For Beginners: 5 Ways to Build Your Portrait Photography Portfolio
When you first start a portrait photography business, building your portfolio can seem like a daunting task. Future clients are going to want to see examples of your work before they decide to invest in you to take their pictures. Below I’ve outlined the most successful ways that I have built my portrait portfolio.
Family
To be honest my family were my first paying clients when I decided to start a photography business. Above are photos of my Mom and my Uncle Karsten. They supported my business from its conception and helped me build my portfolio and encourage me to get better and learn more about photography every single day.
Friends
My friends have also been some of my biggest cheerleaders. When I first mentioned my business goals, my friends were very supportive. I took their headshots, engagement photos, and creative photos. My friends are also my biggest referrers. Whenever they feel someone needs a photographer, they either hand them my card or direct them to my website. My friends are also honest in their critiques of my work and help me see photography from the clients eye.
Local Businesses
Partnering with a local business can be very mutually beneficial. I have a contractural partnership with Event Customs, a local event planning company. With Event Customs, I take product and setup photos for them to show to prospective clients. The photos I take showcase their event planning styles and expertise and in return I end up getting clients who need a photographer for their event. Whether it’s a wedding, birthday party, or bridal shower, partnering with Event Customs has pushed me past my comfort zone and challenged me for the better as a photographer.
Local Events
Local Events are a great place to network. You can get in touch with the event organizers and offer your photography services for the event. while you are photographing the local event, hand out your business cards. Chances are these events are swarming with potential clients. So why not take advantage of it?
Social Media
When it comes to filling your portfolio with your photography related to your niche, it’s really easy to reach out to people near you for a photo session. I’ve met so many people through social media, mainly Instagram, who are willing to help me build my portfolio. A lot of them I’m still great friends with now. Meeting people through social media can also enhance your network. The people you’ll meet will have friends who have friends who have friends who will all see your photos through the connection you made. Social media can be used as a tool to build a solid portfolio and can also lead to potential clients.
You now have the tools to start building your portrait photography portfolio. Happy snapping!
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