Marketing yourself as a Professional Photographer

I thought I would discuss a few tips in how to kick start your business as a Professional photographer.

In this day and age it's a very good Idea to have a folio for potential clients to view.

This could be web based as a lot of our work is viewed and more accessable via the web:

Having your own Website is definitely a must have!
Alternatively websites such as Flickr or a personal blog are ideal too.

Here are some examples:
[http://www.flickr.com/]
[www.tumblr.com]
[www.blogspot.com]
[wordpress.org]

[Image found at :http://blakesarmy.com/index.php?p=1_2]

This being said, nothing beats a good quality printed folio for person to person viewing!

[image found at:http://blog.noplasticsleeves.com/?p=1509]

[http://www.mullenbergdesigns.com/portfolios.html]

Here is Scott Mullenburg's site. The man behind the design of Bill Lusks'[http://www.billlusk.com/] Folio ( previous Image)[http://www.mullenbergdesigns.com/portfolios.html]

BUSINESS CARDS!!!!!!!


Just as Camille mentioned below how photography is important and can add that "oompff" to your cards compared to plain Typography/Design actual business cards are a first and foremost to any photographer.

Keep them on you always!!!

[Find examples of creative business cards like the above here: http://www.webdesignerdepot.com/2009/05/100-really-creative-business-cards/]


Business cards and word of mouth - they're very powerful tools!

There's probably two takes on the business cards. More creative- more memorable.. Or More exact and to the point the easier for contact.

I think you should be promoting yourself with at least one hero image if not several (this way clients get a sneak preview of your work before viewing the website/blog) but ensure that it's easy to find your contact details. You don't want your card to be too busy!

Be confident! I believe we've all been here before. You're out with your camera and someone ask's the obvious question,"Are you a photographer?"

In a world were Dslr's are selling crazy and every Tom, Dick and Harry has a Consumer/Pro-Consumer Slr you should be answering with a confident," Yes" and hand them a business card.

There's usually a follow up question asked with an incredulous tone," A Professional Photographer?" Once again be sure of yourself, none of this .... Ugh... well i'm studying... but.. will be soon answer. Either you are or you aren't.

A certainty of yourself along with a professional business demeanour(this includes contracts, pricing), clean cut business cards and a website will add a positive business identity and create potential for future work.

These were just a few tips to help market your photographic career. There are ofcourse many other avenues. Advertising, excellent customer relations, faith, perserverance, networking and putting in the hard yards.

Joseph Michael Anderson