Zen and the Art of Promotion: Professional Practices in Photography

with Doug Beasley
Minnesota Center for Photography
January 8 – January 29, 2008 (Tuesday evenings)

How do you approach a potential client, gallery, or publication? What do you charge for fine art prints, commercial jobs, or editorial assignments? Where does your work fit in the world of photography? What are your rights and your responsibilities to the client and to the profession? What is expected of you as a photographer? How do personal ethics and aesthetics apply? This course explores the professional practices necessary for building a successful photography business, including developing and showing a portfolio, building a resume, artist bio and artist statement, seeking clients, making presentations, and establishing pricing structures. Developing and evolving your visual identity, building a website, managing databases and contact lists, and available resources will also be explored. Both traditional and digital forms of presentation are covered. This course is for fine art or commercial photographers, emerging or mid-career, who are seriously contemplating the field of freelance photography.

This is a high level class, and as such participants should have a body of photographic work and have experience and knowledge in making images. This class is geared towards those who feel comfortable in their image making process- but want to take the business side of their practice to the next level. If you are thinking about starting a photo studio, or marketing your work to a variety of clients, including galleries, this class will give you valuable information to move forward. This class will not cover image making, composition, or photographic processes.

To sign-up contact Jes Schrom, MCP Gallery and Education Coordinator, at jes@mncp.org or call her at 612.824.5500

Dates: January 8 – January 29, 2008 (Tuesdays 6:30-9:00pm)

Location: MCP off-site studio in Northeast Minneapolis

Fee: $190 MCP members, $200 non-members

Class Limit: 12