Network, Network, Networking…….

One of the biggest things I have learned so far is that you better network. Without networking you are pretty much out on your own with no help what’s so ever. If you network then you have peers to ask questions, talk too, and hopefully work with. You might be just starting out and not knowing where to secure some work. If you network with people they will know they type of shots and quality of work that you do. If your work is up to there standards and they know of up coming jobs they may ask you if you want an opportunity to do the job.  Personally I have joined many Facebook groups and also a camera club just for the simple reason of networking. Some of the Facebook groups I joined are strictly my home area alone. Sometimes the people in the group put together meet ups to go out and shoot. During these meet ups you get to chat with peers and see what type of work they do. I have met photographers that shoot for magazines, some that do product photography, sports and others that are strictly Fine Art.

The Sports photographer has asked me to shoot with him many times so far. Sometimes it has been a paid shoot and a few it has been a volunteer opportunity. I have done both, while I rather get paid and who wouldn’t. Its also good to shoot a volunteer shoot every so often so that you can for one give back, and then also add to your portfolio. My first time shooting with the sports photographer it was a volunteer shoot. We had to shoot a race that a church was hosting. Now he knows my capabilities and he calls me when he see things come up. He also emails me other events that he can’t make because he’s shooting at other places. I hope that some day the magazine photographer knows of an opening and helps secure me a position shooting that type of stuff also. I probably wouldn’t have any of these jobs if I wasn’t putting myself out there and hanging out with other peers.

You might not know many people yourself right now but search for groups you can join in your area. Another good place to find that is meetup.com they have tones of different photography groups you can join. Once you have met some new friends make sure you hang out and do some shooting. This way they get to see your style and you also get to see theirs. I try to shoot something every week. I also try to invite peers to join me. It makes the shoot less boring and then you have someone to talk with during and after your done.

TBT

Thursday Ambassador


Works Cited

Photo Credit
Virtual Social Media. Web. 4 Sept. 2114.

Connect with Local Photographers

Though the ultimate goal of a photographer is to get clients and make money doing something he or she loves, it is important not to neglect one of the best sources of leads: other photographers! Oftentimes a lucky professional will have more opportunities than he or she can take on. When that happens, the photographer will usually refer the potential client to another professional that is capable of handling the project. But how do you connect with other photographers, and how do you make sure you get on their list of referrals? There are tons of resources you can use! Start off connecting with our peers and instructors using this fabulous introduction by the Wednesday ambassador, then read on for ideas on how to network outside our program.

Meetups are a great way to get out, shoot, and meet others interested in photography. Some groups set up model shoots complete with wardrobe, makeup, and hair styling. Others focus more on local places or events. You’ll find all levels of photographers in these groups and can join in any meetup that interests you. Meetups I have attended include a visit to Architectural Artifacts (a vintage/antique furnishings warehouse), a tour of Intelligentsia Coffee, and a winter celebration complete with rescue huskies! If you don't see a group that fits your interests, create your own and set up any type of outing you can think of. Others will be happy you have taken the initiative.

Some web hosts for pro photographers have local groups that meet to discuss various issues relating to the industry. SmugMug is my web host of choice, and its local groups are called “SMUGs” (SmugMug User Groups). Similarly, a host called Pictage has local “PUGs” (Pictage User Groups). You don’t even have to use these web hosts to attend the groups, so check out if there’s one in your area. From such groups, I’ve learned about accounting for photographers, shared strategies for promoting products like albums, and even met for social outings where photography was the unifier but not the only topic discussed. At one meeting, I connected with students of another program that were interested in shooting events. I used one as a second shooter for two weddings (see one of her photos below, of me shooting a bride and groom's portrait) and referred the other to shoot an event for a friend. You can meet all kinds of people that just might help you get a break into the genre you’re most interested in.

Photograph by A. Rearnkham for Carolyn Lloyd Photography

You don’t even have to leave your computer to network (though I do recommend it!). There are a plethora of online forums in which you can submit images for critique or discuss new gear. Whatever your interest, there’s a forum for that! Check out PPA’s theLoop or a relative newcomer, The Professional Photography Forum. If you have a favorite forum you’d like to share, please do so in the comments!

Happy networking!

-Friday Ambassador

*Please note that I am out of the country with limited Internet access, so I may not be able to respond to comments today. However, I really want to hear your thoughts or questions and will get back to you as soon as I am able.