It is the holiday busy season so most of us are probably just trying to keep our heads above water. Great! But what about those times of year when you are not as busy? Have you considered shooting just for you?
What I mean is not going out and taking pictures of your own kids. We know that comes with a different set of problems and you probably have taken their pictures a bunch of times.
What I really mean is think about something you'd like to try out - and go do it!
I'll give you one of my recent examples.
I was shopping in Target with my daughter and saw an incredibly cute little girl with her mom and I thought "I would love to photograph her!" Well, it doesn't hurt to ask. So I went right up to the mom, introduced myself, and told her I would LOVE to photograph her daughter for my portfolio. Here's the thing, portfolio building doesn't have to end just because you have been in business for a while. Sometimes it is great to get a model and shoot the way YOU want to shoot. Or try out a new technique, or location!
So the mom said yes and as it turns out dad was a child model in his youth so it was no shock to them! I was able to tell them where I wanted to shoot, when, how I wanted her to wear her hair, made clothing recommendations and brought some of my own. It was great. I got to completely control the session. I got to take the photos I wanted to take, and in return I gave them the high res files as payment. There was a new location I had recently gotten permission to shoot at so I was glad to have this session as my first go there to test the waters.
I had a great time during this session and there were no expectations or requests for specific poses which gave me complete freedom. In addition, I only edited a few of my favorites from the session instead of the standard 25-30 that I would from a paying session. I'm thrilled to have the images for my portfolio.
Such a Joi from Jessica Grieves on Vimeo.
One word of caution...I do get asked all the time to shoot for free because someone thinks it would be good for me to build up my portfolio or get access to new clients. I consider these VERY different kinds of requests which are driven usually by someone wanting free pictures or not understanding my target market. Unless for a very good cause I will usually say no to those kinds of requests because they are typically not the kind of photos I want to be taking. What I'm really talking about is you creating a totally controlled session of you own imagining.
Have fun with it! What are your thoughts on portfolio building after you have been in business a while? Do you still occasionally do free shoots just because you want to?
Practically every time I walk into IKEA (which is about once a week) I see a gorgeous child wearing super hip fashions and I want to photograph him or her for exactly the same reasons. I have an idea that I want to see captured. Until now, I have stopped short of handing my card to the mom, not wanting them to think I'm a weirdo. Not anymore. Thanks for sharing this post. Yes, I think it's great to continue to be creative and try new things and why not look at it as getting a free model - not a free shoot. The day rate for a professional child model would otherwise cost you.
Posted by: Lora Carr | October 22, 2009 at 08:44 PM
I totally shoot for portfolio building during my slow time! Since I am a pet photographer I love having the freedom to try really different things. This summer I did a vintage series at an outdoor antique center with a black great dane and model!
Posted by: Bev | October 23, 2009 at 04:47 AM
Bev, those pictures are fantastic. I love great danes and what a fantastic location! Thanks so much for sharing. I have been following your blog for a few months now-love your pet photography!
Posted by: Jessica | October 23, 2009 at 07:05 AM
I *LOVE* shooting for fun.. not only is it a gift that you are giving to the person you are gushing over their child over, but a gift to yourself..because it feels good to explore your creativity... just ENJOY the shoot w no pressure!!!! Some of my most inspiring shoots have been free ones! Everyone always asks me how can you afford to give away shoots... I cant afford not to really. It sparks such a creative tone with me that my following paid sessions are even better than the last! Not to mention picking who you give your free sessions to is key.. because their friends freak out over your gorgeous images! I love happy topics like this one!
Posted by: Jamie Goffman | October 23, 2009 at 12:19 PM
Ok, you've given me the push to go out and do this!
Posted by: Lydia | October 25, 2009 at 08:21 PM