Breaking into the Biz

Starting photographers start out as assistants. Photographers and assistants are both self employed. I loved the saying she showed “If you want to go FAST, go ALONE. If you want to go FAR, go with OTHERS” By African Proverb.  She talked about the different clubs from American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP), Young Photographers Alliance (YPA), Society for Photographic Education (SPE), Stock Artists Alliance (SAA), Editorial Photographers (EP), National Press Photographers Association (NPPA), Advertising Photographers of America (APA) and Professional Photographers of America (PPA). She was and still is a member of ASMP and highly recommends it. By getting involved you will build more relationships and understanding.

Reputation management is a big thing. So many of us have face book and other websites and if a person or ourselves post anything bad then that it will scared your reputation. Pick people you connect with, people that are both photographer and inspiring photographer. Let them know you are picking them because there is something special about them and their work. Internships can be hard because right now during slow times photographers don’t want to pay for someone who just sits there. She had a great point the type of person called “kill Joy”. Also to be a great photographer very upbeat and being very created.

You need to find people that will bring up your spirit and not bringing you down. Eighty percent is a sale so need to be good with talking with others and sales and marketing. Also befriending others with marketing to help understanding how to run a business. Information interviews helps with understanding what others photographers do and use. Also you can turn around and also use on clients with service. Networking with other students in collage like marketing, audio and design areas. Assistants are key people on photo shoots being able to help the photographer.

Loved Loved when she was talking about assistants never take other calls or do anything to distracted the client. Also you have to be on your feet a lot and you have to be willing to push.