How did you get your first gig??

So im approaching the point in my photographic "career" where my photos/services could be of some value. My question is for those professionals on here how did you get your first paying gig and what was it? Did you contact the company or were you contacted first?

I am very curious and would love to hear any response you have to offer!

-KJE

I replied to a Craigslist ad from a magazine on the east coast looking for someone to do a shoot on the west coast. They didn't know anybody in LA so they took out the ad.

It paid $250 and I had to drive 3 hours through LA in Saturday afternoon traffic but it turned out to be well worth it when this connection got me a media pass with an off road race series.

And I made the cover!

I contacted a local band offering my work. My objective was to get a taste of a "gig" being my first one. Experience is what I wanted, and it is what I got. I told the band to meet me in an old downtown part of my town where we could get good pictures. I told them I would take, edit, and give full rights to the use of my photos for free. No, I did not ask for money because my work isn't worth that yet. So maybe what you should do is go out and do gigs for free so you know how the industry works, because it sounds easy... but once you start shooting its a whole different ball game.

Craigslist is also a great place to advertise your work, you can not just sit around and wait for work to come to you some times... you have to offer that to people.

Those are my thoughts, good luck!

-Colin

I have done several paid but really non-paid gigs. By that I mean I was given free entrance into the events, free food and beverages, a little gas money and credit from the media outlet for my work. I refer to myself as a free shooter because I don't normally charge for my work. Unless i have to make prints or a cd. Not because I can't, but because I dont want to make this a business. Many events I have been asked to cover I would have been at anyway, so I really don't feel bad for not getting paid. Not to mention when your deemed "press" the perks can be endless. Some of the best photos i have taken have been from spots impossible to get to without a media pass. The angles and proximety to the subject can not be achieved from the other side of the fence.

Like stated above, craigslist is a great place to start depending on what type photography your into. If its motosports of some kind then being at the track is the best way to get the opportunity. No matter if its just a club meet or local race. Your not going have a chance to get a gig sitting at home.

Another way is when someone asks you about your pictures, have a business card ready. Some form of contact information is the best way to get your name out there. Word of mouth is really the best advertising you can get. Usually someone catches me inbetween motos while i am taking a break. Particapants will notice you. Believe it or not my equipment has hooked me up more time than you can believe. A 1d and a big white L lens are hard to miss at a local motocross race. Most people have neither the time, money or resources to get into photography. But they always want pictures. Give them a taste for free and if they like it they will surely pay you the next time.

328somewhere wrote in post #9119866
Give them a taste for free and if they like it they will surely pay you the next time.

In your dreams.

Give them images for free and that's what value they'll attach to it. They'll then want free every time. As soon as you want paying, they'll most likely move on to the next guy who'll give them it for free. Fact of life.

A wise man once said "as soon as you let someone have something for nothing, you define its value; zero".

Once you start "working for free" you will never stop.

Ask yourself this, why should someone start paying you for something he used to get from you for free when there are plenty others out there willing to give him the same thing for nothing? Simple answer is that he won't.

I will respond to Simon first.
No one will pay you with out seeing your work first. So if I don't charge and lose out on making some money at the amateur level, not a big deal. Just because I don't charge doesn't mean they don't pay. The photography I do, is not a business. But if the person offers me some money as a donation, why refuse. You may say "why not make it a business if people are willing to pay?" I have neither the want nor the need for the money. Some ask "why do it then?" Many of the greatest works of art were created for no reason. I also enjoy giving back to the sport I love.
Next to Cadwell
a wise man may have said that, followed by "but when you take that something away from them, you have redefined it as valuable; they will pay for it" I see your point but I am forced to counter. No one becomes a professional immediately. You were not always racepicsuk.com. At one time you were just Glenn or that guy taking pictures. I am sure someone has one of your photos hanging on their wall and didn't pay for it. Some time after that you decided to stop being plain old Glenn and turned into racepicsuk.com.

please see the purple portion of my signature.

Thanks for all the responses, they really are helping me alot.

So i've decided i want to start shooting at the local track. Here's the website they have:
http://thunderhill.com​/

My question is how do i go about this? They run mostly small club races,track days and such. So do i just show up with my camera and start taking pictures at first? Or should i email them a portfolio just saying im interested in taking pictures or what? Also anyone ever contacted any of the clubs (SCCA) about shooting for them?

At this point im mainly looking for experience and credentials, if i can get some money out of it i would be thrilled!

KJEphoto wrote in post #9149005
Thanks for all the responses, they really are helping me alot.

So i've decided i want to start shooting at the local track. Here's the website they have:
http://thunderhill.com​/

My question is how do i go about this? They run mostly small club races,track days and such. So do i just show up with my camera and start taking pictures at first? Or should i email them a portfolio just saying im interested in taking pictures or what? Also anyone ever contacted any of the clubs (SCCA) about shooting for them?

At this point im mainly looking for experience and credentials, if i can get some money out of it i would be thrilled!

It depends on what the track policy is on photos. The track may have a photographer already, the club may have one. If you can pay general admission to the track, you should be able to bring your camera. The local track my me doesn't have a policy about other photographers, so the club drivers, and their family and friends bring cameras.

Have a look here...
https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=673946

KJEphoto wrote in post #9149005
Thanks for all the responses, they really are helping me alot.

So i've decided i want to start shooting at the local track. Here's the website they have:
http://thunderhill.com​/

My question is how do i go about this? They run mostly small club races,track days and such. So do i just show up with my camera and start taking pictures at first? Or should i email them a portfolio just saying im interested in taking pictures or what? Also anyone ever contacted any of the clubs (SCCA) about shooting for them?

At this point im mainly looking for experience and credentials, if i can get some money out of it i would be thrilled!

This guy shoots there a lot. Don't think he is the official track photographer, but might as well be.
http://www.gotbluemilk​.com/
There are some others that shoot to sell there as well. Plenty of competition.

I wouldn't just show up, better to contact the organization, let them know your intentions and show your portfolio.

Jeff