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.

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. It helps if it’s the work you want to be hired for. If you have talent and you are willing to work very hard to become better, you have a 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 more.

8. Never complain, and always make your deadlines.

9. Always believe in yourself, and never stop creating new work that breaks new ground. Learn to say no.

10. Equipment is just a tool. Practice until you don’t have to think about it anymore. Use your intuition.

Bonus tip: Don’t fall down.