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In July 2011, reviewing the eBook Your Creative Mix, from Corwin Hiebert, I mentioned that it was, probably, the eBook that might help anyone to be a better photographer. Because it teaches the business side of photography.

I must admit I am not good with numbers. I know my f/stop from my shutter speed, and can also do some flash calculations, but when it's the business side of maths, I tend to give up. So, eBooks like those from Corwin Hiebert help me out. Not that the author teaches math, but he looks at the business side of things and helps us, visionmongers, to get a better vision of the right things to do to have a better business.

As I wrote above, in July 2011 Corvin Hiebert launched Your Creative Mix - Growing Your Photography Business Through Creativity & Collaboration eBook in the Craft & Vision collection. Exactly 365 days before he had published Growing The VisionMonger, 10 Things a Manager Can Teach You About Running & Growing Your Business.

Both eBooks deal with the same subject and point at the same target. Those photographers that usually keep making the same mistakes: either waiting for the work to come to them or shamelessly self-promoting their work. Corwin Hiebert is not a photographer; he does not know the difference between a f/stop and a bus stop (well he does, but this does sound funny), but he knows a lot about photographers, because as a consultant and manager to creative entrepreneurs he has come to pay special attention to the unique set of challenges facing vocational photographers.

With this is mind, a new eBook shows on the Craft & Vision line up. A little over 365 days after Your Creative Mix, let's look at Growing the VisionMonger 2 - A Kick-Ass Guide For The Photographic Entrepreneur, a new eBook on the same subject. If you still feel you need guidance, this is the right choice. If you think you know it all, this is a refresher course.

As Corvin Hiebert states "this eBook is a follow-up to my Growing the VisionMonger eBook and it is for photographers of all levels and at any stage of growing their business. Whether you have yet to charge one dollar, make a few hundred dollars a month, or strive to make a full-time living from your craft, this eBook is meant to be a spark for you—to help you get a little more organized, to get out there and make the most of the opportunities afforded to you."

Take a look at the contents page and you'll get the idea of what you can find in the 68 pages (or whatever you want to call them) packed with information, tips from various professionals and suggestions from Corbin Hiebert about the best practices in the business. The author says that "I spend a lot of time with photographers. I’m exposed to all kinds of photography skills, and all kinds of business models, and I have to say that this craft is truly mesmerizing to observe second-hand. There are so many factors that go into creating a great photograph – so many moving parts involved with making a successful deliverable. I have deep respect for the effort that goes into being a photographer, and to those who do it to make money—no matter what the amount—well, you 'had me at hello.' I wrote this eBook for you—the photographer who’s ready to start or grow a successful photography business. "

There is really no need to write much more about this eBook. Also because it is not something you read and throw away. It will be your bedside eBook for some time, and a source of inspiration that you'll pick over and over, to readjust your goals and the way to achieve them. It's not a one path to finding certain success, because it’s not found—it’s earned… over, and over, and over again. And that's the reason for multiple interviews and options, paths that you may choose to find your own. As Corwin Hiebert adds, "the best advice isn’t found in one place but it is garnered from many different sources. As you draw on the expertise of others, your business venture will benefit. Emerging photographers who listen to their idols, peers, and subject matter experts will develop a well-rounded knowledge base, and that’s what makes a mature business person."

The author runs a small management firm for creative entrepreneurs. One of the key things they do there, Corwin Hiebert says, "is helping people make sense of the big picture and zero in on the most important items that can be done this week, this month, and this year—it’s what we call a 'Business Action Plan' (or BAP). Business planning is often a frustrating experience; it can require too big of an effort and end up causing unnecessary stress. We believe great small businesses are best developed by steering a moving ship. Everything is just a best guess anyway so forecasting beyond reasonable means doesn’t help get the important stuff done. This eBook is inspired by the BAP sessions we do with creative people just like you. I hope it helps you in your business venture."

So, this is the newest eBook in Craft & Vision collection. As I've said before, written by a non-photographer this might be the best photography business book a photographer can read. Well, one of three by Corwin Hiebert.

Special Offer on PDFs

For the first five days only, if you use the promotional code MONGER4 when you checkout, you can have GROWING THE VISIONMONGER 2 for just $4 OR you can use the code MONGER20 to get 20% off when they buy 5+ PDF eBooks from the Craft & Vision collection. These codes expire at 11:59pm (PST) January 22, 2013.

Wait! There is a second offer: an $8 USD package available, the GROWING THE VISIONMONGER BUNDLE, that includes both titles in the series. No discount code is required for this purchase; it's Craft & Vision's standard bundle rate of 20% off.