VisionMongers: Making a Life and a Living in Photography
by David duChemin
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Book Summary Information
Author: David duCheminBrand: Peachpit Press
Edition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2009-11-21
ISBN: 0321670205
Number of pages: 272
Publisher: New Riders Press
Accessories:
- The Moment It Clicks: Photography secrets from one of the world's top shooters
- Within the Frame: The Journey of Photographic Vision
- Visual Poetry: A Creative Guide for Making Engaging Digital Photographs
Book Reviews of VisionMongers: Making a Life and a Living in Photography
Book Review: Going Pro
Summary: 5 Stars
David duChemin's "Within the Frame: The Journey of Photographic Vision" was a great hit with many photographers, engaging difficult subjects to write about, vision and creativity. Based on the success of his first book I was eager to read this volume.
In it the author approaches some basic questions about making a career in photography from his own perspective as a person who has chosen to make his career mainly doing work for non-governmental organizations. He explains the necessity for being true to oneself as a professional, to work hard, to market, to overdeliver to customers, and even to rely on written contracts. He also discusses the ethics of the profession and financial objectives to keep in mind. The author relies upon anecdotes and episodes from his own career to make his points, as well as the biographies of several other successful photographers that demonstrate how they became successful. For a subject that could easily lapse into being pedantic, duChemin has a certain charming style. For the young photographer, with little experience of the career world, this book may be a good place to start if he or she has an inkling that he or she might want to follow photography as a profession, although it may also prove appropriately discouraging. On the other hand, some photographers with more experience of the world and opinions about how it works may find the book too fundamental and optimistic.
Unlike hard subject books, like exposure, soft subjects like following a career path are difficult to write. Occasionally, it felt like the author was delivering a sermon, or perhaps an inspirational speech. He does that well, but not every audience will benefit from this approach.
Moreover the book is keyed primarily to people seeking a career in photography by working on assignment from clients, although the studio photographer or the fine arts photographer may discover useful information. The author is generous in his recommendations of works of his colleagues that might prove more practical.
The author generally tried to deal with the broader principles involved in pursuing what he calls vocational photography, without getting too deeply into specifics. On the other hand, he does provide just enough information so that the reader can develop a principal. For example he discusses the use of postcards and provides a few examples of the fronts of his postcards, a sample of a message from the back, and a reference to an on-line printer. Similarly he talks about the importance of avoiding debt and calculating the cost of doing business, without ever using the word "budget" or explaining how to create one.
The book includes a nice collection of the author's images, but they don't support the text in any way other than to show that the author is a good photographer.
This book is worth reading for all thinking of taking the leap into vocational photography but it will prove most useful to young aspiring photographers. If they accept that challenge, they will still have to do a great deal more research to learn the business of photography.
Summary of VisionMongers: Making a Life and a Living in Photography
For those who want to make the transition into the world of vocational photography?staying true to your craft and vision, while fusing that craft with commerce VisionMongers is a great place to begin your journey. With a voice equally realistic and encouraging, photographer David duChemin discusses the experiences he?s had, the lessons he?s learned, and the practices he?s adopted in his own winding journey to becoming a successful working photographer.When it comes to this personal, honest combination of craft and commerce, there is no single path to success. Everyone?s goals are different, as is everyone?s definition of success. As such, VisionMongers does not prescribe a one size-fits-all program. Instead, duChemin candidly shares ideas, wisdom, and inspiration to introduce you to, and help you navigate, the many aspects of transforming your passion into your vocation. He addresses everything from the anxiety-riddled question ?Am I good enough?? to the basics?and beyond?of marketing, business, and finance, as well as the core assumption that your product is great and your craft is always improving.
Along the way, duChemin features the stories of nine other photographers?including Chase Jarvis, Gavin Gough, and Zack Arias?whose paths, while unique, have all shared a commitment and passion for bringing their own vision to market. With VisionMongers, you?ll learn what paths have been taken?what has worked for these photographers?and you?ll be equipped to begin the process of forging your own.
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