Business of Fashion Photography
Ok I want to have a page that talks about the business of photography. I live by these words , YOU MUST FIRST BE A BUSINESSMAN BEFORE YOU ARE A PHOTOGRAPHER. If you think that you will be able to make a living as an artist, then you are wrong. I want this page to be a resource for all photographers out there who are just beginning their career and even the pro’s who THINK they know it all.
So if you have something to add, personal experience etc., then please feel free to add to the page. The information will only benefit all of us. We have to stand strong and not low ball clients. Maybe it is not being done intentionally and only being done out of ignorance. I am here to educate us all so we don’t keep looking like a bunch of idiots who will pick up a digital camera, shoot 10,000 frames and get lucky. THAT is not a true photographer. Yes you are satisfying the client, but come on let’s get real.
First and foremost is ALWAYS have a contract between you and the client. From a simple model test to a big advertising job a contract is a MUST. Always have them sign it and fax back to you or mail it. I am not sure if emails will hold up in court so I just always do contracts with a written signature. In the contract you want to spell out everything. You have the job description, job date, location, contact info including address and phone and fax. Then you list the rate for each crew person starting with you the photographer. Then you have your assistants, digital tech, make up, hair , wardrobe, rental gear, studio or location rental, basically you list every single fee that will be part of the shoot. A contract is just a simple and easy way to avoid any misunderstandings and to avoid the “he said she said” dilemma.
