So you’ve decided to be a photographer. You studied photography in college or went to art school, and you’ve come to the point of deciding that it’s time to hang out your shingle. Or maybe you’re self-taught and everyone loves your work and says, “Hey, you could make a living at this!” Either way, you’ve decided to make a go at being a true professional photographer. Good for you! It’s an exciting field, and nothing is more rewarding than being your own boss.

Be advised, though: like anything in life, being an entrepreneur has its pros and cons. It takes a certain personality to pull this off. Many of us are naturally leaders or followers, and the sheep will not stay in business long. Year after year, photography businesses open and close. It is easy to be vanquished by the many pitfalls that you’ll encounter. This book is a road map that will help you to navigate past the perils you’ll encounter on your road to success.

The fundamentals of running a professional photography business and studio are explained in this guide to the commercial side of photography. A road map to navigating the perils and embracing the triumphs, this reference covers all the critical skills required to establish a business, design a product line, market services and products, and manage the bottom line. Topics include selecting the right insurance package, obtaining the various licenses and tax IDs, and hiring the best employees. An invaluable resource for photographers, this is a must-have manual to the mechanics of successful professional photography.