Expert: Steve Meltzer - 10/27/2009

Question
Hi Steve, and thank you for taking my question.  I am a fairly successful commercial photographer, and have been doing studio work for the past 18 years.  Next year I am making a switch to shooting primarily stock and doing less and less assignment work.  It's going to be a bit of a hit to my income, so I am trying to find ways to supplement my stock income (I will still keep a few clients that can fill in alot of the gaps)  One thing I was thinking was becoming a speaker/seminar instructor.  I have a great deal of practical experience that I think would make a valuable seminar, but the problem is that I just don't know how to get started down that road.
Any suggestions?
Thanks
Ted

Answer
Ted

This is a toughie. First of all stock isn't what it used to be. Sites like iStockphoto and others have really taken their toll. High end sites are struggling. So go slowly. Perhaps spend time now contacting a variety of agencies and get some feedback. See if you have enough stock to make any serious amount of sales.

Speaking,teaching and seminars are also tough. I can usually fill a workshop with between 25-30 people BUT it has to be a "photographing arts/crafts" workshop usually assocaited with a gallery. And it works because I've written about this stuff for 25 years and have books on the subject. So my fame precede me and people know what they are getting and from whom.

And there's the issue is focus. What can you teach? What are you known for?

Seminars that sell are things like landscape photography in Yosemite or the Grand Tetons. Nude model workshops or "beauty" sessions. Although in crafts there are a lot of women who take my classes, in most other areas you are looking at old, pardon the expression, white guys who are retired docs, lawyers, engineers etc. and have decided not just that they "always liked" photography but that they want to become working photographers.

Probably the best way to start is to plan a couple of local and very basic workshops. And I mean basic. As far as I can tell digital photography is a mystery to most people. Even someone lugging a big old Canon around with a stovepipe lens you'll find is probably as dumb as cardboard when it comes to camera controls, light and composition. So a few basic classes in your area, where you are known, might help you to you build a rep and a base of consummers. Word of mouth is the best way to get students. So one class can lea to another.

This will also give you the opportunity to see if seminars are something you are good at. It's a lot more than simply talking about a subject. It's stand up comedy, a bit of theater and a whole lot of tolerance for people who just won't get stuff.

Good luck

Steve