How did you get started?

[TCUphoto]

Thanks for all the good information and insight! I have been very diligent at learning photography on my own, but I'm ready to begin getting clients. Any tips on how to get clients? I figure my first ~5 will be free so I have something to start a portfolio and improve my skills.

 

[Stradawhovious]

Any tips on how to get clients?

Learn how to take really good photos, and take a class in marketing.

 

[subscuck]

I'm thinking you might be shooting for free longer than you think. Have you ever done a photoshoot? Are you sure you have all the gear you need? If you feel you're ready I guess you could put an ad on Craigslist advertising for models that will do free photoshoots for your practice. You could even get lucky and find one or two who can teach you some things about posing, etc. Do you have release forms and contracts?

 

[Lee_Maryland]

I am not in the photography business, but I do have accounting clients. You can’t expect to find clients right away, because you would need to show everyone your “work” regardless of profession. I was doing free accounting work for a year, until someone decided to hire me as a contractor. Then, the owner was giving out reference and I ended up with many more clients. My suggestion will be get trained, and know what you are doing then clients will just flow in naturally. Photography business might be different than my accounting firm, but people needs to trust you first before they will hire you.