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Category: Tips on Beginner Photography

Photography Question 

Maverick Creatives
 

Professional Photography: Local Sports Option


I'm sure there are many aspiring photographers out there who are having a difficult time "breaking in" to the business. I am offering a little tip here that has worked well for me.
After investing a few bucks in lighting, soft boxes, snoots, flashes, cameras, and on and on, I found myself spending a lot of time sitting around waiting for the phone to ring. It didn't.
Without a budget for expensive advertising and with very little experience beside the usual family and friend photo shoots, I searched around and found I could make a couple of dollars shooting local sports teams. These leagues depend on the registration fees to survive, so therefore I knew they would be underfunded and I would have to bid low to get the business. It worked.
Since shooting league photo day pictures, my business took off (sort of) and now the phone rings a few times a week - *smile* - hey, it's much better than silence.
I approach each individual player shot as a portrait opportunity and have found if you put your love and knowledge of photography into it those little pictures can turn out amazingly stunning. I use filters, backdrops, and reflectors on photo day, and the kids and parents alike are impressed with the "studio set-up" and begin to ask questions I love to hear: "Do you do family portraits?"
Every city and town has a community sports program, and most are hungry for affordable photographers. Don't look for a huge profit from this. but instead think of it as a enjoyable day of advertising and a chance to hone your skills.
Regards,
Gary


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March 25, 2005

 

Diane Dupuis
  Glad to hear it's working for you, Gary!


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March 26, 2005

 
- Bob Cournoyer

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  Oh Yeah! Woo Hoo! Way to go, Gary ... :-)
Bob (remember? from class?)


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March 26, 2005

 

Justin S.
  That is exactly how I'm getting my name around now, lol. Just like you said, I went to local recreational ballparks and soccer fields, passed out business cards I made at Office Max and have been busy since. It tends to be a bit expensive to start out but well worth it in the long run. I have two jobs and then I have this activity that brings me income too (I can't call it a third job, because I enjoy it too much for it to be work). It helps me out with paying for school. It's good to hear it has worked for others as well as myself.


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March 26, 2005

 
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