1. Gather some samples of your best work.
You can use photos of your family and friends or photos of nature or animals. If you don't have many samples, volunteer to photograph a local event or a friend's wedding in exchange for the rights to use the photos in your portfolio.
2. Create a portfolio.
Choose photos that demonstrate the range of your skills, using different poses, different lighting and different subjects. You will use this portfolio to show potential clients when you meet with them.
3. Create a business website.
You can attempt to do this yourself, using tools offered by website hosting services, such as GoDaddy's Website Tonight, or you can hire a professional web designer to create one for you. Many potential clients will research a photographer on the Internet before contacting him, so your website should include quality samples of your work and an easy method for contacting you.
4.Ask for referrals from family or friends
Offer your clients a discount or a free sitting fee on future appointments with every referral they send your way.
5. Get some quality business cards.
Display your contact and website information on your cards, and hand them out every chance you get. You can hire a graphic designer to design your business cards, or you can design them yourself using tools available through VistaPrint or another printing service.
6. Place ads in local publications.
If your local newspaper offers a special insert related to weddings in the spring, be sure to place an ad in it. Keep an eye out for any special publications in your community that are targeted towards brides, seniors, graduation or other special events that hire photographers. Place an ad in as many publications as you can afford.
7. Obtain a listing in the Yellow Pages.
Many potential brides will look in the Yellow Pages for a list of photographers if no one has been recommended to them by family or friends. You don't want to miss out on potential business by not having a listing in the photography section of the Yellow Pages.
8.Connect With Business Owners
Make connections with businesses who serve the same clientele. If your primary focus is on wedding photography, make connections with florists, wedding planners, wedding dress boutiques and caterers. By connecting with businesses who offer complementary services, you can become a part of their referral network, which can help you generate leads for your new photography business.
9.Volunteer Your Services
If your community is hosting an event and in need of a photographer, volunteer your services to begin spreading the word about your new photography business. This gives you an opportunity to give back to the community and connect with potential clients. You can pass out business cards and brochures during the event to generate interest in your business services.
10. Host a Photo Competition
Host a photograph competition related to the niche you serve. A pet photographer can ask participants to submit funny pet photographs, while a wedding photographer might ask couples to submit funny photographs of them on vacation. Offer your photography services as a prize for the winner of the competition. Ask participants to submit a brief description of the photographs they submit. Along with their submissions, ask for their names, email addresses and permission to add them to your email list. Promote the contest on your website, blog and through social networks to help spread the word. The competition will help draw potential clients to your website and collect email addresses for future marketing opportunities. Announce the winner via email and give all participants a discount coupon they can use for your photography services.
