How I Landed My First Client: My Photography Journey
So, you want to know how I landed my first photography client? It's a bit of a winding story because I didn't start in product photography. My journey has been more about exploration and figuring out what truly clicked for me. The TL;DR from the video description is networking, but there's so much more to it than that. I started learning photography back in 2008 and got my business licensed in 2014. It’s been a long road, to say the least!
How I started my photography business
My Photography Origin Story: More Than Just Product Shots
It wasn’t a straight path to product photography. I started in other areas of photography before finding my passion.
From Landscapes to Events: Early Experimentation
I started with landscape photography, capturing scenery and nature. Then, I moved into event photography, covering air shows and car shows. I'd attend these events and post my work online, selling prints here and there. It was a way to make a little money doing something I enjoyed.
College Days: Seeds of a Business (Unintentionally)
In college, I took a ton of photography classes. As part of my assignments, I took photos of family and friends. Word started to spread that I was "the photo person." While I turned down most requests for weddings or baby photos (not my thing!), the association of me with photography started to form. This early connection helped me later on.
Glamour Photography: A Turning Point with Sue Bryce
Glamour photography was the next step. It was here that things began to click.
Finding a Mentor and a Business Model
I studied under Sue Bryce and followed her program closely. Her approach gave me the framework I needed to get my first paying clients. Sue Bryce's program emphasized networking, social media, and putting yourself out there. At the time, I was also working a full time graveyard job for the state.
"10 Models in 10 Days": A Calculated Risk
I quit my graveyard job due to depression and booked a 30-day trip to Europe. Knowing I'd come back broke, I got scared and started booking things in advance. I created a model call I called "10 in 10"—10 models in 10 days. I booked them all before leaving for my trip.
I planned to have a couple of weeks to relax after my trip, knowing it would take a toll. Having those bookings already filled meant I wouldn't veg out too long. This project helped me keep the ball rolling when I got back.
Networking: The Key to My First Branding and Product Clients
Networking turned out to be essential for landing clients in new areas and helping me find the niche that lit me up the most.
From Glamour to Branding: A Subtle Shift
Through a local networking group, I landed my first branding client. They wanted glamour photos for their business. After that project, I realized there was something special about that type of work. I started to shift my focus.
Embracing Product Photography: Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone
My first product photography client came from another networking group. I was terrified because I had never done it before and didn't know if I would be good at it. I said yes to see what would happen. Turns out, I cared a lot!
From there, it took me about a year to fully move away from glamour. While glamour was great for learning about lighting and posing, my heart wasn't in it as much as brand and product photography.
The Tangible Tactics That Worked for Me
There were specific things I did that helped me find clients.
Sue Bryce's Client Acquisition Strategies
I learned a lot from Sue Bryce about getting clients: working in person and online, using social media, doing model calls, and using gift vouchers. Gift vouchers were a big deal at the time. I gave them out at networking events or when I was out and about.
The Power of Local Networking
My first branding and product clients came through networking groups. It's important to find a group you enjoy. I even did Event Photography for one group in exchange for exposure. It was a valuable deal that benefited me at the time.
Beyond Gift Vouchers: Providing Value
I evolved my handouts from gift vouchers to a trifold brochure. It had my contact information, examples of my work, and actionable information. For example, I included content photography ideas businesses could use for their marketing. This gave people a reason to keep my information, even if they weren't ready to hire me.
The Long Game: How Early Networking Still Pays Off Today
Networking isn't just a short-term fix. It's a long-term strategy.
From Local to Global: Expanding Your Reach
My client base has expanded beyond my local area. People find me through Google search (leading to my website), word of mouth, and social media.
The Power of Online Connections
I've made friends through online networking groups. These connections have led to new opportunities. For example, referrals from people who work with other businesses. One of these connections led to a long-standing client.
Social Media: Evolution and Current Strategies
My social media use has evolved. I started with Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat. When Stories came out, I switched from Snapchat to Stories. I see Reels more as a creative outlet than a primary marketing tool.
The Underrated Power of Word-of-Mouth Referrals
Word of mouth is my favorite way to get new leads because:
Expectations are already set.
It typically leads to higher-paying clients.
It often results in long-lasting relationships.
A Messy Journey with a Clear Lesson: (Still) Networking
My photography journey has been unclear and messy.
I started learning photography in 2008 and got my business license in 2014. It's been a long journey to find my niche. If there's one constant, it's the importance of networking. If you've watched the video and/or read this post thank you. I appreciate you taking the time to learn about my journey and hope that it helps you on your own.
