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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
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Module 1 Journal

Uploaded by

momma16171820
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© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
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Module 1: The Professional Photographer

Dondalea Stubbs

FAS 240: Business of Photography

Professor Spencer

Written: October 28th, 2024

Due: October 31st, 2024


Dondalea Stubbs
October 28, 2024
FAS 240 Professor Spencer
The Professional Photographer
1. What are the risks and rewards of being a photographer?

Photography, while beautiful in many ways, has many risks and many rewards not

just for a photographer but also for any assistant or volunteer as well. I think to a degree

that the balance between risk and reward lies honestly in the opinion of each individual

photographer out there. There is a lot to consider when you pursue a profession in

photography whether it is weather, travel time, prices, the number of sessions you do at

any given time, etcetera.

One key thing I recently struggled with is the weather. Just two days ago I was

attending an event, and I took my backdrop in camera kit, but I was not informed of it

being outdoors which made it difficult due to the sunlight. Too much sunlight created

overexposure, and I was not prepared on how to change my exposure. When it comes to

whether you should prepare in advance for any situation always bring protective gear for

adverse weathers such as rain or snow; another good idea is to find decently shaded

locations in case of there being too much sun to prevent overexposure if you don't know

how to change that setting.

Travel and commuting are another thing to consider. Especially if you are a

freelancer. Sometimes clients request you to travel and this is critical for you to carefully

plan. If you need to travel, be prepared to plan for adverse weather changes, traffic

complications in your mode of travel, and even have an emergency plan. You never know

when something could happen such as a flight bumping you from your flight, or your car

breaking down on you with no warning, or what if you're in an accident, it really is just

something you can never really know if it'll be a problem. Always make sure you have a
Dondalea Stubbs
October 28, 2024
FAS 240 Professor Spencer
The Professional Photographer
little extra money, have a first aid kit and emergency plan, make sure if you're going to be

gone for more than five hours you have food and drink with you, and always keep a

travel hygiene kit that could have things such as Tylenol.

As for benefits in photography, the most important thing is you get to have so

much freedom in your creativity while you are doing something that you love. Another

wonderful thing is that you get to set your own schedule, and you get to set your own

travel depending on whether you freelance or work for someone's company.

2. What does it mean to be a photographer?

When you are a professional photographer, often it is your main source of income.

You are receiving compensation for a service you are providing based on experience and

time. Most often you are someone well known for your work, and you may have the

opportunity to even feature your work in many ways such as online, in magazines, in

galleries and many other forms.

3. Can anyone be a professional photographer?

Being a professional photographer is hard. I have even had my doubts about

myself. It requires a lot of focus and dedication, both for your ultimate objective and for

the things you must do to achieve it. You also must be extremely creative and have

amazing interpersonal skills. I believe that running my own photography business with

the help of my best friend is the best way for me to approach being a photographer. As a

Co ownership, we would be able to split things evenly if needed; my best friend is

currently in school for business management, and we have discussed the opportunity of
Dondalea Stubbs
October 28, 2024
FAS 240 Professor Spencer
The Professional Photographer
him doing the management portion while I do the photography. This would help me as I

am not perfect with management. Multiple minds are always better than one. Managing a

business, especially in photography, requires a lot of artistic talent, managerial and

marketing skills, financial acumen, and a phenomenal ability to bounce back from

setbacks. Staying up to date on laws, software changes, technological advancements,

social trends, and much more is crucial to being a photographer. You must constantly stay

up to date, expand and grow, while constantly marketing yourself as a brand. Keep

shooting photos, be involved in local photographer community events, try to make

friends with other photographers in your area, do practice sessions just for the fun of it,

and always get your name out there as loud and proud as you can. Make sure you know

your lighting, settings, venues, programs, and so much more. Keep yourself up to date on

the value of your time and work. Find your niche, build your brand, build your clientele,

and reach for the stars.

4. What is the importance of artistry and business intelligence?

Artistry and creative ability are key in photography. Any vocation involving art

requires an eye for beauty in anything. Their work demonstrates devotion and skill.

Vision and inventiveness must be clear in any work you do. You must really get out there,

establish yourself by finding clients and form a bond. Always find ways to make the

process as smooth as possible.

5. What can I do now to prepare for a future as a photographer?

I have already begun to slowly prepare myself... I know over time I will need

more lenses, especially a 50mm lens for my camera as it is a good lens for photography
Dondalea Stubbs
October 28, 2024
FAS 240 Professor Spencer
The Professional Photographer
portraits. Lately I have been offering many sessions to practice and build skills as well as

a portfolio. I have a packet of paperwork for client information requesting information

such as client age, contact information, copyright and private printing release which

allows them to post on media as long as they leave my copyright in the image with no

cropping and also to print under the same rules, and I even request signatures for minors

from the parent or guardian. I add my own copyright information with the name of my

business in the bottom of every photo. I currently do not have a business license, but

these are practices that I am doing to prepare myself. I know that in the future I will need

to make a budget, equipment list, price list, and obtain any required licensure for where I

live. These are all things that I am currently doing and preparing myself for as I know

there will be things I need to do.

Common questions

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The profession of photography balances creative freedom and financial stability by allowing photographers to express their creativity while managing their own schedules and jobs, which can cater to their financial needs. Photographers often have the freedom to choose projects that align with their artistic vision and set their own schedules, providing flexibility. However, they must also manage the business aspect, including securing clients and marketing themselves, to ensure financial stability .

Collaboration in a photography business allows photographers to divide responsibilities based on individual strengths, enhancing overall efficiency and success. In a co-ownership model, one partner might focus on the artistic aspects of photography, like shooting and editing, while the other manages business operations such as marketing and client relations. This division allows each person to focus on their strengths and compensates for weaknesses, thus improving the business's functionality and adaptability to challenges .

Photographers attending outdoor events must be prepared for challenges such as adverse weather conditions and overexposure to sunlight, which can affect the outcome of their photos. To mitigate these challenges, photographers should always bring protective gear for adverse weather, such as rain or snow protection, and find shaded locations to prevent overexposure. Additionally, they should have a good understanding of how to adjust exposure settings to adapt to varying light conditions .

Photographers can market themselves effectively by consistently producing high-quality work and sharing it across multiple platforms such as social media, online galleries, and photography contests. Networking within the local photography community, building relationships with other professionals, and participating in community events can also increase visibility. Developing a unique style or niche, expedient service, and fostering good client relationships can contribute to building a strong brand and loyal client base .

An aspiring photographer should work on building skills and a portfolio by offering sessions, even for practice, and acquiring essential equipment like a 50mm lens for portraits. They should also prepare necessary paperwork, such as client information packets with copyright and release statements, while ensuring to protect their work legally with copyright notices. Obtaining a business license, making a budget, and developing a price list are additional steps to prepare for a professional career .

Photographers should be mindful of several legal considerations, including copyright protection for their images, obtaining proper releases for using client images (especially those of minors), and clearly outlining usage rights to prevent unauthorized use or edits. Additionally, obtaining a business license and ensuring compliance with local regulations are essential. Transparent business practices, client agreements, and staying informed about legal changes in the industry are critical for mitigating legal risks .

Continual learning and adaptation are crucial for professional photographers to remain competitive and relevant in an ever-evolving industry. Staying up to date with laws, software updates, technological advancements, and social trends allows photographers to improve their craft, meet client demands effectively, and avoid potential legal issues. It also helps in creatively pushing boundaries and exploring new artistic directions, thus broadening their skillset and market reach .

Managing a successful photography business requires a combination of artistic talent, managerial and marketing skills, financial acumen, and resilience. Photographers must possess creative skills to produce visually appealing work, along with business intelligence to manage finances, market their services, and handle setbacks. It's also crucial to stay updated on technological advancements, social trends, and legal requirements. Building a strong brand and client base, and engaging with the local photography community, are also vital for success .

Traveling for photography assignments can present several dangers, including weather changes, traffic complications, transportation issues, and unexpected accidents. Photographers can prepare for these risks by planning their travels carefully, allowing extra time for unforeseen delays, and having contingency plans like alternative transportation or accommodation options. Carrying essentials such as a first aid kit, emergency funds, food, drink, and a travel hygiene kit can also mitigate some travel-related risks .

A photographer's deep understanding of their equipment significantly enhances their ability to adapt to unexpected conditions during a shoot. For instance, knowledge of adjusting exposure settings can help prevent overexposure in bright conditions, while understanding the use of different lenses can facilitate better composition in varying environments. This ability to swiftly and effectively manipulate equipment allows photographers to maintain the desired quality and creative intent of their work under diverse circumstances .

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