[by Ed McDonald]
“Pay your dues!” You hear it all the time, but what does it really mean? While colleges and schools teach photographic technique, theory, and marketing, nothing can compare to the experiences of on-set learning from a seasoned professional. It’s not just in how he or she sees, lights, composes or captures the decisive moments, but the unique subtleties of the day-to-day running and operating a professional photographic studio or business.
Frequently, “new to the industry” photographers want to run before they adequately learn how to walk. It is not about photographic talents…the streets are littered with unemployed talented photographers. No. This is more about the desire to understand and learn the nuances that make up the business side of this crazy profession we know and love.
Early in my photographic career, while assisting many of the wonderful and talented photographers I was fortunate enough to work with, I learned several business traits I still carry forth today. It didn’t matter that several of them shot subject matter that I knew I wasn’t interested in pursuing. What truly mattered was what they did in between the shots – how they interacted with the client; their personality style on the set; how they conducted phone calls to art buyers and clients alike; how they thought in terms of business practices – things you can’t possibly find out unless you are in it. Assisting these photographers gave me the license to see what worked and what didn’t without the jeopardy of my business being on the line.
So, if you truly want to pay your dues, find someone in the industry that is running a successful photo business and do what it takes to earn their trust and learn. I promise, you and your business will be better off in the long run for the time and the investment you make.
Ed McDonald serves on the ASMP National Board of Directors as Chair of the Social Media Committee. When Ed isn’t writing a post for Strictly Business, he’s trying very hard to use all his charm and wit to keep and attract new business for Ed McDonald Photography. You can reach Ed at ed@edmcdonald.com