Never underestimate the power of self-assigned projects. Integrating work into your portfolio that’s conceptualized and executed by you is one terrific way to expand your photography business into new ventures.
Guest Post: Wonderful Machine + Mellissa Pascale
Originally published on Wonderful Machine Member Blog
I am always hearing you should only show the same style of work and focus on that. The thing is, I love shooting many different ways and with different moods. Is that a bad thing to showcase a wide variety of work?
This depends mostly on whether you live in a small or large city. The larger the city you are in, the more you will really need to hone in on your look + specialty. You are more likely to be able to get away with shooting a lot of things in a smaller city where there are fewer photographers and there may be a need for someone who is more of a generalist. Overall, something cohesive should be in all of your images, as your portfolio is the core of your branding.
Wait…so on one hand we’re supposed to stick to shooting what we love rather than trying to chase trends, but on the other hand we have to keep reinventing ourselves?
I know this is a tricky situation that all photographers face to stay fresh in our business. Reinventing means growth. That growth happens within your own style. Some ways to do this: diversify the look of the talent, add props, change up the location, etc. Expand to constantly push yourself while staying within the cohesive feeling of your portfolio.
Is it pointless to market yourself as a generalist? I shoot a lot of architecture, but also people and some products.
Being a generalist and shooting a bit of everything is definitely a more difficult marketing path for any photographer. I find this can work in smaller locations or if the photographer has a lot of personal friendships with their clients.
If you want to be getting commercial advertising jobs show a commercial advertising portfolio.
When you have found your voice, you have context. Every time you do something, it now needs to be in line with your voice.
When you are editing for your website, it needs to be in line with your voice. When you are selecting images for your email promo, it needs to be in line with your voice. Your voice will make you make sense to clients. When you make sense, you are remembered and when you are remembered… you get hired.
Guest Post: Agency Access
The Photographer’s Survival Guide to Marketing
Your voice is about consistency. Your voice is a promise that when you are hired, you will take an image much like the images on your site. This business is all about risk. You as the artist have to take all the risk. You have to put everything in your voice. You have to stand strong and scream,
“THIS IS WHAT I DO!”
Yes, there will be clients out there that don’t really need your slant on their campaign, but when a client likes your voice… it’s a home run.
Guest Post: Agency Access
The Photographer’s Survival Guide to Marketing
Stay strong in your style.
Don’t compromise your voice to be everything to everyone or you will get lost in the mix. It is your unique vision and execution which will set you apart from the pack and get you the job!
What factors make you want to put a particular photographer up for a job?
Guest Post Mara Serdans: There are a few factors that come into play when recommending a particular photographer for a job. First and foremost, the photographer’s style is paramount. It needs to sync up with the art director’s vision. His/her level of experience is also a consideration. Where a photographer is located sometimes comes into play although many photographers these days are open to working as a local in larger markets. Lastly, budget is a factor. The photographer needs to fall within the ballpark to be considered a contender.
Guest Post: Creative Consultant, Mara Serdans
I’m having trouble finding my place in this industry, do you have any advice for photographers who are still trying to find their voice and their niche?
Paul Barshon: …and that will take a while to find. I found that when I started shooting, I shot loads of different subjects and tried different styles. Eventually I started focusing in one direction without even realizing it. There is always something that we most enjoy shooting and when we focus on this and try different techniques to find our specific style, this can eventually lead you to a career!
