In a world that is filled with countless books on how to be this-or-that type of photographer it is not often that a really great book comes along that transcends those how-to books. Visionmonger is that book, it has been gaining rave reviews and one I decided to order for myself.
What is this book about, well it is a very frank down to earth read about the trials and tribulations of starting/running a photography business. If you are looking for a book that is going to provide the magical formula, or sugar coat the difficulties to starting and running a successful business this is not the book for you. Another great point made in this book and one that relates to the title is that being a good/great photographer is not about the gear.
David duChemin for 12 years was a comedian then he returned back to his first love, his passion, photography. He is now a successful world and humanitarian photographer. In his book David tells it how it is based on his experience not only as a photographer but as a comedian. At times it may make you wonder why you might want to pursue such a vocation. He talks heavily about the fact that being a professional photographer is more about the business side of the vocation than the photography. Sure ones photography needs to be up to par but being truly successful means more than just focusing on the photography, one needs to put a lot of attention into the business aspects. Actually one needs to develop a split personality, if you will, one that is the photographer and the other that is the business person. There has to be a clear delineation of the two.
Throughout the book are stories of photographers that have built successful business. The stories tell of their challenges and the road they traveled in getting to where they are today. The stories are definitely inspiring and are used to reinforce the points David is attempting to get across to the reader.
There is so much more that could be said about this wonderful book but instead of me going on and on about it why don’t you see for yourself. Even if you are just someone who loves photography and are not looking to take the big leap in starting your own business this book has a lot to offer. Even though it is in your face frank about the realities of photography as a vocation it is also very inspiring and lifting. I find it to have a lot to offer to everyone, if anything to keep you from becoming a gearmonger!
~ William