Going Pro
How to Make the Leap from Aspiring to Professional Photographer
by Scott Bourne and Skip Cohen
Crown Publishing Group
Due: October 18, 2011

Rating: 4 stars

"Don't fall in love with being a photographer without learning how to be a great photographer. You can make a dream come true only if it's based on a solid foundation." -Helen Yancy

Have you been considering taking your love of photography to the next level by becoming a professional and running your own business? If so, then this book will provide you with a wealth of information to help you decide whether or not you are truly prepared to take that first leap.

It is astonishing to me, how in a world full of competitive photograpers, there seems to be so many pros willing to help others get started. In Going Pro, professional photographers Scott Bourne and Skip Cohen use their combined 75 years of experience to walk you through each step of the process. From the click of the shutter all the way through the behind-the-scenes business operations, they leave no stone unturned. Divided into chapters such as Define Your Niche, Showing Your Work, Social Media Marketing and Expanding Your Business they give you a solid foundation containing details that you may or may not have thought about.

Along with twenty-five additional professional photographer contributions and full color images for inspiration, there is a practical advice guide at the end of each section that is full of great ideas. Suggestions that will open your eyes to the business of photography and help you become the best photographer that you can be.

I feel that the information presented in Going Pro; How to Make the Leap from Aspiring to Professional Photographer is practical, well thought out and written with the most current trends of the industry in mind. The in-depth explanations of using websites like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and personal blogs correctly to expand your customer base were especially helpful. At the end of the book includes a great resource list that gives you an inside look at where the professionals go to find everything from equipment to printing needs and more.

If going pro is in your future, I think that this book can definitely set you on the right course to making those dreams a reality. ( )