Are you a photographer trying to figure out how to get clients? If so, you’re in the right place. Finding clients can feel overwhelming at first, but with the right steps, it’s easier than you think. In this blog, we’ll take you through simple, actionable ways to start attracting photography clients right away. Let’s get started.
5 Sure Shot ways to get photography clients:
1. Look for Clients Where They Already Are
If you’re trying to get photography clients, start by going to places where they’re already active. Many businesses and creators are online, and they need great photos to stand out. You just need to know how to connect with them.
Start with Instagram and Pinterest. These platforms are full of small business owners who are always looking for ways to improve how their products or services look online. For example, if you’re interested in product photography, search for hashtags like #homedecorstore or #handcraftedjewelry. Look at the profiles that pop up. If you see someone whose photos could use a little upgrade, send them a polite, friendly message. Tell them who you are and how you can help.
If product photography is your thing, platforms like Etsy and Shopify are goldmines. Many small businesses on these sites need professional photos to sell their products.
For example, if you want to work with skincare brands, type in site:myshopify.com + skincare. This will give you a list of Shopify stores that you can check out. Visit their websites, and if you think their product photos could look better, send them an email introducing yourself and your services.
Another option is to explore B2B marketplaces where brands connect with retailers. One example is Orderchamp, which is popular in Europe. Brands on these platforms often need professional photos to present their products to potential buyers. Take some time to browse and reach out to businesses that catch your eye.
2. Use Cold Outreach to Connect with Clients
One of the most effective ways to find photography clients is through cold outreach—sending emails to businesses that might need your services. The key here is to make it personal and offer something valuable upfront to grab their attention.
Here’s a simple idea: offer a complimentary photoshoot for up to three products. This doesn’t mean you’re working for free—it’s about showing potential clients what you can do and building trust. For example, you could reach out to a small skincare brand and offer to photograph a few of their products for free. If they like your work, they’re more likely to hire you for future projects. And Make your outreach stand out. One way to do this is by creating short, personalized video pitches. Tools like Loom let you record quick videos introducing yourself and explaining how you can help their business. A video feels more personal than a plain email and shows the effort you’re putting into reaching out.
3. Build an Online Presence That Brings Clients to You
Not everyone enjoys networking, and that’s okay. You can still get photography clients by creating a strong online presence that helps people find you naturally. The key is to have a professional portfolio, focus on SEO (Search Engine Optimization), and collect great reviews. Let’s break it down step by step:
1. Create a Website and Showcase Your Portfolio
Your website is the first impression many clients will have of you, so make it count. It doesn’t need to be complicated, but it should showcase your best work and make it easy for clients to reach you. Platforms like CheckYa make this process simple. With CheckYa, you can create a clean, professional-looking page where you can:
- Display your portfolio.
- List your photography services.
- Send invoices and accept payments.
- Offer booking options for discovery calls or photoshoots.
When building your portfolio, focus on quality over quantity. Choose your best photos, especially ones that reflect the type of work you want to attract (e.g., product photography, weddings, portraits). Arrange them in categories, so clients can easily see your range. As you complete more projects, update your portfolio regularly to keep it fresh.
2. Use SEO to Make Your Website Visible
SEO might sound technical, but it’s just a way to help people find your website on Google. Without SEO, even the best website won’t get much traffic.
Here’s how you can start with SEO:
- Use keywords your clients would search for, like “family photographer in [city]” or “product photography services near me.” Add these phrases to your website’s text, headlines, and image descriptions.
- Write a blog with helpful tips related to your niche. For example, if you shoot weddings, you could write, “How to Choose the Right Wedding Photographer.” This helps your website rank higher on Google and attracts the right people.
- Optimize your images by using descriptive file names (e.g., “handcrafted-ring-product-photo.jpg”) and adding alt text.
Good SEO takes time, but once it starts working, clients will find you through Google searches.
3. Get Great Reviews on Google and Yelp
Reviews are essential for building trust with potential clients. People are more likely to book a photographer when they see others raving about their experience.
Start asking your happy clients for reviews. After a photoshoot, send a friendly email or message like this:
Hi,
Thanks so much for letting us photograph your event. We’re so happy with how everything turned out and hope you are too!
If you have a moment, we’d really appreciate it if you could leave a quick review on Google/Yelp. Here’s the link: www.link.com
4. Start with Event Photography to Build Your Portfolio
Event photography is a great way to grow your skills and make connections, even if it doesn’t pay right away. Look for events you’re excited about, like concerts, festivals, conventions, or local gatherings. Email the organizers and offer to photograph the event for free in exchange for a press pass. Let them know you’re building your portfolio and want to showcase their event with professional images.
At first, this might feel like a lot of work without immediate pay, but it can lead to better opportunities in future. After covering one event, you’ll start to build momentum. Event organizers and other people involved will see your work and could recommend you for bigger opportunities.
5. Find Local Events to Meet Potential Clients
Attending local events is one of the best ways to meet people who might need your photography services. These events are full of small business owners, artists, and entrepreneurs who could be your next clients. It’s all about showing up, introducing yourself, and letting them know what you offer. Here are some ways to discover what’s happening near you:
- Facebook Events: Check the “Events” section on Facebook to see what’s planned locally. You can search for keywords like “small business fair,” “networking,” or “local markets.”
- Eventbrite: This site lists events in all categories, including business meetups, workshops, and community fairs. Just search by your location and filter for the kind of events you’re interested in.
- Meetup: A great platform to find networking groups and community gatherings. Look for photography-related meetups or events for small business owners who might need your services.
- Community Bulletin Boards: Physical boards at libraries, coffee shops, and community centers often have flyers for upcoming events. Online neighborhood groups like Nextdoor can also be helpful.
These events give you a chance to meet people face-to-face, share what you do, and even show off your work. For example, you could bring along a small printed portfolio or have your website ready to show on your phone. Conversations are much more personal when people can see your photos and hear your passion firsthand.
At small business events, talk to vendors about their photography needs. Many small businesses are looking for product photos, headshots, or event coverage but don’t know where to find a photographer. Offering your services to them, even at an introductory rate or as a quick demo, can open the door to future collaborations.
Conclusion:
Now that you know these top 5 proven ways to find clients for your photography business, it’s time to put them into action. Whether it’s reaching out to potential clients online, attending local events, or simply putting up flyers, each step brings you closer to building a strong client base. Try different approaches and see what works best for you. Start today, and watch as your hard work attracts more and more clients to your business.
