Todd has not only proven himself to be a talented photojournalist, but his teachings in the areas of the business of photography are exceptional.
Todd was on our faculty at NPPA's Northern Short Course for several years and he presented multiple business of photography sessions to attendees of our three-day photojournalism conference. The reviews from those in attendance were overwhelmingly positive, with one person telling me that what he learned in one three-hour session taught by Todd was worth the tuition price for the entire workshop!
I'd highly recommend his book to anyone interested in learning about the business of photography.
John Walker
Former Chair
National Press Photographers Association, Northern Short Course
The most important element in a relationship between a photo editor and photographer is trust. When a photo editor picks up the phone and assigns a photographer, they have already placed their faith in the photographer's ability to come home with the goods. There has yet to be an assignment in the close to twenty years of my relationship with Todd Bigelow where he didn't come home with the goods. He is fully aware of what his client needs. Not only does he deliver but he will give the client something extra. There have been many photographs that Todd has taken on his own during an assignment that were far superior to those he was instructed to shoot.
James K. Colton
Former Director of Photography, Newsweek
Former Picture Editor, Sports Illustrated
In my opinion, Todd’s knowledge of the freelance world and willingness to share are a great resource for new photographers. I believe his hands-on industry experience and practical advice could be a huge help to anyone considering a career in freelance photography.
Cristina Markarian
Program Representative
UCLA Extension, Department of the Arts
After spending more than 20 years as a staff photographer for the Los Angeles Times, I moved to the east coast and embarked on a career as a freelancer. I was immediately lost and overwhelmed by running my own business. Todd’s lessons about how to effectively run my business – from meeting and maintaining clients to billing to image archiving – have proved invaluable. His insights and advice set me on a path to success in the business part of photography that up to that point I’d had zero exposure to as a staffer. He got me up to speed in no time.
Rick Loomis
Former Los Angeles Times Staff Photographer
Pulitzer Prize Recipient, 2007
Todd Bigelow has written a must-read business guide for anyone considering earning their living as a freelance photographer. Todd’s wealth of experience as a photographer and an instructor guarantees the information is both relevant and easily digestible. Read this book - and learn from one of the best.
Cradoc Bagshaw
President
Cradoc fotoSoftware
The perfect book to help you become a profitable independent photographer, whether you are just starting out or a seasoned veteran who wants to make the jump into the freelance world. There are valuable, real-life examples from his business. The section on Archives is worth the price of admission.
William Snyder
Three Time Pulitzer Prize Recipient
Professor, School of Photographic Arts & Sciences
Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT)
Todd Bigelow brings a powerful and insightful voice to the freelance photography world as both an advocate and an educator. Todd has directly elevated the careers of countless photographers, using his own extensive experience to help emerging photographers avoid pitfalls and take a more professional approach to building and growing a photography business. This book, as well as Todd's workshops, are a valuable resource to freelancers seeking success in the challenging world of pro photography.
Andrew Fingerman
CEO
PhotoShelter
This book contains many of the unspoken secrets that successful photographers use to make a living with their images. Todd opens the curtain to valuable business practices that all freelance photographers should understand and master. This is the stuff they don’t teach you in photo class, but will set you on a path to financial success.
David Bergman
Freelance Photographer
Canon Explorer of Light
The business of photography is evolving so much these days, even the best of accumulated knowledge can become obsolete in 1/250 of second. The schools of photography do their job molding minds and honing styles but churn-out today’s students bereft of the skill set necessary to navigate the freelance world. This book is nothing less than tactical gear.
Jeffrey Smith
Executive Director
Contact Press Images
Bigelow has written a very practical business handbook in a no-nonsense, conversational tone for working photographers. With a keen awareness of the pressures on contemporary photographers, Bigelow offers focused in-depth advice on running a profitable business. All will benefit from reading this Business Essentials guide in our ever-evolving field of photography.
Rebekah Mininger
Associate Professor
Owner of Rebekah Mininger Photography
