Finding a publisher to take on your project and print your book may take years, and proposal rejections can feel demoralizing. Suppose you’ve invested a significant amount of time and energy into photographing a project or want to showcase your portfolio without jumping through hoops of submitting to publishers — in that case, self-publishing a photobook is a viable option. [Read More…]
Publishing a photo book part three: Independent publishers
There are three avenues for publishing a photobook — traditional publishers, independent publishers (also known as indie presses), and self-publishing. This article will take a deep dive into indie presses. They are known for printing highly creative, beautifully crafted books that are as unique in design as the art that comprises their pages. The book becomes an extension of the photographers’ project — an art object in its own right.
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Publishing a photo book part two: Traditional publishers
Large traditional photobook publishers are highly selective in their choices of what photography books they publish. They must carefully consider the artist’s reputation and the project’s marketability while also examining profit margins before publishing a photobook. From the design process to the book’s production, distribution, and marketing, their investment is enormous, involving many people to bring the book to fruition. Publishers like Phaidon, Chronicle Books, Damiani, and Steidl publish successful fine art photographers who have a base of collectors, gallery representation, and museum exhibitions. Traditional publishers assume the financial burden of the book — from design and production to marketing and distribution, with the photographer earning a percentage of royalties on each book sold, thus separating them from other publishing avenues.
Publishing a photo book part one: The basics
The number of photobook publishing companies has increased dramatically over the past two decades. Before 1999, there were approximately 92 presses compared to over 480 operating in 2021. Additionally, a photographer’s desire to publish photobooks has grown — as a means of self-promotion and self-expression. The accessibility to design tools and print-on-demand services has made it so that anyone can publish their work. But should they? This series of four articles will examine the ins and outs of photobook publishing. From traditional publishing houses to independent presses and self-publishing.
What is Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tool and why photographers need it
If you are a commercial photographer, it’s not surprising if you find yourself juggling a good half-dozen tasks. Spreadsheets may keep you organized to a certain degree, but Excel can’t send automated emails to your contacts, invoice clients, or remind you of meetings with vendors. If you are starting to feel overwhelmed, it may be time to consider using a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tool.
A CRM is an application that allows you to manage all the interactions you have with leads, customers, and vendors so you can run your photography business more effectively.
Jemma Dilag, a Wonderful Machine photo editor and consultant explains that many photographers don’t feel they have a budget for CRMs or are hesitant to learn a new program.
It comes down to your needs — a small photography business has very different needs than a large commercial studio. First, define your needs, then find a CRM that works for you.[Read More…]
How to build your visual identity as a photographer
The visual identity of a photographer is no different than that of any other company. Although you may have spent years creating a photographic style that is uniquely your own, your images are only part of the elements that compose your photographer branding.[Read More…]
All you need to know about logos and making one as a photographer
The photographer logo or wordmark is the foundation of your visual identity — the visual representation of your company’s brand and core values. A logo can drive the look and feel of all your marketing materials. After all, it appears anywhere your business name appears.
Everything you wanted to know about humanitarian photography
While humanitarian photography may seem like a combination of documentary, editorial, and photojournalism, its history has a long tradition of photographers advocating for change.
Early twentieth-century photographer Lewis Hine’s images of children working in factories prompted government officials to develop and strictly enforce laws against child labor. Exposing mercury poisoning in the Japanese city of Minamata, W. Eugene Smith’s work brought justice and visibility to the victims. These photographers’ humanitarian images affected change by making visible the human condition.
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