How to promote your work and get noticed as a photographer is one of the more popular questions I get asked on an almost daily basis. I’ll certainly be chiming in on this topic over the next few weeks as we explore this topic more in depth, but in the mean time, I thought I’d curate a few other opinions and asking some of my industry friends to chime in… That should help round out what you can find here.
To that end, this video above is from Heather Morton – Art Buyer. Great stuff from her blog. The question she’s answering here comes from Ryan Rogers. More info beyond the video, including some additional questions and images over at Ryan over at HMAb.
How bout you?
Don’t be shy.
What are you doing to promote your work?
Who would you like to give you feedback on that promo?
When I was working as an advertising art director at some major agencies I would probably average at least 1 of these types of mailers a day, and at least 5+ email solicitations from photographers or reps. It’s tough to stand out. Personally I always liked the cards the best, easy to file away or tack up on a wall. I’ve also seen business card sized packets with maybe 10 shots, as well as small stacks of photos shaped like drink coasters- those usually tended to hang around my desk a little longer.
While I personally like Ryan’s style, it’s probably the “in look” and most imitated style I see (high contrast, hyper real, moody, etc) . While I love headshot portraits, I never felt like it was enough to hire someone on. Maybe if you’re targeting fashion folks, but like Heather said, the photo of the couple in the boat tells a much better story and showcases his ability to handle a larger production.
Also, from my perspective, the personal relationship is dead on. Nine times out of ten our client or creative director just wants to use the same guy they’ve always used. Or we’d end up hiring a photographer who used to be the assistant of our main guy years ago, but is now out on his own- because he’s cheaper but has a similar look. Someone who has any kind of personal connection to the work is much more likely to get a second look than blind solicitation.
Finally, I always liked to see what the photo was eventually used for- if it was an ad, who was the client. It helps give context to the shot and I could say “Oh, brand X used this guy for that, interesting. I have Brand Y and I think it might work too.” Just my thoughts.
Some really solid advice in my opinion. I think one thing that Heather missed was that the post cards were sent in the clear envelop and NOT as a postcard so that SHE could send them as a post card after she receives them.
Personally I think “resending post card” is a great idea. One more image on the back is not going to make that big an impact – in my opinion – if the one on the front doesn’t inspire her to send it as a note to a friend.
Just thought I’d point that out.