From time to time, I like to share some things with all of you. Those who choose to go on the journey that is Project52 are doing so for a reason. Each one, very unique in its own way. I started Project52 last
year and plan on participating again this year. I just love to do it and it gives me personal projects when my downtime allows.
I started my photography business back in 2008. At that tim
e, I had a vision for my market and community. In the market at that time, you had high end portraiture, school/sports photographers, photojournalists and your craigslist/shoot for peanuts type photographers. That was pretty much it.
There seemed to be no coverage for your small to medium business, event or budget conscious families.
Sure they could go to one of those department store studios and get a decent portrait, but I find that those places,while they do have their niche and a market, tend to not allow for a lot of creativity or individuality in the images.
That is where I came in – I wanted to be able to provide a creative outlet for those people stuck in the
middle with few alternatives.
So, I did. I did my research, started my business and did just what I set out to do. I went back to those families and started giving them a taste of what I had to offer. Business started to grow, but slowly word of mouth circulated and families started getting interested.
So the journey began….
Now what? You have to have a plan to move forward and so I did. I’ve an IT background by trade and generally IT people can be introverted, sometimes awkward. Thus, we can tend to be happy being left alone to our own devices and can be quite content being fed a steady diet of work with minimal interaction.
Not so good for photography. We as photographers need to be communicators. We need to not only communicate through our imagery, but we need to be able to interface with clients, potential clients or anyone else that might be on our radar.
Networking is a necessity if you wish to be successful and go from a photographer that takes great photos to a photo studio that is being called for jobs!
At the time it was not obvious – but I had more of a connection to those parents than just kids that went to the same school or played the same sports. One of the parents was the president of the local community association. This association is a non-profit that helps enhance the lives of people in the community through events, education and community service. I asked to join and offered, since they are a small non-profit, to take photos at their events. They agreed.
It just so happens that on the board of this community association is the head of the Parks and Recreation Department , Visitors Center, local festival committee and other business leaders.
Through my pro bono work, they get to see my work ethic and quality of work. Guess what? I’ve done jobs for all those listed above. Guess what else? I get referrals from those sources as well.
My work and name gets out there and I’ve gotten cold calls from people who see the work and want to hire me. The cycles goes on and on and on. Support people are also very important to network with as well. They may not necessarily get you a job, but they may be able to help you with a job. For instance, in Ohio, if you are doing a photo shoot and are going to be in need of hair and makeup, there are laws that require registered salon technicians. I went to two prominent salons and talked up the owners and employees. Let them know what it is thatI wanted to do and what I might need them for. So, now I have professional hair and makeup artists at the ready….and they know other people too!
Through my wife’s work, I met some marketing people that had some great ideas and products that I utilize. The cool thing is, that this is a reciprocal process as well. I do business with the marketing people and then next time they need a photographer – they just may call me up and ask for a bid offer.
I’ve helped models start their portfolios, worked with local fashion designers for product shots and advertising campaigns, school dances and sporting events. All through networking.
I’m not saying that every time you meet someone that you should be grilling them for business. I do recommend not being shy and getting to know the people around you and their interests. Share your passions with them and be memorable.
Let them know you are out there and willing to help them. Make it fun and exciting.
Thanks Andrew. Good info.
Happy for your success! I agree with your well written, insightful post. The principle of getting out there applies to all aspects of life. Being present and involved, aware of those around you and connected in your day to day life will pay off in many different ways not only in your work life! Take a break from your phone (!) Lift your head, meet someone’s eyes and take a breath. You don’t need to be a social butterfly simply say “hi” to someone walking past. We are all on this journey together and making connections is at the core of it. You can’t know where you may meet your next friend, who may be a future colleague, whose day you just changed completely by showing them your smile, opening a door for them, acknowledging their presence, or who you may need help from in the future. I for one am a tech junkie I admit it. I love what technology can do for our lives. BUT I like to think I know when to put it away. I take regular conscious breaks and do exactly as Andrew suggests. The emotional payoff is what is key for me but you never know who will cross your path!