Hey I was recently in the same boat as you. So, I'll let you know how I went about it. It may or may not be the most efficient method but it worked seeing as I'm a portrait photographer this summer and next year.
- Step number one for many good jobs is networking.
*Start asking friends and family, teachers and coworkers, etc etc if they know of any photographers or have worked with any photographers. Get their number or go to their location. EX. I had a friend in my dorm whose uncle is a wedding photographer and owns a studio. I got his number/email and contacted him. It didn't work out, but my name/number are now in his files and if he ever needs an assistant in the future I have a potential for getting a position.
*Make sure to have a portfolio that look professional. It's not going to do to ask for a job as a photographer/intern without any solid work to demonstrate your abilities.
- Step two, if networking doesn't work start looking up local photo studios in your area (be it within 10 miles of where your are or up to 50 miles). Google search studios in your area. Find an email/phone number and contact them and express an interest in learning from them and helping them out as an assistant/intern. Be sure if you email them to send along a few of your top images from your portfolio.
- Step three for me was the one that actually payed off. Persistence.
I was driving around one day and saw a studio. I walked in and inquired if there were any jobs availible for a photographer in their studio. I spoke with the manager and he indicated that he was looking for another photographer. I followed up with him and set up an interview time. I got the job.
-Step Four, join your local photographers association.
Related to step one, this will help you network and get your name out there. Maybe you want to also make a business card that you can distribute.
The thing I can't stress enough is to have lots of jobs in the pipeline, all you need is for one of them to work out but your chances of getting a job with only 1-2 studios is much lower than 10-15. I looked at 9 different studios before I finally got a job.
Hope my job search experience helps you out, if you need anymore help PM, I would love to assist you!
Evan |
