What title on a "business card"?

[Claire]

Hi,
I've been reading the threads regarding business cards and such. Olegis' (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=37848) thread got me thinking.

I'm considering designing a card. Let's call it more of an "introduction card" than a business one. I just want it to hand out if I decide to approach someone on the street and ask to take their pic. Occasions like that. Being a beginner I'm not aiming to be a professional (yet!) but a card sounds pretty reasonable after reading that thread.

Now, the problem is this: what the heck do I put on the card? I don't want people to think I'm a professional, so at first I was going to leave out any title. Then I realised the person might later on go "who the heck is this??" so I'm considering putting down "photographer". Then I'll just explain to the person I'm an amateur and want their pic for my portfolio.

Should I leave out the title or write something?

/Claire

[stopbath]

Why not:
--------------------------------
Photos by Claire (or just Claire)

"Imagining the world, one photo at a time"

web: http://www.whatever.com/claire
email: claire@whatever.com
---------------------------------

Change to suite...

No need for picture on the card. Just make it a friendly card, maybe with a script (hand written look) to it (except maybe the address stuff - use a regular font.)

The card is generic, but punchy enough that can lead to remembering you from the card. A slogan is a good way to put your message across without getting too wordy.

[John_T]

Hmmm... I would be very selective who I gave it to, and whatever you put on it, make absolutely sure from all angles that nobody could read something into it that you don't want. People are strange.

I don't see anything wrong with Photographer because that is the simple truth. You could also put Aspiring Photographer if you want to be more amusing and modest.

[Conk]

Why not just make up some model release forms, simple ones, and keep them handy. You can always explain that you are an amature photographer and are just out being a shutterbug learning the ropes. For that matter, you wouldn't have to pull out the release form unless someone aksed.
Bottom line, the card is a means for people to contact you. Will you need that?

[IndyJeff]

If your out handing out cards while taking pictures, might as well have the release forms with you too. You can purchase them in a small packet, about the size of a deck of cards for 100 I think is how many were there, for less than $5.00. Any good camera shop will have these on hand. Better than printing up some cock-a-mamie, legal schmegal, flim flam release form.

Remember, handing out business cards is a numbers game. You hand out 10 in a month and you may not get an order for a year. You hand out 500 in a week and some work will come your way soon. Ever see the movie "Cadillac Man" with Robin Williams? I mean if that dude said hi to you, he gave you a card no matter where the greeting took place. Grocery store, 7-11, coming out of the restroom at a gas station, he handed you a card.

[LowTechMan]

How about

Claire
Student of Photography

or

Claire
Creative Artistic Photography ....
... with this one explain that you are a photographer interested in more than wedding and standard studio portraits to set yourself apart.

or

Photographs by Claire

hope this helps :D

[Claire]

If your out handing out cards while taking pictures, might as well have the release forms with you too. You can purchase them in a small packet, about the size of a deck of cards for 100 I think is how many were there, for less than $5.00. Any good camera shop will have these on hand. Better than printing up some cock-a-mamie, legal schmegal, flim flam release form.



You know what, I don't even know if model releases are common over here. I know that my family and I had to sign one years ago when doing a family portrait at a studio. He said it was so that he could use it for promotion. Apart from that I don't think I've ever read anything about that stuff. I actually wrote to a magazine Editor today to ask what the norm is over here.

Hm, and yeah. Photo stores don't sell those cards over here.

/Claire

[John_T]

Be happy that Sweden isn't (yet) rights, law suit and money insane, and still has some sense of reality and simplicity. I would say stay with your original intent.

Actually I would give the the person photographed a card and offer to send them a print. If they take you up on that, they may also think of you next time they want a photographer.