Taylor Davidson will give a talk titled "Anybody Can Be a Photographer" at SXSW in Austin, TX on March 14th. The talk will discuss what defines a "professional" photographer and whether photography needs to be one's sole source of income. Davidson will also address how technology has made it both easier and harder to be a professional photographer today. Additional topics will include the ethical pitfalls of being a part-time photographer, copyright and ownership issues, starting to sell photographs, and how to use online marketing and photography in other business ventures and careers.

1. @photoshelter
photoshelter.com
@tdavidson
taylordavidson.com
SXSW, Austin, TX | Sunday, March 14 at 05:00 PM | Austin Convention Center, 8A

2. Anybody can be a
photographer.
© ALL PHOTOS TAYLOR DAVIDSON | @TDAVIDSON

3. © ALL PHOTOS TAYLOR DAVIDSON | @TDAVIDSON
What is a “professional” photographer?
Does photography need to be one’s sole source of income in order
to be a ”professional” photographer?

4. Why is it easier AND harder to be a professional
photographer today?
(Give everyone the tools to create, distribute and sell, and they’ll
use them.)
© ALL PHOTOS TAYLOR DAVIDSON | @TDAVIDSON

5. © ALL PHOTOS TAYLOR DAVIDSON | @TDAVIDSON
What are the ethical pitfalls of being a part-time
photographer?
Are you going to be able to provide the same level of service and
seriousness, if you only part-time it?

6. © ALL PHOTOS TAYLOR DAVIDSON | @TDAVIDSON
How do new entrants feel about copyright,
sharing and ownership?
How many people have had an image "stolen"?

7. © ALL PHOTOS TAYLOR DAVIDSON | @TDAVIDSON
Do new entrants care about creating
downward pricing pressure on the
industry?

8. How does one start selling?
What equipment (camera and gear) is necessary for producing
images good enough to sell?
© ALL PHOTOS TAYLOR DAVIDSON | @TDAVIDSON

9. Stock photography gets a lot of attention, but it’s not
the only route.
Being paid for the "service" of photography is as legitimate as delivering a
tangible product (e.g. print, download, etc)
© ALL PHOTOS TAYLOR DAVIDSON | @TDAVIDSON

10. © ALL PHOTOS TAYLOR DAVIDSON | @TDAVIDSON
What ancillary products and services can a
photographer create to sell and promote?
What websites, platforms and services are available to create these
products and services?

11. © ALL PHOTOS TAYLOR DAVIDSON | @TDAVIDSON
How can photographers use online
marketing and social media to win fans
and customers?

12. How can people use photography to help
other parts of their businesses and their
careers?
© ALL PHOTOS TAYLOR DAVIDSON | @TDAVIDSON