Proud Photography Blog

If you decide to start a business taking portfolio photos you will find a steady stream of customers arriving at your door once word of mouth gets rounds.  People who are happy with the service you provide will usually be happy to recommend you to their friends and before you know it, you will have a stable of customers.

We mentioned in the previous post, the kind of people that will want portfolio shots:

-    Models (aspiring or professional)
-    Dancers
-    Actors
-    Students
-    Child Models
-    Extras

When you start marketing your services you need to reach out to these people.  The best way to do it is to go the kinds of places models and actors look for work – on classified and performing art websites.  There are usually forums there for example – you should also look in magazines (like Variety in the US and The Stage in the UK) that cater specifically for aspiring actors and dancers.

In these publications there is usually a classifieds area that you can advertise your services.  If you include a photo in the advert it will cost more, but a simple worded ad will be just as useful as long as you remember to include your website address, contact number and email.

It’s a good idea to emphasise that you are affordable and efficient with work.  Sometimes an actor may need a new headshot because something about their physical appearance has changed or they are going to a role and they want to do a character shot to show that they are versatile.

If you can do mobile photography (with a pop up plain background) then suggest this – it could help you get more business.

If you are targeting students then colleges and universities are good places to advertise. There is usually a student area there all the bars and clubs are, and where people put notices up (for example to look for new flatmates).  Put a notice there with you number on little pieces of people so potential customers can tear it off and contact you alter.

Being transparent with the price will help you get business.  Don’t forget that with students or aspiring actors and dancers, quite often they are on strict budgets.  There is no point overcharging because many of the people you are targeting just can’t afford to pay it.

Look at what other people are charging and then match that price. Remember that the portfolio shots themselves are simple and should take you long to take or post process and if someone does want more shots or Photoshopping then this will cost a little extra.

Many people will ask for a CD these days of the images so that they can reprint the images themselves – although you may not like this idea (as some photographers make money from selling the prints) in a competitive market, this is what you may have to do.  Hence you need word of mouth recommendation and if you do a good job, may people want to update their images occasionally anyway, thus bringing you repeat business.

Set price packages where possible with your lowest one for just a headshot and body shot, then add on the extras.  As long as you are honest and clear with what you will charge from the start you should have a happy customer.