VisionMongers: Making a Life and a Living in Photography by David duChemin from New Riders Press; 1 edition (November 21, 2009)

About the Author

David duChemin is an international assignment photographer specializing in humanitarian projects and world photography. David’s work has taken him around the globe, where his adventures have deepened his love for this world and the people who inhabit it. David has also authored previously reviewed 5 Star photography book Within the Frame. Find him online at PixelatedImage.com.

About the Book

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.

The best thing to keep in mind throughout this book is that there truly is no “one size fits all” strategy to going pro as a photographer. David understands this and attempts to show the readers his path, the paths of other successful photographers in today’s age, and how they all share common traits. (hint: Passion and Drive + more)

The other photographers profiled in this book range in specialization, experience, and expertise, and I think that’s core to what duChemin is trying to convey. By looking at how different it can be for every photographer the reader is invited to craft, using his/her creativity, their own path to becoming a professional photographer while recognizing that there are a few inherent traits one must possess if they are to find themselves successful as a working photographer.

The Best

There’s one reoccurring theme throughout this book that rarely gets attention in any other “business of photography” books: Being a vocational photographer isn’t easy. It may not pay well. It may not work out for you. In fact, you may not really be cut out to be a professional photographer and you know what…that’s okay! But if your passion and drive (as well as talent and discipline) are aligned then you’ll finally make it after a few years of starving and being under appreciated!

This isn’t a step-by-step or business strategy book. VisionMongers is a book that will help prepare you for the journey ahead by introducing “tough love” insight that’s thought provoking and refreshing.

Conclusion

VisionMongers may be one of the “best” books on the business of photography even though it won’t teach you how to manage every aspect of the business side of photography (that’s most of your work BTW) or how to market to your specific client base, but what this book will do, however, is possibly save your sanity, money, and life.

The simple truth is that many people, every year, dive into the world of “professional photography” without any formal training or research into that vocation. They spend a fortune on cameras, computers, lights, websites, business cards, etc, only to find themselves broke and broken after months or years of “faking it ’till they make it” often wondering how it all went so horribly wrong.

It’s not easy. It takes drive, passion, business sense, marketing knowledge, and the ability to wear multiple hats and keep those personalities completely separate. It takes much more than you think it will take.

VisionMongers is like that friend you can ask for an honest opinion and actually get one instead of some sugar coated response from a buddy who doesn’t want to hurt your feelings (or someone trying to sell you something).  We could all use more friends like that.

We’re giving this book on the business of photography a

5 out of 5!

and we’re calling this a must read! If you’re even considering “going pro” as a photographer in any market at all I highly encourage you to read this book first.

Afterward, you’ll need to find more specific books on your particular market that will help you put together a solid marketing and business strategy. David even points you to a couple of great places to continue your research after you’re done with his book. Do you have the passion? Do you have the drive?

Get your copy of VisionMongers: Making a Life and a Living in Photography at Amazon today!