It is a book that has set photographers in this region abuzz since I twitted about it 3 weeks ago. If you are practicing photography full time or part time, or perhaps thinking of doing so soon, please read Fast Track Photographers by Dane Sanders. IMO, it is like the “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” or “E-Myth” equivalent for photographers.

I picked up the book while I was at WPPI, Las Vegas but I didn’t read it until 2-3 weeks ago. I was so captivated that I finished it in 12 hours! I should re-read this book at a slower pace so soak it all in. This is not a technical how-to book. There isn’t anything about shutter speed, aperture, photoshop. Rather it talks about the most important element in your photography business–YOU!

Think about it. Isn’t your photography career dependent on your decisions, attitude & directions? There are plenty of examples that Dane draws from his vast network of friends like Mike Colon, David Jay, Jasmine Stars, Becker. Dane shares openly the mistakes and successes he made in his career with the hope that by sharing it, we will enjoy success much faster and avoid fatal errors.

Dane’s honesty moved me. Like him, I once thought that to be successful, I must imitate the great ones. “I couldn’t be successful because I am not great like Jerry or Yervant or Buissink,” so I thought. However what made these photographers great is who they are. We love them because they are so distinct and special…because they focus on being who they are & what they do best. This book is not a philosophical mumbo jumbo…Dane packs it with plenty of practical help. The book comes with an online personality test, pDNA (photographers DNA) that Dane had designed.

What I see happening a lot in the industry is copying. “He has multiple photographers in his business. Let us do that too.” “He is using Totally Rad actions. Let’s use that too.” “He is dropping his prices. Let’s follow suit.” “She is advertising in this magazine. We must do it too!” There is nothing wrong with learning from each other and keeping tabs of the latest trend in the industry. When we copy the actions without understanding the principle behind them or understanding ourselves, we’ll run into trouble. What works for one photographer might not work for another. We end up pursuing our competitions, not our dreams. Before we knew it, the exciting & passionate photographer in us was long gone and we become grumpy, bitter & very likely, broke.

This book helps me rediscover who I am and refocuses my primary purpose. At a deeper level, I have always known what I do best but I forgot and lost track, thinking that perhaps I must be like someone else to “make it”. After finishing this book, I cleared the “wannabe” virus from my system and focused on being the best I can be. I am set free & reinvigorated. IMO, this is a must read for all photographers, certainly for those who are attending my 3-day workshops. It’ll be the best U$25 you had ever spent.

The first edition of Fast Track Photographer will run out pretty soon. It is not available in bookstores in this region. The only way to get it is via Fast Track Photographer online store or Amazon. Get yours today.