Shooting at events/handing out business cards?

Got a quick question for you guys. My wife came up with an idea for us that seems like it might be fun, but wanted to get your input on this to make sure it is ok to do .

Basically the idea is to go to local public events (things like street fairs or other events in the parks) and offer to take some peoples photos and give them a business card. Then if they like their picture they can buy it. This would generate some income, but the main point would be to get some advertising

Thoughts?

as long as you're truly in public space, you're fine. in the case you might get some shots you'd like to use commercially (either as stock or to promote your own services), you'll want to take along some model releases, as well.

keep in mind, some "free to the public" events that take place in public spaces might not be a "public event". for example, if a private company is producing the event, rents out the space, cordons it off, and manages all aspects of the event, even though they might not be charging admission, that space is theirs for the duration and they can decide what can and can't be done. that they would have a problem with you would be rare, but as it could happen, you need to be aware of the possibility.

if it's going to be a large enough event with lots of great photo ops, you might consider setting up an online gallery ahead of time and getting cards made with a QR code that leads to the gallery address. even better if you have a representative photo (properly released, of course) that you can use as a background for the card. you might also consider putting somewhere on your website a disclaimer similar to this:

have fun, good luck!

what kind of event? and who would you be targeting for images?

If I'm shopping at my local farmers market, I don't want to be hassled by a photographer to 'buy' a picture of myself shopping....

Working on spec (speculation: speculating someone will buy something from you) sucks and its pretty tough. I liken it to mowing your neighbors lawn then asking them if they want to pay you for it after your already did it.

Taking pictures of random people doing random things I would image to be almost impossible. The best place to do this is things like 5k runs, or any other event that is happening where people are doing something they might want pictures of themselves doing. I do this for motocross races and I rarely sell many spec photos, I'm trying to phase it completely out.

Doing the 5K runs is a better chance since you can work with the promoter offering them free photos for their website in exchange for a list of everyone that attended. you get their number they are wearing and email address you can email everyone with links to the photos you took.

I don't think this is a good idea. Unless you want to build a business strategy that is cheap, then go ahead. I highly suggest you to value your photographs and create an alternative business approach to getting new clients. Value your skills!

There is a photographer in my city that does this at parks on weekends. He sets up his camera and flashes and other decorations if a holiday is approaching. I’ve seen him get a good amount of people standing in line waiting for their “shoot”, but who knows how much he’s charging and if he’s really gaining any clients or sales.

Print cheap cards in case a good number end up on the ground.

I've had decent luck just showing up at events, the caveat being that I already have a "way in" such as relationships with promoters or acquaintances thru Facebook etc... For instance I went and shot a half-marathon spur of the moment, got a bunch of good photos and since I knew the promoter he put a link up on his site since he had no "official" photographer for the event. Almost a year later I'm still getting some purchases! I've also done the same with motorcycle and bicycle events, but again I have a semi-established "way in". Facebook can be great in this regard.