How to get 'Jobs' to build up a portfolio? I'm stuck!

[Todd_Reichman]

You'll be pretty amazed if you read Todd's writing on a regular basis. It's like one of those moments you want to slap yourself in the forehead and say... WOW. I should have known that.

Thanks, saw this link in my Google Analytics and I'm flattered to have been name checked. Honestly, if you need to build a portfolio then you need to be very direct and goal oriented. Taking whatever jobs you can get at a less-than-confident price point is going to make it very difficult to build the portfolio that represents exactly what you do. Really, at that point you're at their mercy, so it really isn't setting yourself up for getting what you need.

So the question really comes down to knowing exactly how much you need in your portfolio to accomplish your goals. Your portfolio is really an argument as to why someone should hire you, and that argument needs to be as focused as possible and short. You don't need a big or expansive portfolio, you need a compelling portfolio. When I teach this stuff I always start with the following exersize - build a portfolio that tells a client exactly what you do and why it matters in 5 images. Ok, maybe 10. Any more than that and you're watering down the message. It might be an extreme example, but it illustrates the point well.

So the question is what does your portfolio need to accomplish, and how can you best build it quickly?

- trr

 

[Nikon_Josh]

Hi Todd, Thanks for your insight and enjoying your blog!

I guess my main issue was the fact that I felt my lack of portfolio level images was holding me back, but I think now my best move is to just start creating a small portfolio of some of my best images taken up to now, creating a website and creating business cards. I think it's time to stop feeling I have barriers in my way and to just get on with it and see where this path takes me. I think if I promote myself in the correct way I can then start to get jobs, I do intend to keep doing free work in the meantime but I think it's crucial for me to start creating a business identity, to get me out of the feeling that I am stuck and not moving forwards with my plans!

So if I start with a small website with just 5-10 images I feel proud of, then it is a great way simply to get me moving again in your opinion? I will obviously invest time in networking aswell and will link start to look at ways to get my name out there in the local area.

 

[etnad0]

You already mentioned that you are on Model Mayhem, so use it. I've been using it to build my portfolio for a while now. Set up the kind of shoots you want to add to your port and offer a TF. There are models that want to add the same things to their port as well. Nobody needs to know that you didn't get paid to do it.

 

[camz]

Hi Guys,

I am asking this as I have a bit of a mental stumbling block.. so I thought it best I call out for 'HELP!' from the people who know.

I have done quite a few photographic assignments recently for friends and also have done a few shoots now with models I have met through Modelmayhem.

My aim is to go into portrait photography, weddings, baby/child and pet photography arena. I have also done some product photography and architectual stuff but that is on the backburner, I need to focus in on a few areas. I know the successful pro's do this.

But my question is this.. I haven't got enough really still to create a portfolio.. and I am looking for ways to get casual photography jobs in the local area? Obviously I will be working for cheap. but I don't know how I can really advertise myself without a website or portfolio. Any ideas of how I could get small photographic jobs in the local area? I mean for example someone looking for a cheap photographer to do some shots of children or some family portraits? Do I put up flyers or is Craigs list a good option?

I am worried about advertising myself as one of those photographers who will do 'work for free' as I understand how tasteless it is, but I don't really know what else I can do to get potential jobs right now. Obviously I am not yet in a position to say this is how much I charge!

Thanks in advance.

Good advice from Todd there - who is a well respected icon in the industry. Good to see you here on the forum btw.

Nikon, I know your midst of starting and building your portfolio. From the sounds of it, you're leading towards showing your work on a website but I recommend some samples as well. If you're targeting the wedding/portrait sector of the business, you will need some printed work like albums and canvases to show potential clients and convery value in your images. A website doesn't tap in emotion as much in a client than printed tangible work. Your sales will improve and so will your rapport. But you need samples, because you can't sell what you don't have. No full res digital files on a disc, please...unless the price is right! It will help build a more valuable brand.

Ok now how to book clients. Many approaches but I think this is number 1. As you know this is a referral business so the question is, as wedding and portrait photographers, what is our biggest asset? Is it our skill set or camera? eh it's important but that's a given so no -there are many technical and awesome photographers out there with no business. Our number 1 asset is our client base. These are the ones who paid full price. These are our fans, these are the ones who will give us good reviews, these are the ones who are our cheerleaders, these are the ones who will promote our business and expand our visibility, these are the ones who will keep coming back for more, these are the ones who bring us new clients. There is no better asset! Break a camera or a lens, insurance covers it. Break your reputation with your VIP's...I think almost a fatal mistake. It practically applies to all business...not just photography. It's all about the quality of the relationships. The details on how....well that's depending on your branding