“Nothing happens unless first we dream.”

Posted on: 10-10-2013 Posted in: Photography

While this may seem as nothing more than a trite, sentimental saying, it is true. The first step in achieving your goals is seeing yourself having completed them. It is a dream for many to become professional photographers, but it is also a reality for many who have set their goals, made a plan, and did everything they could to make it happen.

The reason many photographers do not succeed is that they stop trying. They discontinue learning as well as while they continue to run a struggling photography business, wondering why they can’t make it into the “big time” and become published, working photographers.

In today’s competitive market, it takes more than the newest equipment and clever promotional campaigns to make it as a financially successful working photographer. While a unique vision will give your photography an edge, it takes proper planning, a comprehensive sense of business acumen, and a compelling drive to succeed.

A few things holding the average photographer back is the business side of work, regardless of any given talent. Suffice to say, paperwork, meetings and seminars are not on a photographer’s top ten list of priorities, though perhaps they should be. An understanding of what it takes to make it in the business requires knowledge of the verbiage, terminology, strategies, negotiations and a fair amount of people skills.

Regardless of your proficiency level as a photographer, knowing how things work will get you further ahead than the trial and error we’ve all had to endure at one point or another in our careers. Not only should your work be personally fulfilling, but also financially rewarding as well.

The best way to learn is to seek advice, encouragement and assessments from those who have accomplished their goals of becoming successful photographers. This is what Shoot The Centerfold is all about; providing personalized, sound advice and evaluations invaluable to your success as a photographer.

How to Start a Career as a Photographer

How many of us have seen it? The guy with all the gear, all the necessary start-up funding to make it happen, a decent laptop holding the best in software muscle, a huge stack of business cards at the ready, and the brazen claim they are accomplished photographers even though their images scream otherwise?

True art is an expression of the human spirit and a passion to capture what means most in our lives. Never forgot your prime reason for learning more about photography is not about the money, but about giving something back uniquely yours. When you work from the heart, win or lose, you will always have something. When you do it for money, you get some cash but it’s dried up, your wallet won’t be the only thing that’s empty. Investing in yourself is the smartest move you can make.

What is the Best Way to Put a Shoot Together?

Also known as “line production,” putting a proper shoot together is the key to making everything work. There is a saying in construction that goes “measure twice, cut once” and the same goes for photography. A good photographer has everything under control before a shoot begins, and that includes having a back-up plan for everything. This is the only way you will be able to give full attention to your model. If you are too busy tying to get your equipment to work, you will never have time to get anything accomplished. Shoot The Centerfold has the best methods of making shoots work under and any and all conditions because it’s the very definition of their job – it’s what they do all day, every day. Working under deadline means making no excuses, even when you have enough rain coming down to create a small ocean. Getting the job done IS your job.

Can STC Evaluate My Photos?

That is part of the reason STC is here. Who ever heard of studying without having to take a test at some point? A professional critique from STC may be in the form a single image or a portfolio. Your work will be assessed not only on its artistic merits, but also on its marketability. We all know just because an image is good does not necessarily mean it will sell. Because the STC staff consists of working professionals, they know what is in demand and which way the trends are heading. A successful photographer and a boy scout have a lot in common; they both must be prepared at all times.

Can You Edit My Portfolio?

As mentioned, it is a good thing to have impressive images in your portfolio, but it’s even better when they have the potential to be used commercially. Working as a professional photographer means you are often using others’ ideas and concepts, so it’s important for a prospective client to be able to see the marketable possibilities in your work. Perhaps you do not have the image their looking for, but they can easily recognize when you have the means and ability to deliver a product according to their requirements. For this reason, the images in your book must be expressively tailored to meet the visual needs of the client. STC will guide you on knowing what to look for and what works best for a given situation. Why have just a “one-size-fits-all” portfolio when you can have several, ready and waiting for the next big score?

Any tips for improving a shoot I just finished?

Perhaps the most difficult aspect of a photoshoot is the culling process necessary of taking hundreds of photos and trimming them down to a handful of the best possible candidates. Out of the multitude of captures, we can help you determine the best fifteen to twenty shots from the day’s assignment. Believe it or not, that’s all you need. Think like an editor here; if you do not see anything you like in the first ten or so shots, what makes you think the rest will be any better? Who puts their best shots on the last few pages?

Who Wants to See My Pictures?

This is why you customize your photos according to client requirements. You cannot sell shoes to an ice cream store. It is not only important to know who’s buying at the moment, but also what they’re looking for, plus being able sell them on the idea you’ve got what it takes. Shoot The Centerfold the basics of finding clients, how to build business relationships and how to keep them. You are in a business that’s known for having people with, shall we say, “creative temperaments” and not all of them pleasant. Mastering a communication style conducive to creating and producing sales is an art unto itself. STC will guide you in creating a distinctive marketing persona.

How Do I Get Paid for My Photography?

And now, for what many like to call the “bottom line.” Once you’ve got the job and you’ve cleared all of their business hurdles, you’ve still got one more to go which will most likely make or break the deal: Negotiating a price. There is a fine line between getting a job and actually making money from it. You will first need to know what you are worth, and second, what they are willing to pay. Don’t forget you’re not the only one up for the job to you’ll need to have a primary offer, and if necessary, a second or third offer as well and all of them to your advantage.

Shoot The Centerfold can help you in learning the proper steps and methods in finding the best way to get paid what you’re worth. You’ll learn about usage rights, copyrights, releases, contracts, delivery and retention, billing and payment, and a few more things you need to know to help you come out on top.