How Can I Start a Photography Business in Sydney?

[Deactivated] on 05/01/2018 - 15:56
Last edited 09/01/2018 - 17:56 by 1 other user

Hi everyone. I am a photographer based in Sydney with about 3 years of real world experience in photography and I am just starting to get into paid work. I want to start working in Sydney and I was wondering how to go about getting first customers?

I have no doubt after I do a few jobs, I can get into a rhythm and go on from there but the start is what I am worried about. I put a listing on Gumtree today but I am not seeing any hits and I also mentioned I will do heavily discounted work for first customers to build a relationship and my portfolio but it hasn't produced anything yet.

I am willing to do portraits of people, kids and family, real estate photography, product photography and even small events (not ready to jump on to weddings quite yet) but where should i put my ads and so on and so forth? I will create my website once I have a solid portfolio but until then I have a few photos on gumtree to show what I have going on and looking to get jobs through reference.

Any help I would highly appreciate, kind regards.

Link to gumtree listing

upon listening to feedback from you guys, i have updated the listing to give a a more "1 price session" for all kind of deal
that is $99 for 1 hour shoot, 15 edited photos and 10 6x4" prints.
https://www.gumtree.com.au/m-my-ad.html?adId=1171225420

still waiting to get my first client ;_;

Education & Work

Comments

  • dcep on 05/01/2018 - 16:06
    +3

    it's a tough one, you need more friends and big social network

    to market/ads on fb insta snaps website etc, you need a solid portfolio (not just a few photos)

    to build a solid portfolio, you need to do free jobs or offer low cost jobs

    stuffs like albums for family photos, albums for engagement shoot of young couples etc.

    start with friends and family

    • [Deactivated] on 06/01/2018 - 04:19

      that is the main issue. the photos i have handy are only of my family and friends and not all are what would be considered "professional". But yes, once i have a gallery, I can have a portfolio website, insta and facebook and those would for sure open up more opportunities but i need photos first! i am willing to do work for cheap but i would only take money because of the transport and overall time spend behind it.

      • dcep on 06/01/2018 - 11:22
        +1

        that's what i meant, organize a family/couple photo session for a professional shoot, use your family or friends as modelling subjects.

        you can't expect your all your jobs to be professionally paid service when you're just starting with hardly any reference.

        • [Deactivated] on 09/01/2018 - 17:32

          yea i understand, thanks! i dont have too many friends around who would pose for photos so thats a little tough but im trying to find options! thanks for the help mate!

  • holdenmg on 05/01/2018 - 16:59
    +4

    Think about looking for jobs or listing your services on Airtasker.

    I wouldn't think of looking for a Photographer on Gumtree.

    Good luck and stay positive.

    • [Deactivated] on 06/01/2018 - 04:20
      +1

      thanks! appreciate the input, didnt think of airtasker, will do first thing tomorrow!

  • TheBilly on 05/01/2018 - 17:15
    +2

    We did a shoot once, the way the lady operated was, you get a 1 hour "shooting time" (can't remember exact). You nominate location, photographer comes and takes photos then gives 15 photos edited and looking nice on a USB to you for $150. You can pick a park or any nice location and they just rock up. I thought it was a creative, cost effective, efficient way to drum up new business. Obviously once you start getting out there, from here you will get recomended etc.

    • [Deactivated] on 06/01/2018 - 04:22

      I am going a very similar way with this. I will do an hour shoot and deliver like 10 edited photos to perhaps dropbox or something of that sort for 50-100. but how do i get clients like you? meaning where did you see them and how did you come about hiring them? thanks for your help billy!

      • TheBilly on 06/01/2018 - 09:32

        Gumtree Add - Which had links to Instagram and Facebook show casing some work. All pricing was clear cut and upfront, so no ambiguity.

        • [Deactivated] on 09/01/2018 - 17:34

          I just put up something like that
          https://www.gumtree.com.au/m-my-ad.html?adId=1171225420

          $99 for 1 hour shoot, 15 edited photos and 10 6x4" prints.
          I havent paid the extra to keep the ad on top yet but I havent had any calls yet from gumtree so i dont even know if it is worth paying for it.

      • TheBilly on 06/01/2018 - 09:34

        Also paythe $10 to keep your add at the the top or whatever it is.

  • toniyellow on 05/01/2018 - 17:43
    +1

    There is a specific Airtasker type service for photography called Snappr, I've seen their ads on YouTube and late night TV.

    Actually started in Aus although they have since moved headquarters to US

    https://techcrunch.com/2017/02/13/snappr-makes-it-affordable…

    Their rates in Aus also start at $50, which you list as your discounted price, and they have various insurances, customer service to complain to etc.

    I think you will have a very hard time competing with the rise of services like that unless the quality of your work beats theirs.

    You could consider joining their platform, though I imagine it is more of a side hustle than a full time job.

    • [Deactivated] on 06/01/2018 - 04:24

      totally understand what i mean, and until i create a name for my business, these type of services will definitely give me a hard time getting the average joe clients. I am willing to start slow with very low money until i have a solid portfolio then i would like to make it more of a full time thing.

  • afoveht on 05/01/2018 - 19:48
    +2

    Jim's Photography.

    • [Deactivated] on 06/01/2018 - 04:24

      i am not familiar with that, is that some sort of airtasker like service? could you please elaborate?

      • [Deactivated] on 06/01/2018 - 06:50
        +2

        As in Jim's mowing etc. etc. franchises

  • ShannonN on 06/01/2018 - 10:55

    Get a Blue Card to work with children first. allows many possibilities, Approach day care centres, Kindys for permission to attend on a certain day to be available to photograph staff and/or Parents & kids, put up posters and get centre to notify parents service is available.

    Do what those photographers in the shopping centre do, Take 6 different pics of each kid, offer 1 pic for free to parents, show parents other 5 offer the lot for 19.95 on their usb stick or 29.95 on supplied * Gb stick parents and esp. grandparents love images of kids.

    Will quickly build a resume of work and become known to families as a good photographer for parties, school photos family portraits etc

    • [Deactivated] on 09/01/2018 - 17:49

      Upon quick google search, the blue card is for queensland, would you happen to know what it is for NSW?
      the shopping center one seems like a great idea, do i need some sort of form or permission to be in the mall kind of "selling my service" out in the middle?

      thanks for the great idea Shannon :)

      • ShannonN on 10/01/2018 - 00:11
        +1

        (https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/check-working-chi…)

        I guess you would HIRE floor space from shopping centre management etc. Perhaps you need to be a registered company also

        • [Deactivated] on 11/01/2018 - 01:32

          thank you so much for your help! I have had one text yesterday for an engagement! wouldnt want to jump into something so advanced as this but if the client is okay with it then i guess its not a bad first project!

  • poboy on 06/01/2018 - 15:01
    +2

    Hey, Goodluck. Sadly, photography is being devalued in the eyes of consumers each year as phone cameras get better.

    I encourage you to google 'why I quit photography' and read up so you know what to expect.

    • [Deactivated] on 09/01/2018 - 17:38

      thank you! indeed it is, but if you intend to get prints, pro gear will beat smartphones all the time!

  • sahh on 06/01/2018 - 19:07

    Get your website/social media up and running first; good way is to look at some volunteering opporthnites - some charities may have a need for photographers for an event. Good way to build up portfolio and meet people

    • [Deactivated] on 09/01/2018 - 17:36

      where do i find these charities that need photographers? like is there any website where they ask if people will volunteer?

  • jjjaar on 06/01/2018 - 22:04
    +1

    Social media 100%

    My friend found her photographers, make up artists, florists and hairdressers for her wedding all on Instagram.

    If you market your accounts right you'll attract the right clientele.

    • [Deactivated] on 09/01/2018 - 17:35

      Yes i will make those accounts by today and post all my best shots so far

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