At this photography thing for 8 months....

[SabrinaO]

I picked up my first dslr 8 months ago and have been shooting people since December. Why did I just now realize advertising on craigslist is gonna get me NOWHERE?! Ugh that's probably why I'm not getting as many clients as I would like to. Where do you all advertise?

 

[Kbarredo]

flame retardant suits on. I really dont mean to be a bad guy but there are alot of things you still have to learn. If you are charging have you ever wondered maybe its your work that gets you less people. Another thing dont ever post your photos that your are charging for on facebook. Regular people dont care much about quality and will just download it off of there instead. Instead take the files on a jump drive or laptop and show them in person.
Craigslist is a bad way to advertise because there are many others on there as well. Try to isolate your ads for example print cards and leave them at your other job if you have one. Or ask a local store if you could leave flyers and cards there. Or if you have the cash go and get some spots on magazines like local tv listings. Anything you see with an ad on it you can also put yours on it.

 

[SabrinaO]

What do you mean it's my work? I know I still have a lot to learn and WANT to learn but I don't think I'm bad at all. But thats just me. So what do you think I need to work on? Also if photographers shouldn't post pics from their sessions they might as well not have a facebook fan page..lol. I think facebook is a good marketing tool... And it's free . I get why you are saying though, maybe I can watermark my pictures better. Thanks for the ideas on advertising.

 

[subscuck]

but there are alot of things you still have to learn.

This makes me think of kettles and pots...

 

[Bitter Jeweler]

Makes me think of Trolls.

 

[Kbarredo]

What do you mean it's my work? I know I still have a lot to learn and WANT to learn but I don't think I'm bad at all. But thats just me. So what do you think I need to work on? Also if photographers shouldn't post pics from their sessions they might as well not have a facebook fan page..lol. I think facebook is a good marketing tool... And it's free . I get why you are saying though, maybe I can watermark my pictures better. Thanks for the ideas on advertising.

You need some work on some of your composition and posing. For example the teaparty shot would have been much better if taken from a different angle other than just straight on from the side. Let yourself go and try to take other angles, you seem to be taking the safe side. As for your shots that were taken in a studio setting, the lighting seems a little flat. Try to manipulate the light so that your subject is more seperated from your background.
As for the shots that show before and after, your after shots actually kind of made the picture worse imho. Like the bathtub one the baby's skin tone in beautiful and you brightened it giving it less detail and a more dull washed out look. Im gonna tell say this now. You are going to get alot of people mad at you. Many here will hate the fact that after only 8 months you decided to charge while these guys have been doing it for years. I honestly dont think you are ready but I myself am not that great. So i will put my feelings aside and just warn you of the upcoming flames and arguments.
Now dont be offended this is just my opinion.

 

[Kbarredo]

Uh not really the right analogy. The pot does not realize how black he is compared to the kettle. I on the other hand know that I have alot to learn. It however does not stop me from having my own opinions and my own critical eye. I may not be the best but I know enough to help a little bit.

 

[Bitter Jeweler]

If SabrinaO read the forum regularly, she would know who to disregard.

 

[Kbarredo]

If SabrinaO read the forum regularly, she would know who to disregard.

Go put on your codpiece leonidas. Do you care to offer your critical eye or will you just continue with your smart allecky comments.

 

[iolair]

The photos on your website aren't bad, but it actually quite scares me that while you've only been shooting people since December, you're already charging $125 to people for portrait sessions. I always believed it took two to three years to learn a new trade half-decently.

 

[o hey tyler]

If SabrinaO read the forum regularly, she would know who to disregard.

Go put on your codpiece leonidas. Do you care to offer your critical eye or will you just continue with your smart allecky comments.

She didn't post any photos for C&C. Which you gave her anyway.

If BJ is Leonidas, you must be....

 

[Dao]

Taking photos and running business are not the same and quality of the photos may not directly related to successful business.
You can take beautiful photos and have no business or so-so photos with tons of business.

Maybe it is time to start learning about business.

 

[Bitter Jeweler]

Dao, can you recommend a good business forum?

 

[Kbarredo]

Lol not quite more like that fat dude with blade arms. Advertising is something I'm a little more in tune with. I help with my friends local landscaping company with his advertising. as well as my wife for her daycare.

 

[mrpink]

but there are alot of things you still have to learn.

This makes me think of kettles and pots...

I was thinking more along the lines of glass houses and rocks.

OP. Your work looks just fine for the prices you are charging, hopefully someone can point you in a much better direction for advertising (other than CL). I have zero experience with this aspect.

Around my area, there are a lot of "mothers clubs". They are basically comprised of stay at home mothers (my wife is one), they organize play dates, outings, and what not. Maybe finding something like that in your area and offering a discount of some sort to it's members. Eh, it's all I can come up with right now.







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