Business Trends

“Bloggers think that a use of a photograph in a web blog is covered by fair use simply because it is not usually done for profit, and they are ‘commenting’ on the news. This is not necessarily the case.”

Last year in my column I tackled the important issue of copyright. (Editor’s Note: Go to our homepage at www.shutterbug.com and type in Copyrights.) Unless...

The stock photo business—making images on speculation and then attempting to match the image to a buyer—has seen major changes. The traditional business model of the stock agency serving as a photographer’s agent has shifted to the picture library model. Other changes have included companies hiring staff photographers to create stock—as opposed to using outtakes and spec...

As the markets for both consumer and commercial photographers keep warping and changing, many photographers are looking for alternative revenue paths. A fine art photographic sale by a gallery always gets high interest from photographers, but what about the gallery owner’s perspective? What factors influence their choice of the photographers they represent? How do owners view fine art...

Promo pieces for selling your photography should be specifically planned for personal correspondence directed at your targeted audience. In-house printed promotional materials have become increasing popular as the technology for the design and printing has increased and the cost of production decreased. This type of promo piece is not for direct (mass or bulk) mailing. The in-house promo is used...

Many commercial buying patterns have shifted from hiring for assignment to buying stock licensed images or royalty-free images. This shift has greatly decreased the value per image for all but the most creative or unique stock images. But it has also opened markets for still photos previously unexplored. Stock is no longer just for print use; clients are buying still images for website...

Jim McHugh (www.jimmchugh.com) came to my attention most recently with his program for the Advertising Photographers of America/Los Angeles chapter (APA/LA) titled "Walking the Tightrope." In the workshop, he offered his personal story and thoughts on how to balance successful commercial work with the creation of...

With commercial clients turning more often to stock photos, many photographers are looking for ways to keep themselves in business. At the same time, art photography markets are looking for new and fresh images. These art photography clients can be the more traditional consumer markets such as galleries and individual collectors. They can also be the more commercial art clients...