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05/15/2005 02:37:20 PM · #1 |
Alright. Now that I've basically got the new camera under my control (HAH!), I really want to start seriously settling in and trying to get a few child/family portrait sessions under my belt.
The problem is, I'm a *horrid* self-marketer, I struggle with my confidence, and I have no clue whatsoever how to go about starting something like this.
What I'm asking for is just some advice. How did you, if it's what you do, go about beginning this sort of work? Did you start with family? Friends? Did you offer free photo sessions to start? Maybe one free one, cost of prints only? All future ones for pay.. to build a portfolio?
How did you advertise? Internet? Local Paper? Print ads on bulletin boards? Where are the best places for this kind of advertising?
You know, things of this nature. I don't need advice on equipment right now.. indoor studio work will have to wait as I don't have, and cannot afford, the equipment until the Fall. I just need suggestions and advice on what I mentioned, and the best way of approaching and contacting people so I can get started.
Secondly, I need suggestions and advice on what to offer for prints and whatnot. How do you do up a proof sheet? What kinds of packages are the best to offer? Would you show images straight from the camera, or wait until you've worked on them and put them to a proof sheet? What about model release forms and such? etc, etc, etc.
Any and all suggestions and advice on these subjects is welcome, and appreciated. Thank you in advance!
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05/15/2005 05:14:15 PM · #2 |
One way to advertise or to be known in your community is to start a photogapher club or meet with local photographers once a month. The group I am in started at meetup.com and we have been growing since...
We meet once a month, started a photo challenge, winners 1,2,3 get their pictures displayed at The Open Book (submissions are 8x10 in a matted frame. We discuss all things photography and places to shoot... There are plans for speakers and demonstrations as well...
Its a start anyways..plus it gets you socializing and in the know of whats happening in your area..
I think if you start with friends say just for fun or offer a free print even give a print as a gift then you will have others that know what you are up to. They will come to you then...
I am still a amature practicing so I have to offer free...As far as anything else thats a start in the direction of business, what do you think?
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05/15/2005 06:05:25 PM · #3 |
meetup.com looks interesting.. I don't have the money right now to get a membership, and don't really know how well it'd work for a small city like the one I'm in.
I've been interested in starting up a photography group here (the only one they had fell apart a couple of years ago), but the interest seems iffy at best. Might just be a case of wrong area, wrong time.
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05/15/2005 06:37:45 PM · #4 |
The photog group Tracy mentioned encompasses one city and several surrounding towns: Greenville, Easley, Anderson, Powdersville, Simpsonville, Fountain Inn, Mauldin, and I think a few others.
But even if you can't get a physical meeting going on, you could try the video-conferencing thing!
Also, even if you only 2 or 3 people in your area, getting together face-to-face with others is a really great way to network and promote yourself without really actively selling yourself and your art.
Sara |
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05/15/2005 06:38:35 PM · #5 |
Also, we've switched from meetup.com because of the monthly fee. We've gone to yahoo!groups (for now), so that may be another option for you.
Sara |
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05/15/2005 06:43:40 PM · #6 |
And to address your 1st post, while I haven't yet sold any prints, I have had other express interest in buying them once I start selling. I wasn't even trying at the time.
I had printed up some stuff for the photog group & I took the prints with me to my youngun's school & decided to 'show off' a little (since I'm trying to expand group membership). 3 out of the 4 moms there said they were really impressed & wanted to know when they could buy one.
*blushes a little*
I'm not trying to brag (well, maybe a little). It's just that it doesn't always take aggressive marketing to promote yourself.
Also, the more you talk to people about what you do, and the more you expose your stuff to face-to-face criticism, the more confident you will be around other people and potential customers.
Hope this helps a little.
Sara |
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05/15/2005 08:20:32 PM · #7 |
Take a look at Mavrik's series of forum posts on starting a photography business. He's doing weddings, but most of the same lessons apply.
Also, if there is a local SBA, they can often help you with getting started.
*edit* I've seen your work, it's more than good.
Message edited by author 2005-05-15 20:21:45. |
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05/15/2005 11:57:30 PM · #8 |
Originally posted by saracat:
I had printed up some stuff for the photog group & I took the prints with me to my youngun's school & decided to 'show off' a little (since I'm trying to expand group membership). 3 out of the 4 moms there said they were really impressed & wanted to know when they could buy one.
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Way to go Sara!! You are defanetly right about the face to face contact. Communication is the key in photography. If you are a people person and you can talk to others or introduce yourself as a photographer with a business card then you will do great...
I am planning and working on a project currently to raise money for my 4 pets to have their vaccines, and vet bills taking care of...I am helping the Concerned Citizens for Animals in my area as well...Our area has lots of stray cats so they need to be colonized into cat communities fixed, vaccines, tested, food and water, ect...Well so far I have got my to do list done and a schedule to my dates, now I have to go confirm and sign things at the Vet office. I will have a flier and business cards left there.. Heck I am working for free the only thing customers will pay is a donation...I dont think I will lose as long as I keep my print give away to a limit and extra prints will have to be ordered..
Heres a link with something I found about jobs in photography... //realphotographyjob.com/
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05/16/2005 03:18:41 AM · #9 |
Here is a photographer that has a awesome portfolio with wonderfull images from his community.. He has it all covered even the model release forms..
Communication and style I say! Skiprow
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