What I have learned about marketing photography

Having been a photographer for over 12 years, I have learned a few things which I would like to share with you.

1. Always research your target client before contacting them.

www.referenceusa is the greatest resource in researching your clients before calling them.
You get access to referenceusa through going your public library and going to their online directory. This directory lists the companies annual income and who their competition is.
It is likely that if you want to work for them that you will probably want their competitors as clients too.

2. The easiest way to get an email address of someone important is pretend you already have it.
Call and say you were trying to send Fontina the Creative Director, an email and it bounced, can you give me the correct one.

3. No one wants you until you are making some serious money, so don't waste time with contacting reps. Instead, shoot some local celebrities. How do you do that?
Develop a relationship with a writer from your local music magazine and propose a story that will advance their carreer. When you have a magazine name behind you, you are more likely to get the job done.

4. Find out about every industry party where your clients go, and go to them. Make sure you have a sample portfolio in your i-phone or a cool business card.

5. Don't settle for cheap business cards, don't design it yourself. People look at the thicken and
type and immediately make a judgement.

More later...about e-promos, agency access, and much more.


Hope that helps, let me know if you have any questions.
I do help photographers with marketing.