Continuing on with a few tips I have learnt from starting my photography business.
Tip Four – Contracts, releases and promises
Be careful what you promise and what is promised to you. It’s all very well to have a verbal agreement but having it in writing avoids a lot of awkward ’he said she said’ moments. Outline exactly what is involved in the job – shooting time, editing time, high res images or not, licencing details and period, costs, additional costs, delivery dates and expectations from both parties. A signed contract is the best way to avoid any misunderstandings. Be aware that the law can work against you in some instances. Section 21(3) of the copyright act 1994 says that if a person commissions, pays for or agrees to pay for the taking of a photograph – that person is the first owner of any copyright. Which voids you of any ownership to the photos. You can opt out or “override” this section in your agreement. You can view the full Act here.
Get model releases where possible especially for portfolio images, personal projects and those ever popular “free” shoots. Yes you have the rights to use the photo as the copyright owner, however, the model owns the right to their ‘likeness’. There are plenty of templates available online. Just make sure the wording is suitable – yes, you have to read it! I have wording like “I hereby forever grant..”, ”the irrevocable and unrestricted, right to use…”, “I wave any right to inspect or approve the finished product including…”.
Don’t forget you can only enter into a legal contract if you are 18 years or older. For any persons under the age of 18 they can have a parent or guardian sign on their behalf.
Tip Five – Surround yourself with the right people
Surrounding yourself with the right people will help propel your business forward. Get amongst people who have already achieved what you want to achieve – either socially or on a professional mentoring bases. Something’s got to rub off right? There is a wealth of knowledge around. Even if they are in a different industry ask them how they did it and what challenges they overcame to get where they are. You’d be surprised at how helpful people are and how much you can learn. Try going to networking meetings and seminars. I belong to the NZIPP which is a group of professional photographers that meet once a month. You meet like-minded photographers of all different stages of their careers where you can exchange ideas, get image critique and listen to speakers who are leaders in the industry and other professions. Another great organisation is the AIPA or even joining your local camera club can be an asset.
Same goes for surrounding your self with the right assistants, accountants, business contacts. Be inspired by the people you work with. You are in charge now and you don’t have to work with people (and clients) you don’t like or those who can drain the energy from a room.
Tip Six – Portfolios
So what should you put into your portfolio? Answer: Not every photo you have taken! Quality over quantity for sure. An easy concept you may think but we can be tempted to put those sentimental shots in that no one else gets or cares about. Think about your target market. If it’s wedding clients you want – what type of people are they? Young couples, professionals, adventurous, what area code are they in, demographic, where do they shop etc? You want to include photos that will appeal to your target market. They want to see photos they can imagine themselves being in. This information will also assist you when deciding how to market to them.
For general portfolios show your diversity and what they can expect from you – but be honest. Show a true representation of your abilities. The order of the images is very important as well. Keep them interested and engaged.
On-line portfolios are great and you can find templates for very little or no fee at all. Just be sure your editing style can translate onto paper if needs be.
More tips to follow next week.
You are the boss now. You can choose who you surround yourself with including which clients you work with. Choose inspiring people and forget about those who are unhelpful and draining.
