Any Advice on Getting Real Customers as a Photograher?

Marianne, your client-garnering strategy largely depends on the type of photography that you do. Only a few genres in this market pay well; most photographers that we know have a day job (which pays the bills) and then they do photography, having enough money to slowly buy/upgrade to good equipment.

Landscape & wildlife photography, for instance are considered generally 'hobby' genres, unless you are doling out exquisite shots that magazines and marketing companies seek out. Generally, good landscapes can generate interest for you on Twitter or Instagram but they rarely lead to clients.

With sports, you may have to volunteer with your local youth league until you get some experience; parents might hire you after seeing your shots.

Most photographers--starting out--do several free jobs just to build up their portfolio. If doing a free job for word-of-mouth, then school the client in how to best do this (i. e. online rating, reviews, etc) Even very happy clients will forget to give reviews.

Portfolio: Folks with spending money will not hire you without seeing something in your online portfolio that they like. In this glut of photography startups (and Craigslist weekenders undercutting the portrait market) you will have to craft an online portfolio that stands out. Additionally, make an old-fashioned printed portfolio and bring it to client meetings. The print movement has gained a huge following, and a photo in hand is a great way to connect the client with the work you do as being a "real" thing verses merely digital/device-dependent.

Then there's the psychology & the equipment. For weddings, you'll need a calm demeanor, the patience of a saint, good mobile lighting gear, quality low-light lenses and top-notch post-processing software as well as the ability & time to stay up late processing photos... not to mention providing the client seamless delivery of digital files. (we use SmugMug)

For every hour spent shooting, there will be 2-3 hours of post processing, so remember to figure that into your pricing along with equipment rental, insurance, gas and your time. Quick tip: save yourself time by not taking thousands of photos for each gig, which is easy to so. Mentally remind yourself throughout the shoot: "I'm going to have to process all these photos... I'm going to have to process all these photos."

Pricing: If you set your hourly rate/package deals based on cost, then stick with them. Never discount. Either do the job free for portfolio reasons (or to encourage repeat business/ gain recommendation to another clients) OR, stick with your prices.

Being in business is a psychological game; bear in mind that potential client does not have your business costs in mind; I am regularly astounded by customers who have no idea that taking photos costs any money.

Face-to-face networking is becoming the go-to way to get new clients, as emailing and social media are less and less effective. Be ready to present yourself as a professional. As a photographer, you have a huge advantage over other types of industries, as you have visually-pleasing evidence of what you do. Keep well-designed business cards on hand at all times, one which feature your work in some way on the front or back; pay for good, thick cards in color with protective coating.

All this being said, word of mouth is king. Make the clients happy with your work and get them their images as quickly as possible.

http://www.belatormedia.com

...what kind of an animal are you? Meaning are you an artist first and businessperson second? The other way around perhaps? Do you like to build things or just make pictures? Do you see yourself as an independent or more like an employee? Can you stand the stress of working alone? Answer these questions first and then...begin with self-love...start taking care of your mental and emotional approach to the idea of getting paid for your work...think of yourself as a worthy individual...read up on self-employment for creatives...get to know what running a small business entails...get to the point where you believe in this: "you are entitled to as much as you make yourself worth"

Self-love, true desire, patience and effort will eventually get you where you want and need to go...

Good luck.

hi Marianne, this is a great question with no easy answer. You have to look at this as a business and not just as a photographer. Meaning I would suggest taking some courses on how to run a business. When I started my business 22 years ago unfortunately I was an artist and didn't have those business skills. I didn't know about marketing and branding, networking, and what the difference between an LLC and incorporated is. I literally learned as I went and it's not very easy at all. Taking the pictures is only a small part of what we do as entrepreneurs. Networking is a skill in itself and is a must. Learning how to market and brand and where to advertise is another aspect that's important as well. Also learning how to find your niche And set yourself apart from your competition i.e. what makes you different than them? Once you begin taking yourself serisouky as a business owner, others will, too. And your friends will want to support you and pay you and not always expect you to work for free. I mentor photographers starting their career and help with these exact things. I certainly don't mind chatting with youand picking your brain if you'd like. I'd be happy to.

it's all about your circles. People book people they like. They pay for work they can see is different and they can see the value. Shooting free will get you lots of people that see you as the free photographer. Do the math so you really know what you must charge to thrive then make sure your work exceeds the expectations of those who can afford your work and market where they spend time. Dig where the gold is, unless you just like diggun

What area of photography do you want to get into. What ever area, get a few models and hit it hard then post everywhere ie facebook instgram twitter ect.

A lot of my booking comes from social media.

For models look at modelmayhem and do a TFP Ttade For Prints or Images

Goodluck

Hi to get paid for your work you have to let the customer and friend know the customer you do work for before when they come back let them know you have a small fee for the photography how good are you doing your work send information and contact number i will help.go to this web site and take a look at this picture.

My advice to you: Find another career to explore. The photography "profession" has become saturated with an endless supply of soccer moms and high school kids with their single digital cameras, proclaiming to be professionals and charging next to nothing for their services.

Unless you've been doing this for a long time already, you're gonna have a tough time making a career out of it. I suggest you concern yourself with learning the business side of photography FIRST before trying to get actual clients. You'll have a much better chance at success that way.

What market of photography are you looking to get into?

Greetings Marianne, You might ask a pro in your area if there is any possibility that you can act as a paid second shooter. Learn as you earn. Best of luck.

Free will not turn into paid because you set the value already too low. No value. Use free jobs to build outstanding portfolio. Then market the portfolio and never use the words free again unless it is to add to it. SEO is the best way but few know how to do it and it is expensive to pay to be done. Use FB and Instagram, Create excitement with contest. Of course FB and IG is more toward normal family jobs etc. Try to focus on a niche and be unique in it.