Client building, kill the spare time.

Virtually every photographer can associate with the challenge of acquiring their first paying client. We each begin in business with our own skills, carefully polished talents and dedicated interest for what we have to offer. Unfortunately, we also start with a lack of recommendations or a proven past performance of business achievements, which is an ever growing condition of possible new clients. So the well known Catch 22 triumphs: You can’t offer references if you don’t have customers; and you can’t get new clients without references.

Most photographers find themselves drifting into the business after initially photographing special occasions for family and friends. Word gets around, the grapevine is a wonderful place, favours are requested, and assignments start to grow and before long your spare time is occupied with weddings and special events.

That is one of the best ways to introduce yourself but don’t go putting the cart before the horse. It is a little bit early to “dig it to the man.” Don’t go revelling your thoughts to your boss and letting him know what you have always thought of him. Don’t burn your bridges; you should be as sure as possible that you will have a cash flow in place.

Most people who go into the photography business for themselves have worked for someone beforehand using similar skills and abilities they now want to market on their own. If you have a good relationship with your employer, it would be an idea to ask for a testimonial of your work. A previous employer is not only a great source of information to advertise your capabilities, but also has an insider’s view of your character, work principles and personal commitment. This could easily be your most beneficial reference when pursuing your first client. Start doing this while you still hold down the day job. Once you’ve got the skills you need to be a professional photographer, the next step is to build on the client base.