how I started my photography business

When I decided I wanted to become a photographer in 2015, here’s what I did:

1) I took photos everywhere I went, I posted the photos I liked on social media, I tagged everyone I could, hoping they would share.

2) I reached out to a few local theatres and came up with photo projects that I thought were interesting. I shot them for free, I allowed all the staff / performers to use the photos and I made sure to communicate that I was open to receiving more contracts. This was in 2015 and to this day, I occasionally get some work thanks to word of mouth on those initial projects.

3) I continually found new photography content to consume (library + Youtube + blogs)

4) I created a website on which I shared most photoshoots I did. Whenever I photographed someone who had a website, I asked them if they could credit me and link back to my website.

5) I printed about 100 photos of people I had photographed in the past (events, parties, hang outs) and sent it to them as a 4x6” photograph with a thank you note and a business card.

6) I followed a motto I had at that time: shoot a lot, but post only a few from each shoot. I think forcing myself to post less per shoot made me be more selective about my photos, helped me identify what I like and like less about my photos, and overall increased the apparent quality of the photographs I take

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