The Focal Handbook Of Commercial Photography

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.

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.

Photography is a complex craft. Some excel at the technical side of image-making, focusing perfectly on the subject, releasing the shutter at just the right moment and making exposures with the precise amount of light. Others are artists and storytellers, capturing a fleeting moment in time which inspires a viewer to gaze upon an image and ponder its meaning. The best photographers are masters of both. In this highly visual, informative new book, Angela Faris Belt discusses the four crucial elements of photography that are essential for successful technical and conceptual image-making: .the photographic frame and its borders .quality of focus as determined by the aperture or lens .shutter speeds and their effects in relation to time and motion .the physical media used to create the aggregate image Step-by-step guidance including informative screen shots, traditional darkroom and Photoshop techniques, suggested exercises, and before and after images help both film and digital photographers improve their skills, learn new techniques, and better understand their craft. More than 300 stunning, full color images and portfolios featuring the work of over 40 prestigious artists provide visual inspiration as well as a gorgeous collection of artwork for photography enthusiasts.

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.

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.

Veteran camera assistant Doug Hart describes in this comprehensive technical guide all of the important facets and duties of the first and second camera assistants' jobs. Whether it is feature films, episodic television, documentaries, commercials, or music videos, The Camera Assistant: A Complete Professional Handbook explains both the practice and theory behind it with a concentration on technique rather than equipment. In addition, personal anecdotes from the author's years behind and beside the camera provide insight into this demanding field. Key topics include film formats and aspect ratios, testing lenses and camera equipment, focus theory, film loading and labeling, scene blocking, marking actors, shooting tips, slating, paperwork, equipment maintenance, set etiquette, and finding work. This is not a camera equipment handbook; it is a comprehensive procedures manual which describes and explains the most important responsibilities of the camera assistant on the set, the theory behind the practice, and the methods that get the job done properly and keep the assistant frequently employed. Douglas C. Hart has been a freelance first-camera assistant on feature films, documentaries, television shows, and commercials for more than 20 years, including 10 years (and 10 films) as first-camera assistant to Gordon Willis, ASC, as well as work in 42 states and 26 foreign countries. His work includes Presumed Innocent, Hannah and Her Sisters, The Cosby Mysteries, and CBS's Central Park West. He is a member and former president of the International Photographers Local 644, IATSE, and teaches the Camera Assistant Workshops at the International Film and Television Workshops in Rockport, Maine.

Grounded in real-life experiences and scenarios, this practical guide offers editorial, non-profit, foundation, and corporate photographers an honest and insightful approach to running a freelance photography business. Pulling from thirty years of experience as a freelance photographer, veteran Todd Bigelow presents a timely and detailed account of the methods and tactics best used to navigate and succeed in the profession. He explores the topics that define the business of freelancing, including: analyzing photography contracts; creating and maintaining an image archive; licensing for revenue; client development; registering for copyright; combating copyright infringement; and understanding tax issues, freelance business structures, and more. Chapters feature examples of real contract clauses and emails to better prepare readers for the practical daily activities that are essential to growing a success business. Likewise, Bigelow shares conversational anecdotes throughout to provide real insight into the world of freelancing. Based on the author’s sought-after Business of Photography Workshop, this book is an essential guide for emerging, mid-career, and experienced photographers interested in starting or improving their own freelance business.