A different look at small business in crisis

The creative ideas here go far, far beyond photography.

David Hobby on Stepping Outside the Box of the Business of Photography:

"Granted, there are a lot of things to be depressed about in the current photography environment, when it comes to the business side. But more and more, I am starting to believe that as each of the old business models seems to evaporate, a new one emerges to take its place. Even if it may seem like you have to stand out in left field to see it."

David Hobby is renowned in photography circles for teaching (some would say inventing) off-camera lighting techniques and effects based on small flashes rather than large studio strobes. In this long post he talks about using the free time from diminished commercial assignments to do self-assigned pro bono projects which benefit both the subjects and the photographer. The subjects (NGOs, small businesses, or student actors for example) get free or low-cost professional level photos while the photographer gets creative freedom, technical stretching, and portfolio photos which often lead to new kinds of professional assignments.

Established professional photographers often see such projects as beneath them, suitable only for newbees just breaking into the field. Hobby argues that there are huge benefits even for the old pros.

I will certainly be thinking about how these ideas can apply to my situation.

(Via Strobist.)