Both parents and students are willing to pay a lot of money for senior portraits, so getting into portrait photography can bring in a great deal of extra income if you know what you are doing. Here are some helpful tips to make sure you get top dollar for the work you do with your digital camera.
First of all, you need to build up your portfolio with great images. Even if you have to do some sessions for free, it will help to get some solid, quality images in your portfolio. I have been making money with photography for 10 years now and I have learned that the number one factor in getting the client to hire you will be your portfolio. If your pictures stink or you do not have any sample pictures to show them, you will not be hired. Simple as that. The more time and effort you put into creating a book of photos you are proud of the more money you will earn.
Second, you need to get some good contacts. Word of mouth is a great form of advertising but it will not be enough when you are just starting out. You will want to set up a website which has both past work you have done and contact information. Then you need to drive traffic to that website with articles like this one and social bookmarking and a whole host of other advertising options. Try putting a post in your local Craigslist classifieds and put an advertisement in your local newspaper as well. If even one job is a results it will be worth your time.
And thirdly, be creative and relaxed with your clients. During the senior portrait photo session get to know the client and get them to open up be showing them that you are relaxed as well. If you are nervous and jittery, they will feel the same way, and nothing ruins a shoot like awkwardness. Tell a few jokes, shoot in different locations and be interested in your client as you photograph them. After all, you want them to look as natural as possible.
No comments:
Post a Comment