Module 0.5 0.55 What's Out There For You? Pt. 1

The World is Your Oyster

We can't possibly discuss every one of the infinite nuances of how to be in the business of photography, but this page will attempt to shine a bit of light on each of the main categories by offering some inspirations through general videos on each, and/or from those working in each field. We'll also revisit some of these topics later in the semester, like how to write a grant for photography, and how to price your work as a commercial photographer, for example.

We'll drill down into those "nuts & bolts" later, but for now, the point is to explore a little, hear some different perspectives from a few corners of the photography industry, and consider the possibilities that you can currently see for yourself. Hopefully, you'll also open to more possibilities as we explore, so sit back & take some time to soak it in.

In the following video, Skip Cohen, President of Marketing Essentials International, hits the high points of things to consider in getting started in a few of the different genres of photography. It certainly doesn't cover every aspect or ever genre, but he's got some interesting points worth considering, and that may apply to the business model you have in mind.

Please expand each of the sections on this page & watch the videos that interest you. Not all videos are required for the course, but I certainly encourage you to watch all of them if they interest you. For the purposes of this module's discussion, you'll be asked to write a short response on ONE of the panels below. Choose at least one expanding panel and watch all of the videos in that section.

Keep in mind that the little introductions offered in these sections are just one tiny slice of that entire segment of photography. For example, in the Personal category below, you'll find a couple of videos on the business of wedding photography, specifically, but of course, the "Personal" category includes many, many other genres, specialties, and business models. So, think holistically about each category, and even if your interest is in pet photography or concert photography (other specialties under the "Personal" category), think about how you might apply the concepts and ideas covered in the video to the business you have in mind for yourself.

Photography Industry-1.jpg

Fine Art

Presented by: Laura Poppiti, Program Director, Center for Cultural Innovation (CCI) Wednesday, April 7, 2021

SF Camerawork hosted the second event in our new Artist Toolkit Series. In this presentation, Laura Poppiti shared an overview of Center for Cultural Innovation (CCI), a California nonprofit grant making intermediary that is focused on supporting individual artists and arts workers. Participants learned about CCI's upcoming workshops, ongoing and future grant opportunities, and special initiatives. Laura also shared grant application tips and tricks and helpful resources.

Personal

Ben Long

Photographer, Writer, Educator

In The Practicing Photographer, photographer and teacher Ben Long shares a weekly serving of photographic instruction and inspiration. Each installment focuses on a photographic shooting scenario, a piece of gear, or a software technique. Each one concludes with a call to action designed to inspire you to pick up your camera (or your mouse or smartphone) to try the technique for yourself.

Scientific

While the first of these videos is indeed from Nat Geo Kids, it's a fun look into scientific photography that most people wouldn't even think of. The following three videos are from Phase One Industrial (for whom I worked in the past, hence my appearance in the first of the videos), who has an entire division dedicated to industrial & scientific applications for high resolution imagery including inspections, mapping, agriculture, forestry, wildlife surveys, etc.

Photo Support

Sef McCullough Answers Questions About Commercial Retouching

For over 10 years, Sef McCullough has been crushing it retouching for the top global brands like Coca-Cola, Google, Old-Spice, and Nike. The Senior Artist at Happy Finish is now ready to share some information about what "real" commercial retouching is all about.

The below embedded video is the first in a 10 video series discussing the business of retouching. Please use the link above to go to the whole YouTube playlist and watch all TEN videos. (~40min total).

Reminder

After reviewing the information from each section above, click on the Next button to continue through the module!