How should I get my very first portraiture customers?

[bokeh]

I feel like I'm ready for a session. The problem is, I'm not sure how to go about soliciting my services. Would you suggest I do it online somehow, or through the newspaper or other form of advertisement? I know I need to get model release forms, but any other info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[robertwgross]

Let me play Devil's Advocate for a second.

What makes you feel you are any good at portrait photography?

---Bob Gross---

[steven]

Have you tapped you friends or relatives?

They people are usually the most understanding and patient, and will often work cheeply (free).

[vfilby]

Do it for free. Take portraits for friends and family and make sure you are nailing the lighting. Then start doing sessions for free to build a portfolio. Do friends, family pets etc and then... if you are good word will get around and they will come to you. Only at that point should you advertise.

If you advertise and fail word will travel that you are not good and are unreliable. Bad news travels much faster than good news. Be paitent, practise and they will come. A ruined reputation will certainly destroy your hopes of a business.

What equipment are you using for your studio work? (ie, lights etc)


Thanks for the laugh Bob.

[robertwgross]

Thanks for the laugh Bob.

No humor intended. I think a lot of us know that portrait photography is not exactly brain surgery, yet it isn't something you just read a book and then go do. It generally takes some practice.

The first time I wanted to do it, I got my neighbor involved. Her teenage daughter would spend a couple of hours as my model, and I would give her the specialized portraits that she was seeking. Just to keep things legit, I got the mom to be the assistant and help with posing.

---Bob Gross---

[Harry Settle]

I've been slipping in through the same back door. I started taking shots of people at family functions, then groups at the same type functions, got volunteered for a large anniversary, birthday, wedding portrait, senior photo. . . and so on. I have been doing reprints constantly on most of the pictures that I took this summer and I still haven't advertised. I am picking up small jobs here and there while I am getting used to the shift from film to my 10D. Also, I take my camera with me everywhere I go. I video weddings and events, part time, and take stills at the same time. People see me, ask about my services and if I think I'm up to the task I'll take it on.

Carry business cards with you at all times. Don't be afraid to let them know that you are new to the business and may be willing to give them a price break. Develope a portfolio of your work.

A lot of people are fooled, either rightly or not, by the looks of your camera equipment and will approach you for work. I was shooting some still candids at a wedding with my cheap ($149) Rebel G with an impressive lens on the end and people thought that I was the hired photographer. Picked up 3 small jobs from that, along with multiple requests for prints.

Still haven't advertised, but, I will when I get more comfortable with my shooting.

Oh yeah, carry business cards with you at all times.

[vfilby]

Thanks for the laugh Bob.

No humor intended. I think a lot of us know that portrait photography is not exactly brain surgery, yet it isn't something you just read a book and then go do. It generally takes some practice.

The first time I wanted to do it, I got my neighbor involved. Her teenage daughter would spend a couple of hours as my model, and I would give her the specialized portraits that she was seeking. Just to keep things legit, I got the mom to be the assistant and help with posing.

---Bob Gross---

Understood, it is more your 'Britishness' that makes me laugh... in more responses than just this.

To corroborate, portraiture is very tricky. I get paid to do environment portraits of people for a research magazine and I understand the difficulties involved.