THE PHOTO HUSTLE

Williams’ business guide for freelance photographers provides insights from a longtime industry professional.

For many new freelancers and recent art-school graduates, the photography industry can seem daunting, and nearly impossible to break into. However, according to veteran photographer and photo editorWilliams, new professionals can overcome challenges through hard work, grit, determination, and a spirit of entrepreneurship. This guide imparts a career’s worth of wisdom in two sections, in which the author guides readers through the process of getting a foot in the door, via networking, pitching, and marketing. She discusses the importance of optimizing one’s professional persona by finding a professional niche and advises on how to behave at photo shoots, in pitch meetings, and online. In the second half, Williams discusses what to do once hired, addressing the estimate process, contracts, budgeting, and even how to handle getting on an industry blacklist. Throughout her advice, the author emphasizes the need for tenacity and professionalism, but she’s also careful to stress the need for passion: “If you’re in it for the money,” she explains, “you’ve already lost.” All of this results in a formula for success in the photography industry, but Williams notes that it’s not foolproof. Still, with time and patience, she says, newbies can find a way into the business. The wisdom that Williams imparts is nothing extraordinary; most creative professionals would offer similar advice. However, such “secrets” are often gatekept, and creators in marginalized communities are likely to find it especially useful. This essential guide is supported with insights from other industry professionals, and each chapter concludes with a takeaway portion, cleverly named “TL;DR.” Clement’s black-and-white line drawings throughout enhance the reading experience, adding an infographic style to an engaging and informative read.

Insights and strategies abound in this detailed snapshot of the photography industry for newcomers.