When you’re just starting out as a photographer, building a strong portfolio is key to establishing your brand and attracting clients. However, creating a standout portfolio can be challenging when you’re new to the industry and haven’t yet had many opportunities to shoot. Fortunately, there are several strategies you can use to boost your photography portfolio and increase your chances of landing new clients. By following a few simple steps and being strategic with your approach, you can create a portfolio that showcases your skills, highlights your unique style, and sets you apart from the competition. In this article, we’ll explore some tips and techniques that can help you take your portfolio to the next level and kickstart your career as a professional photographer.
I see new photographers on facebook, contacting local businesses and events and even attending festivals where everyone can enter a prize draw for a photography session (everyone wins and you charge high rate for print outs and framing).
One of the predicaments many new photographers find themselves in is quite painful — they don’t have a robust portfolio of images to get new clients. Yet, they need new clients in order to fill their portfolio. It’s kind of a chicken and the egg type of situation, isn’t it?
In this post, I’d like to share a few ways to get high-quality, targeted images in your portfolio without having to bang your head on the wall.
Be strategic about your “free work”
In my opinion, there’s nothing wrong with doing a limited number of free sessions in order to begin to fill your portfolio and get seen/mentioned. Most industries do this to get the bigger work and to get invited to events and networked. As long as you’re strategic about the process and limit the number of free sessions you offer, it can be a good way to kick-start your business.
Establish “normal” pricing
However, make sure you carry out this crucial step: determine your normal pricing beforehand and make sure to communicate it to the client you decide to do free work for. I would even recommend walking them through the normal contract and invoicing process, making it known up front in the documentation that they are getting a deep discount on a professional service that normally has a fee. This helps ensure when they spread the word about you to their friends, they will have your normal pricing in mind, as opposed to spreading the word that you are a “free photographer,” which can kill your business quickly.
Request a video testimonial
Also, since they’re getting a free session from you, consider asking for a marketing trade of sorts. Don’t be shy. In exchange for the complimentary photo session, you could ask for a video testimonial of how great the experience was (granted they actually enjoyed their session). Or you could ask them to become an informal ambassador for you, recommending you to their friends and family when the topic of photography comes up. Or they can post about you on social media or leave a positive review on your Facebook page.
Throw a portrait party
For the brave, a portrait party is a great way to both build a portfolio in a day and bring in some income while you’re at it. In order to attract clients, you can offer a mini session type of price, and be sure to market your portrait party toward the type of clients you want to work with. Having a portfolio full of relevant, well-done images goes a long way toward attracting similar clients in the future.
However, keep in mind that even with a portrait party, there will be a limit to how many sessions you can fit in (and be sure to mention this when you spread the word about it). There are many benefits to a strategic portrait party, and it’s a great way to launch a photography business.
As you begin getting your feet wet with photo sessions, be sure to get some behind-the-scenes footage to build your credibility. For your photo sessions or even your portrait party, have an assistant document the evening with photos and videos so that you can later post that material on social media and your website. While your photography portfolio should be powerful in and of itself, this additional behind-the-scenes footage can be just as powerful in convincing potential clients that you are the photographer to work with. As they watch footage of you interacting with happy clients, it allows them to insert themselves into their shoes.
There are no excuses for not getting BTS
By the way, not having an assistant is no excuse. Simply ask your client beforehand if they don’t mind you taking a few “candid” photos of them getting settled into their portrait chair. Or you could even flip your DSLR to video and take some fun, informal video of your client interacting with the camera. You can even ask them questions about themselves for a fun informal interview, which you can later post on your website and social media.
A few final thoughts
As you fill your portfolio with images, be sure you are only showing THE BEST images on your website. As tempting as it will be to show every single image that you are emotionally tied to, vomiting excessive images onto your online portfolio will only serve to dilute the impression you make. Even if you only have a dozen strong images to show, display them as large as you can, and proudly. More will come with time.
Author Profile
-
Interviewer
Renée has carried out many celebrity interviews for us from boybands to hanging backstage at showbiz parties. The Aussie stars acting credits include Home and Away + Across The Pond.
Email https://markmeets.com/contact-form/
Latest entries
- TVFriday, 13 December 2024, 11:0020 Onscreen Couples Whose Chemistry is Pure TV and Movie Magic
- PostsThursday, 12 December 2024, 10:25How to Properly Sterilize and Care for Baby Bottles: Tips for Busy Parents
- FinanceThursday, 12 December 2024, 10:00How To Start A Investment Portfolio
- PostsFriday, 6 December 2024, 11:30How Virtual Executive Assistants Help Leaders Focus on What Matters