This week for the frequently asked question (f.a.q.), I will answer Denise's question she emailed me about how I got clients when I first started out. Great question!
If you ask 10 established photographers this you will get 10 different answers. So please don't think my way is the only or best way. Everyone has a different path and different things work for different people--especially depending on what part of the nation or world you are working in.
Here's what I did...
When I first got started I focused on my website. And I would recommend this to any photographer. Your website is generally your first contact with clients and, especially since we are in a visual field, you need to have a good one.
I did weddings for friends to build my portfolio and charged them next to nothing.
I applied to the WPJA, got accepted and received a few referrals from there.
I got involved with some local networking groups like ABC (Association of Bridal Consultants) and made some connections with a few key local wedding coordinators and vendors.
I did a couple bridal fairs that didn't get me a whole lot of weddings, but did get my name out there among other vendors. I made sure to do an amazing job with my printed piece and my booth in order to stand out. I don't do bridal fairs anymore but it was a good way to jump head-first into the industry.
I was fortunate to have a connection with a new national magazine that traded my services for ad space but I have never spent money on a magazine ad.
To anyone starting out now, I would highly recommend starting a blog ASAP. I didn't start mine right at the beginning of my business but that's because I didn't even know what one was. Since I started mine a year and a half ago, it's been a great way to build my network and exponentially multiply my marketing efforts. Mention every vendor/product/anything you love and link to it. You will quickly receive love (possibly in the form of referrals) back.
But no matter what you chose to invest your time or money in as far as marketing goes, my best advice is to do what you do well. I decided from the beginning that I wanted to be about quality. I didn't want to do anything half-way. It's important to put yourself into everything you do in order to stand out and make a name for yourself. Be you and let others know who that is.
As far as how long it took me to have regular bookings...hmmm.... I think I had like 15 weddings my first FULL year in business and have been in the 20-25 weddings/year range since then. Right where I want to be.
Hopefully that answers it for you Denise! :)
If you ask 10 established photographers this you will get 10 different answers. So please don't think my way is the only or best way. Everyone has a different path and different things work for different people--especially depending on what part of the nation or world you are working in.
Here's what I did...
When I first got started I focused on my website. And I would recommend this to any photographer. Your website is generally your first contact with clients and, especially since we are in a visual field, you need to have a good one.
I did weddings for friends to build my portfolio and charged them next to nothing.
I applied to the WPJA, got accepted and received a few referrals from there.
I got involved with some local networking groups like ABC (Association of Bridal Consultants) and made some connections with a few key local wedding coordinators and vendors.
I did a couple bridal fairs that didn't get me a whole lot of weddings, but did get my name out there among other vendors. I made sure to do an amazing job with my printed piece and my booth in order to stand out. I don't do bridal fairs anymore but it was a good way to jump head-first into the industry.
I was fortunate to have a connection with a new national magazine that traded my services for ad space but I have never spent money on a magazine ad.
To anyone starting out now, I would highly recommend starting a blog ASAP. I didn't start mine right at the beginning of my business but that's because I didn't even know what one was. Since I started mine a year and a half ago, it's been a great way to build my network and exponentially multiply my marketing efforts. Mention every vendor/product/anything you love and link to it. You will quickly receive love (possibly in the form of referrals) back.
But no matter what you chose to invest your time or money in as far as marketing goes, my best advice is to do what you do well. I decided from the beginning that I wanted to be about quality. I didn't want to do anything half-way. It's important to put yourself into everything you do in order to stand out and make a name for yourself. Be you and let others know who that is.
As far as how long it took me to have regular bookings...hmmm.... I think I had like 15 weddings my first FULL year in business and have been in the 20-25 weddings/year range since then. Right where I want to be.
Hopefully that answers it for you Denise! :)
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