Unluckily, you have walked into an era when the technology is outstripping the skill set needed - for example, (this from a photographer friend) many brides are forgoing professional photographers at the wedding in favor of placing disposable digital cameras on all the tables and asking people to click away and send the photos to the couple (or asking for the cameras to be returned with photos on the scandisk). A lot cheaper than a pro and given enough shots, you are bound to find a significant number of good quality shots. Where the couple is getting photographers, they are buying only the minimum wedding book (the formal setups) and not the big wedding book with all the extras (which is where the photographer makes his money).
It is possible, of course, that people are shying away from you because you don't have a formal studio (no studio, you might be giving off an amateur vibe and no one wants to pay money for what might be an amateur photo set). Try shooting landscapes, sunset, etc. and producing lithographs that you can frame and sell (yes, it will be an investment). Then when you set up at various craft shows, etc., your work will be on display and you can put your business card on the table, mentioning you do weddings, sittings, etc. Work with a real estate agent (especially if you can video shoot an edit) to do professional photos of houses for sale that they can show on the real. estate web site (maybe start with a fee-for sale where you get paid only when the house sells).
Look at all opportunities to get your work in front of people (heck, do some scenics and ask a local hotel/motel if they will display them or put them in cafes and restaurants for sale). If you have art galleries near you, go talk to the owner and see what they are looking for. if you are just looking to do personal photo shoots, you may be missing out on tons of opportunities to use your photography.
And of course, don't limit yourself to photography - learn to restore photos, learn videography and editing, heck, maybe even do a video for a local band when you are ready.
Advertise with a relevant website or company. So you and I have something in common. My business was a music sharing website and yours is photography. Both of these are related to technology audiences. I would definitely recommend advertising with iDailyReview.com just because of the success that they brought me and the cost-effective pricing options they have. Good luck!
visit library for free info on
biz start ups.
I am a photographer. I started my business about a year ago but just recently started really getting into it. I have many sample photos and I am still creating more. I advertise on facebook and offer discounts for new customers but i have yet to get a client. What am i doing wrong? My prices are way cheaper then actual photography studios so i don't understand what I am doing wrong. Please help! Any suggestions would be awesome! How did you get your business off the ground?
