How would you advise a photographer about how to get more work?
Focus specifically on the client/industry with which you most want to be working and shape your portfolio around that market. Start with one area and master it. Then you can expand and grow…
I’m finalizing my portfolio and wondering if I should have separate books for different categories, or one larger book with more variety? I mainly shoot portraits and fitness. There are many through lines to my work but also some vast differences.
Ah, the million dollar question. The answer can change depending on what is timely, so keep that in mind. I know photographers who present their work on printed 8x10s inside a beautifully made box, as a way to stand out. The client can always see your website or social media feeds to get a fuller picture of your work. Create a package that feels like you and understand that the presentation might change in a year or two to reflect current trends. Keep it fresh and the bottom line is you want the client to see your style but at the same time, have your images speak louder than the actual portfolio.
How do you feel about using Instagram Stories as a marketing tool?
Insta Stores are EVERYTHING. It’s a new way to market yourself that is available to everyone and completely free. According to research, on average 80% of users ‘Forward Tap’ through Instagram Stories rather than ‘Exit,’ proving how effective they can be.
I need advice on naming my business. Is it an important part of marketing? I’d prefer to use my one name and add the word Media, Photography, or Creative after it, but my name is common and there are some sub-par photographers with my name out there right now. Thoughts?
Your name needs to sum you up quickly and succinctly. Media, Creative and Photography all have different business-related meanings so I would suggest you stick to your name, with the word “Photography” and make sure the website name is available too. I wouldn’t worry too much about the other photographers.
Should you create two instagram profiles? One for portraits and the other for products? Or combine both into one profile?
If you have two separate businesses and websites this would make sense. But assuming you don’t, the best way to sell yourself is to have one strong cohesive style that is evident in everything you shoot. Two separate profiles will lower the quality of your work and create the appearance of two separate brands.
What are the best sourcebooks and websites for a photographer to spend their marketing dollars?
Shooting tests is where you should spend your marketing budget, as that is the most direct path to getting jobs. Once your portfolio is where you want it to be, I would suggest the following US options in the commercial advertising world:
At-Edge, Found, Blvd, Wonderful Machine, Production Paradise, Workbook, Drip, LeBook, (new) Komyoon, Altpick, Lurzer Archive, PhotoServe, and Creative Hotlist.
I love how you’re providing answers and guidance to photographers like myself! Is it ok to add people to your mailing list without asking or should you only contact people who have given you their email address directly?
People can always unsubscribe to your mailing list, so make sure there’s an option to do that. Just make sure the work is applicable to the people you’re including. I find Agency Access and Yodelist to be very helpful in matching your area of specialty with the right clients.
Should I try to get a rep so I can start bidding on bigger jobs, or do I need the bigger jobs before I find a rep?
Typically, you need to be bidding on jobs and have existing relationships in order for a rep to do their job. A rep can use their own relationships to get your work in front of new eyes, but your portfolio is where your career lives and dies. If you’re not bidding on jobs yet, that means your portfolio isn’t ready. Work on your portfolio.
If someone is claiming to want to showcase you as an artist & you feel you are not ready, what is the best professional response to decline without ruining your chances for a future showcase?
If someone wants to showcase your work, go for it! You would not usually be asked if you’re not ready. Worse case scenario: It will be a learning opportunity. You will discover what works and what doesn’t, and can make adjustments in the future.
I’m constantly frustrated about not being able to get a reply to emails or phone calls after sending out high quality printed promos to agencies or directly to a client. I’ve even started to create personalized 30 second video follow-ups in an attempt to get my personality across. I simply want to figure out if they want to be kept on the mailing list or not.
Should I go back to the mass mailing approach or continue to send the printed promos?
I wouldn’t waste your time and money on sending high quality printed work unsolicited. People are usually too busy to respond and their initial review of unsolicited work is likely to be from a digital source. Their lack of response is normal. The only quick responses I receive are via LinkedIn. So give that a try.
