Professional Practice T2 2013

Question 1

Code of Ethics

What is the purpose of a code of (ethical) conduct in Professional Photographic Practice

Answer 1

1. To serve as a general guide & framework within which a photographer would (ethically) operate their business
2. To protect the photographer from possible abuse from any person/entity that they interact with professionally
3. To protect any person/entity that interacts professionally with the photographer from abuse by them-photographer
4. To protect and safeguard the general status of the photographic profession.

Question 2

The definition of an ‘Entrepreneur’

The seven components/aspects

(These points must come with “discussion”)

Answer 2

> an entrepreneur is an individual [+discussion]

> who having conceptualized (who has come up with) [+discussion]

> a marketable service &/or product [+discussion]

> &challenged with many calculated risks [+discussion]

> is prepared to commit capital [+discussion]

> in a capitalistic economy [+discussion]

> to start a profitable commercial venture [+discussion]

Question 3

List 4 legal business forms/types recognized in South Africa

Answer 3

1. Sole Proprietorship
2. Partnership
3. Private Company
4. Close Corporation

Question 4

What are the most appropriate business types for a young entrepreneur ( that is just starting out/after being a photographer’s assistant)

Answer 4

1. The Sole proprietor

2. The Partnership

Question 5

What is the best business type for an individual/individualist photographer ?

Answer 5

A Sole proprietor.

Question 6

What are the advantages of a sole proprietor?

Answer 6

• you need to know 3
• 1. It is easier to start & close a sole proprietorship (from a legal point of view)
• 2. All income belongs to the owner
     
     3. The functioning of the business(enterprise) is simple & is able to adapt easily to changes in the business (circumstances)
     4. You’re your own boss & have the power to come & go as you please .
• 5. You can work from home. (Depending on your type of business)
     
     6. Minimal paper work (if you take proper care of your bookkeeping & pay your taxes)

Question 7

What are the disadvantages of a sole proprietor?

Answer 7

• you need to know 3
  1. The creditworthiness of your enterprise is limited to the assets of the owner
  2. You as the owner are fully responsible for the losses & can lose your private possessions if the enterprise fails

3.

4.

5.

6.

Question 8

You find yourself ready to rent premises (to start out on your own-own business)

Identify 5 expert professionals that may be of assistance to you at this point.

*must be able to explain each one (one line explanation)

Answer 8

• the bank manager
• the estate agent
• the architect
• the plumber
• the electrician
• the accountant or the bookkeeper
• the insurance broker
• the security company
• the doctor
• the gym
• the post office

Question 9

What are the five advantages of renting a studio space ?

Answer 9

1. Renting is an affordable option
2. Renting allows the person to feel out/ assess whether the profession is really for them
3. Renting allows the beginner to confirm their choice of speciality at low risk
4. Renting allows the beginner to feel out/assess the suitability of the location at low risk
5. Renting allows the beginner to feel out/assess the suitability of the premises.

Question 10

What is meant by ‘buying’ (according to lecture) ?

Answer 10

Buying : this means buying an existing or established studio/photographic business.

Question 11

What is meant by ‘starting anew’ (according to lecture)?

Answer 11

Starting anew : this could mean
(1) physically to buy a new building ,
or to
(2)buy existing premises , and then to plan & establish
your own studio /photographic business from scratch

Question 12

Tabulate 5 advantages & disadvantages of buying an existing business.

Answer 12

Table

Question 13

Location ,location, location.

Briefly/ concisely discuss any 5 criteria that may be applied in the choice of a business location.

Answer 13

1. Is there a market for the particular type of business ?
2. Is labour readily available?
3. Are the necessary backup services available ?
4. How does the cost of premises , rates & utilities compare with other area
5. How accessible is the site by( road,rail , air) ?
6. Are there competing businesses in the immediate neighbourhood

Question 14

Elaborate on any 5 considerations regarding the suitability of your photographic premises.

Answer 14

1. Will any structural changes be necessary ?
2. Is the premises of appropriate size ?
3. Will you lease or buy ?
4. What opening hours will you keep &; why ?
5. Can the premises be used for extended business ?

Question 15

Question 9

Answer 15

Answer

Question 16

Good public relations
Seven qualities that staff & owner should exhibit to ensure a positive public image.

From the lecture “Being nice”

Answer 16

1. Physical appearance :personal image & hygiene
2. Attitude: be helpful , courteous , patient & attentive. *?
3. Behavior toward clients : your actual mode of interaction &communication with the client (including body language &facial expression, devotion of full attention
4. Use of voice : tone , pitch , inflection , volume
5. Use of language : General &profession-specific
6. A solid familiarity with the business of photography
7. Excellent telephone manner

Question 17

The 4 important communication skills

From the lecture “Photographers as communicators”

Answer 17

• all skills need elaboration along with point “concise elaboration
  1. Writing skills
  2. Speaking skills
  3. Listening skills
  4. Negotiating skills

Question 18

What may be seen as the two component parts of any marketing strategy ?

Answer 18

1. Advertising

2. Promotion

Question 19

What is the definition of ‘Advertising’ ?

Answer 19

Advertising : any paid for form of non-personal presentation of ideas/goods& services by an identified sponsor; a means of reaching a large number of people at low cost per person contacted(2)

Question 20

What is the definition of ‘Promotion ‘ ?

Answer 20

Promotion : those marketing activities that supplement & co-ordinate your advertising efforts , your public relations activities , personal selling , helping to make them (more) effective.

Question 21

The broader purpose of marketing is(not only to gain clients) to ? (3)

Answer 21

1. To retain old clients
2. To increase sales per client
3. To increase overall sales