1. Connect With Other Photographers
If you are just starting your business, be sure to build relationships with photographers both at home and abroad. Local established photographers are great resources to build experience as a second shooter, and they are good to know if they happen to be overbooked and need a trusted photographer to give them a hand. It is also beneficial to gain hands-on training when you are still learning the do’s and dont’s of the industry.
“the photographer” captured by PictureSocial member aenimation
2. Connect with Potential Clients
Always keep a few professional-looking business cards with you. Hand them out when people ask what you do, as it is a quick way to make a referral. It gives them your advertising material, and now based on their connections, they may/ may not recommend you. Take that chance with 100 people a year, and don’t be surprised if you get 10 new clients. Business cards can be customized and bought from Vistaprint.com, I bought 1000 of them for under 50 dollars the other day. Whether it be a pregnant woman at a grocery store or a couple at a jewellery store, make small talk and be sure to hand out your business card to anyone who may look like they would benefit from a photographer approaching them.
3. Get a Website
Do your research and find a good web producer who can match your vision for a website. Having a website is fundamental to looking established in the photography industry. It allows for future clients to look at some of your past work, as well as find additional information such as pricing, contact information, and testimonials. Your website should build the potential clients confidence in you. Don’t add music to your website, not everyone will like your favorite song, or have their speakers on low volume.
4. Take Advantage of Social Media
Social media is a tool that more and more photographers are using everyday. Not only does it update all of your followers on your company’s progress, but it advertises your company to those followers repeatedly if you update. Each one of those followers has friends and family that may need your services, so the more you expose your company on social media platforms, the more likely you will be the first name that comes to their mind. Create a Facebook page and Twitter account and invite your friends and family to follow.
5. Consider Your Photos as Advertisement Material
Every picture you post on your website, blog, or Facebook that is associated to your name represents your company. Draw the line on your personal Facebook page, and make an album dedicated to your photography work if you are going to post there. However, I would recommend you restrict your company intended photos for the company Facebook page. That way people can see when you are actually trying to take good pictures, and they can assess the quality of your finest.
6. Treat Every Shoot Like Your First
Remember the amount of preparation for your first session when you wanted to make a strong impression? Have the same amount of preparation for each of your shoots and client meetings. Come prepared with something that the client can take home with them, whether it be a business card with the date the photos will be ready written on the back, or a fancy black folder with sheets outlining the package they just chose for their wedding. The impression that they get from your professionalism will solidify their trust in you.
7. Know the Best Local Spots
Nothing looks worse than to not know the best local spots to take a client who wants photos done. When they ask “Where should we go?” be prepared with a few places in mind, and after explaining each one, let them choose. Have at least one location that can provide rain cover.
8. Borrow Lenses and Other Equipment
Don’t put yourself in debt investing in all the best photography equipment on day one. After connecting with local professional and hobby photographers, gauge which one would be most likely to let you borrow a compatible lens for your shoot. If you’re in desperate need of a specific lens, visit your local camera store and see if you can rent one. Don’t risk not being able to pay off credit card debt as a new photographer, as the future is unpredictable.
9. Expose Yourself
Request that if the client were to share their photos on Social Media platforms such as Facebook, that they upload the watermarked versions, so potential clients can trace you from your name and logo on the photo. Post their pictures again on your company page. Get your name plastered everywhere so no one is in doubt who took them.
10. Take Criticism
Constructive criticism is a way you will improve your photography skills. Ask someone with experience to give their honest opinion on your work. Don’t be put down by negative comments, but use them as fuel to get better at what you do. Even the best photographers took time to practice.
About the Author:
Article written by Braden K. Floris courtesy of shuttersociety dot net.
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