How to Find a Photographer to Build Your Portfolio

Thousands of photographers will want to take your photograph, but finding the best person to shoot your photos is key to your future success in the modeling industry.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Yellow Pages
• Magazines
• Photographers
• Theater Tickets
• Personal Organizers

1. Call advertising agencies and ask the art or creative directors which photographers they hire for ads. The top revenue-producing advertising agencies in your city might be listed in the local business newspaper or magazine.
2. Attend shows at local theaters. After the performances, ask actors for the names of photographers they've worked with.
3. Contact local colleges and universities and talk with photography instructors. Find out if any students might be interested in shooting head shots or other commercial photos for a portfolio. Perhaps the sessions could be part of a class assignment.
4. Contact local camera stores or camera clubs. Ask about assistant photographers, who are typically apprentices to more established photographers. Apprentices might need photos to build their portfolios. Ask if you can trade your services by modeling for free.
5. Contact local talent agencies. Ask the agents which photographers they recommend.
6. Go to the American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP) Web site (asmp.org), where you'll find listings of photographers throughout the country.

Tips & Warnings

• Networking and talking with people already in the business is key to finding good photographers. If you find that certain names are mentioned repeatedly as you network, these are the people you want to contact.
• To find advertising agencies in your area, go to the American Association of Advertising Agencies Web site (aaaa.org). Go to the Member Roster and do a geographical search.
• Make sure you meet with the photographer before the session and look at his or her book. Do the photos look interesting? Are the shots in focus? Does the photographer have good suggestions for your photo session?
• Shooting a photo session with an inexperienced photographer might result in photos that don't look very good. However, it will still be a good experience and a good practice session.

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