Where do you think most photographers struggle: being a creative or running their business? Making awesome imagery or establishing a pricing strategy? For many, it's the latter and that just sucks. For these reasons, PRO EDU has curated six photography management and workflow tools to create the “Photographer's Toolkit.” The toolkit is free from November 23–26 with the purchase of any PRO tutorial over $1. Included are essential software services from brands we trust with a total value over $1,200. You won't find this deal anywhere else.
Full disclaimer: this entire article is an ad. An ad paid for and aimed squarely at working photographers. If you are a working photographer or working towards a full-time career, then read on. I'm talking to the photographers obsessed with the craft. Photographers who live to create, hell-bent on making this their career, their lifestyle. Photographers that would rather work 90 hours per week for themselves than 40 for someone else. For photographers never happy with their work, obsessed with always getting better and for those whose life is viewed through a lens. If this is you, then read on.
In the last three and a half years, we've had the privilege of making photography “docutorials” with some of the best photographers in the world. While these photographers are completely different creatively, they share the common denominator of being exceptional business managers. Each and every one of them excels in business and has propelled their studio to the top. We at PRO EDU would like to introduce you to the Photographer's Toolkit, a diverse set of photography tools that we believe will be a tremendous value to you. Tools to elevate your photography business in terms of copyright, portfolio, bidding, motion, management, and processing. And full disclaimer: not one of these brands contacted us to do this. We set out to find the best tools for you. Hit the button if you want to check out the deal, if not then keep reading.
Let's Talk Copyright: Tool 1 of 6 From Image Rights
Be honest, you probably don't register your images with the U.S. Copyright office. I know this because almost nobody does. It's a huge pain to do and can take 18 months to finish. This is an arduous, confusing process bogged down with red tape and confusing language from the U.S. government. The first of six essential tools in the Photographer's Toolkit comes from Image Rights International. Their software allows photographers to easily register their copyright faster than signing into Adobe Creative Cloud. It's freaky fast. Registration is a snap through a custom Lightroom plugin where you can even batch process all your registrations timely and in groups. All without leaving the Lightroom interface.
You are probably thinking, "Are you kidding me?” No, no I am not, and it gets better. Once your images are registered, the Image Rights system crawls the web to look for your copyrighted work to discover infringers and violators. If their network of global attorneys believes you have a case, then they take on the battle with no cost to you. It’s time photographers stopped letting people steal our work because someone “found it on Google." Get this: you can expect as much as a 10 times return on damages if your copyright is registered. It’s time to protect yourself and get paid for your work.
Image Rights jumped on the opportunity to work with us by serving up their Ascent Plan for The Photographer's Toolkit. This plan is normally $588 per year and they are donating a FREE, 12-month membership with any purchase over $1 at PRO EDU from November 23 at 12:00 a.m. CST until November 26 at 11:59 p.m. CST.
Does Your Website Suck? Tool 2 of 6
Let's talk about your website, shall we? It seems as if some photographers have forgotten that this is the most trustworthy platform to showcase your work and mane an investment in your SEO. Instagram might be fun and easy, but what happens when they turn your visibility off? We all saw what happened to Facebook Business Pages when Facebook wanted to make more money. How searchable are you on Facebook? You're not searchable, and even worse, you have no control. A solid website is the backbone of your brand. It's your platform. It's your own domain. Pump it full of your selected keywords, manage your SEO and give your brand visibility.
Now full disclaimer, until I found out about Format, I was pushing Squarespace. I loved how easy and customizable it was for me. That time has come to an end and I probably will never go back. Format picks up where Squarespace left off, developing a platform built specifically for photographers. It's also easier and faster to update than Squarespace with so many more features (scouts honor).
So what else makes Format better? Drag and drop customization: check. Ability to inject code if you want: sure. Responsive themes for all devices: of course. Optimized for great SEO: duh. Update your website directly from Lightroom: sweet. Free domain: yep, that’s standard. Sell digital and tangible prints worldwide with your own store: hell yes. A bunch of responsive themes specifically for photographers: finally. Custom fonts to stay on brand: absolutely. iOS app for your iPhone: that's rad. Built-in watermarking: whoa. Client proofing galleries built into your site: check. File delivery for clients built into the backend: checkmate.
Format has donated an entire year of their Pro Account, a $144 value, to everyone that spends more than $1 at PRO EDU from November 23–26. Trust me, if you are looking for a new site, this is legit and awesome. Even if you are just looking for a way to build a client proofing gallery, this rocks. You can set this up as a separate domain or subdomain just for client proofing. You can't do that with Squarespace. Check out the video below to see how easy it is to use Format.
The Photographer's Toolkit Includes...
To see the other four software tools that go with in the Photographer's Toolkit, visit PRO EDU. This offer ends November 26 at 11:59 p.m. CST.
The Black Friday Deal Overview
Make any purchase and get the Photographer's Toolkit for free. We've curated six essential business tools to help manage your photography business. Plus save an additional 50 percent off your order over $450 with code BF50 at checkout. After you complete your purchase of any tutorial, you will receive an exclusive email with access to all six offers from these brands for free. Valued at over $1,200, you won't find a deal like this anywhere else.
*Free if you give us money.