I'm a high school student, and having a D200 means I accordingly have an empty wallet at this point. So I got this bright idea- make the camera work for me! I have a flash on order, as well as a good portraiture lens or two. I have a few years experience, and I'd like to get into small local jobs. Small problems include a lengthy travel schedule and five-day-a-week boarding school during the school year. I could make it home on many weekends, if for just a day, to do local stuff, and I could work in the small town where my school is.
My questions include (along with suggestions you feel necessary) how do I advertise my company/name? I'll probably do small sporting events, portraits (probably outdoor stuff as I lack a studio right now), etc...
No experience at all here, so this is an uninformed opinion but: Word of mouth might be really great advertising for you. I've also read about people making business cards and having a blank space on the back so that if people want to write down extra details, it is easy for them to do so.
well, I'd hire you as an assistant but marshmellow swamp is not very close to me! :0P
Why don't you try assisting for a wed photog? it's a weekend thing. Also I know a few who hire out their editing which would be on your own time kinda thing (with a deadline of course!)
well, I'd hire you as an assistant but marshmellow swamp is not very close to me! :0P
Why don't you try assisting for a wed photog? it's a weekend thing. Also I know a few who hire out their editing which would be on your own time kinda thing (with a deadline of course!)
Ah, you must be over by Candycane Lane then. I used to have a Gumdrop over there, but condo prices went through the roof and I couldn't help but sell.
Holy crap...I am so jealous that you have a D200. I really need to save more money :)
I would suggest doing some outdoor portraits for friends and family for low prices just to get your name out. If you are really serious about this I would also see about getting a website up and running, they don't cost that much if you can make them yourself (or if you have a friend who can). The absolute must is a nice business card. You can get them very cheap at overnightprints.com (that's where I got mine). I think you can even get free ones somewhere, but I am drawing a blank on the place right now...hopefully someone else will think of it.
Since you are a high school student you have access to a huge market...friends (and friends of friends) who are gradating. Offer to do a few senior portraits for cheap. Do them well and you will have more clients in no time.
Why don't you try assisting for a wed photog? it's a weekend thing.
I have been having the same problem as far as advertising. I have even been trying to contact wedding photographers to see if i could assist for free, but no one has contacted me back, probably because of fear of competition.
