Jim Pickerell has released a new e-book. Secrets To Building A Successful Photography Career examines recent changes in the photography business environment, from technological improvements to the introduction of microstock and the availability of free images.
The e-book is a compilation of articles that have appeared in Selling Stock in the last few months as part of the “Going Pro” series. Consequently, Selling Stock subscribers do not need to purchase the book, as they already have access to all the articles (see the inset box for links to individual stories). We do, however, hope you encourage photographers who are not Selling Stock subscribers to read Secrets.
The book identifies current industry trends and helps photographers understand how these trends are likely to affect their careers in the future. The
first chapter of the book is available for review free of charge. The book normally sells for $25, but a 20% discount is available on all orders received before December 1, 2010 to customers using the code SS487PL when ordering.
Pickerell said: “As we move ahead, self-employed still photographers will see declining prices and a dramatic increase in competition. Diversification will be the key to future business success. Producing better and more creative images than your peers will not be enough; skills in marketing and business management will be more important.”
The book explains why, despite continued demand for new and better still photos, it will be increasingly difficult for photographers to build profitable businesses. There will always be a few stars whose earnings are in the six figures, but the vast majority who attempt to make photography their career should expect a much lower level of annual income. Photographers with low revenue expectations (which will probably mean they have some other primary source of income) are likely to be the ones who gain the greatest satisfaction from their photo work.
Pickerell has been in the photography business for over 50 years, has published five editions of Negotiating Stock Photo Prices, a popular pricing guide for stock photo uses, and has edited Selling Stock over 20 years. (Visit Photo Licensing Options for more extensive biographical information.)
The book is available online as a PDF file download that can be printed or read online. The online version includes links to further reading—many other articles that expand readers’ understanding of the material. This linked information cannot be found in the printed version. After purchasing a copy of the book, customers may re-access the PDF file as often as needed by using their email address and password.