Suggestion number one:

Be really clear on what you want to do and why you want to do it. Remember ~ inspired action is ALWAYS more effective than motivated action.

Suggestion number two:

When you have decided what you want to do and are clear on why you want to do it – go in that direction with all your strength. If you need to build a portfolio of any given kind of work, JUST DO IT.

HOW do you ‘just do it’? Give it away. Yep, you heard me.

Look around your immediate group of friends and family. See who is a reasonably attractive bunch and offer to photograph them for free, in exchange for permission to use their images in your portfolio. As a courtesy, offer them at least one good sized print, perhaps an 8×10.

Next, you could print up some colorful, professional looking fliers (assuming you have a printer), offering the same deal to perfect strangers. Approach local businesses and ask if you can pin them to the wall. Toy stores, children’s clothing stores, yoga studios, daycare centers, family friendly restaurants etc. Play it up, say you’re looking to update or expand your portfolio. Mention there is no sitting fee, no obligation to purchase AND they will receive a FREE 8×10 portrait in exchange for letting you use the images in your portfolio. Be prepared to accept orders. I have done this and been greatly surprised by the number of people who ordered well and above their one free print. In fact, the first two subjects featured in Using Bold Color in Portraiture came to me through my ‘Urban Kids’ portfolio campaign. Those people had such a good experience and were so pleased with the images, that they referred many of their friends to my studio.

The SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT way business has come to me is WORD OF MOUTH. Simple referrals. It takes time to build a business that way, but it is the most effective. In order to have good word of mouth you have to provide a good product in combination with good customer service. If people feel comfortable with you, they will recommend you. MORE importantly, if their children feel comfortable with you, people will walk over broken glass to get to you.

You have to really understand kids and want to be around them to be a good AND successful portrait photographer. Kids. That IS the portrait market. Other than business headshots, there really isn’t much other portrait business to speak of. So, if you don’t like kids, or they don’t like you…..seek another direction for your photography business.

Hope that helps.

I am just setting out on my photographic career here in the UK. I would welcome very much some ideas to market myself. Some images I have produced are here:
http://www.photoboxgallery.com/ChrisEversPhotography
As you will see I have so far concentrated on Sports work…
But would like to expand into the studio/natural light, portrait, work.
Are there any tips or advice you hvae found usefull?
my email address is spuras@yahoo.co.uk
If you wish to email me privately…

Regards again
Chris