02/21/2026
Judith's books are all listed on Amazon! Right now Taking Your Shot is only available as a physical paperback book. If you would like to download an electronic PDF, please visit Judith's website. All these books are also on MotherNaturePhotography.com if you would prefer to purchase via Etsy.
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=judith+kimbrell+taking+your+shot&crid=1TV56GINFMV7O&sprefix=judith+kimbrell+taking+your+sho%2Caps%2C247&ref=nb_sb_noss
TAKING YOUR SHOT Product Details:
Visual imagery plays an ever-greater role in all aspects of communication, social media, and product/service marketing. Yet people interested in photography face the difficult challenge of identifying photo specialties that are right for them among the many segments of this varied profession, as well as discerning where and how proper training can be acquired.
Taking Your Shot — The Ultimate Photographer’s Career Guide, offers vital insight students need to set their learning paths and make a good start in this highly competitive field. It is not a how-to book on the technical aspects of cameras and picture-taking (though it does contain certain technical references). Rather, it’s a practical career guide that discusses how to obtain solid academic and artistic preparation; offers an insider’s view on entering the profession; and lays out realistic steps for establishing a photo business and maintaining a durable career.
Featuring contributions from other Colorado photographers including: John Fielder, Angela Crews, Don Jones Photography, Juliet Miles at Tendo Photography, Michelle Mondragon at M Dragon Art, Cynthia Holling-Morris, John Mortland Photography, Ralph Clark, Randy Poe, Christy Smith, Deborah Shafer, Audrey Julian, and Nehemiah Urban.
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
FORWARD
CHAPTER 1 Basic Career Advice
-- Do you want to make photography your career?
-- How to Choose a Career Path
-- How do I know if I should be a photographer?
CHAPTER 2 Photography Careers
-- How do I pick what type of photographer I should be?
-- A Day in the Life of a Professional Photographer
-- What kind of competition will I face?
CHAPTER 3 Do you have the aptitude and personality to be a professional photographer?
-- The Creative Versus the Technical Mind
-- Grammar and Writing Skills
-- Mental Demands
-- Emotional and Personality Demands
-- Physical Demands
-- Demands on Your Family
-- Determining Your Personality and Aptitude
-- Common Difficulties
CHAPTER 4 Education & Training
-- The Value of Education and Training
-- Who should get training?
-- So how do you learn?
-- How to Find a College That Offers a Photography Program
-- What kinds of degrees are offered at colleges?
-- How to Pick a School that is Best for You
-- What photography classes should I take in college?
-- What classes should I take in college besides photography?
-- What if I already have a degree?
-- Find Your Own Path
CHAPTER 5 How to Be a Successful Photo Student
-- How to Approach Your Photography Education
-- How to Approach Learning in the Classroom
-- Steps to Success
-- Tips for Being a Good Photo Student (in Particular)
-- Options When You Do Not Like Your Instructor
-- What to Do When You are Struggling in Class
-- What should you do when you do not enjoy the majority of your classes?
-- Spotting a Great Teacher
-- Learning and Working in Photography with Disabilities
CHAPTER 6 Gender, Race, and Other Sensitive Topics
-- The Battle of the Sexes
-- Racial Diversity in the Industry
-- Take Advantage of Your Assets
-- Sensitive Situations
-- Safety and Security
CHAPTER 7 Who employs photographers and how much money can I make?
-- Who employs photographers and how much money can I make?
-- How do I make money, and what rate should I charge?
CHAPTER 8 How do I price my work?
-- Making a profit
-- Types of Fees
-- Pricing Outdoor & Fine Art Photography
-- Selling Books
CHAPTER 9 What are the monetary demands? How much money is needed to complete school and have a successful business career?
-- Basic equipment demands; what should I buy first?
-- Cameras and Lenses
-- Tripods
-- Computers
-- Paying for Software
-- After I have the basic gear, what do I buy next?
-- Photo Printers
-- Equipment Upgrades
-- Lighting Equipment
-- Business Software
-- What else do I need to spend money on besides equipment?
-- Office/Studio Expense
-- Insurance
-- Travel Expenses
-- Miscellaneous
-- How does anyone afford this?
CHAPTER 10 Transitioning From Student to Professional
-- Shooting Jobs for Friends and Family
-- Interning & Assisting
-- Representing Yourself in a Professional Manner
-- Building Relationships & Producing Quality Work
-- Learning Takes Time
CHAPTER 11 Do you have the ability to be a professional photographer?
-- Is my work any good?
-- Critiquing & Grading Student Work
-- Enlisting Public Opinion Outside of School
CHAPTER 12 Sustaining a Career in Photography
-- Preventing Boredom
-- Update Your Portfolio
-- Creating a Style
-- Telling Stories
-- Creating Fine Art
-- Back to Education
-- Is it worth it?
APPENDIX 1Aptitude Questionnaire
APPENDIX 2 Tips & Resources
Critique Tips for Students
Interview Tips for Students
Resources (Listed resources of: Critique Tips for Students, Interview Tips for Students, Print Resources, Manufacturers & Gear-Related Websites, Camera & Supply Houses, Print Houses, Professional Photography Organizations, and 4-Year Photography Schools.)
BIBLIOGRAPHY
GLOSSARY
CONTRIBUTORS
INDEX
