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AMAZING LANDSCAPES N A DEFINITIVE COLLECTION FOR ENTHUSIASTS AND PROFESSIONALS Welcome To With the soaring accessibility of image-sharing platforms, the popularity of digital photography shows no sign of waning We all want to see the awe-inspiring sights, treasured memories and stunning compositions of our family and friends But whether you are a grass roots amateur, an aspiring expert or even a paid professional, there are always new tricks to be learned Digital Photographer Annual collates all the best advice for newbies and veterans looking to realise their creative ambitions Start by unveiling our top industry secrets, before finding inspiration from seasoned professionals who specialise in fields varying from food to fashion Next, our in-depth guides tackle techniques for shooting specific subjects (from wildlife to portraits) and effects (from macro to mono) Lastly, learn how to overcome the competition with insightful step-by-step career and how-to guides that illuminate alternative avenues for growing your profile as a professional photographer Pick up your camera and let’s go! Imagine Publishing Ltd Richmond House 33 Richmond Hill Bournemouth Dorset BH2 6EZ  +44 (0) 1202 586200 Website: www.imagine-publishing.co.uk Twitter: @Books_Imagine Facebook: www.facebook.com/ImagineBookazines Publishing Director Aaron Asadi Head of Design Ross Andrews Editor in Chief Jon White Production Editor Amy Best Senior Art Editor Greg Whitaker Designed by Kym Winters Cover images courtesy of Fabio Antenore, Alberto Ghizza Panizza, Pedro Jarque Krebs, Lee Jeffries, Jay Lawler, Timo Lieber, Chip Phillips, Lauren Scott Photographer James Sheppard Printed by William Gibbons, 26 Planetary Road, Willenhall, West Midlands, WV13 3XT Distributed in the UK, Eire & the Rest of the World by Marketforce, Churchill Place, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5HU Tel 0203 787 9060 www.marketforce.co.uk Distributed in Australia by Gordon & Gotch Australia Pty Ltd, 26 Rodborough Road, Frenchs Forest, NSW, 2086 Australia Tel +61 9972 8800 www.gordongotch.com.au Disclaimer The publisher cannot accept responsibility for any unsolicited material lost or damaged in the post All text and layout is the copyright of Imagine Publishing Ltd Nothing in this bookazine may be reproduced in whole or part without the written permission of the publisher All copyrights are recognised and used specifically for the purpose of criticism and review Although the bookazine has endeavoured to ensure all information is correct at time of print, prices and availability may change This bookazine is fully independent and not affiliated in any way with the companies mentioned herein Digital Photographer Annual Volume © 2016 Imagine Publishing Ltd ISBN 9781785464638 Part of the bookazine series CONTENTS TECHNIQUES INSPIRATION 22 LIGHT AND COLOUR 32 ANIMAL MAGIC 36 SURF’S UP 40 MUSIC MATTERS 46 FASHION PHOTOGRAPHY ON A BUDGET 40 HOW TO SHOOT FINE ART: BLACK & WHITE 74 VITAL KIT TRICKS FOR MACRO 84 CAPTURE STUNNING CUISINE 90 ESSENTIAL SKILLS FOR URBAN PHOTOGRAPHY 100 NATURAL PORTRAITS 106 CAPTURE VIVID VISTAS 116 SHOOT BENEATH THE SURFACE 122 UNDERSTAND & CONTROL DEPTH OF FIELD 130 ONE SHOT STORIES 138 CAPTURE FAMILY PORTRAITS EYE FROM THE SKIES 26 54 60 SUPER SPORT 74 GUIDE TO GETTING PERFECT SHOTS CAREER OUR TOP TIPS ARE JUST WHAT YOU NEED 148 10 WAYS TO BUILD A PRESS PORTFOLIO 152 MARKET YOURSELF ON INSTAGRAM 156 10 HABITS OF SUCCESSFUL PHOTOGRAPHERS 160 CONSTRUCT A CAREER IN ARCHITECTURE 164 SHOOT FOR THE SKIES 168 FIND INSPIRATION ALL AROUND YOU 172 CROWDFUND YOUR PHOTO PROJECTS 152 PAGE “To reach the top of your game, you need to work hard, hone skills that maybe never existed before, absorb lots of information, take failure on the chin and persevere” 08 DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHER ANNUAL GUIDE TO GETTING If taking better photos is one of your New Year’s resolutions, these top techniques are just what you need P hotography is a continual learning process No matter how good you think you are, or how many years you’ve been shooting, you can get better There will always be new subjects to shoot, techniques to try and technology to master However, that’s no bad thing, because if it were easy, everyone would be a master photographer and we’d lose interest very quickly What makes photography so inspiring and challenging is that it’s actually quite difficult to take great pictures Despite the amazing digital technology we all have access to these days, photography will always be a creative process You can buy the best camera in the world, equip yourself with an arsenal of lenses and every gizmo that’s out there, but at the end of the day, the success of every photograph you take is down to you, and your equipment is only there to record what your eye sees To reach the top of your game, you need to work hard, hone skills that maybe never existed before, absorb lots of information, take failure on the chin and persevere You need to re-assess and evolve, and develop your own style and vision so your work stands out from the crowd That’s a tall order for anyone, and it can take years to progress from producing half-decent snaps to works of art However, it’s worth every morsel of effort because the sense of satisfaction gained from taking great photographs is immense, and once you’ve got there, the skills amassed will never leave you – a bit like riding a bike Right Lead-in lines The use of the road and glowing light trails enhance and draw the viewer into this stunning frosty capture © Javier de la Torre Garcia PERFECT SHOTS GUIDE TO PERFECT SHOTS © Joas Souza DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHER ANNUAL simply calling potential clients who may require his speciality “There is competition out there, so you have to find your best asset and sell it.” Once a contract has been secured, the next consideration is how to leave the ground itself Different methods suit different budgets, but if you don’t have the funds or the inclination to get airborne yourself, a good first step is to practise your techniques and hone your visual style by using a drone Costing as little as £50 (approx $70), they’ll enable you to build up a portfolio and capture aerial scenes at a fraction of the price of a helicopter While pilots are fully aware of the laws and regulations surrounding flight, when you use a drones it’s up to you to research and understand them Therefore, if you intend to use your aircraft for commercial ventures, always check whether you need permission from the Civil Aviation Authority first (caa.co.uk) Souza does point out that these remote control aircrafts don’t always have a place in serious commercial prospects “I would love to use my drone more often, but the restrictions in this country for the usage of it are very tight I normally use a helicopter, single or twin engine, depending on the rules of the area I’m about to fly over [They’re] more expensive to fly, but provide way more flexibility and control and can fly at any altitude Airplanes are a good option for clients [without] a big budget, but require a minimum altitude above urban areas, making the usage of telephoto lenses almost inevitable.” Motion is also an advocate of the helicopter in his own practice, “particularly with big or multiple projects in London” Unless you’ve got funds to spare, it’s generally best to hire them on a job-by-job basis, factoring them into the fee of the commission “Hot air balloons are also a useful platform as they move slowly most of the time, though it is amazing how quickly a scene disappears behind you,” Motion adds “Creating strict briefs and a shot list before taking to the air is very important to maximise the time” 166 Though this uplifting genre might seem like a constant playground, you’ll need to plan extensively before you leave the ground to get the most for your money “Creating strict briefs and a shot list before taking to the air is very important to maximise the time, as it costs around £10 (approx $15) per minute from the moment the engine is on,” shares Souza He uses printouts from Google Earth to plan his flights first with clients, and then with the pilot “This includes covering the point that you’ll arrive as well as key elements you need to give attention to.” For Holt, it’s important to understand “exactly what the target is and its site boundaries I need to know exactly what the client wants, but I will usually try and provide more pictures than needed.” It goes without saying that a good grasp of commercial photography techniques is vital in order to branch into aerial photography In a competitive market, you aren’t going to make money if your images are average, so Souza recommends studying and researching all the tips and tricks possible to start shooting from the air successfully, as “the internet is full of forums where you can find photographers sharing a lot of information.” A creative eye is also just as significant as perfecting your technique “Look at photos of the great aerial CAREER ©T im M ot io n Left-inset Exciting environments Motion advises photographers not to expect “the calm and control of the studio Moving around in the air at 1,000 feet with the door off [is] exhilarating” Left Know the restrictions Commercial pilots are familiar with the regulations, laws and routes allowed when flying over major cities It’s good practice to also be aware of them Top tips for aerial success Discover the elements that ensure a smooth transition to the genre Be flexible Always remain open to shooting new subjects – as well as for different types of client or styles – as this will serve to maximise your potential revenue streams Hone your skills Research new shooting techniques and make sure you practise using them thoroughly before you fly Being familiar with camera operation enables you to shoot more efficiently once in the air © Andrew Holt If you’re truly keen to chase the aerial photography profession, however, you should expect a certain level of expense from the offset, and it isn’t recommended to rely on it as your sole source of income straightaway “Find out what the best equipment for the job is, and get the best you can afford or more,” advises Motion “Fly as often as possible Be prepared to spend some money on hiring aircrafts to some work for practice and experience, and be sure you know what you are doing before flying or accepting a proper commission Do not go cheap; it’s a dead end for you and unprofessional.” The professional advice certainly aligns when it comes to smart spending; Holt believes that “you need to be prepared to invest a lot in it, and to wait for some time to get a return.” Souza agrees, adding, “photography is a business like any other, and you have to invest in it It will be the blend of what you’ve learned and a lot of practice that will turn you into a pro.” Plan your kit Check the weather forecast in the days leading up to a flight, so that you can prepare your camera settings and equipment choices accordingly Avoid changing major settings and lenses mid-flight Create strict briefs Get as much information from your client before a shoot, such as the orientation and angles of buildings Use Google Maps, printed maps or flight charts to pinpoint the exact location © Tim Motion photographers in the world, and observe the compositions and the lighting conditions they’ve used, as this can be very inspirational.” While there are plenty of opportunities for working with businesses, don’t neglect the possibility of also selling abstract aerial stills Indeed, many aerial imagers complement their traditional commercial work with a more aesthetic approach, working as freelancers to sell images as fine-art prints, as well as to publishers and travel magazines Allowing yourself time to shoot more creative imagery will not only liven up your portfolio, but keep you feeling fresh and positive about the work you’re creating The dynamic nature of this field truly captivates the imagination and fills it with possibility, but it can be disheartening to hear about all the expense involved Fortunately, there are solutions on hand to lighten the financial load “There are many pilots out there needing more flying hours to become commercial pilots, and they will likely be more than pleased to share the hourly rate with you Grab this opportunity and start flying for half the price,” Souza encourages Hiring a microlight aircraft is another cost-effective solution to explore, particularly if you tag onto training flights Market yourself Identify potential commercial customers that are relevant or accessible to you Take a proactive approach and contact them directly with your portfolio and ideas Opposite Bird’s-eye view Although drones are a fun and affordable way to try out aerial photography, their use is restricted in many locations “A logical sequence of multiple shots is essential so as not to waste expensive time in the air,” Motion says 167 DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHER ANNUAL Find inspiration all around you Are you struggling for new ideas? Discover how to stay enthused in your image-making by looking to other art forms I 168 specific thing in mind I’m looking for,” Casarez explains “I tend to look for inspiration in news articles, current events and radio programmes for subject matter, [including] scholarly articles and any other references I can find online or at the library For a visual approach to a project, I [might] look at books about film with film stills, and sometimes watch movies.” There’s no doubt that cinematography and photography go hand in hand, and Fossati also collects the art books of his favourite films, finding “the sketches and conceptual designs very helpful for understanding the power of composition One of my greatest sources of inspiration [is] movies I love fantasy and historical [genres] such as Gladiator, Braveheart or The Lord Of The Rings, and visit areas that have been used as filming locations I watch the behind-the-scenes content to see how the directors have exploited locations.” © Damon Casarez n the digital age of mass media and online photo communities, it can be easy to feel like every photo concept has been tried already Keeping your craft innovative is always a challenge; coming up with fresh ideas is the key to success, and remaining enthusiastic about your work is essential for providing viewers and clients with something that they can’t get elsewhere Of course, for the professional image-maker, gleaning stimulus from other photography is a natural place to start, but there’s a definite temptation to emulate what you see rather than dare to strike out with your own concepts The web has made it easier to access a wealth of motivating material without even having to leave the house, but over the next few pages you’ll discover the many other places you can turn to for inspiration beyond photography itself Being inspired is as much about opening your mind to new possibilities as it is about staying relevant to your style Feeling stuck in a creative rut? Read on to learn how the pros find and use their influences, and inject some spark and originality into your own work Los Angeles-based documentary and portrait photographer Damon Casarez (www.damoncasarez.com) knows first-hand how important it is to regularly seek new inspiration, particularly when an assignment is out of his comfort zone and style “It’s important to try new styles of photography and subject matter so that you’re not constantly repeating yourself visually”, he says Even though he shoots street, studio portraiture and landscapes, Casarez believes that “there has to be a through-line that matches the rest of your work, though the genre may be different.” He suggests that seeking inspiration is also about finding your creative route as a photographer, a thought also echoed by landscape pro Enrico Fossati (www.enricofossati.it), who muses “if you want to create your own voice, the path of research begins” The first step is to keep inspiration relevant, but where can you begin to look? While you’ll naturally find inspiration from your own life experiences, using a wide range of outside sources is equally important “Every time I research for a shoot or a project, I’ll have a Visual art comes in all guises, but traditional painting is perhaps the most obvious example to draw on for your own creative visions Fossati has studied the landscape masters both past and present, to better grasp not only how they use framing and lighting and how they communicate with colours, but also how to move in the field “[You could] visit a location painted by Constable or Turner, and try to understand how and why they have composed Opposite Try something new Sophie believes that being open-minded stimulates creativity “Trying new ideas, taking risks and experimenting are the main sources of knowledge” Below Don’t stop looking Finding inspiration should be a continual process “I like to keep myself visually stimulated as much as possible,” Casarez shares 169 © Alexandra Sophie CAREER © Alexandra Sophie DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHER ANNUAL it in that way, or why they have chosen certain colours,” he explains “Understanding painting also helps with Photoshop, for example when using the burning and dodging tools, you might see what areas need to be boosted and what details must be toned down.” Of course, it’s one thing being inspired by art, but a whole new challenge to apply it in a practical way while on a shoot Lighting is a big part of Casarez’s work, and when he has a job, he always asks to read the rough copy if available to see what tone the image will have and what visual approach to take “Adding or subtracting lights on a subject or environment can easily dictate the tone and mood of the photograph, which would have to correspond to an editorial story when it’s an assignment.” Although Fossati doesn’t aim to complement a worded brief, he still carefully considers his influences before he starts shooting “When I walk along a ridge on the mountains or on a shaded path of a forest, I begin to pre-visualise what the final work will be and imagine the scene with the right mood, comparing the real location with the fantasy location The best way to exploit the source of inspiration is to find similitudes between paintings and pictures and the real location, then work around it.” Although attending shows and exhibitions mean experiencing art directly, both Casarez and Fossati believe it’s possible to find enough inspiration from online sources alone, which is perfect news for those on a low budget “I visit 170 some exhibitions but my resources are limited, so I have to decide how to invest my money and time for research and shooting The internet is an open window on the world.” Because the world wide web is a sprawling place however, it’s easy to lose sight of the work you admire Ensure you keep track of any images or ideas that strike you in a folder or collection, so that you can easily refer back to them later Some find it easier to create a physical mood board with tear-outs from magazines and brochures, but whichever method you prefer, include notes on what you originally found provoking, whether it was a colour scheme, phrase or even a particular style of building Aside from the two-dimensional visual world, the field of architecture and interior design also offer great potential for inspiration With so many wide-ranging aesthetics, it’s likely that you’ll find a genre to match yours, and even a short walk in your local area can spark off the imagination Aim to look afresh at the buildings that surround you, taking in their shapes, forms and colours Design blogs and books will provide plenty of examples too, but there’s nothing more refreshing than seeing structures in the real world The fashion industry itself is another source of inspiration that shouldn’t be overlooked, even if you feel your genre is unconnected, for example wildlife Start by looking critically at the latest shows and collections, or delve into Pro insight Alexandra Sophie explains how she continually finds the inspiration for her imagery What you to get inspired? I don’t specifically look for inspiration – I don’t purposely read a book or watch a movie I try to live my life as richly as possible, opening my mind to new things when I feel the need Inspiration is a general feeling or mood, but it’s not incompatible with boredom, sadness or exhaustion I try to be as close as possible to nature, as it’s my main source of inspiration for my photos How you use inspiration to come up with a strong concept? Fashion shoots, and all commercial shoots in general, are a very specific exercise, since the client already has some expectations and requirements I often send a few suggestions to the stylist and depending on what we have to promote we’ll go for one idea or another On set, there is [usually] a mood board that the magazine or I created, so the whole team is on the same line www.alexandra-sophie.fr © Enrico Fossati CAREER Top tips for success How to search for, store and use inspiring material in practice Create an archive Inspiration can be fleeting, so it’s important to keep track of stimulating imagery as you come across it Save files in an organised system so that they’re easy to find again Keep it varied Glean insight from many different types of sources to keep your concepts and stories distinct, including written work This could include poetry, newspapers, radio shows, editorial essays and even blog posts Be open-minded Sometimes the most unexpected sources can also be the most useful, as they shake up your convictions and methods of shooting Even if you don’t think you’ll enjoy a particular exhibition, visit it anyway without any expectations and you might be surprised © Damon Casarez historical and period costume books, picking Above Opposite out key elements you like and don’t like Ask Act on inspiration Experience the new Travelling can incite creativity Even the best research is yourself how the different colour schemes work, and how the designer has used lines and “Opening your horizons won’t wasted if you don’t apply it Use multiple sources only be good for your work textures in the garment How the clothes to develop a style that’s but for your life in general,” make you feel? Fashion, like photography, is unique to you Sophie advises arguably just another method of expression By Below finding equalities between the two you’ll have a Keep a diary greater understanding of your own style It’s important to discover what motivates Remember that among the whole host of you to shoot, as well as what catches your eye Be sure to jot down ideas as they occur artistic avenues out there to be explored, not all of them are visual Although art forms such as music might require a bit more lateral thinking to interpret in your own practice, you definitely won’t be tempted to mimic them When you’re planning or editing a shoot, try tailoring your background music choices to the project at hand For example, when Fossati is working, he listens to the film scores that have also visually influenced his landscapes, alongside “classical music and ambient music, but also extremes like black metal The choice influences my work a lot.” Consider what your project is about, and decide which genres or artists will add to the feeling you want to create Inspiration can be a fickle thing, and as Fossati rightly highlights, “always being interesting and original is very challenging even for the most brilliant photographers.” When you’re feeling low on ideas, don’t panic, and remember that moving away from your normal methods can lead to a whole new world of creative triggers “Avoid following the trends take your time and look to realise your creative vision and, [above all], persevere.” Take a chance Don’t be afraid to try out any new techniques and artistic theories you’re enthused by You’re not likely to get perfect results on the first attempt, but further honing will enable you to evolve the initial ideas Perseverance is key 171 DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHER ANNUAL Crowdfund your photo projects Don’t let lack of finance deter your creative ideas and photographic aspirations 72 172 © Michael Wilson P hotography is an undeniably expensive No matter what your idea, the chances venture, and for some visual creatives are you can find a community for it online the hardest part of the job isn’t coming Established photographer Michael Wilson up with fresh ideas, but affording to (mdwphotographic.com) used Indiegogo for realise them If you’ve looked into financing his photography book Northbound, a printed your own projects, you’re likely to have come volume featuring portraits of hikers taken on across the big-name crowdfunding platforms the Appalachian Trail in America Wilson had such as Kickstarter and Indiegogo The a target audience in mind right from the off, premise is simple; you set up a campaign but given the personal nature of the project page with a monetary target and time frame felt that a traditional publisher would have for your intended venture, then receive many been reluctant to back it “I knew I wanted to small amounts of money from a large number make a book from all the images and that I of people, or backers Sound too good to be wanted it to be a limited edition,” he shares true? In return for cash, you provide them with “I felt that [crowdfunding] was a good way to perks, incentives or rewards, as well as plenty reach a larger audience outside of my comfort of updates along the way zone With Northbound, the community of The internet is awash with sites dedicated to hikers and hiking enthusiasts is very large, finding funds for creative and entrepreneurial and I thought this would be a good way to projects, but which one is right for you? Once target them.” set up, how you reach your funding goal? Crowdfunding is an effective way to fund Over the next few pages we’ll answer these slightly niche imaging projects, but it’s also questions, explore the advantages and pitfalls used to develop practical products and of the process and glean advice from the pros gadgets in the industry, ranging from camera who know what makes a strong campaign cases and straps to underwater cameras Don’t ignore your creative ideas because Sprukt appreciates Kickstarter for the reach you’re lacking finance Until recently, and media coverage it can offer, but is quick photographers had to rely solely on loans, to recognise that “even a good project will fail grants, borrowing and savings, but now the unless it’s well promoted If you feel that you crowdfunding phenomenon holds potential for will not get enough coverage, postpone the anyone with a good idea and a willingness to campaign and work harder until you are ready.” promote it There’s no guarantee you’ll make Your campaign page is essentially your your money, and a great deal of hard work is shop window, and as viewers generally spend involved in the process, but by gleaning our little more than seconds flicking through, it’s advice you’ll certainly be in a better position to important to make an instant impact Select take the plunge a colourful, high-res hero image for the top Every project needs resources to get it off of the page, and include a very brief summary the ground, and money aside, there are plenty of a few sentences that encapsulate what of added benefits to the crowdfunding model your project is, why it’s important and who Guy Sprukt, CEO of miggo (mymiggo.com), is running it If you’ve crafted the summary has launched three successful photography well, any would-be backers should in theory products using Kickstarter and really believes have enough information to contribute without in its power of community “Crowdfunding reading any more is the best way for a small and ambitious company like us to quickly and efficiently reach Opposite the people for whom we work so hard,” he Utilise social media explains “A chance to have a close relationship Use tools such as Facebook’s Lookalike Audiences, which identifies potential backers based on their related likes with our customers is a huge benefit.” CAREER 173 DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHER ANNUAL However, that isn’t to say that the remainder of your page doesn’t require engaging content You’ll need to provide backers with a sense of what to expect once your project is completed, by including prototypes, storyboards or concept shoots, for example If you can make the end results, and therefore the perks, more tangible to backers, it’s likely that they’ll be more enthusiastic to part with their donations Sprukt opted to include video on the Pictar page “We made our video highly detailed to point out every single benefit of the product I think that our backers fell in love with our project after understanding why it will make their photography experience better.” According to the official Indiegogo website, “campaigns that reach 30 per cent of their goal in the first two days are much more likely to exceed their ultimate crowdfunding goal.” In real terms, this means it’s a good idea to target and secure backers long before your campaign actually goes live Sprukt cites that success takes “total commitment”, and that ultimately you have to make people fall in love with your idea – “be ready for 24/7 work, 20 hours a day, and for long weeks.” Once you’re feeling dedicated, the first step is to decide on a length and target figure for your campaign The all-or-nothing approach to funding – adopted by most major sites – means you need to reach your whole target to receive the funds, so it pays to be realistic about how much money you think you can achieve It’s generally a good idea to set your initial target slightly lower than you’d like, as early over-funding on projects makes them appear successful and builds confidence, ranking them higher up the site and often resulting in greater momentum and donations Wilson took a simple approach to calculate his funding goal, figuring out the cost of printing, shipping, packing and sending out each book “From there I knew what it would take to print 100 copies My goal was to reach my campaign goal by the second week of the four-week campaign, and that way I could possibly print more copies.” While more complex projects might have several elements to juggle, balancing the cost of rewards against your goal amount can be one of the biggest potential pitfalls “Make sure you carefully calculate the correct pricing before setting the rewards, as the wrong pricing can be deadly,” Sprukt warns Perks can take any format, size and style you like, but ensure you include price points to suit every budget, tailoring imaginative rewards to suit the project at hand For example, physical goods such as prints are a great way to complement an exhibition, whereas digital downloads could work well for a technical e-book When putting together his page, Wilson wanted his perks to be photography related “Along with the books I offered prints and postcards These helped keep the theme in regards to the book and photography involved in it I had to think: what is something people didn’t know they wanted?” Once backers have been enticed by your offerings, it’s important to keep them in the loop at all times While Kickstarter actually has its own update system, don’t shy away from contacting your fans personally “I emailed each person who donated and thanked them with a personal email,” Wilson explains “After that I would, once a week, update everyone who had donated about where the project was at.” Wilson also used social media pages on Facebook and Tumblr, but says he reached out to “virtually everyone I had known in my life to tell them about the project, from long-lost friends to old high-school teachers.” Master crowdfunder Sprukt knows that heavy promotion is tantamount to success Crowdfunding platforms We investigate three major sites geared towards funding your imaging projects Website Cost Pros Kickstarter Indiegogo Fotofund (www.kickstarter.com) (www.indiegogo.com) (www.fotofund.org) • 5% of the overall amount raised, plus payment processing fees between 3-5% • There are no fees charged if funding is unsuccessful • 5% of the total funds raised, plus a processing • 4% fee, as well as a processing fee between charge that varies depending on payment 3-5% from PayPal type, location and currency • Again, you’ll only be charged if a project is • It is free to sign up successfully funded • A community dedicated to creative projects, which adds a level of credibility • You can still raise money when your set crowdfunding timeline is over • The only major platform that focuses exclusively on photo-based projects • Website traffic is the highest This means more backers will come across your project when exploring the site • The platform has a global reach, and can be used in any country • The majority of funds raised from the site are said to be reinvested in the photography community • The interface is easy to navigate and can be customised with images and videos • You’re not able to pledge towards your own project, making it hard to add funds that have been raised offline Cons • If you fail to hit your entire funding target, you won’t receive any funds at all • Your project is reviewed by staff, and you have to follow specific guidelines before being listed Payment methods 174 • Credit card processed by Stripe • Opting for ‘flexible funding’ means keeping all the funds you raise even if you fall short of your target • The Indiegogo brand is less well recognised, which could give it less of a draw • Compared to Kickstarter, successful projects have lower average raised funds • If you miss your fundraising goal but still choose to take the money that was donated, fees can rise to around 9% • The campaign pages are well laid out, with social media integration • Funding success relies on you sharing the project, as website traffic is lower than competitors • Few campaigns are featured on the homepage, potentially making your project hard to find • Project types are limited Not suitable for developing an accessory or product • PayPal • PayPal • Credit card processed by Stripe • Credit card • International wire services © Guy Sprukt/MyMiggo CAREER “Create a good video and cut long and short versions Start your PR efforts early, [at least] six to eight weeks before the launch Use social media [and] try to reach out to as many media outlets as possible.” The potential benefits of crowdfunding are tantalising, but the all-or-nothing funding model of most sites can make securing cash challenging Potential backers need to literally buy into your idea, but they also need to come across it in the first place “I know a lot of people who think that crowdfunding is easy money, and those are the projects that fail,” Wilson acknowledges “Make it your full-time job You have to be active with it, and emailing, calling and promoting through multiple outlets is just the beginning Think of it more as advertising You still have to get out there and promote it and let people know that your project exists.” Project by project, crowdfunding is being proved a worthy way to realise your imaging aspirations, with Kickstarter alone boasting more than 2,750 successfully funded photography projects If you can dream it, arguably you can fund it Top Below Invest your time Gather a team Contact people that can promote your project firsthand For the Pictar campaign, Sprukt engaged heavily in talking to photo and gadgets writers, editors and bloggers Running a campaign takes a lot of ongoing work If you’re short on time, consider sharing the workload with business partners, or even family and friends Five tips for success Photographer Michael Wilson shares his advice for launching a crowdfunded photography project Go for quality There are thousands of crowdfunding projects out there, [so to stand out] you need to make sure the work is a strong as it can possibly be! Keep it relevant Make sure your project is timely or has a strong community of enthusiasts Tell a story or create a series People are interested in photography books that tell stories or have grouped together similar-themed subjects Promote Tell everyone you have ever known about what you’re doing, and ask them to tell their friends © Michael Wilson Go easy on social media Everyday I see at least half a dozen new crowdfunding projects posted You don’t want to over-post and scare people away Left Wilson used Indiegogo to fund and publish a small edition photography book, Northbound, documenting faces and adventures from his thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail 175 TRY TODAY DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHER The kitbag essential for photography enthusiasts Whether you’re a part-time amateur or a full-time pro, Digital Photographer aims to challenge and motivate you to take your best shots and is packed with practical photography advice and tips from top professionals Try issues for only £5 O F A N Y O F T H ES E G R E AT M AG A Z I N ES * O R F RO M J US T $ P E R I SS U E I N T H E US A ** SAVE UP TO 40% ON THE NEWSSTAND PRICE Never miss an issue 13 issues a year, and as a subscriber you’ll be sure to get every single one Delivered to your home Free delivery of every issue, direct to your doorstep Get the biggest savings Get your favourite magazine for less by ordering direct TRY ISSUES FOR £5 Order securely online www.imaginesubs.co.uk/book5 Enter the promo code BOOK5 to get these great offers Order from our customer service team Call 0844 856 0644† from the UK or +44 1795 592 869 from the USA These offers will expire on Thursday 30 November 2017 Please quote code BOOK5 †Calls cost 7p per minute plus your telephone company’s access charge *This offer entitles new UK Direct Debit subscribers to receive their first issues for £5, after these issues standard subscriptions pricing will apply Standard pricing available online Offer code BOOK5 must be quoted to receive this special subscriptions price Your subscription will start with the next available issue Subscribers can cancel this subscription at any time Details of the Direct Debit guarantee available on request **Overseas pricing available online DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHER ANNUAL HOW TO USE EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ACCESSING YOUR NEW DIGITAL REPOSITORY To access FileSilo, please visit filesilo.co.uk/bks-a83 01 Follow the on-screen instructions to create an account with our secure FileSilo system, or log in and unlock the bookazine by answering a simple question about it You can now access the content for free at any time 02 Once you have logged in, you are free to explore the wealth of content available on FileSilo, from great video tutorials and online guides to superb downloadable resources And the more bookazines you purchase, the more your instantly accessible collection of digital content will grow 03 You can access FileSilo on any desktop, tablet or smartphone device using any popular browser (such as Safari, Firefox or Google Chrome) However, we recommend that you use a desktop to download content, as you may not be able to download files to your phone or tablet 04 If you have any problems with accessing content on FileSilo, or with the registration process, take a look at the FAQs online or email filesilohelp@ imagine-publishing.co.uk NEED HELP WITH THE TUTORIALS? Having trouble with any of the techniques in this bookazine’s tutorials? Don’t know how to make the best use of your free resources? Want to have your work critiqued by those in the know? Then why not visit the Digital Photographer and Imagine Bookazines Facebook pages for all your questions, concerns and qualms There is a friendly community of fellow photography enthusiasts to help you out, as well as regular posts and updates from the team behind Digital Photographer magazine Like us today and start chatting! facebook.com/ImagineBookazines facebook.com/DigitalPhotographerUK 178 M A S T E R T H E A R T O F P H O T O G R A P H Y CAPTURE NATURAL WONDERS PHOTOGRAPH FROM ABOVE COMPOSE STUNNING STILL LIFE BECOME A WILDLIFE EXPERT MASTER BLACK AND WHITE EXPLORE URBAN IMAGES 180 PAGES OF BRILLIANT PHOTOGRAPHY GUIDES FREE DOWNLOAD The ultimate creative assets for free ENHANCE YOUR PHOTOS WITH: t 200 PHOTOSHOP ACTIONS t OVER 80 HDR ACTIONS t 250 AMAZING GRADIENTS t HOURS OF VIDEO TUTORIALS ... with the whole picture-making process, rather than firing away in ignorant bliss 15 DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHER ANNUAL A digital camera is only as good as the Optimise lenses on it How you use those lenses... artists will add to the feeling you want to create” 21 DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHER ANNUAL 22 INSPIRATION Eye from the skies Meet aerial and landscape photographer Timo Lieber and discover his stunning take... very rewarding and fuels the incentive to create [more].” 25 DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHER ANNUAL 26 INSPIRATION LIGHT AND COLOUR Landscape photographer Fabio Antenore shares his breathtaking vistas Left