work question

[MRCPix]

so how does everyone market themselves to get paid work? I want to get into doing portraits, but lack a studio so that is limiting and no I don't own a house so I can't do that. I do love shooting sports

any suggestions?

[HotHolly]

We network via other wedding vendors. You might try the same thing amongst the sports crowd.

[Outlaw]

Mike, while I'm looking to expand this year, I've only ever done on location work and sports photography, and about the only marketing I've ever done has been through word of mouth. I shoot a ton of sports for the paper, and the paper doesn't want the shots that don't run, so I post all the extras to my web site for parents and students to view, steal for their MySpace, and once in a blue moon purchase prints of.

But that buzz about my photos brands my business in the community, so when people do need a pro photog, I'm (hopefully) the first person they think of. So while I might only sell a few prints from any given event, I may get a wedding or family portrait session just from showing up at and shooting a little league game. Depends on the size of your community.

How big is the community you want to serve, what's your competition look like, how are they marketing their services, and what do you have to offer that they don't? All serious questions; they're a great start to establish some marketing ideas. Answer those here, and maybe we'll be able to better offer some more targeted advice.

[xjben]

Sorry, but I missed it...did you want to shoot sports or portraits. Two different target markets there? If sports, you could try to get in with a local paper or just find parents with players and go from there. If portraits, maybe start with family and friends and shoot for free or reasonable rates to build a portfolio...or if you already have a portfolio of images, start by networking through people that you know and build clients and referrals that way. Maybe carry business cards and hand out at random if you meet people that might be interested. You could try to network through groups you have access to, like church, neighborhood, work, etc...

- Ben

[MRCPix]

I have started shooting high school sports and I enjoy that. I have also been going to workshops on portrait work. I would just like to find a way to get my name out there.
I live in the DFW area so there is a lot of competition here from some really good photogs.

[Outlaw]

Like Ben said, your best friend will be your portfolio. Shoot friends, coworkers, family, whoever you can to build up a varied portfolio. Then host that portfolio on your own web site. If you don't have room or equipment for a studio, specialize in on-location work.

Having tie-ins with high school and other sports is a great "in" to get face time with parents. As you shoot, they'll ask who you're shooting for and where they can see your pics, then as they get familiar with your work, they'll want you to do family photos, weddings, etc.

I think starting off with a combination of some business cards and a web site (listed on your cards), you can move a lot of business to get started. Depending upon your skill level versus your competition, adjust your prices against theirs competitively. Ensure you're making enough money to earn a profit with salary (at least an hourly wage for your time invested).

In such a crowded market, as you'll read elsewhere, your best bet is to pick a niche and focus entirely on being the best at that in your area. What interests or hobbies do you have? What line of work or study are you in? If you can combine an interest with your real-world experience, you can focus on a targeted market that will be much more interested in your specialty than a general photographer.

Such as, if you want to shoot high school sports and portraits, focus on being -the- photographer for the schools/parents/athletes/students/families you serve. Shoot the games, post the pics, shmooze the parents, and become the natural choice for that community.

[MRCPix]

thanks James.