I spoke to a few up and coming photographers the past few weeks and they all had similar questions regarding how to get your name out there. How do you start. How do you get customers etc.

I think most people fall into the trap of thinking “traditional advertising” (eg newspapers, magazines, wedding shows etc) is the way. Now I’m not discrediting those ways, because they probably serve a purpose, but my question is, are you going to get as much out as you’re putting in? That kind of advertising is quite expensive and does it really work? There are many new ways that you use to get your name out that wouldn’t cost you as much and will probably bring in more work that you can imagine. But these ways take time and it takes a bit of effort.

The best way to start I would say is the following:

1. Shoot all the time, improve you portfolio weekly! (without good work you’re not going to get very far) Shoot for free! It’s the best way to get good portfolio and increase your word of mouth advertising.

2. Assist other photographers and learn form them. If you can’t assist or you haven’t had the opportunity subscribe to  at least 5 local and 5 international photographer’s blogs and learn form what you see.

Remember when you start out, you need to learn from others, imitate them and get your lighting and composure right. When you have the basics right you’ll be more comfortable and then you’re own style will develop. But give it time. It will come!

3. Pay a professional/good designer to create a unique logo and business card for you. This will be your fist marketing investment, it will cost something, but it will be worth it in the long run. It will be money well spent! Remember your name is carried through your business card. Together with your blog/site it will be people’s first impression of you.

(Iaan is my boyfriend and he is incredibly good in website design! Feel free to contact him, he just started his own business called PlusPlusMinus)

4. Start a blog. There are many fee blog sites available (eg blogger) As soon as you’re work improves get a well designed site and blog that projects your personality and work. This will be your biggest investment and it can be quite expensive, but in stead of getting 2 magazine ads, you would say go for the website and blog! It’s far more worth it! Blog regularly, people who read your blog what to see new things all the time. Make it personal, people generally like to get to know the person behind the lens. Wedding and portrait photography is very personal, it’s not just a business.

5. Make good contacts and build a network with people in your area and industry. Relationships is the most important thing in the world! Make sure you have good relationships! Relationships takes time, honesty and lots of love!

6. Advertise on 1 or 2 wedding websites just to get your name out there. There are many out there, but make sure they have lots of traffic and they serve your specific target market. (have a look at weddingsa, wedding focus, celebration, Konfetti online-magazine, Moncheri online-magazine, little pink book)

7. Get into social marketing eg Facebook, twitter, flickr etc. Many people who don’t understand social marketing will think these things are a waste of time, but I can testify it really works! And it’s all about relationships! (see nr 5) But more about social marketing at a later stage.