How to Advertise My Amateur Photography

Practice your photography when you are out with friends and family.

Advertising your amateur photography may not be as difficult as you think. There are many different avenues through which you can spread the word about your services and meet potential customers. When you are first getting started as a photographer, make yourself available and attend a lot of events where you can meet people who might want your services on the spot, such as weddings, parties or graduations. There is always the potential to get new clients if you come prepared with your professional photography gear and are willing to help out in a pinch.

Instructions

1. Send out a mass email — including a sample of your favorite work — to friends, family members, colleagues and acquaintances. Tell them that you are launching a new photography business and would appreciate their help spreading the word. Offer them a discount on a photography package or ask them if they know anyone who might need your services for upcoming events.

2. Hand out business cards to everyone you meet. A creative, captivating business card that defines your special talent would be advantageous in your pursuit. Ask local shops or restaurants if they would be willing to put a stack of your business cards at their front desks or allow you to post one on their bulletin board.

3. Use social media sites to upload photos of your work and share your portfolio with friends. Social media sites allow you to access a large audience of people who might, in turn, share your photos with the people in their network of friends or contacts.

4. Offer to do free work. Photograph a friend's birthday party or a graduation ceremony for free. Ask your client to share your photos with people who attended the event and offer to give away free prints or small products or mementos like bookmarkers, letterhead stationery, or thank-you notes that bear a memorable photograph of the special event. As an amateur photographer, doing free work will help you to build your portfolio and increase word-of-mouth advertising among people in your community.

5. Attend networking events in your area. Connect with local website designers, writers and other people in the creative fields who might regularly get clients who ask for photography referrals. Go to lectures, seminars or mixers where you can network and exchange business cards with these types of individuals.

References

• Steve's Digicams: 4 Tips for Advertising Your Photography