6 answers
Jalivia
Student
Nashville, Tennessee
1
Question
Asked
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What do I need to get a bigger and better network of people in my industry?
I am a professional photographer and I am trying to get better at meeting the right people and making the right connections.
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6 answers
Danielle Grahek
Team Leader
10
Answers
Macomb, Michigan
Updated
Danielle’s Answer
Hello Jalivia! Here's a step-by-step plan to help you meet more people and make quality connections within the photography profession:
1. Create profiles on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Follow and engage with fellow photographers by liking, commenting, and sharing their works.
2. Regularly browse local newspapers – both in print and online – to find names or social handles of photographers featured in the publications. Reach out to them by sending a message or connecting via social media.
3. Sign up for a LinkedIn account and optimize your profile by adding relevant skills, experience, and portfolio samples. Start building connections with other photographers, photography enthusiasts, and businesses within the industry.
4. Research for photography events, workshops, and meetups in your local area. Websites like Meetup.com and Eventbrite can be helpful to find such events.
5. Reach out to your local city council or community center to inquire about upcoming events that may require a photographer or provide networking opportunities with others in your field. Volunteer your photography services when possible to enhance your portfolio and make connections.
6. Join online photography forums and communities where you can share your work, ask questions, and interact with other photographers. Some popular options include Facebook groups, Reddit, and photography-specific forums.
7. Attend photography-related workshops, conferences, and events to further enhance your skills and meet industry professionals.
By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to expanding your network and making quality connections within the photography profession. Best of luck in your career!
1. Create profiles on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Follow and engage with fellow photographers by liking, commenting, and sharing their works.
2. Regularly browse local newspapers – both in print and online – to find names or social handles of photographers featured in the publications. Reach out to them by sending a message or connecting via social media.
3. Sign up for a LinkedIn account and optimize your profile by adding relevant skills, experience, and portfolio samples. Start building connections with other photographers, photography enthusiasts, and businesses within the industry.
4. Research for photography events, workshops, and meetups in your local area. Websites like Meetup.com and Eventbrite can be helpful to find such events.
5. Reach out to your local city council or community center to inquire about upcoming events that may require a photographer or provide networking opportunities with others in your field. Volunteer your photography services when possible to enhance your portfolio and make connections.
6. Join online photography forums and communities where you can share your work, ask questions, and interact with other photographers. Some popular options include Facebook groups, Reddit, and photography-specific forums.
7. Attend photography-related workshops, conferences, and events to further enhance your skills and meet industry professionals.
By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to expanding your network and making quality connections within the photography profession. Best of luck in your career!
Thank you so much, Danielle!
Jalivia
Dennis Cox
President at Photo Explorer Productions, Dennis Cox LLC
44
Answers
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Updated
Dennis’s Answer
Hi Jalivia,
Join the American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP) to meet editorial and corporate photographers or the Professional Photographers of America (PPA) for portrait specialists. There are chapters that meet regularly in Nashville. Both emphasize good business practices as well as practicing the craft of photography. You can Google them for information and both are on Facebook. I was a founding member of the Michigan ASMP chapter and I can't emphasize enough the importance of membership in either of these organizations.
Join the American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP) to meet editorial and corporate photographers or the Professional Photographers of America (PPA) for portrait specialists. There are chapters that meet regularly in Nashville. Both emphasize good business practices as well as practicing the craft of photography. You can Google them for information and both are on Facebook. I was a founding member of the Michigan ASMP chapter and I can't emphasize enough the importance of membership in either of these organizations.
David Wuerth
Freelance Photojournalist/ Sports Photographer
103
Answers
Nampa, Idaho
Updated
David’s Answer
Hi Jalivia,
You don't mention what genre of photography you're interested in. So, I've never found meeting other photographers very productive for me. If you can find a working pro who is willing to mentor you, that could be helpful. And, I've never found social media to be of much use. That said, I am old and may not use them in a productive fashion.
Are you looking for more clients? Do you have an online portfolio that you can direct future clients to? Does your work measure up to the images that the "big boys" are producing? Do you have a target market? I think if you can answer these questions, you will be able to develope a plan to work with.
You don't mention what genre of photography you're interested in. So, I've never found meeting other photographers very productive for me. If you can find a working pro who is willing to mentor you, that could be helpful. And, I've never found social media to be of much use. That said, I am old and may not use them in a productive fashion.
Are you looking for more clients? Do you have an online portfolio that you can direct future clients to? Does your work measure up to the images that the "big boys" are producing? Do you have a target market? I think if you can answer these questions, you will be able to develope a plan to work with.
John Greenwood, MBA
Strategy Director
57
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
John’s Answer
Hey Jalivia,
I get this question a lot so I actually gave a TEDx on the topic (see link below).
The best way to network is start where you are with people who have a connection to you (friend of parents, parents of friends, people going to the college you are going to or who recently graduated from there, etc.). My video takes you through what type of message to send, what to do in the meeting, and how to build a community through networking instead of just a list of acquaintances.
Best,
John
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMQQeV74H7U
I get this question a lot so I actually gave a TEDx on the topic (see link below).
The best way to network is start where you are with people who have a connection to you (friend of parents, parents of friends, people going to the college you are going to or who recently graduated from there, etc.). My video takes you through what type of message to send, what to do in the meeting, and how to build a community through networking instead of just a list of acquaintances.
Best,
John
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMQQeV74H7U
Derek Bedwell
Strategic Resource Manager | Creative Resources
3
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Derek’s Answer
Hi Jalivia,
I think social media is your friend in finding a good network of people in your industry. Utilizing Facebook to find local photography groups is a good place to start! This will be a good place to find out about different events to attend and potentially pick up new work. A quick google search can help you find platforms and events as well!
I think social media is your friend in finding a good network of people in your industry. Utilizing Facebook to find local photography groups is a good place to start! This will be a good place to find out about different events to attend and potentially pick up new work. A quick google search can help you find platforms and events as well!
Florence Peppitoni
Sales
3
Answers
Tucson, Arizona
Updated
Florence’s Answer
You're on the right track to success with these fantastic strategies! 😊
• Boost your career by creating an engaging and professional Social Media presence - share captivating photos and exclusive behind-the-scenes content regularly to enthrall your audience.
• Collaborate with a non-profit organization to enhance your portfolio and expand your network - it's a great way to give back and showcase your skills.
• Be proactive on LinkedIn, your go-to platform for networking and industry insights - this will unlock numerous opportunities for you.
• Embrace your community spirit by attending sporting, school, and local events - snap eye-catching photos, post them, and don't forget to tag relevant parties.
• Design eye-catching business cards to leave a memorable impression and facilitate easy sharing of your contact details.
• Go the extra mile and ask for referrals to keep building new connections and generating business.
• Establish a transparent pricing structure and run attractive promotions to create irresistible offers for your clients.
• Join forces with an established photographer as a backup, combining your strengths and learning from their experience.
• Make your presence felt at bridal shows and network with potential clients.
• Offer your expertise in capturing high-quality professional headshots for Real Estate and Loan Officers, allowing them to present their best side to the world.
Stay consistent, and you'll undoubtedly achieve great success in your photography journey! Keep believing in yourself, and you'll make a remarkable impact in the industry. Good luck! 🌟
• Boost your career by creating an engaging and professional Social Media presence - share captivating photos and exclusive behind-the-scenes content regularly to enthrall your audience.
• Collaborate with a non-profit organization to enhance your portfolio and expand your network - it's a great way to give back and showcase your skills.
• Be proactive on LinkedIn, your go-to platform for networking and industry insights - this will unlock numerous opportunities for you.
• Embrace your community spirit by attending sporting, school, and local events - snap eye-catching photos, post them, and don't forget to tag relevant parties.
• Design eye-catching business cards to leave a memorable impression and facilitate easy sharing of your contact details.
• Go the extra mile and ask for referrals to keep building new connections and generating business.
• Establish a transparent pricing structure and run attractive promotions to create irresistible offers for your clients.
• Join forces with an established photographer as a backup, combining your strengths and learning from their experience.
• Make your presence felt at bridal shows and network with potential clients.
• Offer your expertise in capturing high-quality professional headshots for Real Estate and Loan Officers, allowing them to present their best side to the world.
Stay consistent, and you'll undoubtedly achieve great success in your photography journey! Keep believing in yourself, and you'll make a remarkable impact in the industry. Good luck! 🌟