How to Land a Large Campaign As a Photographer
Photography is the act of capturing life in still frames, and while photography is a hobby for many, others are able to turn this artistic pursuit into a profitable career. Professional photographers may work for a wide variety of private and corporate clients; however, if you're interested in landing a large campaign as a photographer then you must perform several steps to get your name and work in front of the right people.
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Instructions
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Create a hard copy portfolio with your best images. Depending on the type of photography you wish to perform, you will create a portfolio with those images. For example, if you wish to perform commercial product photography, your portfolio must include images of products as you would find them in magazines. Spend time developing your style, and select at least 10 images for your portfolio.
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Purchase a hardcover portfolio book, which is available at photography supply retail stores or at hobby stores. This book features a hard cover and transparent pages on which the photographs are placed. Organize the book with your strongest work first. If you are unsure of what images to place in this portfolio, have trusted friends and family members review your image catalog and have them vote on the best images. The image with the most votes goes first and the picture with the second most votes goes second and so on and so forth.
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Perform local photography jobs by contacting local businesses. If you are just starting off in the photography business, personally visit businesses and show the manager or owner your photography portfolio and state you will work for free or at a discounted rate. The photography industry is highly competitive, thus to build your resume be prepared to perform work for little or no pay.
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Submit your portfolio images and resume to photography agencies throughout the United States. Do not send your hard copy portfolio, rather make high-quality copies of your best five images and include them with your resume and cover letter. If you do not have extensive experience as a photographer, include any training and educational experience within your resume. Clothing Model offers a list of photographer agencies; however, search through your local business directory for nearby photography agencies.
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Submit your portfolio to advertising agencies in your city and in surrounding regions within a 200-mile radius. Large photography campaigns typically come from advertising agencies, thus submitting your work directly to advertisers may create opportunities that wouldn't otherwise be available. Include your best five to 10 images as well as your resume and cover letter to advertising agencies.
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Create an online portfolio by signing up with a portfolio hosting company. Viewbook, Model Mayhem, TessCafe and Pixpa host images for professional photographers. An online portfolio is vital to enhance your visibility as well as to network with fellow photographers, models and advertising agencies.
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Tips & Warnings
Consider joining a photography organization, such as the American Society of Media Photographers or the Photographic Society of America.
Do not pay an agency to represent you. Legitimate photography agencies only make money after booking campaigns for client photographers.
