The modern photographer strives to create new, exciting images.
She uses a digital single lens reflex camera with HD quality video capabilities. Although good equipment is important, her focus is on lighting and expanding her Adobe Photoshop skills. She understands that creative vision is what photo buyers are seeking in today’s market. She knows that good mechanical photography technicians are not the photographers hired for major assignments; they shoot volume for micro-stock clients.
The modern photographer is rarely concerned about print distribution. Traditional media no longer has the budget. Print is rarely used by corporate clients. When pricing a commercial job, the first questions she asks are: “How many unique monthly visitors does your Web site receive?” and “How large is your e-mail list?”
All photography usage is now international. Determining the value of a photograph is still based on how many people likely will view the image.
She prices her photography per image. Quality Web sites need a lot more imagery. If she can make more money by doing a great job and selling more images, she doesn’t want to get stuck with a day rate.
Her clients appreciate knowing what they are receiving for their money. They don’t have to watch the clock or feel she is wasting their time to meet day-rate requirements. They see the value in each image they select for purchase.
Every quote comes with the offer of video options and editing services. She knows that every company must tell a story and that social media demands new content. The modern photographer keeps her clients well-stocked with fresh media.
Big projects often need collaboration. Her clients prefer to use Google Wave to keep all their notes and communications in one place. Sometimes they have live chats. Wave allows for real-time communication and instant translation necessary for her growing number of international clients.
During every major shoot she takes advantage of her camera’s video capabilities by capturing behind-the- scenes footage and asking clients to offer testimonials. People love to see how she works and what clients think of her work before contacting her for a potential assignment.
Every day she shares some of her best photography and video (with client blessings) to her social media community. Most of the people following her love her style and subject matter. They have been well-trained by her on how to find leads and refer her when opportunities become available.
After each assignment she uploads images to her client-dedicated photo galleries. Often the images are proofs for selection or approval before beginning post production. Other times the final images are available for immediate purchase and download. Extra images and outtakes may be placed in her personal stock gallery for photo buyers to search.
The modern photographer understands that links are priceless. Photo credits are good, but in her contract she asks clients to place a direct link under her photos or in another prominent place that will lead viewers to her Web site. She regularly checks Tineye to make sure her most popular images are not being used improperly and that new Creative Commons users are properly linking to her Web site as requested in the use agreement.
Most of her billing is automated. Money is transferred into her bank account as images are downloaded. Her online accounting system is encrypted within the Cloud.
In addition, she enjoys displaying some of her favorite artistic images at the local coffee shop. Patrons use their smart phones to read the bar code below her prints to buy copies of the image hanging on the wall. The process is quick and seamless. Once notified of the sale, she sends a thank you note.
Tags: Add new tag, Advertising, art, Arts and Entertainment, business, Digital single-lens reflex camera, google wave, photography, Website
[...] over at New Media Photographer, has a great article up on The Modern Photographer. Are you a modern [...]
So well written and packed with spot-on information and PoV.
@SkyNoir
This fiction is coming to reality…
We are about 98% there I think.
Rosh
[...] over at New Media Photographer, has a great article up on The Modern Photographer. Are you a modern [...]
Some further details would be very useful. The general concepts for this type of workflow are good – but what are the nuts and bolts of making it work?
Specifically – what is “Her online accounting system”? What software? What website? What level of integration between the Cloud and the Desktop?
Also – it would be good to address what specific clients this photographer if working for.
“The modern photographer is rarely concerned about print distribution. Traditional media no longer has the budget. Print is rarely used by corporate clients.”
I’d still be concerned or at least be aware – because print isn’t dead yet. You’d better cover your bases and make sure the image licenses cover print or specifically exclude print uses. What about magazine reprints? I turned down a job this week because the client wanted me to sign their contract giving them unlimited use of the images (including reprints).
@Steven you ask some good questions. All questions I hope to continue to answer moving forward in this Blog. The modern photographer is a concept post. A little bit on the edge of our current technology. Some of the technology is 100% now, others in testing or beta – about ready for release. I’m just trying to make photographers think about their near future.
Rosh
This is not true……Google wave has crashed!
Wave has crashed for those who thought Google wave was about chatting.
But, for the people using it for the great collaboration tool it is – It’s on the right track. I use it all the time. Wave may not be the final or best tool in the long run, but real time collaboration is part of our future.
Everything I said in Phoenix one year ago is coming to pass – and getting stronger.
Rosh
I’m also curious about the last paragraph – customers buying prints online. Does the hypothetical photographer use some sort of printing/fulfillment service to create the prints, mail them & process the payments?
The answer is multiple options. Sites like Photoshelter already have automatic or self fulfillment options. They even offer multiple lab options. Most options, including cutting edge sites like fotomoto.com offer only one lab option. Both allow people to directly download the image to their desktop, if you wish for that to be option.
In the case of a gallery or coffee house showing. I think the self fulfillment option allowing for custom framing would be best. – It all seems to change with new technology everyday.
Good question,
Rosh
Adam’s just cranky…..
Wave is a great tool, but it’s difficult to find anyone who can wrap their mind around its use as something beyond a chatroom.
I do agree that this is untrue in one sense though. This presumes one kind of photographer and there are many. The description above does not apply to someone doing weddings or family portraiture, nor does it cover the kind of commercial work that is more specific than stock (say an annual report with images specific to that corporation including executive headshots).
Other than that, it could easily describe a stock shooter or some aspects could also be a part of other genres of photography.
carlos
How does she put the bar code on the picture. What software system?
you can create a QR code.. http://www.qrstuff.com
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