Lou Razzano Loc: Miami, Florida

I've been a serious photographer for over 20 years (and using Photoshop for post processing for all of those years) and I used to get photography assignments by word of mouth before I retired. I used to work with the public in a State office where I helped people find employment--in the course of assisting them I would often mention that I was a photographer and give them my card and as a result I would often get a couple of photography jobs a month, if not from the clients themselves then from their friends or family members. Since I used to do this for a little extra money (I never charged anywhere close to the price of local professionals) I really took on assignments because I love photography as well as meeting new people. Also, I love the challenge of getting the best possible photos for clients and I would capture images of their events that were up to par with local professional photographers. Since I retired from my "day job" I no longer have the opportunity to meet with people as I did before so I no longer have access to the the free advertising that I once had. I am now prepared to pay for advertising so that I can get back into semi professional photography but I'm wondering where the best place to start might be. (I will still charge very low prices for my work since money is not my main goal--I have a comfortable State pension and SS that I live on) I would appreciate any advice that any of you may offer.

insman1132 Loc: Southwest Florida

Hey Lou, are there not a lot of bulletin boards in the various communities in your vicinity? And in public places like stores? Also there are some on the web in your specific area, if you look for them.

Good luck with your search.

B1rdr Loc: Northern Virginia

"Nextdoor" is a rapidly growing community site in my area. If you have a similar site where you live, try advertising your availability and skill set on that site.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Consider putting together a business plan and a marketing plan (not the same). This will be your roadmap to finding clients, but more importantly, it will help you manage the clients and your business. Truth is, if you are depending upon your expertise as a photographer to help you get clients - you will likely not be successful as a commercial photographer. How you handle your clients - customer service - is what will help you make money. A good business person with modest skills will almost always outsell one with amazing talent but weak business skills. Photography is 20% picture quality and 80% business skill.

You may think I haven't answered your question, but at some point you'll realize I just did - and then you'll be well on your way to "fame and fortune" as a photographer. . .

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

When I started doing wedding photography I also charged little. As I got better, I charged a little more. I even did receptions for a local pro. One day he gave me some really good advice.
He said. "Bill, your work is very good, but unless you charge more for it, folks will believe your not that good because your prices are too low." So, following his advice, I tripled my price of doing a wedding, and guess what, my business took off, I had to turn down more weddings than I was doing.
So, do not short change yourself, you should charge the going rate. You are worth it.
I started out listing my wedding photography business in the yellow pages of the phone book and newspaper. I would read the announcements of weddings and send them my business information.
Then word of mouth took over and I ended up doing more than 400 weddings.
I think now I would post images on facebook and other places on line, it is mostly free and many folks will see your work.

Morry Loc: Palm Springs, CA

You said it all, which is and worth repeating: "A good business person with modest skills will always outsell one with amazing talent but week business skills. Photography is 20% picture quality and 80% as a photographer." With all the years of your selling photography . . . I am going to assume that you have the photography skills that it takes.

sr71 Loc: In Col. Juan Seguin Land

Lou ------ Gene51 Hit it on the nail head very good advice. It's all in the marketing yourself.

CPR Loc: Nature Coast of Florida

Not to be a "party pooper" but do to changes in the world (cellphone cameras) the photography business has basically collapsed.
There are some jobs that are not creative, such as at Disney World and taking pics of newborns or cars for sale.
If you can find a niche you may be able to make a living but there are a lot of folks standing in line for those niches.

BadPhoto Loc: Maryland

This is why nearly everything I do is as a "second shooter". I let the business oriented photographers find the work, and I just shoot, process, and deliver.

At least, that's what I used to do. Since COVID, I have become a landscape/wildlife photographer who makes no money because I'm not interested in sales. Still working on the revised business plan to keep my tax deductions running.

Lou Razzano Loc: Miami, Florida

thank you Gene--I can see how you're absolutely correct, but it's the marketing plan that is the problem. I'm not sure where the best places to advertise are.

WillieWisconsin

If you’re looking for a job in photography, Lifetouch School Portraits is always looking for photographers to help with taking school pictures, seniors, sports, proms, commencements, large groups, panoramic groups, etc. You can choose to work full or part time, your call.

Lou Razzano Loc: Miami, Florida

Thanks--that's what I've done. I've placed my first ad on Nextdoor.com for at least one month. If I even get a few calls as a result of that ad, I will continue to advertise there.

Lou Razzano Loc: Miami, Florida

Thanks--I will look into Lifetouch School Portraits.

Lou Razzano Loc: Miami, Florida

Bill: you're right--when I was doing photography jobs years ago, I was told the same thing by a few of my customers. I'm also going to start posting some of my pictures on Facebook.

Lou Razzano Loc: Miami, Florida

What's the best way to become a second shooter? I'm more than happy to be a second shooter--I was a second shooter at several weddings in the past because I knew the bride/groom personally. They were very happy wit my pictures because I caught all of the scenes that the first shooter hired photographer was too busy taking formal pictures.