INEVITABLE CONSEQUENCE MANAGEMENT TIPS
Photography enthusiasts who are considering making it a career sometimes seek me out for advice. I always give them what I think are the most important things to personally manage as a full-time professional:
1. Don’t assume anything. (This rule is also #2 and #3)
2. Have a back up plan. Better yet, have three backup plans.
3. Choose your potential clients and co-workers wisely.
4. Only show your best work. If it’s the work you want to be hired for, it helps. If you have talent and are willing to work very hard to become better, you have a chance. If you have something to say, you have a real chance.
5. If you want to stay in business, don’t work for free and never do anything half way.
6. Establish minimum fees depending on the time, energy and expertise required to do your best work.
7. If the client wants all rights, it’s OK. You just need to charge a lot more, unless it’s work you will never want to own.
8. Never complain, and always make your deadlines.
9. Always believe in yourself, and never stop creating new work that pushes the envelope. Rejection and criticism are part of the business, so grow a thick skin. And learn to say no.
10. Equipment is just a tool. Practice until you don’t have to think about it anymore. Use your intuition instead.
Bonus tip: Shoot for yourself, and don’t fall down.
