Through the lens : how beginning photographers can market themselves with social media
(Book - Regular Print)

Thesis,MSES,Green Mountain College,2011

Includes bibliographical references.

This Applied Professional Project by Kathy Fournier synthesizes the work from a practicum and an independent study to explore the aesthetics and business of nature photography. The practicum focused on nature photography, while the independent study concentrated on a business plan for the author's own nature photography business. Therefore, this Applied Professional Project was twofold: 1) Create a photo project that applies to an interest in nature photography: a. Reflective essay on Elliott's Beach with selection of photographs from this unknowable locale in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. b. Note cards 2) Build on a business plan by researching for market strategies, especially with social media. The research would benefit a start up business. To accomplish the Applied Professional Project, a reflective essay was written with memories of Elliott's Beach and its atmosphere, Island Pond (the lake); it is accompanied with images to reflect the essay. In addition, sorted images were chosen and uploaded to an online photo storage and print site, Snapfish, which will help to create another part of [the] creative project - the note cards. Lastly, various social media and online marketplaces were researched that would help promote a photography business, adding to the existing business and marketing goals and plans. The tools that were used for this project included a Canon DSLR with various interchangeable lenses, and the online photo site, Snapfish. The impact of the project includes knowledge of the process, and work needed, in creating promotional materials, and how to create a successful business and marketing plan. Additionally, the photo project and reflection may support a deeper relationship of visitors to the area of Island Pond, and the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont.