When you're first starting out in photography, it's hard to know where to begin. I remember how eager I was to get anyone in front of my camera. Taking pictures of nature and our family dog was not cutting it anymore! I wanted to work with people! With faces! I knew portraits was something I was passionate about. 10 years later, here I am, working full time as a wedding photographer. If you're looking specifically for advice on breaking into weddings, I would recommend checking out my post "How to Land a Second Shooting Job"
Because today, we're talking all about portraits! The advice I'm about to give is not what I did to build my portfolio, but the advice I wish I had received when I was just starting. Believe it or not, but I had my first paying clients at the age of THIRTEEN. Yep, someone actually trusted me and paid me to take their photos when I was barely a teenager. Because I started so long, I didn't have to worry about a full time work schedule, paying bills, or really any of the boring adult things I have to think about now-a-days. If you're still in high school and you happen to be reading this, just go out there, shoot anything and everything you can. Take advantage of your freedom and grow while you don't have adult responsibilities.
Ready to dive into my advice? I sure am!
The Basics of Model Calls
One of the most effective ways to get people in front of your camera is model calls. If you're not familiar with the term, allow me to explain. A model call traditionally means a photographer posting a message (usually on social media) asking their followers if anyone would like to model for them for free in exchange for free photos. When you don't have a portfolio to show paying clients, it's hard to get any paid work. Hence why model calls are popular.
I have a love-hate relationship with model calls. Although they can be effective, sometimes they can be a pain in the rear end. Often times, the models who respond to your call have nothing at stake, nothing to lose. So they're more likely to cancel on you. This can be extremely frustrating when you carve out time in your already busy schedule to shoot and also take time out of your day to plan a shoot. One way to combat this is by asking models to pay a refundable deposit. Even if you're shooting them for free, ask them to pay a small deposit that you will then refund on the day of their session.
Another important piece of advice when it comes to model calls -- have a contract! I've heard horror stories of photographers shooting models for free in hopes to build their portfolio and the models turning around saying "we don't want these shared online". You just ended up wasting your time! Model releases are easy to come by online, just make sure you find one with legal standing.
Selecting Your Models
It's important to be picky when you select your models. I know the feeling of wanting to work with anyone you can, but if you don't have unlimited time to spare, you could be wasting your time. Make sure you are working with models that reflect the image of your ideal client. For instance, if you want to shoot senior portraits, find models who look like they could actually be seniors in high school. If you only have a portfolio of young children and families to show, potential senior photo clients might doubt your ability to capture beautiful senior portraits.
And this applies to every area of photography! Take some time to really hone in on what it is that you want to shoot. Don't limit yourself just because you don't believe in yourself. If you want to shoot luxury destination weddings, set your mind to it and make it happen. Write down a full personal bio for your ideal client. Where do they live? What are their hobbies? Where do they shop? What is their personal Pinterest board aesthetic? Where do they work? Where do they spend their free time? What type of photos do they want hanging in their house?
When you look for models, find someone who fits that persona and hold to it. Bonus tip: ask your models to send a few makeup-free selfies and ask if they plan on drastically changing their look before the date of the shoot. I once had a styled wedding shoot planned and the day before the model told us she dyed her hair a vibrant red. Although I'm sure she rocked the new hair, it didn't fit our vision for the shoot, so we had to scramble to find a new model at the last minute.
Style the Session
This is something I see overlooked ALL the time. If I had a dollar for every time I saw a beginner post a "CC on this shoot" in a photography Facebook group and the clients are wearing mismatched terrible outfits, I would be a very wealthy woman. Remember why you are shooting for free (or for heavily discounted prices). Because you want to build your portfolio. Part of building your portfolio is curating a brand that speaks to your ideal client. Just like I mentioned about select your models, it's important to give them guidance on selecting outfits for the shoot. If you're doing a model call, I would anticipate that you are selecting the location of the shoot, but don't forget about the outfits!
Study other photographer's portfolios. See what you like about them. Do you like their moody style with lots of earth tones and layers? Do you like the light and airy romantic color palette? Get specific about what you like and what you want to shoot. When you go to plan your session (and this applies to paid sessions too) take the time to pull inspiration and build a vision board. Bonus points if you even put together full outfits for everyone involved.
Imagine you block time in your week, drive an hour to a scenic location, and are ready to shoot when your family of 4 models pulls up. The mom is wearing a formal black tie gown, the dad is in jean shorts and a graphic t-shirt, the daughter is wearing a boho vest and floral dress, and the younger brother is sporting a full neon Nike outfit. I'm sure they look great, but that is not going to book you clients. It makes you look unprepared and unknowledgeable. Paying clients want to see your ability to pull together a beautiful photoshoot. Your portfolio should so CONSISTENCY. Clients want to know what to expect when they pay oyu their hard earned money. This is why curating your portfolio is so important.
This also goes back to showing what you want to shoot. If you want to shoot beautiful luxury family sessions on the beach, don't plan a model call session with a boho edge in the forest. If you can't communicate to clients what you do/want to do, they'll have no idea you can do it. Don't be afraid to stick to your niche. I promise you, you will find your paying clients. There is a photographer for everyone out there. What might seem beautiful to you might be bleh to the next person. Every photographer has their own style, and so does every client.
Go ahead and make a Pinterest board for yourself. Start saving location, outfit, and general posing inspiration. Make sure everything speaks to your brand and your ideal client. Reference this board whenever you go to plan a shoot to make sure everything aligns.
During the Shoot
My biggest piece of advice when you're just stating out: TAKE YOUR TIME. Don't feel like you have to rush through the shoot. It is okay to take a breather and collect your thoughts. It's okay to ask models to reposition or doing something over again. Your models are there for YOU to grow. Save some posing inspiration on your phone and don't be afraid to reference it.
Make sure you take the time to talk with your models when they arrive. Make sure they feel comfortable. Tell them about yourself and tell them what the shoot is going to look like and feel like. Here's what I say when I work with seniors:
“Hey! I’m ______ it’s so nice to meet you in person! I’m so excited to shoot with you tonight. Tell me a little bit about your outfits. Do you have any favorites that you’ll want more photos in? Or are they about all even? I ask so I can make sure we stay on track with time!”
After you discuss outfits and get a game plan, make sure to say...
“I’ll walk you through all of the posing. If there is something that I suggest that doesn’t resonate with you, don’t be afraid to speak up! I promise you’re not going to hurt my feelings. Do you have a side you prefer? (Answer) Usually, if I pose you one way and you prefer the other side, you can go ahead and switch to the side you prefer, or just remind me!”
So what are your thoughts? Was this blog post helpful? I hope it was! Becoming a photographer can be so scary, but at the same time, it is equally as rewarding. If you're passionate about photography, don't give up. It doesn't happen over night. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication, but I believe in you!
Comments