New year, new you! If you’ve decided to make 2015 the year that you go for your dreams and turn your love of photography into a business, I’ve got your back! As with many things in life, the choices you make now when it comes to setting up your business will set the tone for how successful you will be. I know, I know, that sounds intimidating. But it doesn’t need to be! Read on to discover how to rock the first phase of building your business: portfolio building!
This week, on Ask Kim, Charlene asks:
“Hi Kim, I have been reading all the emails with tips and advices about photography, and I really love, but one thing Im still struggling with is to build my portfolio, I use my husband and my kids as models, but I want to have some different works to put on my portfolio, I really want to people on my town recognize my work as professional, and respect this, how can I do it this ? I live in a small town so every body know Im starting with photography and there for a lot people think you have to “work for free” because you need experience, how can I advertise my work, and get pay it for it, how can I display this on my page with out been rude, also without looking desperate, and charge like 99.cents for a session?”
Hey, Charlene! I’m so excited for you; you’re at my favorite part of the business building process, the beginning! The choices you make now are so important, and I love that you’re looking for a way to portfolio build that builds respect for you and your brand. That is HUGE, and so many photographers are more worried about gaining images than gaining respect in their communities.
The best news I have is you don’t have to shoot for free. There is a big difference between practicing and portfolio building. When you’re practicing, shooting your friends and family for free is the way to go, but once you’re ready to charge for your services, shooting for free just won’t do! Many photographers are their own biggest critics, so try asking other photographers for constructive criticism if you’re not sure if you’re ready to start charging. Our Facebook group would be a great place for feedback!
Before you begin putting your feelers out there, be sure to narrow down what you’re looking for. What do you plan on shooting? Is there a certain style you want to shoot? If you’re looking to shoot boudoir sessions using vintage pinup themes, shooting families will get you nowhere. Neither will shooting boudoir sessions for brides to be wanting to create a sophisticated editorial type album for their partners, with a few images using his favorite sports team thrown in.
Once you know exactly what you want in your portfolio, you can set some pricing.
Here’s the thing: if you reach out to people to help you out so that you can add images to your portfolio, people won’t value the sessions. They’ll think it’s just practice, and they certainly won’t want to pay you. So make your offer sound professional. Make it legit. Let people know that you’re looking for a few images to use on your website and offer special pricing. Have a weekend blocked off for these special sessions, and be specific about what you’re looking for. Give them guidance when it comes to what to wear, and be sure to have poses in mind prior to the session. You have to be on point for these clients!
If you’re active in your community, shout your specials from the rooftops! Let people know that you’re offering special pricing and that this will be their last chance to book a session before your regular pricing kicks in. Be gracious and kind. That goes a long way!
Here’s an idea of how you can tell your nearest and dearest about the sessions:
Hi, Melissa!
Dinner was fun last weekend; we’ll have to do it again soon! Moms night out once a month?! How was Maddie’s concert last night?
As you know, I’ve been gearing up to start my photography business, and I’ve decided that 2015 is the year that I do that! I’m going to be offering a special to kickoff my grand opening, and I would love your help in spreading the word!
On January 18th and 19th, I will be offering full sessions for a special price of $130. This will include the session (which will last about an hour), and 20 fully edited images on a USB drive.
I’m so excited to launch my business, and I know that you share in my excitement! I wanted to thank you for always believing in me, and for encouraging me to go for my dreams. I’m so lucky to have you! If you’d like to grab one of these special spots, let me know! Just for fun, I’m running a little contest: whoever refers the most people to me for these special sessions will not only receive a complimentary session, but a $30 print credit that can be used to order your favorite images. Just let everyone know to tell me you sent them!
Thanks again for being such a great friend, I’m so happy to have you cheering me on!
Get a great image together that you can use for social media, and encourage your friends and family to share it on their sites. Seriously, just ask them to! It isn’t rocket science! Most people will be happy to help! Squijoo has some great templates that you can customize to match your brand.
The most important thing here is to nix the special pricing after your weekend is over. Giving discounts after you say you’re charging full price is a great way to lose respect, and you don’t want to do that! If you don’t feel confidant, fake it! If you’re not comfortable posing clients, fake it! Soon you’ll find these things coming naturally, and your clients will never know the difference.
Here are a few great reads that will have you wowing your clients so that they become lifelong clients that help you grow your business with their awesome referrals:
Easy Tips to Turn Your Clients Into Raving Fans (AKA Referral Machines)!
Wow Your Clients with This Thoughtful Gesture
5 Simple Ways to Wow Your Photography Clients
Professionalism Beyond the Image: Client Education
You rock, Charlene, and I know you can do this! If you have any questions, I’d be happy to answer them, so just ask!
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