Marketing your photography is not as obscure as you may think....

Professional photography is a business.  It's also an art.  Artistic people tend not to be businessmen and vice-versa.  This is the fundamental downfall of most aspiring photographers, they simply are bad at marketing.  Here's a truth that may very well change your life:  The best photographer in the world, may make almost no sales.  The worst photographer may make millions of sales.  The difference is that the worst photographer was a great businessman.

It's tough to comprehend at first, but pure artistic talent may never get you anywhere as a professional.  You must also view your photography as a business.  If your anything like me, you've been viewing photography as an obscure, and tough-to-market business.  This is not the truth.

So how do you find clients?  Don't just sit in front of your computer hoping they will stumble over your name or website and call you up because your so good.  It's not going to happen.  You need to be going out and networking.  Walking into businesses even if you think there is no chance they would ever need your work.  You'll be surprised at how easy it is, and how many people actually are interested in hiring you for your time and talents.

How do music bands make it to the big time??  In Today's environment they set up a myspace page and put their music up, but this alone does not drive them to the top.  They network.  They go to any clubs or bars that they may be able to play at and introduce themselves.  That's what we need to do as photographers.  People drive business,  so go to the people and land some business.

Hopefully I've put this all in a way that makes sense to you, because for me it was a revelation.  Market hard, shoot well, and good luck!

Quick tip for the day

Today is a day and it's just like any other day.  Except...... Today you are going to make a positive difference or at least try to make a positive difference in your photography career.

I'm talking marketing here, and marketing in it's simplest form: E-mail.  Send a company or person that you are interested in working with a nice and personal e-mail.  That's it.  Don't let your fear of rejection run your life.  If you want a photo published in Pop Photo magazine, go ahead and contact them about it.  If you want a new client, reach out to one and let them know who you are and why your so good at what you do.

The main thing your doing here is opening a line of communication.  It's the first step to any great working relationship.  Take the step and never look back.  Commit and jump-start your future today.

Why today?  Because you know that if you put it off until tomorrow it's just not going to happen.  Don't let fear or laziness run your life.

Business Cards and branding for your photography name/company

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Every professional photographer should have business cards.  They are affordable and effective!  I use Overnight Prints to create mine and have been very happy with the results.  Your card should reflect your work and style accurately and creatively.  When someone picks it up, you want to hear: "WOW!  What a cool card!"  Below is some advice for how to make this happen, and to effectively brand your business.

Here's what you should do when creating business cards: