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Websites

Instagram Profiles

Q:

Should you create two instagram profiles? One for portraits and the other for products? Or combine both into one profile?

A:

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.

Keep Your Online Presence Updated

If you have started a blog or are posting work somewhere just don’t let too much time go by without updating it. That doesn’t look professional. 

Another thing about our business that I have said a lot is to keep up with the times. You want your work to look fresh. Clients want to know what you bring to the table as someone who is fresh and motivated and involved and will do a good job. If your blog is really old and not updated that is a really bad thing for you. If you haven’t posted to your Instagram in awhile it says something that they probably don’t want to hire for the job. Use your blog to show what kind of photographer you are.

Showcasing Work on Your Website


Q:

What is the best way to showcase work on your website – showing all images from individual shoots in separate galleries, or just showing one of the best images from each shoot?

A:

I actually like a combination of the two – show one image from each shoot with the ability to clock on the image to see more of the gallery.

Where Do Buyers Go to Find Photographers?


Q:

Where do buyers go to find photographers? Google? Online directories? If so, other than social media, where do you suggest photographers advertise?

A:

This may be the hardest question to answer in our industry right now. I’d say all of the above. Try everything and see what works. My most sincere answer is that buyers often look at reps’ websites…so get a rep if you can. I also have heard feedback that art producers like Wonderful Machine, but then again, shop around, and also ask those who are already using those sites if they have been getting more work from them.

Photography Business Websites


Q:

Do you have any photography business websites that you’d recommend following?

A:

There are a lot of great websites, but if I had to pick one, I’d recommend aphotoeditor, as it covers a wide range of important business related issues for us.

Overview on Your Website

Always have an overview with a grid of your smaller images on your website. Always. No one has time to click on every section to see your online portfolio. 

There’s so many things that are right and wrong about websites and one thing we know for sure, they have to be fast. That overview must be there because people don’t have time to click on all the different topics. They just want to quickly see who you are and if you’re right for the job. The overview also makes you look more professional. If someone has to click, and click and click on your website, they’re not going to do it. People will want to scroll the overview

Using Instagram as a Portfolio


Q:

Should a photographer edit and cull their Instagram page to make it look like a professional portfolio? If my Insta has some commercial work, behind-the-scenes shots, but also smartphone shots of my puppy, is that a huge turn-off?

A:

Instagram needs to be your 2nd portfolio. Just as your website has your ABOUT section, which brings a bit of personal info to it – same goes for Instagram. I’d suggest for instagram; 80% portfolio and 20% personal. 

ALTHOUGH, the personal should really still be images that are interesting to your clients. THey love seeing locations you are working in and learning/knowing any interesting info about you. They want to know who you are and what your hobbies are. They don’t really need to know what your pets look like.

Hard to Navigate Website


Q:

What makes a photographer’s site hard to navigate?

A:

Sites can be hard to navigate for a few reasons. Sometimes the actual menu options are hard to find because the sit template tries to get too artsy. Or sometimes you can only view images one at a time (no thumbnail view option). 

 

We’re often trying to image search or curate a page of the photographer’s imagery, so being able to move through the site quickly is important. 

 

I do appreciate seeing their creative touch beyond just their imagery – so a cool landing page, or some nice touch to the formatting is good. But generally, it should still be easy to navigate. 

Guest Post: Art Producer, Lindsay Mason

Seeking Representation


Q:

What if a photographer seeking a representative isn’t an American citizen? Could it be a problem if you are not a native English speaker?

A:

A rep is just like a client, and what we care for mostly is a strong portfolio/website/Instagram.

Test Shoots for New Photographers

Q:

For photographers “just starting out,” what are some test shoots every photographer should have in their portfolio? Liquid? Automotive? Lifestyle?

A:

Photographers starting out should choose the area that really interests them. Do the tests that really intrigue you when you see others. One way to do that is to go through other photographer’s websites to check out all the different industry options.