RPS Freelanceing course
18th November 2010
I attended a most interesting and informative RPS training course in Bath on becoming a freelance photographer. The speakers talked about a variety of aspects of commercial photography, including marketing, copyright and licensing and stock photography sales.
Lisa Howe of skillset.org stressed the importance of having a clear idea of what sector you want to work in and gaining an in-depth understanding of that market, its customers, potential clients and their requirements. Developing a rehearsed personal profile, which briefly summarises your skills, and which can be used to introduce yourself to anyone in any circumstance, was felt to be invaluable for networking.
Gwen Thomas of the Association of Photographers (the-AOP.org) gave an insight into the complexity of contracts, copyright and licensing law and clearly explained the pitfalls of assigning copyright as apposed to licensing images. We were also introduced to the work of the design and artists copyright society (DACS) and the potential benefits of registration.
Finally, Howard of the Imagefile gave some insight into business sales, stressing the importance of developing Vision, Mission and Values statements for your brand, understanding its strengths as well as weaknesses and producing a strategic business plan and objectives incorporating clear and measurable KPIs.
Overall a very useful day which provided a new perspective on the commercial world of photography.
Lisa Howe of skillset.org stressed the importance of having a clear idea of what sector you want to work in and gaining an in-depth understanding of that market, its customers, potential clients and their requirements. Developing a rehearsed personal profile, which briefly summarises your skills, and which can be used to introduce yourself to anyone in any circumstance, was felt to be invaluable for networking.
Gwen Thomas of the Association of Photographers (the-AOP.org) gave an insight into the complexity of contracts, copyright and licensing law and clearly explained the pitfalls of assigning copyright as apposed to licensing images. We were also introduced to the work of the design and artists copyright society (DACS) and the potential benefits of registration.
Finally, Howard of the Imagefile gave some insight into business sales, stressing the importance of developing Vision, Mission and Values statements for your brand, understanding its strengths as well as weaknesses and producing a strategic business plan and objectives incorporating clear and measurable KPIs.
Overall a very useful day which provided a new perspective on the commercial world of photography.