The business of being a professional photographer
Class with David H. Wells / ©2009 David H. Wells

This class is for those who are thinking of becoming professional photographer and want information about the business side. The fact is that talent as a photographer is only half of what you need to succeed. Skills as a negotiator, bookkeeper, researcher, record keeper,
correspondent, writer, networker, etc. are as important as skills as making images.

Spend a time with David H. Wells, a veteran professional photographer, who makes his living solely through his photography. He walks you through a typical week in his life as a professional photographer. He covers estimating assignment fees, usage fees, resources for pricing,negotiating skills, and the various legalities and necessity of signed estimates,image usage licenses and contracts. David also covers self-promotion,marketing, and copyright law. He discusses when you need a model release
and/or property release and what kind to use. He also covers the topic of taxes and what you need to know for sound financial practices. The presentation is built around knowing the important sites, services and organizations accessible via the web for future reference..

Topics to be explored include but are not limited to:

• Business insurance, camera insurance, quarterly income taxes and sales tax issues.
• Researching, updating, purchasing and training for latest digital camera.and image processing technology.
• Resources for keeping updated on pricing, evolving business practices,trends, technology, etc.
• The various list serves to read each day to stay up to date on industry news, etc.
• Fine art galleries and corporate art dealers who sell photographs as art prints.
• Mentoring friends, students, etc. on business practices to keep the market viable.
• Research and attend exhibits as opportunities for creative and business stimulus. Techniques for garnering exhibitions for print sales, personal expression and career advancement including understanding portfolio
reviewing options, writing cover letters, artist’s statements, etc.
• The basic of running a stock photography business, from finding agencies to license images to directly licensing images yourself.
• The importance of and the mechanics of registering work with Library of Congress for enhanced copyright protection.
• The world of grants, from how to write a proposal to the various kinds of grant funded exhibitions and books
• How to get your work in front of editors, publishers, curators, gallery owners and collectors will also be explained in depth.
• Similarly the art of reading the résumé's of other artists and building your resume' will be discussed.


The class is a business class, for intermediate, advanced/aspiring
professionals. For editorial and documentory less so for Wedding photographes

ONLY ONE DAY 9AM-5PM for only $99
Class size limited to 17