How to Get Photography Clients as a Beginner
Starting your photography business is exciting, but after the initial excitement you mind find yourself feeling overwhelmed about how to find your first photography clients as a beginner. Many aspiring photographers end up doubting themselves and wondering whether they will ever get paying clients.
Over 8 years ago, I started my photography business from scratch during my maternity leave. I know very well what it’s like to feel unsure about where to begin and wonder whether the business you dream of will ever become a reality. It took me a lot of trial and error to find my first clients, but eventually I got there!
Today, I run a successful photography business, and I’m also an ICF-certified coach and photography business mentor, helping photographers like you grow businesses they love; businesses that feel authentic, sustainable, and successful. I’ve walked the path you’re on, and I’m here to help you take confident, practical steps toward success.
In this guide, I’ll share how to find your first photography clients, build your confidence in showcasing your skills, and make sales.
Step 1: Build a Photography Portfolio That Reflects Your Style
A strong portfolio is essential to finding your first photography clients—it’s your visual CV and often the first thing potential clients will see. But when you’re starting out, building one can feel daunting.
How to Start
- Use personal projects or model calls (more on those later) to create images that reflect the style you want to be hired for. I started by photographing family and friends before moving on to model calls.
- Focus on quality over quantity; even 10 great, well-thought-out images can make an impact.
Practical Tips
- Create diversity in your portfolio by photographing different locations, events, or subjects.
- Share work you can confidently recreate for clients – don’t include images you wouldn’t want to be taking for clients or don’t know how to replicate.
- Choose photos that evoke emotion or tell a story, helping potential clients imagine themselves in your work.
- For example, if you want to specialise in family photography, create images that reflect warm, candid interactions. This will attract clients looking for similar styles.
Step 2: Tap into Your Network To Find Your First Photography Clients
Your first clients may already be closer than you think! Friends, family, and colleagues can be an incredible resource when you’re starting out because they already know, like, and trust you. Gaining trust from strangers usually takes a little longer.
How to Start
- Share your journey: Let people know you’re now offering photography services through a friendly email, text, or social media post.
- Be specific about the sessions you’re offering, such as family portraits or headshots, and the kind of people you want to work with.
- Let them know that you need help getting your first clients and would love their support to refer anyone they know. Be clear about whether this is a paid offering, or whether you’re looking for models for a test shoot.
Key Reminder
You may need to talk about what you’re doing more than once. People are busy, and nobody is as invested in your success as you are. Don’t be afraid to gently remind them that you’d love their help or referrals.
Step 3: Offer Model Calls To Build Awareness
Model calls are a fantastic way to gain experience, build a portfolio, and attract word-of-mouth referrals. These are sessions offered at a reduced price or free in exchange for portfolio images.
How They Work
- Use your social media platforms to promote your model calls.
- Partner with local businesses for cross-promotion.
- Make sure participants sign a model release so you can confidently use the images in your portfolio and marketing.
Be Strategic
Model calls should be a win-win. While clients benefit from free or discounted images, you need to ensure you’re capturing the type of work you want to be known for. Be clear about your creative vision and set boundaries before the shoot to ensure the resulting photos are what you need.
Step 4: Collaborate to Build Awareness of Your Photography Business
Collaborations can help you reach new audiences while building valuable relationships in your community.
Ideas for Collaborations
- Host pop-up events at a baby shop, school fair, or community market.
- Offer mini headshot sessions at a business networking event.
- Partner with local businesses to run giveaways or special offers.
Make It Mutually Beneficial
Ensure collaborations benefit both parties. For example, offer professional photos to a local business in exchange for exposure to their audience.
Step 5: Use Social Media Effectively As A Photographer
Social media can be a powerful tool to grow your business, but it’s about more than just posting pretty pictures.
Using Social Media Effectively
Using social media effectively is about creating a connection with your audience. Here’s how to do it:
- Share Your Journey: Don’t be afraid to talk about being a beginner—it helps people connect with you.
- Be Authentic: Highlight your strengths and experience without trying to appear more experienced than you are.
- Say Something Interesting: Post captions that tell a story, share helpful tips, or offer insights into your process.
Ideas for Content
- Behind-the-scenes posts to build connection and trust.
- Before-and-after edits to showcase your skills.
- Testimonials or success stories from your portfolio-building sessions.
Remember, while social media is helpful for visibility, it’s not the only way to market your business. Use a mix of strategies to ensure consistent growth.
And if you’re not sure about how to talk about what you do, do download my free guide to selling your services with confidence – it walks you through practical exercises to help you talk about what you do with confidence, and is completely free. Click here to grab your copy.
Step 6: Optimise Your Website for SEO
Your website is your digital storefront, and while it’s a longer-term strategy, SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) can help potential clients find you.
Start Small
You don’t need a big, fancy website to start. A simple, professional site can build credibility.
What Your Website Needs
Your website can grow and develop with your business. At the beginning, make sure it:
- Explains who you are and what you offer.
- Showcases your portfolio.
- Tells visitors how they can contact you.
- Is optimised for one local keyword—e.g., “Your Town Family Photographer.”
Content Ideas
As your website grows, you can add:
- Blog posts on topics your ideal clients are searching for, like “what to wear for a family photoshoot.”
- Information about your services, pricing, and booking process.
Step 7: Stay Consistent and Keep Learning
Building a client base takes time, but staying consistent and investing in your growth will pay off.
What to Do
- Stay visible, both online and offline, to keep your business top of mind.
- Take courses, join photography groups, or work with a mentor to keep improving your skills and strategy.
Mindset Reminder
It’s easy to compare yourself to others, but remember that their chapter 10 isn’t your chapter 1. Focus on steady progress, celebrate each small win, and keep moving forward.
Related Article: How do I stop comparing myself to other photographers?
Your Next Step: Sell Your Photography Services with Confidence
Selling can feel like the hardest part for beginners, but it doesn’t have to. Over the years I’ve learned how to talk about my services and generate bookings without feeling salesy or spammy. I’ve created a free workbook, Sell Your Services with Confidence which is packed with exercises to help you sell with confidence too.
What It Includes
- Exercises to clarify your services and build your belief in their value.
- Strategies to sell in a way that feels natural and authentic.
Click on the button below to download it and start building your confidence in selling what you do.
Conclusion: How To Get Photography Clients As A Beginner
Attracting your first photography clients as a beginner is about showing up consistently, building connections, and sharing your unique perspective. Remember, everyone starts somewhere – you’ve got this.
Ready to take the next step? Download my free guide and start building a thriving photography business today.
