Resources I wish I'd found when I started as a Professional Photographer

Photography, like so many creative businesses, can be a lonely one. And like so many careers now more often than not people are coming into the field without formal training. I have not been at this for 8 years (!) and now get asked for advice, which still feels surprising. Regrettably, the advice I got in design school stands, “if you want to do design, don’t start your own design business”-[because only a small portion of your time will actually be spent on design.] Nonetheless, photographers have less in house employment options and so here I am, a documentary photographer who loves photography, muddling along with a photography business.

As an avid researcher, student of life and connector of people, I have found many websites, resources, and communities which make being in this industry less lonely, more cost effective and, yes, fun. (I am not listing obvious resources like local museums, schools and galleries.)

First off, my advice in any creative field is find your community, and this is ongoing. I am amazed by how generous people in the creative industry are with each other, and I think it is because we need each other. I joined the ASMP and have been active in my local chapter, meeting peers and learning from workshops. Groups like this also give you access to lawyers, and an understanding of mystifying things like copyright. I also joined the Explorers Club, a professional society focused on field research, scientific exploration and resource conservation. Where are your people, not just your clients, but your peers. Find a way to be there.
I am also on many other websites like the Photographers Union and a small women’s photographer email list I got on through ASMP. When you get a weird contract or job offer, resources like these are amazing-you can ask a friend, or 30.

If you have never started or run a small business, done your own quarterly taxes and are at sea on the logistics of business, the Freelancers Union advocates for folks like us, and shares out free templates resources and trainings (and if you are in NYC you can go in person). Perhaps less sexy, but extremely useful, our tax dollars go to the SBA-Small Business Administration so you as a small business owner should take advantage of this. I have worked with my local office in my region of the state. They can help you with the absolute basics of setup, with getting loans, and have regular trainings.

Speaking of grants and fundings this is an endless topic, especially in this day and age. But one you may not think of many states have funded Creative Agency, like Mass Creative here in Massachusetts. These are great resources for grants, trainings, networks and shows. Its worth signing up for newsletters from photo organizations and foundations and then culling down to the ones that serve your needs. But if you want to invest a small amount Inside the Newsroom and the Open Call weekly opportunities for a modest subscription. The former is journalistic, the latter slightly more artistic, and they are the cheapest high value I have found.

Then there are the expert emails. I haven’t nailed this one down entirely so I would love to hear your thoughts. But I am enjoying Notes from A Rep, by Heather Elder and Build a Creative Career People Remember by Chris Witten. Again worth poking around substack and others for the advisors most in line for your needs.

Ongoing education is key, especially if you are like me and did not come through an academic photography program. As a documentary photographer I find that a lot of photo festivals have educational trainings as part of their offering. Photoville is a great example of this, they have wonderful high value training offered a few times throughout the year, really looking behind the curtain.

And then there are photographers websites as resources, which you have already figure out if you are here! I love Ami Vitale’s Resources section.

Lastly and most expensive, but worth it sparingly are hiring consultant organizations like Wonderful Machine for help in targeted areas and in person photography workshops. I cannot say enough about John Stanmeyer’s Workshops, but also like the Missouri Photography Workshop,Santa Fe Workshop and have heard good things about many others including Sarah Leen’s Women’s.

Of course there are so many more, but these are a few of the major ones I give out when asked.

What photography resources do you find essential? I would love to hear from you!?