Passing out business cards....

On a recent photo shoot with a client and his children, I noticed a lot of parents with their children at the park (ages from 1-15). The light bulb went off in my head. Why not give them my business cards and tell them about my services??? Since my business is new, it would help me get more clients...even if 1 out of 10 render my services.

Do you think that is tacky...even if I approach them in a professional manner??Would you do it?

Appreciate the feedback!

Don't do this

The key here is "professional." Dress nicely, etc., and it might help if you had a portfolio so that you could prove to your prospective clients that you're worthy of a phone call.

mikekelley wrote in post #10410883
Don't do this

Please explain why?

It's somewhat creepy and not that professional. If people want photos, they will seek you out - isn't it annoying when Jehovah's witnesses knock on your door?

I mean if someone came up to me with business cards for their photo business in a park i'd think they were either a bit desperate or weird, or both. Just my honest opinion.

They're not at the park to be bugged by any business, it's personal time with their kids. Put this in perspective with ANY other business, you're playing with your kids and an insurance salesman comes up giving you a pitch, or a car dealer, or anybody trying to sell you something. It's a lot smarter to have a targeted audience where they want to see it - not where it's private time.

Not to mention, if it's a state or city owned park don't you usually need permission to be "selling" anything on the property. Can't just set up shop anywhere you want around here and even a sign coming into town saying you need a license to sell anything.

get a jacket or shirt with your business info on it and be a walking billboard. : D mostly joking.

if there are some people there that would look great in your portfolio, you could approach them with an offer for a free print if they sign a model release and then hope the parents will buy more. in the mean time you may get a cute subject for your portfolio.

Get a hot model in bikini in the middle of central park and you'll see how much people will come and ask for your service!!! hehehehee worked for me in Dominican Republic =)!!!

Sad to say, it depends what you look like first and how you act second.

Some photographers are clean with a nice smile and can approach anyone. Others are hairy old men who scare children and their parents. Assess yourself honestly and answer the question "Can I get away with this?"

Personally, I know I can. Even when I'm sweating like mad from shooting, I can get away with a good bit. An example: I was trespassing on some property the other night (thought it was local gov't owned because it had been empty for years). Owner rolls up, asks me what I'm up to. I tell her it's just photos, but we'll leave if she wants us to. I give her my card and tell her she can call the number any time she'd like and it'll ring in my pocket. She says "excellent, use the place all you'd like. My son will be a senior soon, I might give you a call." If I wasn't presentable and friendly, I would have likely been chased off.

msfvirginia wrote in post #10412811
if there are some people there that would look great in your portfolio, you could approach them with an offer for a free print if they sign a model release and then hope the parents will buy more. in the mean time you may get a cute subject for your portfolio.

That's exactly what I'm thinking. I did a shoot a couple of weeks ago and saw the cutest little girl. She must have been 2, maybe 3 years old. She had the biggest blue eyes and curly brown hair. She would have been a PERFECT subject. I wanted to approach the mother and offer my services, but felt weird doing it with my client right there.

Thanks for the feedback everyone!

James Robert Gratiot wrote in post #10410891
The key here is "professional." Dress nicely, etc., and it might help if you had a portfolio so that you could prove to your prospective clients that you're worthy of a phone call.

But how are onlookers to know your name, company name, or contact info unless you happen to have something with it on it? Ahem.. a business card. It's nice to act professional, but how are they to know who yo are or how to find you?

do a photo shoot in that park on a nice day when it's busy and get noticed. Do a freebie for family or your kids (if you have kids). Look professional and hopefully someone will walk up, watch and ask questions.

cdifoto wrote in post #10414213
Sad to say, it depends what you look like first and how you act second.

Some photographers are clean with a nice smile and can approach anyone. Others are hairy old men who scare children and their parents. Assess yourself honestly and answer the question "Can I get away with this?"

This is true, however, i'd probably take a limited risk approach. If they are really looking and seem interested at what you are doing, walk by and say hello as you go back to your car for a reflector. If they keep looking, then I might approach them as they seem to have an interest. I would never cold solicit someone. I hate when its done to me, unless its done by a pretty woman. I usually shoo away the men trying to sell things, but I'll at least let the women get through their spill

Personally I would find it tacky to be approached for a business service when I am in the park with my children. I am the kind of person that this would just irritate me enough that I would never even consider this person if I was ever looking for their type of service. It is about respecting their time with their children.

However, if you are bound and determined to do this I would find a woman to go with you. I believe that parents would be more receptive to a woman or a couple handing out cards than a single male person.

I know alot of the parks around here have bulletin boards that you can post a printed ad on. If there is a children's fair at parks then I would take a booth at that, not necessarily doing sittings but getting yourself know in the community.

You say your business is new and I understand the need to get known. How many other businesses are going around soliciting business in this fashion. If it is a common practice in your area then by all means do it. If you want to be recognized as a business then you have to act like one too.

incredibly creepy, don't do that.