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Photography Question 

Melissa Farnsworth
 

How do you advertise?


Hi there
I am curious to how other people might advertise when first starting out? Do you hand out flyers or post your business card some where or do you rely mostly on word of mouth. I have business cards and a website and I have handed my card out to several friends and family and have had a few jobs but now I am kind of at a stand still. I know it takes time and I know I need alot more practice but I was just wondering if there are other steps that other people might do about getting their name out there. Thanks for any advice. Have a great weekend!
Melissa


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October 01, 2005

 

Ashley Johnson
  Hi Melissa-

There's a photography "school" out there called Not Your Normal School of Photography. You can purchase a course from them for around $500 that will give you tons of info on low cost, effective marketing. The course includes a lot of other info too including the photography itself, some organizational material, and a resource guide. It's totally worth the money even if you completely ignore the posing and shooting part of the course since you already know how to do it. That is what I pretty much did. The money you pay for the course is a small price to pay for the business you can generate using their techniques. Their website is...

http://nynphotoschool.com/

You should at least check them out. They are totally legit and so helpful even after you have purchased the course.

I also wanted to tell you that I checked out your website, and your wedding photos are absolutely beautiful. I love them all.


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October 01, 2005

 

Bob Cammarata
  Try placing an ad in one of those on-line local "Yellow-Pages" type venues.
These are visited quite often and can generate sales. They are available in most major markets and are quite affordable.

You can also add a signature message to all of your out-going e-mails.
This signature should contain your name, a catchy but brief synopsis of the services you intend to provide and your complete web address.
Your web-site will appear as a live link onto which anyone with whom you correspond can access to see what you're all about.
This is free with most (if not all) e-mail service providers.


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October 01, 2005

 

BetterPhoto Member
  Yellow pages. And people who serve those having similar events to that which you are shooting. Ie. weddings. Give some of your cards to DJ's, caterers, bakers, florist and take some of theirs in exchange. They love publicity as much as you and would be willing to recipricate.


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October 01, 2005

 

Debby A. Tabb
  Try to stay away from adcertizing , except the reg, yellow pages ad.
Word of mouth and personal contact is the best way.
Try taking your brouchures to different places andif you have a weekend that a bridle shop owner will let you just hang out and talk to people and put up a small display of your work.
But ususally I tell others to start close to home- let those in your nieghborhood know your there:
halloween night is coming- borrow a small child from a friend or family member- take a halloween and a christmas portrait of them-use it to make a small flyer or business card-
tape it to every piece of candy you hand out and try to be out there talking to those moms and dads, introduce yourself and let them know your a photographer here in thier own nieghborhood and they will see your work on the card.
1 happy person will tell others!!
best of luck,
Debby


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October 02, 2005

 

Melissa Farnsworth
  Thanks everyone for the ideas. They are all great! I have been working on a little brochure so hopefully I can get that done soon. I love the Halloween idea. we always get a ton of kids.
Everyone have a great Monday!


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October 03, 2005

 
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