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Photography · MS elective · 3 credit hours · 16 sessions

Business of Photography

Talent alone does not guarantee a career. This course bridges the gap between artistic passion and financial viability. Students will learn the business side of the industry, covering pricing models, copyright law, client negotiation, and marketing strategies. The goal is to equip photographers with the entrepreneurial skills to launch and sustain a profitable freelance business or studio.

§ 01 By the end you can
  1. Calculate "Cost of Doing Business" (CODB) to establish profitable pricing
  2. Draft professional contracts: Model Releases, Licensing Agreements, and Invoices
  3. Understand Copyright Law: Registration, Infringement, and Fair Use
  4. Develop a Marketing Plan: Portfolio curation, SEO, and Networking
  5. Master client communication: Negotiation, estimating, and delivering value
§ 02 Sixteen sessions

The whole semester.

  1. 01The Photography Industry: Commercial vs. Retail
  2. 02Business Structures: Freelance vs. LLC
  3. 03Calculating Cost of Doing Business (CODB)
  4. 04Pricing Strategy: Day Rates vs. Per Image
  5. 05Estimating Jobs: The Quote
  6. 06Copyright Law Basics
  7. 07Model & Property Releases
  8. 08 · MidtermMidterm Examination
  9. 09Contracts: Terms & Conditions
  10. 10Usage Rights & Licensing Models
  11. 11Marketing I: The Portfolio & Website
  12. 12Marketing II: Social Media & SEO
  13. 13Client Relations: Negotiation Tactics
  14. 14Workflow & Asset Management (Backups)
  15. 15Taxes & Insurance for Photographers
  16. 16Final Project: The Business Launch Plan

Midterm around session 8. Final project briefed at session 8 or 9 and developed in stages until the juries.

§ 03 Final project

Final Project: The Business Launch Plan

How it’s judged

Recommended reading
  1. Best Business Practices for Photographers by John Harrington
  2. The Photographer's Guide to Marketing and Self-Promotion by Maria Piscopo
  3. Pricing Photography: The Complete Guide to Assignment and Stock Prices
  4. ASMP Professional Business Practices in Photography
  5. Profit First (General Business) by Mike Michalowicz
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