The Photographer’s Playbook
Your resource to becoming an adventure photographer
The Adventure Photographer’s Playbook is an e-book created by full-time photographer Dalton Johnson to help new photographers go from nothing to booked in the adventure photography space.
This adventure photography e-book goes over the business and what “making it” as a photographer in the outdoor space requires. Covering topics such as pricing, marketing, building a body of work, reflection questions, and everything you need to know to make a career out of adventure photography.
Updated: June 2025
The Clause That Protects You If a Brand Uses Your Photos Wrong
A professional photographer explains why every licensing agreement should include a clause addressing usage beyond agreed terms, and how to handle misuse fairly when it happens.
What Belongs in Every Photography Contract, Even a Simple One
A working adventure photographer breaks down the core contract elements, scope, payment terms, usage rights, cancellation, revisions, that belong in every project agreement regardless of size.
Why I Put a Revision Limit in Every Contract
A professional photographer explains why every contract includes a defined revision limit, how it's structured fairly, and why it ultimately benefits both the photographer and the client.
What to Do When a Client Wants to Change the Scope Mid-Project
A professional photographer explains how to handle scope creep on client projects, from clear upfront contracts to documenting changes and holding firm boundaries without damaging relationships.
Why I Use a Kill Fee Clause and How It Works
A professional photographer explains why every contract includes a scaled kill fee clause, how it protects against late cancellations, and how clients typically respond to it.
Why I Retain Copyright and What That Means for Clients
A working adventure photographer explains why retaining copyright and licensing usage, rather than transferring full ownership, protects both photographer and client.
Usage Rights vs. Ownership: What Clients Are Really Paying For
A professional photographer explains the practical difference between licensing usage rights and transferring full copyright, and why that distinction matters for pricing and contracts.