Commercial Photography Handbook

Targeting new and experienced commercial photographers alike, this invaluable guide explores the different aspects and challenges of succeeding in the industry. Approaching the subject systematically, the topics begin with determining what kind of commercial photography to pursue and how to get the training needed to carve out a niche in the market. Continuing to delve further, the topics expand to marketing techniques, negotiation skills, estimating and charging for work, maximizing profits while minimizing expenses, and ethical business behavior. Armed with this information, commercial photographers who are developing or expanding their businesses will know how to evolve and grow during periods of both prosperity and recession.

Presenting ideas and commentary as well as photographs, this collection offers new photographers revelations and wisdom from professionals and informs them how to achieve commercial success. Commercial photographers create images that are designed to sell products, services, political candidates, organizations, corporations, and any other marketable commodity or idea, and their clients range from advertising agencies, manufacturers, retail stores, hotels, restaurants, and other businesses. With a section focusing on each of these types of services, this reference provides a quick workshop on an area of expertise, furnishing those new to the business with a wide variety of information about each specialty. Tips for selecting the most effective equipment for each subgenre as well as technical information about each camera combine with business-savvy know-how—from marketing, bidding, budgeting, building referrals, managing the office, and more—making this a comprehensive reference for being both behind and in front of the lens.

The Focal Handbook of Commercial Photography is a contemporary and pragmatic guide to professional practice and career planning that will help both aspiring and established photographers make appropriate choices in the face on the ongoing changes in this industry. Successful photographers must possess, or at least appreciate, many skills: artist, entrepreneur, accountant, designer, carpenter, chemist, creative director, keyboard wizard, and futurist. They practice elements of a two-hundred year old technology while learning new technologies that are only minutes old. This handbook will help commercial photographers succeed by providing an overview of business and technical strategies together with information to help interpret and apply new developments in the field. Discussing such topics as managing your studio and your business, as well as assistants, equipment, lighting, shooting techniques and situations, darkrooms, marketing, and pricing, this handbook will offer many practical hints on making more money in less time with less effort.

Creating mouth-watering food images requires more than just a love of food and access to a kitchen. With the popularity of food blogs and photography how-tos, it’s tempting to think that anyone can photograph food, but it’s another thing entirely to shoot for a tight ad layout with the pressure of your client watching over your shoulder. Commercial food photographer Teri Campbell has been called a “lighting master,” and in this beautifully illustrated book, he not only shares his detailed lighting set-ups and shooting techniques for a wide range of food and drink shots, but also offers candid advice on how to set up a studio, use the right equipment, market your work, find clients, bid on assignments, hire food and prop stylists, and communicate effectively with everyone on the set. Campbell shares his expertise on dozens of commercial assignments–from shooting beignets on location in New Orleans, to creating perfect ice tea pours, to photographing beans on real flames in his studio. Learn how he creates dynamic compositions, uses studio strobes, and arranges light diffusers, reflectors, fill cards, and mirrors, to create the perfect capture. Campbell also discusses his post-processing techniques in Adobe Camera Raw and Adobe Photoshop to create images that are irresistible. This guide for intermediate and advanced users provides the insider details to help you expand your photography skills or turn your passion for food and images into a professional career.

Picture this--an A to Z guide to becoming a successful working photographer, written by one of the leading professional photographers in the business. Covering virtually every business and artistic issue, topics include dozens of no-fail strategies and tested techniques for getting started to run and grow a dynamic business. 225 photos.

The opportunities that digital technology presents are almost limitless, but so are the problems that can arise when trying to retrofit a film-based photography business to the new digital marketplace. This guidebook explores digital imaging technology with some of the world's leading wedding, portrait, and commercial photographers, drawing on the experiences of professionals for practical advice for photographers who are still struggling to perfect their digital work flow. Topics include the selection and purchase of the right equipment, choosing the right business model, and tips on innovations in color management and retouching. Step-by-step instructional images and screen shots are included throughout, allowing for a concrete grasp of the detailed processes and techniques.