Building Your Portfolio and Working For “Free”: The Secrets to Success
As a photographer, building your portfolio is crucial to attracting new clients and growing your business. It’s no secret that a strong online presence with a diverse array of images is key to establishing credibility and showing potential clients the range of your skillset. But what’s the best way to go about building that portfolio? One effective method is offering “model calls” or mini-sessions for free to families that are willing to let you take creative control. In this blog post, we’ll delve into this tactic further and how it can not only grow your portfolio but also your business.
Many photographers cringe at the idea of working for “free.” It’s important to remember that in the early stages of building your business, you may have to offer your services at no cost in order to build your portfolio. The key is to approach it from a strategic standpoint. A model call allows you to experiment with new techniques and locations, while giving your clients an opportunity to receive professional photos in exchange for their time. This type of collaboration can be beneficial to both parties involved.
When planning for a model call, make sure to clearly define your style and what you’re looking to accomplish with the shoot. Create a mood board or style guide that you can share with the family to ensure everyone is on the same page. Not only will this save you time on shoot day, but it will also help you create images that align with your brand and attract the type of clients you want to work with. Remember, you want these images to be a reflection of your style and technique, so don’t be shy about giving direction and asking for specific poses or compositions.
Once the shoot is complete, make sure to share the selected images with the family and encourage them to tag your business on social media. This is a great marketing technique that can get your name out there to potential clients. Additionally, these images can be added to your portfolio and shared on your website and social media channels.
Don’t forget that building your portfolio is an ongoing process. Continue to seek out model calls and other opportunities to expand your portfolio and showcase your talents to potential clients. As your portfolio grows, your confidence will increase, and you’ll be able to attract higher-paying clients and bigger jobs.
Building your portfolio may take some time, effort, and a willingness to work for free at first, but it’s an essential step in growing your budding photography business if you’re still working towards creating a cohesive brand style . Offering model calls is an effective way to build a robust online portfolio, experiment with new techniques and locations, and attract potential clients. By working collaboratively with families and creating images that align with your brand, you can showcase your talents and take your business to the next level.
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