Business Card Advice: Do you have business cards available to give to people you photograph on the street or at an event? If so, what information do you include on the card? Do you...

mikesphotos Loc: Kentucky

Do you have business cards available to give to people you photograph on the street or at an event? If so, what information do you include on the card? Do you write the date or # of the shot on the card to identify it when they contact you?

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

mikesphotos wrote:

Do you have business cards available to give to people you photograph on the street or at an event? If so, what information do you include on the card? Do you write the date or # of the shot on the card to identify it when they contact you?

I read a book written by "the most successful salesman in America." One of his main tactics was handing out business cards - everywhere, so you're on the right track.

Keep the info short and to the point.
Make it easy to read. I can't understand why some business cards have tiny type with all that white space going to waste.
I'd include business name, if you have one, phone number, email address, and web site.

The main thing is to make it easy to read so that the message is conveyed clearly and quickly.

Vista Print seems to be a good source. When you get them, spread them around freely.

Let us know how it works out.

mikesphotos Loc: Kentucky

Thanks for the advice, Jerry. I have heard that Vistaprint does good work and has reasonable prices. I am wondering if I should include a blank line or 2 to write in the date or shot #, so that I can identify a person that might ask for a copy of a picture taken of them. Or is it best just to write this on the back of the business card?

bobmcculloch Loc: NYC, NY

mikesphotos wrote:

Do you have business cards available to give to people you photograph on the street or at an event? If so, what information do you include on the card? Do you write the date or # of the shot on the card to identify it when they contact you?

Yes and No, I carry cards I have printed myself, my photos on the front, on the back I am now putting a sticker with whatever info I want, preprinted of course, right now website, voice mail number and Photography by..., I try to avoid shooting strangers on the street.

mikesphotos Loc: Kentucky

Thanks, Bob. The pre-printed sticker is a good idea.

Tom S. Loc: Hillsboro, Ore.

I hand out lots of cards. I make almost nothing at this, so I'm very conscious about cost. I bought my last batch from Fedex online. It cost about $25 for 1,000 cards during a sale, and that included free shipping. The card has my photo (same image as my avatar here), name, Facebook address, Smug Mug address, email address and phone number. My work- photos and stories -is viewed mainly on Facebook, so it's at the top of the list.

I cover lots of events all around the country. People often approach me and ask for a card so they can see my work. And though it's only a part of what I do, I end up taking lots of photos of kids. It really comforts the parents when I hand them a card. They have some assurance that I'm legit, and they know where to go to see the photos.

amehta Loc: Boston

I open gmail on my phone (on my photography account) and have them enter their email address, then I send them the email. Adding the photo number is a good idea, I could include that in the email.

mikesphotos Loc: Kentucky

Thanks for sharing your business card. I like seeing examples of what others use. I think FedEx Office can print cards in 1 or 2 hours. The special price you got was very good.

SpeedyWilson Loc: Upstate South Carolina

Question for Tom S ----

Is there a way people can purchase prints off your Facebook page?

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Nevermind ... I just went to your website and tried the ordering process. It's pretty cool!

Is that service available on SmugMug?

amehta Loc: Boston

Tom S. wrote:

I hand out lots of cards. I make almost nothing at... (show quote)

Would you use a laptop or tablet to show parents some of your portfolio? Would that make any difference?

mikesphotos Loc: Kentucky

Not at this time. I have just started to work on a FB page and am in the process of setting up my website that will link to zenfolio.com

mikesphotos Loc: Kentucky

I am primarily interested in outdoor photography including wildlife, landscapes and events such as Ultrarunning.

amehta Loc: Boston

SpeedyWilson wrote:

Question for Tom S ----

Is there a way people can purchase prints off your Facebook page?

----------

Nevermind ... I just went to your website and tried the ordering process. It's pretty cool!

Is that service available on SmugMug?

Yes, that's stuff that SmugMug does.

Tom, have you had good luck with those price levels? I'm always trying to figure out what to charge for my volleyball pictures. Thanks.

Wazzer2002 Loc: Lindsay, Ontario, Canada

Vista print is very affordable and fast. I use cards just so the recipient can email me with their details. Too often, I can't make out handwriting to send links of photos to them. Not a professional, but take lots of sports and event photos that I share with parents and players.

mikesphotos wrote:

Do you have business cards available to give to people you photograph on the street or at an event? If so, what information do you include on the card? Do you write the date or # of the shot on the card to identify it when they contact you?

mikesphotos Loc: Kentucky

So my only question is: when the person emails you how do you identify which picture might be theirs?