Community
Need Help?
If you've found this site, it tells me you are a photographer looking for answers to one or more of these questions:
Have you just started your business, but not sure if you're doing it right?
Are you losing jobs to other photographers who undercut you or clients who don't value your talent?
Are you just starting to get bigger jobs, but not sure how to produce them or how much to charge?
Are you just getting into the industry and aspire to be a paid professional photographer, but don't know where to start?
If you've answered yes to any of these questions, then you're in the right place and I am excited to help you.
Welcome to Photo Authentic
Hi, I'm Lincoln Barbour and I have been a commercial photographer for over 21 years. I'm still a working pro today and run an architectural photography studio based in Virginia.
Now, I'm ready to share my knowledge and experience with you so that you can have a shortcut to a steady, successful photography business that fits your lifestyle doing the work you love to shoot.
It's well known that good business advice is hard to come by, especially for commercial photographers. There's a lot of mystery about how the commercial photography industry works.
Like...
...how much to charge
...how usage fees work
...how to do large production shoots
...and how to find commercial clients!
No other business coaches have the experience that I have to really know what it takes to be successful at commercial photography.
Theory is great and all, but someone with actual hands-on experience in the field for over 2 decades is very rare. I've done shoots from $250 up to $450,000. I've seen it all and haven't failed once.
I can teach you what worked for me.
Daniel Clark Cunningham
www.danielclarkcunningham.com
"Joining Photo Authentic is the best thing I have ever done for my career. You have opened my eyes to the best practices of our industry. It has pushed me to make big changes and it has paid off. I am consistently getting the work I want at better and better rates."
Here’s a brutal set of statistics:
20% of photographers fail in their first year of business.
30% of photographers fail in their second year, and 50% of photographers fail after five years in business.
Finally, 70% of photographers fail by their 10th year in business.
It doesn't have to be this way for you.
I have been a commercial photographer for 21 years and counting! I am happy to share with you why my business hasn't failed in all that time.
Plus, learning directly from a seasoned professional gives you a huge advantage over other photographers trying to do it on their own.
What You Get When You Join Photo Authentic
Private Member Forum
The heart of the community is the members and the discussions we share with one another. If you're tired of unhelpful Facebook Groups, this high-level open forum is what you've been looking for. Moderated by me, I respond to every post and share my own thoughts.
Monthly Ask Me Anything Calls
All members can join me for a live Zoom call once a month to discuss any challenges you face in your business. Topics can be open-ended, and I'll help you get answers to what's troubling you.
Resource Library
After 21 years of working as a professional, I have developed an extensive library of photography business tools and information you can access.
Documents include model releases, property releases, terms and conditions, job inquiry questionnaires, and more.
Plus, I will share actual estimates so you can learn how to create estimates that make sense, win you jobs,and get you paid more.
Resource Library Includes:
- Marketing Resources
- Sales Resources
- Production Resources
- Business Resources
- Mindset Resources
Online Photo Business Courses
I've taken everything I know about being a commercial photographer and put that knowledge into a variety of easy-to-digest courses. Join Photo Authentic today and get instant access to all of them:
Path to Pro - A Master Class on how to run a successful commercial photography business ($200 value)
Marketing Fundamentals - Get your marketing in gear with this fundamentals course and workbook ($50 value)
Start From Zero (coming soon) - A guided 12-week framework from zero clients to a working photographer.
Make the Leap (coming soon) - Take your early-stage photography business to the next level with this 24-week guided action plan.
Upgrade to PRO and Jumpstart You Career Fast
Become a PRO member and get even more help from me at a fraction of the cost of other business coaches.
1-1 Coaching via Chat
Get access to me anytime at your fingertips!
I will answer any question you have about the commercial photography industry through a private 1-1 online chat.
We will tackle your problems one at a time and develop a clear action plan based on your goals.
Monthly PRO Calls
Take action faster with a small group mastermind call only for PRO Members. Accountability is the key to making progress in your goals and I will help you stay on track.
Groups are limited to 10 photographers and calls last for 90-minutes, so you will always have plenty of time to speak.
Portfolio Review & Edit
After establishing your business goals, I will review your portfolio and help you edit your online and print portfolios to help you get you the kind of work you want to shoot.
Estimate Reviews & Consulting
Once the inquiries start coming in, I will help you build out your estimates so they look industry-standard, account for all production needs, and show you how to use the numbers as a negotiation strategy to land the job.
Whether your job is for a small local client or a multi-national advertising agency, I can help you create an estimate that will give you the best chance to be awarded the work.
Join Photo Authentic and Get Results
I can help you get on the right track in 3 to 6 months. After that time, you will start seeing an uptick in inquiries, bookings, higher-quality clients, and higher-paying jobs.
I can also help you streamline your business so you can focus on the work you like to do while giving yourself more time for personal projects and free time.
What Are The Alternatives?
I've looked at all the best online courses, coaching programs, estimating help, and coaching services for commercial photographers, and this is what it could cost to do them all a la carte:
$649 - New York Institute of Photography Business for Photographers Course
$249 - Commercial Photographer's Resources 520pg Guide to Commercial Photography
$149 - Creative Live Annual Membership
$150/hr - Wonderful Machine Estimating Consultation (2-3 hours per estimate)
$2400 - Annual Costs for Monthly Coaching Calls with a Professional Coach
It would cost you $3,897 to do all of these things, plus ongoing costs of up to $450 for every estimate you need help with.
I will do everything above and more for as little as $99/per month.
So for less than half of all these other services, you can get the help you need to grow your photography business.
How do I know I can help you?
I'm living proof. I don't have any fancy tricks. I don't have a rep. I'm not famous. I have a small social media following. The only award I've ever won was for 2nd place in a PDN Objects of Desire Photo Contest; it was for this picture of bacon -->
I don't have any of the stereotypical measures of success. Yet, I've been making over 6-figures a year in profit for years, even during the COVID-19 pandemic. I make enough to support a family of 4; my wife gets to stay at home with our young kids, and outside of shoots, I only "work" 20 hours a week.
" A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step "
— Lao Tzu
Join Photo Authentic
Pricing
Are you ready to join me and grow your photography dreams into a long and sustaining career?
It's easy to join.
First, decide which membership level works for you.
Then, click the red button to be taken to a checkout page.
After you checkout, you'll get instant access to the community where you can setup your profile and start learning.
I'll also reach out to you personally to welcome you.
PRO Member
$350/mo
Private Member Forum
Resource Library
Monthly AMA Calls
Online Courses
1-1 Coaching Via Chat
Monthly PRO Member Only Calls
Portfolio Review & Edit
Estimate & Pricing Consultation
Essential Member
$99/mo
Private Member Forum
Resource Library
Monthly AMA Calls
Online Courses