With increasingly advanced camera technology, a wealth of online tutorials, and minimal barriers into the industry, competition among professional photographers is high. A brief Google search of the area you live in will likely bring up pages of results within a very small radius. So how can newly qualified photographers stand out from the crowd? Fortunately, there are several effective strategies you can use.
New photographers often take on as many clients as possible to build up their reputation. Although this may help to pay the bills initially, in the long run it can be harmful to a fledgling business. With nothing to distinguish you from hundreds of other available photographers, you run the risk of becoming a replaceable entity and having to cut your rates to stay competitive. Narrowing your focus makes it easier to grow your skills quickly in that specific area. Photographers with a reputation for a specialty (for example, wildlife photographer Michael Aw or renowned portrait photographer Annie Leibovitz) are highly respected and well paid for their expertise. When you are doing something you are passionate about, your enthusiasm for your work will be reflected in the way you communicate with your clients. This helps to elevate customer service skills, which can make or break a business. Not sure what to specialize in? Ask yourself:
With a saturated market, often the only factor that distinguishes you from other professionals is an outstanding personal experience. Being naturally charming and engaging is an advantage that not everyone has, but there are several ways in which you can provide a memorable customer experience:
Your website is an advertisement for your business, and with hundreds of other options to choose from you only have a few seconds to make a positive impression on prospective clients. Taking the time to plan and develop an effective website is essential. Here’s a brief checklist:
Earning a professional qualification goes a long way toward establishing credibility as a working photographer, as well as providing valuable practical experience. For more information about pursuing an online Masters (MA) in Photography through Falmouth University’s Flexible Learning programme, visit our course page.