How I Grew My Photography Business in One Year
I feel like the beginning of my photography career was a little different than most. It was a bit of a whirlwind, if I’m being honest. I picked up my camera, learned the bare basics, and just kind of jumped off the ledge without looking back. I did a lot of different things in this first year to establish my business and grow as a photographer. None of them are ground-breaking, top-secret, sure-fire answers, but I do believe that everything I did helped me get to where I am today.
So buckle up. Here we go.
I offered free photoshoots & model calls
When I was first starting out, I was grabbing whoever I could get my hands on and putting them in front of my camera. I was forcing friends and family to act as my models as I learned my settings and practiced with some posing and prompts that I had seen on TikTok and Pinterest. Once I got some practice and some content, I ventured out beyond my own social circle. I put up posts on Instagram and Facebook asking for couples to model for me in different locations with the promise of free photos in exchange or their time. I got practice, I learned SO MUCH, and I got my name out there. Several of my early models have sent their friends to me or come back themselves as paying clients.
A year later, and I’m still doing putting out the occasional model call. Why would I do this when I have paying clients? When I am doing a photoshoot with a paying client, those photos are for THEM, not for me. And they should represent THEM. I will sometimes do a safe amount of experimenting with poses and prompts, but for the most part, I am sticking to what I know looks great, what fits my couple’s personalities, and what I know will give us great results. When I do model calls, I am creating content for MYSELF. I have the freedom to be as crazy and creative as I want. I have the freedom to experiment and take risks. And I have the freedom to make mistakes. It is low pressure and low risk. For me, that is the best situation for to learn and grow. This has been my avenue for trying new poses, new locations, new lighting situations, and new creative techniques.
I attended styled shoots and content days
In case you don’t know what a styled shoot or content day is, allow me to teach you. A styled shoot (or content day) is a collaboration between multiple different vendors (typically a planner, venue, models, florist, hair/makeup artist, bridal boutique, jeweler, rental company, etc.). Everything is set up and styled like a real wedding with models acting as the couple. This is basically a photographer’s playground. Planners or organizers of the styled shoot will usually offer only a certain number of tickets to photographers in order to keep things manageable and prevent over-crowding. Typically (depending on the size and caliber of the styled shoot), there will be stations. Photographers are divided up into groups and rotate through stations. Stations could include details, bridal portraits, couples portraits, table-scape photos, etc. Smaller shoots may not include these stations. Each photographer takes a turn directing or “taking lead”. In the end, each photographer will go home, edit their gallery, send it to the organizer, and they will distribute the photos to all the vendors who participated. You get content, they get content. Win-win.
The pros of a styled shoot:
It is a completely stress and risk-free environment to experiment & learn
You get to see other (sometimes more experienced) photographers in action and maybe learn some new poses, prompts, and techniques
It is a wonderful portfolio builder
It is a great networking opportunity. I have ended up working with several vendors that I met from networking at styled shoots.
Advertising! When you post from a styled shoot, you tag all the vendors that participated. If those vendors happen to share your post, they are spreading your name on their page as well.
The cons of a styled shoot:
The price. I set a price limit on the styled shoots I attend. I will typically spend no more than $300 on a styled shoot. I have heard awful stories of fellow photographers who have spent THOUSANDS on a content weekend or retreat only to be disappointed in their experience. There are a million different styled shoots out there. You can find low-key ones close to home, or extravagant retreats to the Mid West. Check out Facebook to find styled shoot groups in your state.
Depending on how they are run, styled shoots can sometimes be a free for all. In that case, if you aren’t assertive and get yourself “all up in there”, you will end up being in the back of a pack of photographers and not able to get any good or usable shots. Thankfully, most shoots that I have attended have been well organized and gave every photographer a chance to direct and be the “lead”.
I shamelessly put myself out there
If there was one thing that was truly tested as I grew, it was my comfort zone. And it continues to be tested on a regular basis. In the beginning, I did something that I have literally never done in my life. I was sliding into DM’s like my life depended on it.
I messaged local photographers and simply introduced myself. I said something along the lines of:
“Hi! My name is Lizzy. I am a new & aspiring photographer in the Lancaster, PA area. I have been working hard over the past few months to build my portfolio and have an interest in wedding and couples photography. I am reaching out in hopes of getting my foot in the door serving as an assistant or second shooter with some awesome local photographers. If you ever have a need, I would love for you to keep me in mind!”
I started quite a few working relationships with that DM. And also developed a lot of lasting friendships with local photographers.
I sought out mentorship
I would never be where I am now if it weren’t for the encouragement and mentorship from fellow photographers. Working closely with photographers who inspire you will teach you more than you ever could imagine. My mentors helped and continue to help me not only with my photography skills, but also with the business end of things. Pricing, contracts, advertising, tax questions, and so much more.
Reach out to photographers that you admire. Ask if they offer mentorships. The worst they can say is no.
I am present on social media
Let me preface this by saying something very important: the number of followers you have on instagram doesn’t mean sh*t and has zero reflection on your worth or the quality of your work.
Ok- now that I go that out of the way…
Here are some ways that I have used Instagram to grow my business
Posting content consistently: I used to post every day, but that got old pretty quickly. Now, I try my best to post about twice a week. Posting consistently keeps your name and your work on people’s radar and allows you to showcase your most recent work.
Putting my real self on my stories : I am a firm believer that showing your true personality is the best way to advertise yourself on social media. I roast myself. I show up, even when I’m not looking my best. And I don’t censor my goofy, stupid behaviors. I do try to keep it (semi) professional, but I pride myself on being 100% me. Instagram is a highlight reel. It is literally a showcase of everyone’s best moments. Real people identify with real people. So be real!
Making Instagram Reels: speaking of keeping it reel (see what I did there?). A while ago Instagram was really pushing Reels. I was so sick of hearing about it. How can Reels grow my account and get my work out there? I had no idea. But I tried it. It flopped. I tried it again. It flopped. I kept trying. They kept flopping. And then all of a sudden….out of nowhere…one of my reels went viral. And several more have done the same. To think that these stupid videos have allowed my account to reach millions of people is absolutely mind-blowing to me. I was out of state for a family wedding this weekend and their photographer (based in Florida) told me she had seen my reels. WHAT?!
There is no right or wrong way to grow your business. We are just all out here doing our best, am I right? These are just a few things that have worked for me and that I hope might work for someone else. There is no sure-fire way to make sure your business succeeds, but there is a sure-fire way to make sure it fails. And that is by not putting yourself out there and stepping out of your comfort zone. So get out there and make it happen, babe. I’m rooting for you!
some photos taken at styled shoots during the first few months of my photography career
