A lot of aspiring professional photographers are purely focused on the art of photography, often neglecting the commercial side of their business. Learning how to make art and commerce work hand in hand is the key to transforming your passion into a successful career.
Greg is going to shine a light on the business of photography, so that you can start to establish yourself as a professional photographer, maximise your potential and take your photography career to the next level. He’ll explain how to understand your worth, how to structure your fees (from the pre-light & shoot, to usage & buyouts) and the principles of how to charge.
Understand the industry from every level. Including how to use social media to grow your business, how to find clients and nurture those relationships, how to develop your artistic voice and extensive practical modules with an emphasis on lighting – both ambient and studio.
Consider this the advice that Greg wishes he had been given throughout his career. He will take the guesswork out of professional photography and share the wealth of experience he’s gained over 30 years - including the mistakes he’s made and the lessons learned along the way.
Below are some of the questions Greg will cover during the course:
Join the official Skills Pro Professional Photographer community hosted by Greg Williams to connect with like-minded photographers from a wide range of industries. Get feedback on your pictures, share ideas, get advice on professional challenges and even explore business opportunities.
Enjoy exclusive tips and advice and have your questions answered in Q&A sessions hosted by Greg and other industry professionals. Challenge your creativity and even re-invent your style through taking part in contests and discussions.
Join the community that faces the challenges of being a professional photographer together – you’re not alone.
To ensure you are on the right track with your photography career, join Greg on interactive live sessions, where he’all answer you questions and talk about topics decided by the community.
It is not possible to book Greg directly for coaching, but it’s totally included in the price here.
Source: businesswire.com
The global market for professional photographic services is estimated at $43.9 Billion USD in 2020. Keep in mind that number exists despite the breakout of a global pandemic. By 2027 this number is expected to reach $54 Billion USD. Meaning it is growing at an annual compound growth rate of 3% over the course of the next 6 years. That is an astounding growth of about $10.1 Billion USD. There is so much potential for growth in your field to parallel the growth of the market and there will always be more room for up and coming talented photographers.
The market for photographic services in the United States alone is estimated to be sitting at a whopping $12.7 Billion USD annually as of 202Home of the world’s largest economy, China, is expected to reach a market size of $9 Billion USD by 2027 which means their unique compound annual growth rate would be an impressive 4.9%. Along with these two powerhouse economies that are great places for the growth of the photography industry, there are other heavy hitters such as Japan, Canada, Europe and more emerging markets. Considering that this is a profession that calls for travel, the options for work are almost endless.
50% Professional. 50% Photographer.
Greg introduces you to SkillsPro, his detailed and in depth program for professional photographers. He will talk you through the business of actually being a photographer; how to engage with clients and subjects, how to get a job, how to pull a portfolio together and how to differentiate yourself. He’ll also explain in detail his own techniques and lighting preferences in order to help you enhance your own skills. In essence, what he’ll be sharing with you, is the advice he wished he’d received when he was just starting out in his career.
Learn to listen to your inner voice.
Greg discusses the art of photography and the importance of harnessing your inner voice in order to take authentic, believable pictures. He gives his insight on how to manifest your unique perspective into the look and feel of your pictures.
Give them what they want, so that you can give them what you want.
A professional photographer has to balance technology, art and commerce. Greg breaks down the key aspects of commerce, and how to make art and commerce work with each other as allies, and striking the right balance between the two. He covers how to build your following, sell yourself, the mistakes and compromises you’ll make, the pros and cons of agents, and much more in this comprehensive look at the commercial side of photography.
When someone asks “What’s your day rate?” I ask, “What’s the job?”
Greg explains how to establish your fee based on the client and the job they’re asking you to do. He also underlines the importance of fighting for and retaining your copyright, and breaks down buyouts/usage, travel & prep days and editorial commissions.
So much of the creativity I bring to a picture comes from consistently returning to the fundamentals of photography.
Greg details why he loves to work with the 35mm format and highlights the importance of really mastering the fundamentals; light, exposure, depth of field, shutter speed and focal length, in order to fulfil your creative potential.
Greg talks you through his carry on case, and all the kit it contains.
Join Greg on his shoot with Jack Farthing which takes you from studio to location and demonstrates portrait lighting, composition, vanishing points, reflections and wind.
Greg shows you how he works with ambient light with Eiza Gonzalez in Venice.
Greg explains how to work with what you’ve got; a hotel room, available light and 5 minutes with your subject, in this shoot with Gemma Chan.
Behind the scenes at the BAFTAs - Greg talks you through lighting, go-to scenarios and interacting with talent.
After a last minute location change, Greg follows the light and captures Edgar Ramirez in a hotel hallway.
Bob describes the GWP model and how the business functions day-to-day.
The difference between a manager and an agent, the importance of ‘always being your own agent’ and what that means in practice.
The fundamentals of building a micro-brand in the photography industry.
Bob introduces you to the concept of the “Brain Trust” and how to unlock the potential in your network.
What do we mean by ‘elevator pitch’ and why is it important?
The importance of small business fundamentals in the devlopment of your micro-brand.
Learn the fundamentals of light in a studio environment.
Greg talks you through the different lighting scenarios and when to use them.
Greg demonstrates how versatile one lighting set-up can be.
Learn how to use backlight and reflected fill to create a soft light to flatter your subject.
The light that works every time. Widely used on magazine covers and one of Greg’s go-tos.
Variations on this classic “beauty light”.
Learn how to use sidelight to create duality and intrigue.
Greg talks about how using hot lights as opposed to strobe allows you to transition between stills and motion. Also see how uses smoke and wind effects.
Greg explains how he edits with his heart, and choose the pictures that make you feel something.
Greg looks back over 40 years of taking pictures and shares the highs and lows and lessons he’s learned.
We are so confident that this programme will help improve your career, that we are giving you 60 days to decide for yourself. If you feel that the lessons, assignments and access to the experts in the community have not improved your professional skills, just email us within 60 days for a full refund.
“I like to think that this class will really help you on your path to becoming a successful professional photographer.”
Greg has created 24 easy to follow theoretical and practical training films to get you started on your journey as a professional photographer.
Join the official Skills Pro Photographer Community and connect with like-minded photographers for tips, advice and support.
Greg has created a bespoke workbook to accompany the programme, with module summaries and assignments so you can practically apply what you’ve learnt.
In addition to the theoretical and practical modules, you’ll have exclusive access to twelve top tips and thirty minutes of photo breakdowns.
You will receive an official certificate once you have successfully completed the programme.
We’re so confident that Skills Pro will enhance your career, that if you’re not fully satisfied after completing the programme and its assignments, we offer a 60-day money back guarantee.
Twelve of Greg’s most important top tips for shooting in a studio or on location.
We want you to learn as much as possible from this program. That’s why we’ve implemented various features to make learning as efficient as possible.
Exclusive access to thirty photo breakdowns of some of Greg’s favourite pictures.
Greg Williams is one of the most trusted and acclaimed photographers in entertainment—his name and candid portraiture synonymous with authentic glamour.
Greg established his reportage style as a photojournalist in the ‘90s—covering war zones in Burma, Chechnya and Sierra Leone. An assignment for the Sunday Times Magazine gave Greg his first access to the film industry and he has now shot ‘specials’ on over 200 movies, including four poster campaigns for the Bond franchise. Greg has also enjoyed exclusive access to BAFTA, the Golden Globes and the Oscars and is a regular contributor to Vanity Fair and British Vogue.
In addition to his prodigious photographic output, Greg is also a filmmaker, principally with his first person, ‘moving reportage’ documentaries, and a product designer—Greg’s limited edition Leica Q2, in partnership with Daniel Craig, is Leica’s fastest selling large scale edition. His education platform Skillsfaster, is home to his highly successful Candid Photography class, with the intention of ‘democratising good photography’.
After 30 years in the business Greg’s talent and brand relationships are second to none. He publishes exclusives to over 900,000 followers on Instagram and on gregwilliams.com where he also sells his products and prints. Greg Williams Photography operates from Greg’s studio/gallery space in Mayfair, London.
While Skills Pro does discuss how to shoot better pictures and work with both studio and ambient light, a large part of the programme is concerned with learning about the commercial side of the industry.
You can find all modules described here.
Skills Pro is the only programme created by a photographer working at this level and which gives you a comprehensive look at the commercial side of the photography industry, not just advice on how to improve your pictures.
The programme has both theoretical and practical modules, so you will have visual examples, practical tutorials and also a bespoke workbooks with assignments to help you practice your new skills.
While Greg will explain the fundamentals of photography, and discuss his own camera preferences, Skills Pro is not about technical camera details. He wants to give you practical skills and tips that aren’t readily available on the internet.
Yes! Photography is a global industry and it is ever-evolving. The business of photography may differ slightly from country to country, but the fundamentals of building your brand apply worldwide.
It’s easy. If you’re unhappy with the programme and would like a refund, just send an email to support@skillsfaster.com demonstrating you’ve completed the assignments for each module, and we’ll give you a full refund within 60 days of purchase.
Currently we provide subtitles in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, French, Italian and Chinese. If you are looking for another language, please contact us at support@skillsfaster.com.
We know how important it is to be accountable and feel supported, and that’s why we give you access to a private Community (with Greg as a member), exclusively for Skills Pro members to connect, share ideas and ask for advice.
Skillsfaster is a website for people who want to quickly learn life skills. We provide video classes that help people advance in their careers, hobbies, or personal development. The classes are created by industry experts and professionals, and are designed to provide the highest quality learning experience.
