Resources for Aspiring Photographers

If you have an interest in photography as a career, or if you are just looking for new inspiration, you might find this post helpful. I remember when I started as a photographer being super hungry for any resource or bit of information I could find. Actually, I still am. Professional development is hugely important to me. I receive a lot of e-mails asking for advice, resources and information on where/how I got my start. Hopefully I can answer some of the most frequently asked questions in a later post, but for now I wanted to share some resources/links for those who aspire to work in the industry or have an interest in photography. This list is not intended to be all encompassing rather a list of resources that personally helped or inspired me in my own journey. Dig in!

Recommended Books/Magazines:

• ASMP’s Professional Business Practices in Photography -THE go-to guide for the business of photography. Read this one cover to cover twice.
• Best Business Practices for Photographers by John Harrington – Another essential read on the business of photography
• Tell the World You Don’t Suck by Leslie Burns-Del’Aqua – An excellent, easy read about marketing your work and setting yourself apart by one of the top consultants in the business.
• How to Succeed in Commercial Photography by Selina Maitreya – A great read on the world of commercial photography by another leading consultant.
• Advertising Photography: A Straightforward Guide to a Complex Industry by Lou Lesko – Tons of great insight into the world of high-end advertising assignments.
• VisionMongers by David duChemin – Doesn’t give the nuts and bolts of running a business but is an inspiring read on vision/passion with great “stories” from some well known photographers like Chase Jarvis and Zach Arias.
• How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnige – A classic that everyone in the business world should read at least once.
• Swim with the Sharks Without Being Eaten Alive by Harvey Mackay – Another classic full of information for those entering the business world.
• Adobe Photoshop Lightroom: A Professional Photographer’s Workflow by Michael Clark (eBook) – A great book on Lightroom by a personal friend of mine.
• The Moment it Clicks and The Hotshoe Diaries by Joe McNally – Random thoughts and insight from one of the best photographers/teachers ever.
• Pricing Photography: The Complete Guide to Assignment & Stock Prices by Michal Heron and David MacTavish – Provides an overview and understanding of how pricing in the photo industry works.
• Photo District News – Hands down my favorite magazine for professional photographers.

Professional Organizations

• American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP) – I would strongly encourage joining as there are a ton of resources available for members.
• Travel and Outdoor Photographers Alliance (TOPA) – An online forum for all things relating to the business side of photography.

Education

• Kelby Training – A ton of great video based lessons on everything from location lighting to digital workflow by some of the industries top instructors. Really valuable instruction in an economical and time-friendly way.
• Strobist – A great resource for learning off camera flash.
• Rocky Mountain School of Photography – Great workshops and career training programs. I attended their Summer Intensive Career Training Program in 1999 and would highly recommend it for anyone interested in photography.
• ASMPproAdvice – An online forum for emerging/student photographers

Miscellaneous

• FotoBiz/FotoQuote Software – The industry standard for pricing photography.
• Borrowlenses.com – A great place to rent gear that you cannot afford or justify buying.
• MacGurus – Although not photo specific these guys are truly gurus when it comes to all things Mac. They understand photographer’s needs and can help you upgrade Mac computers for a fraction of what Apple charges.

Inspiring and Motivational Videos/Blogs

• Zack Arias Video – This is a great video that was originally posted on Scott Kelby’s popular blog. Zach provides a valuable reminder and encouraging charge relevant to those even outside of photo industry.
• Chase Jarvis Photoshelter Talk – A great presentation by Chase in New York that left me feeling inspired and motivated.
• Seth Godin’s Blog – Daily inspiration for all.

If there are resources not listed here that have inspired you or helped you in your own journey please share.