Comments on: How to Market your Photography Without Really Trying http://blogs.photopreneur.com/how-to-market-your-photography-without-really-trying Marketing Your Photography Business Tue, 16 Mar 2010 05:09:42 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Joseph http://blogs.photopreneur.com/how-to-market-your-photography-without-really-trying/comment-page-1#comment-3732 Joseph Fri, 19 Feb 2010 22:40:38 +0000 http://blogs.photopreneur.com/how-to-market-your-photography-without-really-trying#comment-3732 Of course you don't walk into a playground alone and start ringing of shots of peoples kids. That should be a given but, unfortunately, some people need to be told these things. Some people need to hear "One plus one equals two" rather than "One and one is two". If you are going to write an article then you have to cater to all levels. The idea is sound and I do it all the time... at the playground... with my baby girl. She's my assistant model and parents are almost always willing to have their kids photographed after you hand them your card and take their email address. Set the aperture wide, obey the rule of thirds, take 10 shots and send them one or two of the best. How many times do I get a call-back? Often. As for the food thing... trust me, pulling out your camera in a restaurant and shooting the plate is not a way to earn friends. If the owner wanted his food shot, he would ask you to do it after he dressed the plate. Otherwise, go ahead and try it without permission... and make sure the next dish coming to you doesn't have a wad of chef's spit buried in the mashed potatoes. Of course you don't walk into a playground alone and start ringing of shots of peoples kids. That should be a given but, unfortunately, some people need to be told these things. Some people need to hear "One plus one equals two" rather than "One and one is two". If you are going to write an article then you have to cater to all levels.

The idea is sound and I do it all the time... at the playground... with my baby girl. She's my assistant model and parents are almost always willing to have their kids photographed after you hand them your card and take their email address. Set the aperture wide, obey the rule of thirds, take 10 shots and send them one or two of the best. How many times do I get a call-back? Often.

As for the food thing... trust me, pulling out your camera in a restaurant and shooting the plate is not a way to earn friends. If the owner wanted his food shot, he would ask you to do it after he dressed the plate. Otherwise, go ahead and try it without permission... and make sure the next dish coming to you doesn't have a wad of chef's spit buried in the mashed potatoes.

]]> By: Vincent Rush http://blogs.photopreneur.com/how-to-market-your-photography-without-really-trying/comment-page-1#comment-3368 Vincent Rush Mon, 26 Oct 2009 20:35:23 +0000 http://blogs.photopreneur.com/how-to-market-your-photography-without-really-trying#comment-3368 When I first broke back into photography 3 years ago, I used to do exactly what you recommended and the truth is, it works. Now that my brand is firmly established, I will either make $3-500 on a Saturday shooting a tournament, or I will make $300 from a private client wanting me to cover their kid for an entire game. It's not big money, but it's not bad either. The collateral from that is the portrait and other work as well. When I first broke back into photography 3 years ago, I used to do exactly what you recommended and the truth is, it works. Now that my brand is firmly established, I will either make $3-500 on a Saturday shooting a tournament, or I will make $300 from a private client wanting me to cover their kid for an entire game. It's not big money, but it's not bad either. The collateral from that is the portrait and other work as well.

]]> By: Rohn Engh http://blogs.photopreneur.com/how-to-market-your-photography-without-really-trying/comment-page-1#comment-3243 Rohn Engh Sat, 26 Sep 2009 02:58:02 +0000 http://blogs.photopreneur.com/how-to-market-your-photography-without-really-trying#comment-3243 --there's another area of photography for people just starting out: stock photography publishers have large budgets ($20,000 to $50,000 per month) to buy photos they need monthly for their publications or book projects. My eCourse would be helpful: www.photosource.com/howtomarketyourphotos also: www.photosource.com/talk Rohn --there's another area of photography for people just starting out:

stock photography

publishers have large budgets ($20,000 to $50,000 per month) to buy photos they need monthly for their publications or book projects.

My eCourse would be helpful:
http://www.photosource.com/howtomarketyourphotos

also: http://www.photosource.com/talk

Rohn

]]> By: Ray W http://blogs.photopreneur.com/how-to-market-your-photography-without-really-trying/comment-page-1#comment-3149 Ray W Sat, 05 Sep 2009 14:01:14 +0000 http://blogs.photopreneur.com/how-to-market-your-photography-without-really-trying#comment-3149 I love your idea, I went to our frends son football game. they wanted me to take a few shoots and email it to them. Me being just now to photography (6 months) I i want to try some sports action shots. After the game I went home and email the shots also i design an fake football magazine cover and put his photo on it. he like it so much there going to talk to the prez of the league and have me take the team photos next year. A few years back I also worked for Home Depot part time it was at the kids christmas party, they ask me to take the photo's, I just didn't want to take plane old photos so I photoshop them onto a christmas bulb photo. that was a big hit. I will be posting some of my bulbs photo's up on the website soon. have a look and tell me what you think. I love your idea, I went to our frends son football game. they wanted me to take a few shoots and email it to them. Me being just now to photography (6 months) I i want to try some sports action shots. After the game I went home and email the shots also i design an fake football magazine cover and put his photo on it. he like it so much there going to talk to the prez of the league and have me take the team photos next year. A few years back I also worked for Home Depot part time it was at the kids christmas party, they ask me to take the photo's, I just didn't want to take plane old photos so I photoshop them onto a christmas bulb photo. that was a big hit. I will be posting some of my bulbs photo's up on the website soon. have a look and tell me what you think.

]]> By: Carie S http://blogs.photopreneur.com/how-to-market-your-photography-without-really-trying/comment-page-1#comment-2153 Carie S Tue, 18 Nov 2008 13:50:04 +0000 http://blogs.photopreneur.com/how-to-market-your-photography-without-really-trying#comment-2153 I agree with you. My daughter goes Horse Riding every weekend. A couple of parents saw me taking photos of her, and have now asked me if I can take some photos of their daughters too!! Obviously it shouldn't be the only way to market, but it certainly is one of many ways. I agree with you. My daughter goes Horse Riding every weekend. A couple of parents saw me taking photos of her, and have now asked me if I can take some photos of their daughters too!! Obviously it shouldn't be the only way to market, but it certainly is one of many ways.

]]> By: Chris F. http://blogs.photopreneur.com/how-to-market-your-photography-without-really-trying/comment-page-1#comment-2142 Chris F. Fri, 14 Nov 2008 17:53:00 +0000 http://blogs.photopreneur.com/how-to-market-your-photography-without-really-trying#comment-2142 I think the greatest point of this is that as a photographer and a parent, I am always shooting photos of my kids at playgrounds etc.. Just being aware of the potential marketing around you while you are doing what you do anyway, could open the door to jobs you don't get now! Kudos!! I think the greatest point of this is that as a photographer and a parent, I am always shooting photos of my kids at playgrounds etc.. Just being aware of the potential marketing around you while you are doing what you do anyway, could open the door to jobs you don't get now! Kudos!!

]]> By: Carmen Tellez http://blogs.photopreneur.com/how-to-market-your-photography-without-really-trying/comment-page-1#comment-1685 Carmen Tellez Thu, 26 Jun 2008 19:41:53 +0000 http://blogs.photopreneur.com/how-to-market-your-photography-without-really-trying#comment-1685 Reading these comments entertainment. The best marketing advice I ever received has been from Michael Port "Book Yourself Solid". I have both the audio and the book. He talks about gaining trust from the potential client before offering services. Then be sincere and professional. Oh, you'll just have to read or hear for yourself. Excellent info. I've attended Chamber of Commerce meetings where I've seen a photographer who is NOT hired for the event, but will take photos and give you a slip that has her website and contact info. it also mentions the date of the event and topic of the event to reference to when looking for the photos on her site. She must do well, cause she's always there. I was actually looking for a way to somehow cross network my children's entertainment services with a photography company based in a mall. Just looking for ideas. I'll keep searching, but glad I found this page anyway. Carmen Tellez Carmen@CharmandHappy.com www.CharmandHappy.com 877-725-6967 Party Services with Artist Entertainment Los Angeles, CA Reading these comments entertainment. The best marketing advice I ever received has been from Michael Port "Book Yourself Solid". I have both the audio and the book. He talks about gaining trust from the potential client before offering services. Then be sincere and professional. Oh, you'll just have to read or hear for yourself. Excellent info.

I've attended Chamber of Commerce meetings where I've seen a photographer who is NOT hired for the event, but will take photos and give you a slip that has her website and contact info. it also mentions the date of the event and topic of the event to reference to when looking for the photos on her site. She must do well, cause she's always there.

I was actually looking for a way to somehow cross network my children's entertainment services with a photography company based in a mall. Just looking for ideas. I'll keep searching, but glad I found this page anyway.

Carmen Tellez
Carmen@CharmandHappy.com
http://www.CharmandHappy.com
877-725-6967
Party Services with Artist Entertainment
Los Angeles, CA

]]> By: Chris http://blogs.photopreneur.com/how-to-market-your-photography-without-really-trying/comment-page-1#comment-1587 Chris Fri, 30 May 2008 09:43:24 +0000 http://blogs.photopreneur.com/how-to-market-your-photography-without-really-trying#comment-1587 I think it's important not to dismiss opportunities. take the picture, give a moocard(people absolutely love these) or other and send these guy a rather low res or small size version of the photo. They might want a bigger one (they'd have to pay then.. but not an extortionate fee, that would make them rrun away..), but then even if they don't, they might go and check you photos on the web, and tell the story to their friends etc.. and who knows from there. It's risk free, and it could potentially yield opportunities. I don't see anything wrong with that. For those sceptics, watch the film 'pay it forward' as an exercise and take yoga classes and start thinking positive... that should relax you a little. (well, practice especially after the frustration of being told of for taking children's photos). Ok, Joke apart,if anything it will contribute to a better image of photographers and less paranoia. If you don't try you won't get anything. At least interact with people! I think it's important not to dismiss opportunities. take the picture, give a moocard(people absolutely love these) or other and send these guy a rather low res or small size version of the photo. They might want a bigger one (they'd have to pay then.. but not an extortionate fee, that would make them rrun away..), but then even if they don't, they might go and check you photos on the web, and tell the story to their friends etc.. and who knows from there. It's risk free, and it could potentially yield opportunities. I don't see anything wrong with that.
For those sceptics, watch the film 'pay it forward' as an exercise and take yoga classes and start thinking positive... that should relax you a little. (well, practice especially after the frustration of being told of for taking children's photos).
Ok, Joke apart,if anything it will contribute to a better image of photographers and less paranoia.
If you don't try you won't get anything. At least interact with people!

]]> By: Brian Higbee http://blogs.photopreneur.com/how-to-market-your-photography-without-really-trying/comment-page-1#comment-553 Brian Higbee Tue, 04 Dec 2007 15:52:39 +0000 http://blogs.photopreneur.com/how-to-market-your-photography-without-really-trying#comment-553 I believe this idea works well within certain industries (maybe not with the examples given in the post). I'm an automotive photographer and have occasionally shot car shows. If I get a good shot of someones car that's in the show, I'll show them and give them my business card. I've had many people contact me to have a dedicated shoot for their car. I believe this idea works well within certain industries (maybe not with the examples given in the post). I'm an automotive photographer and have occasionally shot car shows. If I get a good shot of someones car that's in the show, I'll show them and give them my business card. I've had many people contact me to have a dedicated shoot for their car.

]]> By: Lea http://blogs.photopreneur.com/how-to-market-your-photography-without-really-trying/comment-page-1#comment-217 Lea Tue, 30 Oct 2007 02:36:18 +0000 http://blogs.photopreneur.com/how-to-market-your-photography-without-really-trying#comment-217 I, for one, appreciate you writing this post to offer advice. I'm starting out in the photography business, and realize that giveaways are a great way to get my name out there... and get practice! Thanks for the good ideas! I, for one, appreciate you writing this post to offer advice. I'm starting out in the photography business, and realize that giveaways are a great way to get my name out there... and get practice! Thanks for the good ideas!

]]> By: Serge Kozak http://blogs.photopreneur.com/how-to-market-your-photography-without-really-trying/comment-page-1#comment-191 Serge Kozak Fri, 26 Oct 2007 09:45:30 +0000 http://blogs.photopreneur.com/how-to-market-your-photography-without-really-trying#comment-191 I am not so sure about selling and looking for clients this way, the time s return would be terrible. Also how many clients can you really convert in a year that will pay for one to operate as a business? (Or just feed oneself I suppose I don’t know, what do you think? I am not so sure about selling and looking for clients this way, the time s return would be terrible. Also how many clients can you really convert in a year that will pay for one to operate as a business? (Or just feed oneself I suppose I don’t know, what do you think?

]]> By: Bakari http://blogs.photopreneur.com/how-to-market-your-photography-without-really-trying/comment-page-1#comment-190 Bakari Fri, 26 Oct 2007 03:56:52 +0000 http://blogs.photopreneur.com/how-to-market-your-photography-without-really-trying#comment-190 Yeah, I would have to agree with these comments. I don't think photographers really make money with this type of approach. I agree that networking and being a part of activities in which you're in contact with people is good way to let people know what you do, but I don't see these other examples as helping to bring you the type of business that professional photographers are looking for. Yeah, I would have to agree with these comments. I don't think photographers really make money with this type of approach. I agree that networking and being a part of activities in which you're in contact with people is good way to let people know what you do, but I don't see these other examples as helping to bring you the type of business that professional photographers are looking for.

]]> By: Rod http://blogs.photopreneur.com/how-to-market-your-photography-without-really-trying/comment-page-1#comment-159 Rod Wed, 24 Oct 2007 18:40:35 +0000 http://blogs.photopreneur.com/how-to-market-your-photography-without-really-trying#comment-159 You will not be able to sell a photo you took of you meal at the restaurant. Professional food photography takes a lot more work than just whipping out a camera at the restaurant and snapping a picture. I'd like to some day be good enough to do food as my fiancee is a great cook and baker and we'd like to self publish a cookbook, but it takes a lot of work to get it right. You will not be able to sell a photo you took of you meal at the restaurant.

Professional food photography takes a lot more work than just whipping out a camera at the restaurant and snapping a picture.

I'd like to some day be good enough to do food as my fiancee is a great cook and baker and we'd like to self publish a cookbook, but it takes a lot of work to get it right.

]]> By: brad http://blogs.photopreneur.com/how-to-market-your-photography-without-really-trying/comment-page-1#comment-153 brad Tue, 23 Oct 2007 11:19:44 +0000 http://blogs.photopreneur.com/how-to-market-your-photography-without-really-trying#comment-153 the photography you show is far from professional. have you by chance read the terms/conditions of posting photography on this flickr website? if so, did you really understand it? no REAL professional photographer would agree to such crap. the photography you show is far from professional. have you by chance read the terms/conditions of posting photography on this flickr website? if so, did you really understand it? no REAL professional photographer would agree to such crap.

]]> By: Bill Webb http://blogs.photopreneur.com/how-to-market-your-photography-without-really-trying/comment-page-1#comment-152 Bill Webb Tue, 23 Oct 2007 10:45:50 +0000 http://blogs.photopreneur.com/how-to-market-your-photography-without-really-trying#comment-152 The ex-cop in me feels compelled to warn folks who desire to use this tip that they should <i>always</i> be prepared to prove to anyone (especially people with brightly-lit cars and guns) that they are professional, legitimate photographers. Having a kid with you is a plus, too. Given the attention paid to odd people doing odd things around kids these days, you can't be too careful -- and this sort of thing is a red flag for the vice squad. I'm just sayin'... The ex-cop in me feels compelled to warn folks who desire to use this tip that they should always be prepared to prove to anyone (especially people with brightly-lit cars and guns) that they are professional, legitimate photographers. Having a kid with you is a plus, too.

Given the attention paid to odd people doing odd things around kids these days, you can't be too careful -- and this sort of thing is a red flag for the vice squad.

I'm just sayin'...

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