it a lot, specially for holiday photos. Plus many times I had to add an extra outlet for electricity, makings inventions with bulbs and led's etc. So handyman skills are great :-)
I just bought the Sony A7iii , I’m not a photographer by any means yet, but I’m researching and I’m actively absorbing intel to become one. Thanks to this channel, I learn a lot. Thank you for what you guys do , Keith
To become a more sexful photographer only take portraits with your Sony G Spot Master lenses! Because Eye AF is so fast women will never see it coming.
Networking with people is definitely challenging. I've managed a few collaborations with friends lately and it's fun, though not usually successful in viewership compared to the usual camera gear topics. I do really enjoy the mixture so it's not going to stop. I also have a background in computers from software development to just general knowledge. I'm sure it helps in a lot of ways I don't even realize.
In reading a dummy book you acknowledge to yourself that you are a dummy in that particular discipline. This humbling experience increases learning retention because the reader has less egotistical pretensions. Arrogant people are often close minded about their ignorance.
10:20 Accounting & Finance: hire someone else to do that, including taxes, VAT-related stuff etc. It's BORING and takes the fun out of being self-employed. And above all that: if you find someone that's *good* at that stuff, it will prove to be a good investment. They know so much better how to find all the (legal!) ways to pay less taxes, find deductions you never thought of, etc. Be a pro at photography, and have someone else be a pro at administrating your company.
I agree with this comment, but even though you should probably hire an accountant, you should still learn about accounting and have a basic understanding of how it works.
@@kiloqubit Absolutely! You need to know the basics. But my experience is that my accountant earned me more (by having to pay less taxes for instance) than he costs me. So it's win-win all around :-) My motto: let everyone do whatever he/she does best.
@@jon3787 very true. Some photographers are too smart. They just shoot in jpeg, adjust exposure, colour, contrast and danggg!!! Print them. Result is you won't call him on next function. For a great masterpiece, even a single piece of photo takes most of your time.
@@Dave_enVery true.. But this is a disturbing figure, specially for those who can present good-valued product while being weak on marketing! My business is in construction, and such figure should be of serious concern.
Reading the contract is SUCH a great piece of advice! I had an influencer approach me once wanting to collaborate on her new brand- I agreed since she had a large following. At 2:00am the night before the shoot (scheduled for 11:30 the next day!) she sends me this huge contract that included a non-competition clause (problematic since it was a beauty industry product and thus a large part of what I photograph, as well as a clause saying I couldn't post the images anywhere online and I was signing over all rights to my images. I told her I wouldn't sign it and no longer felt comfortable going through with the shoot, and she had the gall to call ME unprofessional. Yeesh.
There are so many components in photographers successes, also that little moment of a lucky break is something that can not be replicated. There is no lucky break in building great portfolio for that you need to work. Almost all success stories are full of mistakes and usually are connected to amazing amount of time spend learning the photography and business of photography, but more importantly learning about who you are and what works for you. Be yourself, be kind and dedicate yourself to learning are surely clichés, but I feel in this case clichés are true. There is no one correct way, there is only your way. Hopefully you'll learn more on other people's mistakes, than your own. I love you left Sexful photographer in this video !!!
knowing the associated costs are important.. If you are wedding or landscape photographer.. what are the travel costs... Even when retouching photographs should be looked as associated costs. Because when retouching photos you are unavailable to do other work... pricing models.. If you are a commercial photographer knowing pricing models is important example the right to use your photo is it time based, media based (international magazines, local magazines)is is for cooperate use or advertising and not just knowing the contract your signing know your contract towards the client. Pricing structure.. How do you build a price.. know if you can charge for the use of your gear.. This is a big area and very important for photographers need to know.. If I look at the reason why most photographers fail is because they don't know what the minimum income requirement is needed every month... Good show...
I highly recommend using Evernote to organize, plan, prioritize and research your marketing. Works on all your platforms, desktop, tablet and phone regardless of OS.
I personally believe that my photography is pretty good, especially for my experience level. Although, I have never sold a print; I push it a lot, but it Jet has never happened. Some people have even expressed interest in buying a print but never go through with it. Many people give me compliments on my work but never want to do anything monetary. What should I do?
Hi Tony after watching your work at home video, I noticed a fairly big difference in the picture, going from 4K back to 1080p. I watch all of your shows on a 82" Samsung TV it is worth noting that the picture quality on all of your shows is significantly higher quality than other TH-cam channels. Comparing it back to the episode Why worst Photographers are beating you. There is a measurable difference in the resolution on my television when watching the old 4K shows it is pretty obvious to anyone that the resolution of your gray hair is considerably sharper. Also there appears to be a difference in either the dynamic range of the new camera or a change and the lighting on the set. If you look at your hands they are consistently overexposed. I agree with your reasons why you went back to 1080p. I am sure you are aware of these issues but,,, I did want to let you know there are people like me that also noticed these issues and know you are constantly working on improving your production quality.
I've tried to help a younger photographer with tips from what i've learned and all of it gets ignored. Then an attitude develops from them. At the same time, i get tips from people who are extremely successful and willing to help.
Years ago (1993) the ITVA published a book titled It's A Business First... A Creative Outlet Second. It was meant for new start-up video companies but was applicable to any creative style business. It covered many of the things you've mentioned here, except for IT.
Very good points covered!! Tony, I've always been the independent, do it myself type that didn't want the help of others. A lady friend explained explained that I need to let people help me, if they wish, because if I didn't I made them feel useless and most people like to feel needed. I found putting myself in others place could be educational.:-)
Learning all these things is what taught me that I shouldn't be a pro photographer. Since turning it full hobby I've been much happier and I can focus my work on something that suits me better.
Great advice for living in general, the benefits extend beyond negotiations into every aspect of life. Politeness shows people how you wish to be treated by an example that they can feel for themselves.
When I ask people to move out of a shot, I usually say it's because I can't afford to pay them a modeling fee. They seem to get a kick out of thinking of themselves as a potential model. They make a quick 1/2 second mock pose, and get our of the way with a smile.
A lot of good solid advice - especially liked the "life is a marathon" remark. Important to take care of yourself- especially if you aren't 17 anymore 🥴 Also remember to look back - I bet you have grown as a photographer the last couple of years, but have you noticed? Remember to celebrate 🎉 your achievements 😁 oh, and by the way- they say real men don't do backups but they also 😢 a lot 🙄🤗
Your experience with the would-be “Wanderlust” collaborator who wanted to get a cut of all your work is chilling, but you’re not alone. It seems there are people out there whose business is preying on unwary TH-camrs in various similar ways. Mustie1, an excellent DIY TH-camr, avoided a one-sided collaboration deal a while back. I hope this excellent podcast will remind other social media content creators to fully understand the impact of such deals and get legal advice, if necessary, to scrutinize any contracts that may give away their rights - and their livelihood.
There’s a photographer in my area who does fall minis yet it’s 50-100 pictures for $90 she doesn’t edit her photos and they just look bad a lot of the time and I don’t get how she is still getting business.
Coffee House Media I've given up looking at other people's photos and business. It may seem like they are doing well for the short term but I'm in it for the next twenty years. 🐼🥂
Being a woman is already an advantage as you are not “creepy” plus she probably talks a lot. As long as the photos are sharp, well exposed and reasonably composed who’s going to feel cheated.
While I'm not going to be a professional photographer, I may have to hire one someday. You might want to do a video about the best way to do that and also talk about the jargon. You mentioned "sitting fee"in this video, for example. What is that?
The sitting fee is basically what you're paying the photographer for their time and skills. Compare it to auto repair: There's the hourly shop fee (labor) + parts. The sitting fee is the "labor" and the product (images) you purchase are the "parts."
I made an asinine comment here earlier today. I'd like to apologize to Tony, Chelsea and the community for even saying it. I'd also like to thank Tony and Chelsea for their thoughtful and correct response. Finally, I'd like to apologize for deleting my comment. I was embarrassed for having said a nasty, dumb thing, and in panic I deleted it. I'm sorry.
80% of my time in this business involves MANAGING the CLIENT and their Expectations...the other 20% is actually for the 'ART'. (and another 20% of my time is collecting payments...!)
A lot of talented people just lack business skills. Sometimes the skills can be learned, but some folks, really, should be employees (or partners) and let someone else handle the business side. And there are some folks who are not "creatives" but have great business skills. Like, the management at an ad agency. This is why actors always say "speak to my agent."
I feel like this entire video is subtly about Ken Rockwell. Nice guy and shouldn't be bullied, but objectively looking at his portfolio-he's not a talented photographer. However, he's a tech guy for sure and he knows how to market himself and build a brand, and all of us can learn a lot from him in that way.
Well..I AM kind. But also scared for my gear. All of a sudden a new photographer in my area contacted me and he has heard I got the Sony Fe 50 1.2 Gm. I said yes, he was very enthusiastic and wanted to borrow this along with my a7r IV as a "backup kamera".. My answer was no. Why would he be so enthusiastic about my gear if it only was to be "backup"? Later he asked if he could borrow a battery, I did not answer at all. I did not know this person, in my opinion, people who approach you because they want something, and not because they want to know you, are persons you should be very suspicious of. I care for my gear and I dont borrow it out if I am not behind the camera myself.
One thing I've learned from multiple photographers tutorial podcasts is to hate Square space so much that I even won't look it up... And maybe even stop watching those podcasts altogether 🤮🤮🤮🤮
You left out the most important point, as told to my face by top editors at top magazines..."we have an unspoken rule....only to hire people...that are one of us..."
" . . and when I´m analysing things sometimes I find I´m burning time on something that´s not actually very important . . " -- like spending too much time watching youtube channels. lol. no sorry, thanks for the input. (I also have some books from the "Dummies" series, didn´t know this one yet, though)
Wow, I must be super nice, I just got back into photography about 8 months ago and was able to meet the gallery personal and showed them a few of my photos. They ask me to show in November and want 40 of my framed photos. I am not that good of a photographer, so it has to be my personally. Thanks Guys........
Aaron Jenkin I did back when it was a free service. Definitely can’t afford the astronomical rates they have now as a wedding photographer that produces 2000+ images per month.
Great advice!! Could you guys talk a bit about whats needes on the government side of things like business name registration, etc since i want to do freelance but im so confused if I need the county, state, etc blessing besides just paying the taxes. Thank you! 😁
Chelsea has learned so much from photographers that she has known, and still remembers those things, and use that knowledge every day, basically, while Tony learned all by himself and by reading smart books like an honest (future) husband.... And he wouldn't want to meet those knowledgeable photographers that Chelsea has known nowadays, just something that he wouldn't want to do :] But Chealsea still keeps them in her mind and actually compares.... and who knows maybe they still write each other emails, making fun of Tony behind his back :] roight? lol
EULA software agreements... Ugh. But seriously, you need to read those. Especially if the contract involves a license or a "cloud" solution somewhere. People don't think about what they sign away in those things...
Hi Chelsea and Tony, I am doubting myself eventhou I just started afew months ago and am OK at it but no way close to perfect, I lack all these skills atm but how can I fix it? You both are awesome. 😊😊👍👍😎😎
May I suggest you do a video about why NOT to become a professional photographer? Like - you will probably lose a great avocation. Unless you have drive and some modicum of business skills you will probably fail. Photography for me is an important tool for personal development, even with a spiritual element. I would not want to lose that. As a retired small business owner, I very much endorse the stuff you presented in this video. Cheers
Unrelated, but has Tony, the camera-tech-geek guy, tried / tested any ROV´s like the Gladius Mini, or perhaps he will get the Gladius Dory, to photograph underwater creatures? There is a lot of wildlife below the ocean surface that might make good wilflife subjects for photography / filming. Would be neat hearing Tony and Chelseas perspective on underwater ROV camera platforms and image quality.
hello mr. tony i am a big fan of you both i am starting wildlife photography please suggest me a camera setup my budget 3000 dollers..please please help me ..
In the 80's my Dad's long time photography business partner used to complain about how much polaroid film they were using on my Dad's high paying commercial work. My Dad used to think, would he think it's good that we're not using up the polaroid film that quickly because there was no work coming in to use it on? LOL. And my Dad would want to buy something he knew that would help bring in more customers and his partner would always say regarding his own thinking "poor people got poor ways" when Dad would ask why they couldn't buy something for the business. LOL Thankfully my Dad and I are a team now and he hasn't had to deal with old photography partner for a long time and he buys what he wants when he wants now.
I had one place tell me I couldn't take the contract with me to read, I had to read it there. Then they told me to hurry up my reading. I got up and left.
again let's stress that this is based in the business framing of photography, and professional just means competent to earn money by doing whatever you're doing such as photographer! Just because likeable doesn't mean they are nice or doing the right thing, and so many people in business are about connections not necessarily meritocracy.
OMG... Chelsea didn't start talk for the first 5 mins before Tony said a word!? Looks like the good ol days are back! Lol And yes... I saw the wildlife zoom vs prime video...😏
Great info! At least I know why I'll never be a successful photographer. I'm disabled due to a closed head injury so managing money, doing paperwork, etc, is beyond my ability. I make awesome images, but obviously that's not enough.
Very nice video. Of course, this problem is very heavy in India. People here steal other's intellectual property very easily. Further, to get permission for street photography, I think, it is not a better option in India. Good guys. Keep it up.
Everyone with a camera without any knowledge of light and the preparation and practice needed are photographers and doing events . I don't think lowering your prices is the way to go.
Aw, I was hoping this would have some helpful information for me. But it's all pretty much assuming I already have a business. 5 years of serious photography, and only had 1 paying client ever. You guys over here talking about managing finances and self care and hustle... I'm already working my day job 11 hours a day. I'm just caught in this vicious cycle; i have to work to pay my bills, so i can't book shoots, and i can't book shoots because i have to work. FML.
@@JoaquimGonsalves Handling 4 sources of income? i'm sure that can get stressful, but I hope it's worth it. I don't even know how i'd be able to do all that work. I'm exhausted just working my ass off at my one job.
have a set day rate regardless of the client and a variable licensing contract depending on the client, most people at the top are psychopaths and are very amiable btw :)
Excellent talk you two! You've definitely touched on several areas that I (and perhaps others) need help with. 1) Establishing cohesiveness between FB, Instagram and website. 2) Determining if the website is attractive to potential clients. 3) Identifying, finding, targeting, approaching your market niche. 4) Finding time to do ALL it takes to build a photography business while still working 50 hours a week at a regular job. So, just keep setting goals, educating oneself, staying focused, listen to mentors and above all else have fun. Thanks!
At 38, I am learning Photography and I really suck at accountancy and budgeting. Your podcast really has motivated me. Thank you for that 🙏
BTW, amazing setup for the podcast 👏
Every photographer who’s just starting out should watch this video. Great advice from start to finish!
It is important to "reach out", "collaborate", or however you put it. I've done projects in the past, where my sincere effort to save others work was later called a "one man show" approach. From the outside, those who couldn't read my mind, (read "nearly all of them") considered this to be arrogant, where my intentions were actually the opposite. That was a good lesson.
Chelsea stays fine 24-7. Congrats to Tony 👍🏽👍🏽
“Hustle beats talent when talent doesn’t hustle”
NONE Hustle means to work hard
Makes perfect sense to me. Low talent that can promote themselves can beat high talent that doesn't.
@@Kya_the_camera_dog yes, and low talent that hustles and works a lot will eventually surpass the other in skill anyway
People like the Kardashians prove this on a regular basis.
being a handyman is an excellent skill for a photographer. I needed an old style candelabra for a photo session but couldn't find one anywhere, so I cut some plastic tubing, covered it with spackling compound and gave it form, a piece of pvc tubing for the candle holder, a bowl cut in half for the base and painted gold and it came out so awesome. For another photoshoot I made a faux chimney (In PR we don't actually have real chimney's, it's 90 degrees almost all year long) , went to home depot, bought some wood panels, decorative foam planks, wood glue, screws, pvc panels and paint and made a beautiful chimney. Now I use it a lot, specially for holiday photos. Plus many times I had to add an extra outlet for electricity, makings inventions with bulbs and led's etc. So handyman skills are great :-)
I just bought the Sony A7iii , I’m not a photographer by any means yet, but I’m researching and I’m actively absorbing intel to become one. Thanks to this channel, I learn a lot. Thank you for what you guys do , Keith
The look on Tony's face when she made that slip up lol
@@dongerramarco9617 Learn how to interact with Humans before commenting.
@@dongerramarco9617 da fuq? lmao!
@@splashstrike you only live once try enjoying your once lived in happiness aight???
@MOONIS MOONIS yes tf bro, will end in tf too
To become a more sexful photographer only take portraits with your Sony G Spot Master lenses! Because Eye AF is so fast women will never see it coming.
Networking with people is definitely challenging. I've managed a few collaborations with friends lately and it's fun, though not usually successful in viewership compared to the usual camera gear topics. I do really enjoy the mixture so it's not going to stop. I also have a background in computers from software development to just general knowledge. I'm sure it helps in a lot of ways I don't even realize.
those "for dummies" books are way better than most people give them credit for
Agreed.. I need to find "dummies for dummies" then i'll be good.
In reading a dummy book you acknowledge to yourself that you are a dummy in that particular discipline. This humbling experience increases learning retention because the reader has less egotistical pretensions. Arrogant people are often close minded about their ignorance.
"For dummies" sounds better than "for idiots".
IKR. I said this years ago and was looked at sideways. Some people are more about appearance, reputation, brands vs solid quality.
10:20 Accounting & Finance: hire someone else to do that, including taxes, VAT-related stuff etc. It's BORING and takes the fun out of being self-employed. And above all that: if you find someone that's *good* at that stuff, it will prove to be a good investment. They know so much better how to find all the (legal!) ways to pay less taxes, find deductions you never thought of, etc. Be a pro at photography, and have someone else be a pro at administrating your company.
I agree with this comment, but even though you should probably hire an accountant, you should still learn about accounting and have a basic understanding of how it works.
@@kiloqubit Absolutely! You need to know the basics. But my experience is that my accountant earned me more (by having to pay less taxes for instance) than he costs me. So it's win-win all around :-) My motto: let everyone do whatever he/she does best.
Based on my experience , the RECIPE FOR A SUCCESSFUL PHOTOGRAPHY BUSINESS : 80% Marketing & customer care +20% photography.
In fact every business can be related with this philosophy.
And that 20% is 90% moving furniture around and 10% taking pictures 😅, and out of that 10% of taking pictures is 80% computer work 😢
@@jon3787 very true. Some photographers are too smart. They just shoot in jpeg, adjust exposure, colour, contrast and danggg!!! Print them. Result is you won't call him on next function.
For a great masterpiece, even a single piece of photo takes most of your time.
@@Dave_enVery true.. But this is a disturbing figure, specially for those who can present good-valued product while being weak on marketing!
My business is in construction, and such figure should be of serious concern.
Sad, really is that so?
Reading the contract is SUCH a great piece of advice! I had an influencer approach me once wanting to collaborate on her new brand- I agreed since she had a large following. At 2:00am the night before the shoot (scheduled for 11:30 the next day!) she sends me this huge contract that included a non-competition clause (problematic since it was a beauty industry product and thus a large part of what I photograph, as well as a clause saying I couldn't post the images anywhere online and I was signing over all rights to my images. I told her I wouldn't sign it and no longer felt comfortable going through with the shoot, and she had the gall to call ME unprofessional. Yeesh.
that's so unfortunate! why do you think she would want to do this??
You both are wonderful and I hope to meet you someday. Thank you for your consistently relevant, interesting and helpful videos!
There are so many components in photographers successes, also that little moment of a lucky break is something that can not be replicated. There is no lucky break in building great portfolio for that you need to work. Almost all success stories are full of mistakes and usually are connected to amazing amount of time spend learning the photography and business of photography, but more importantly learning about who you are and what works for you. Be yourself, be kind and dedicate yourself to learning are surely clichés, but I feel in this case clichés are true. There is no one correct way, there is only your way. Hopefully you'll learn more on other people's mistakes, than your own. I love you left Sexful photographer in this video !!!
Man, I can't get over how casually predatory people can be (regarding the tv show contract).
Smaakjeks K Even people you know. I had some one bring extra family members to a couples shoot. Ah...No! 🐼😤
This is so true. And this vlog was so good on being kind just in general. Life is to short not to be nice....
knowing the associated costs are important.. If you are wedding or landscape photographer.. what are the travel costs... Even when retouching photographs should be looked as associated costs. Because when retouching photos you are unavailable to do other work... pricing models.. If you are a commercial photographer knowing pricing models is important example the right to use your photo is it time based, media based (international magazines, local magazines)is is for cooperate use or advertising and not just knowing the contract your signing know your contract towards the client. Pricing structure.. How do you build a price.. know if you can charge for the use of your gear.. This is a big area and very important for photographers need to know.. If I look at the reason why most photographers fail is because they don't know what the minimum income requirement is needed every month... Good show...
Thanks guys much appreciated
I highly recommend using Evernote to organize, plan, prioritize and research your marketing. Works on all your platforms, desktop, tablet and phone regardless of OS.
Nice recovery Chelsea! Loved the look on Tony's face. You guys should put together a bloopers tape!
I personally believe that my photography is pretty good, especially for my experience level. Although, I have never sold a print; I push it a lot, but it Jet has never happened. Some people have even expressed interest in buying a print but never go through with it. Many people give me compliments on my work but never want to do anything monetary. What should I do?
Hi Tony after watching your work at home video, I noticed a fairly big difference in the picture, going from 4K back to 1080p. I watch all of your shows on a 82" Samsung TV it is worth noting that the picture quality on all of your shows is significantly higher quality than other TH-cam channels.
Comparing it back to the episode Why worst Photographers are beating you. There is a measurable difference in the resolution on my television when watching the old 4K shows it is pretty obvious to anyone that the resolution of your gray hair is considerably sharper. Also there appears to be a difference in either the dynamic range of the new camera or a change and the lighting on the set. If you look at your hands they are consistently overexposed. I agree with your reasons why you went back to 1080p. I am sure you are aware of these issues but,,, I did want to let you know there are people like me that also noticed these issues and know you are constantly working on improving your production quality.
That thumbnail was 100% Chelsea's idea and I love it.
So much good content here! Love this channel! Thank you Tony and Chelsea!
I've tried to help a younger photographer with tips from what i've learned and all of it gets ignored. Then an attitude develops from them.
At the same time, i get tips from people who are extremely successful and willing to help.
Years ago (1993) the ITVA published a book titled It's A Business First... A Creative Outlet Second. It was meant for new start-up video companies but was applicable to any creative style business. It covered many of the things you've mentioned here, except for IT.
Hi Tony, people tend to like you even more when you ask them for a favor! This seems to be strange but it is true! Try it out!
Great advice touching on the non glamorous side of photography.
Very good points covered!! Tony, I've always been the independent, do it myself type that didn't want the help of others. A lady friend explained explained that I need to let people help me, if they wish, because if I didn't I made them feel useless and most people like to feel needed. I found putting myself in others place could be educational.:-)
So many jump cuts in this episode... I don't usually notice them, but this time they really stood out
Its great when photographers answer questions and give advice on Instagram. Not a whole lot of them do that.
These hints apply to almost all small businesses. Very good.
Learning all these things is what taught me that I shouldn't be a pro photographer. Since turning it full hobby I've been much happier and I can focus my work on something that suits me better.
Some very handy hints. A very worthwhile video. Thanks.
Great advice for living in general, the benefits extend beyond negotiations into every aspect of life. Politeness shows people how you wish to be treated by an example that they can feel for themselves.
When I ask people to move out of a shot, I usually say it's because I can't afford to pay them a modeling fee. They seem to get a kick out of thinking of themselves as a potential model. They make a quick 1/2 second mock pose, and get our of the way with a smile.
Social skills is a big part of being a photographer, at least as long as you are photographing people.
A lot of good solid advice - especially liked the "life is a marathon" remark. Important to take care of yourself- especially if you aren't 17 anymore 🥴 Also remember to look back - I bet you have grown as a photographer the last couple of years, but have you noticed? Remember to celebrate 🎉 your achievements 😁 oh, and by the way- they say real men don't do backups but they also 😢 a lot 🙄🤗
Another great photography business video! Love the advice. Love the channel. Keep up the great work. Thanks a million.
Your experience with the would-be “Wanderlust” collaborator who wanted to get a cut of all your work is chilling, but you’re not alone. It seems there are people out there whose business is preying on unwary TH-camrs in various similar ways. Mustie1, an excellent DIY TH-camr, avoided a one-sided collaboration deal a while back. I hope this excellent podcast will remind other social media content creators to fully understand the impact of such deals and get legal advice, if necessary, to scrutinize any contracts that may give away their rights - and their livelihood.
I don't like the show title this week, but I do like the content. Thank you for sharing, team.
Well done guys, so much valuable info and life experience. Good people don't have to finish last!
There’s a photographer in my area who does fall minis yet it’s 50-100 pictures for $90 she doesn’t edit her photos and they just look bad a lot of the time and I don’t get how she is still getting business.
Coffee House Media I've given up looking at other people's photos and business. It may seem like they are doing well for the short term but I'm in it for the next twenty years. 🐼🥂
Being a woman is already an advantage as you are not “creepy” plus she probably talks a lot. As long as the photos are sharp, well exposed and reasonably composed who’s going to feel cheated.
Great stuff! Thank you both!
While I'm not going to be a professional photographer, I may have to hire one someday. You might want to do a video about the best way to do that and also talk about the jargon. You mentioned "sitting fee"in this video, for example. What is that?
The sitting fee is basically what you're paying the photographer for their time and skills. Compare it to auto repair: There's the hourly shop fee (labor) + parts. The sitting fee is the "labor" and the product (images) you purchase are the "parts."
Robert Shaver that is a great idea! I wonder how that would be presented by a professional photographer.
I made an asinine comment here earlier today. I'd like to apologize to Tony, Chelsea and the community for even saying it. I'd also like to thank Tony and Chelsea for their thoughtful and correct response. Finally, I'd like to apologize for deleting my comment. I was embarrassed for having said a nasty, dumb thing, and in panic I deleted it. I'm sorry.
Hey I don't remember the comment but I appreciate you following up! I can both forgive and forget :D. No hard feelings.
Wow what a great topic. Bravo you guys 👏💛
Nice personal honesty - appreciated
My gosh Tony’s face alone after the sexful comment made this worth watching🤣
Great advice & tips. Thank you 🙏🏻
My girl once said I finish too fast. So I finished faster than ever she didn't even know it was coming.
Loved this! Thank you
80% of my time in this business involves MANAGING the CLIENT and their Expectations...the other 20% is actually for the 'ART'. (and another 20% of my time is collecting payments...!)
A lot of talented people just lack business skills. Sometimes the skills can be learned, but some folks, really, should be employees (or partners) and let someone else handle the business side. And there are some folks who are not "creatives" but have great business skills. Like, the management at an ad agency.
This is why actors always say "speak to my agent."
Another good video, thank you. On another topic please tell me you’ll be testing the new Canon firmware to improve eye-detect for the EOS R? 😃
Yeah we will
I feel like this entire video is subtly about Ken Rockwell. Nice guy and shouldn't be bullied, but objectively looking at his portfolio-he's not a talented photographer. However, he's a tech guy for sure and he knows how to market himself and build a brand, and all of us can learn a lot from him in that way.
Well..I AM kind. But also scared for my gear. All of a sudden a new photographer in my area contacted me and he has heard I got the Sony Fe 50 1.2 Gm. I said yes, he was very enthusiastic and wanted to borrow this along with my a7r IV as a "backup kamera".. My answer was no. Why would he be so enthusiastic about my gear if it only was to be "backup"? Later he asked if he could borrow a battery, I did not answer at all. I did not know this person, in my opinion, people who approach you because they want something, and not because they want to know you, are persons you should be very suspicious of. I care for my gear and I dont borrow it out if I am not behind the camera myself.
That Freudian slip (?) was so funny lol Chelsea please don't change :)
Haha. Great topic. Sometimes its just who you know, as we as who trained you. Good topic.
One thing I've learned from multiple photographers tutorial podcasts is to hate Square space so much that I even won't look it up... And maybe even stop watching those podcasts altogether 🤮🤮🤮🤮
You left out the most important point, as told to my face by top editors at top magazines..."we have an unspoken rule....only to hire people...that are one of us..."
" . . and when I´m analysing things sometimes I find I´m burning time on something that´s not actually very important . . " -- like spending too much time watching youtube channels. lol. no sorry, thanks for the input. (I also have some books from the "Dummies" series, didn´t know this one yet, though)
Damn!! i ended up buying one of dummies book.. this should be a sponsored video ;)
Wow, I must be super nice, I just got back into photography about 8 months ago and was able to meet the gallery personal and showed them a few of my photos. They ask me to show in November and want 40 of my framed photos. I am not that good of a photographer, so it has to be my personally. Thanks Guys........
I use Pixsy to deal with any copyright infringement, I'd rather they take their 50% and handle it all for me.
Aaron Jenkin I did back when it was a free service. Definitely can’t afford the astronomical rates they have now as a wedding photographer that produces 2000+ images per month.
Great advice!! Could you guys talk a bit about whats needes on the government side of things like business name registration, etc since i want to do freelance but im so confused if I need the county, state, etc blessing besides just paying the taxes. Thank you! 😁
Chelsea has learned so much from photographers that she has known, and still remembers those things, and use that knowledge every day, basically, while Tony learned all by himself and by reading smart books like an honest (future) husband.... And he wouldn't want to meet those knowledgeable photographers that Chelsea has known nowadays, just something that he wouldn't want to do :] But Chealsea still keeps them in her mind and actually compares.... and who knows maybe they still write each other emails, making fun of Tony behind his back :] roight? lol
You guys are great.
Chelsea is beautiful 😍 ... great video!
EULA software agreements... Ugh. But seriously, you need to read those. Especially if the contract involves a license or a "cloud" solution somewhere. People don't think about what they sign away in those things...
Hi Chelsea and Tony, I am doubting myself eventhou I just started afew months ago and am OK at it but no way close to perfect, I lack all these skills atm but how can I fix it? You both are awesome. 😊😊👍👍😎😎
May I suggest you do a video about why NOT to become a professional photographer? Like - you will probably lose a great avocation. Unless you have drive and some modicum of business skills you will probably fail. Photography for me is an important tool for personal development, even with a spiritual element. I would not want to lose that.
As a retired small business owner, I very much endorse the stuff you presented in this video.
Cheers
Unrelated, but has Tony, the camera-tech-geek guy, tried / tested any ROV´s like the Gladius Mini, or perhaps he will get the Gladius Dory, to photograph underwater creatures? There is a lot of wildlife below the ocean surface that might make good wilflife subjects for photography / filming. Would be neat hearing Tony and Chelseas perspective on underwater ROV camera platforms and image quality.
hello mr. tony i am a big fan of you both i am starting wildlife photography please suggest me a camera setup my budget 3000 dollers..please please help me ..
This valuable!!! Thank you!!!
My favourite podcast episode to date, you both have such calming voices =)
In the 80's my Dad's long time photography business partner used to complain about how much polaroid film they were using on my Dad's high paying commercial work. My Dad used to think, would he think it's good that we're not using up the polaroid film that quickly because there was no work coming in to use it on? LOL. And my Dad would want to buy something he knew that would help bring in more customers and his partner would always say regarding his own thinking "poor people got poor ways" when Dad would ask why they couldn't buy something for the business. LOL Thankfully my Dad and I are a team now and he hasn't had to deal with old photography partner for a long time and he buys what he wants when he wants now.
and how or where you can learn how to read contract? is there a book for dummies?
I had one place tell me I couldn't take the contract with me to read, I had to read it there. Then they told me to hurry up my reading. I got up and left.
Naughty mind Chelsea 😁 Tony was like wtf?....awesome
im worried about the camera you put there. a little push from the laptop could be a mess 💀💀
Ok, someone’s stomach growled at 15:18 lol. Nice video guys, lots of useful information. Thank you.
again let's stress that this is based in the business framing of photography, and professional just means competent to earn money by doing whatever you're doing such as photographer! Just because likeable doesn't mean they are nice or doing the right thing, and so many people in business are about connections not necessarily meritocracy.
OMG... Chelsea didn't start talk for the first 5 mins before Tony said a word!? Looks like the good ol days are back! Lol And yes... I saw the wildlife zoom vs prime video...😏
Awesome video. Really great advice.
definitely a fact - nobody likes to work with jerks. having that reputation with other vendors in the wedding community can kill your business.
The Photofile Gordon Parks (Thames and Hudson) is lovely... Thanks :)
In the section on negotiation you didn't refer to your great video on developing pricing (unless I missed it).
Great info! At least I know why I'll never be a successful photographer. I'm disabled due to a closed head injury so managing money, doing paperwork, etc, is beyond my ability. I make awesome images, but obviously that's not enough.
Other people are great at that other stufd, butvterrible at images. Perhaps a win win cooperation?
@@ekevanderzee9538 sounds great! Know anyone?
Great tips! Thank you.
Just taking the time to say once again... I loved Wanderlust.
Very nice video. Of course, this problem is very heavy in India. People here steal other's intellectual property very easily. Further, to get permission for street photography, I think, it is not a better option in India. Good guys. Keep it up.
another brilliant podcast! Love it and learned a lot ;)
Everyone with a camera without any knowledge of light and the preparation and practice needed are photographers and doing events . I don't think lowering your prices is the way to go.
Aw, I was hoping this would have some helpful information for me. But it's all pretty much assuming I already have a business. 5 years of serious photography, and only had 1 paying client ever. You guys over here talking about managing finances and self care and hustle... I'm already working my day job 11 hours a day. I'm just caught in this vicious cycle; i have to work to pay my bills, so i can't book shoots, and i can't book shoots because i have to work. FML.
let's have a chat buddy. i can totally relate and have 4 sources of income inluding a day job but not without its share of issues and caveats.
@@JoaquimGonsalves Handling 4 sources of income? i'm sure that can get stressful, but I hope it's worth it. I don't even know how i'd be able to do all that work. I'm exhausted just working my ass off at my one job.
Can't de-stress with the moneymaker. Outlets are important! Burnout is a REAL thing.
have a set day rate regardless of the client and a variable licensing contract depending on the client, most people at the top are psychopaths and are very amiable btw :)