A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your First Photography Client
How to Get Your First Photography Client – A Beginner’s Guide
I’ve been a photographer for almost five years now. I’ve worked with clients of all types and sizes, from small families to large companies. I’ve worked for three years as a full-time in-house photographer, getting to know clients and freelancers and how things operate end-to-end. I feel like, finally, I know what’s going on. But it hasn’t always been like that. I once knew nothing about the creative world.
I started with zero industry knowledge. I had no roadmap.
In this guide, I’ll break down exactly what I did in those early years to set things in motion, so you can start earning from photography and (hopefully) turn it into a career.
Think of it like setting up dominoes. Small, intentional actions early on create momentum, leading to bigger opportunities over time.
If I had to start over from scratch, these are the exact steps I’d take to land my first client.
Step 1: DIY your first portfolio
One of the biggest hurdles when starting out is not having a body of work to show potential clients. But you don’t need any paid projects to build a portfolio. Create your own portfolio. Give yourself projects and create a series of images that represent the type of photography you want to be hired for.
Want to be a portrait photographer? Round up your friends and offer free shoots, or check out Facebook groups where photographers connect with models. Want to be a food photographer? With some Pinterest-boarding and a bit of creativity I can confirm that you can transform even the ugliest of IKEA desks into a beautiful backdrop. Basically, the goal is to have a cohesive collection of images that showcases your skills and style.
Keep in mind that it’s better to have a few standout shots, some absolute bangers that you’re really proud of, rather than a massive collection of photos that may overwhelm clients. Show them what you do best!
Tip: How to showcase your photography
The easiest and cheapest way to share your portfolio is through Instagram. Whether you want to make a separate account or not for your photography business, that’s totally up to you. But Instagram is a brilliant and completely free way to market yourself. I got my first big client through Instagram.
If you have an Adobe membership, consider creating a free portfolio webpage through Adobe Portfolio to showcase more of your work. If you don’t have an Adobe subscription, Wix have some free options for small websites.
Still in your community building and inspiration phase? Share your work through Behance, Flickr or 500px.
If you’re ready to spend some money and start a website, consider Squarespace or Format.
If you’re not sure what niche to choose, then do a little bit of experimentation and introspection. In 2020 I gave myself 6 months to try all types of photography to discover what I loved. I found that I enjoyed travel best, so I honed down on that. I landed my first client later in 2021, through Instagram.
Step 2: Focus on networking and community
I’ve never really liked the word “networking”, I prefer to reframe it as “community building”. If you show up authentically and create genuine connections with like-minded people, you’ll make new friends, potentially meet new collaborators, and even meet future clients. You just have to show up.
What are the best ways to meet like-minded people in your community? Join local photography groups. Go on a photowalk or meetup. Introduce yourself to other photographers, offer to assist them on shoots, or collaborate on projects.
Don’t underestimate the power of social media, either. Instagram, Facebook groups, and even LinkedIn (…yeah, I know) can be great places to connect with people in your industry.
Just remember, community over competition, always. When you focus on building connections, opportunities will follow. But if you get caught up in competition, you’ll slip into a scarcity mindset, making everything feel harder than it needs to be.
Step 3: Tell people what you do
This is the step that I see a considerable amount of photographers not doing, but it’s one of the easiest and most impactful things you can do!
Tell people what you do.
If no one knows you’re a photographer, they can’t hire or recommend you. Post your work on Instagram, add it to your website, make business cards, drop it into conversations, whatever it takes to get your name out there. The more you put your work into the world, the more opportunities will come your way.
Yes, it might feel a little awkward at first. I felt the same way when I started. But you have to push past that. Embrace the cringe. If you let a little embarrassment hold you back, you’re only stopping yourself from growing.
Step 4: Contact small or local businesses
Small businesses often need photography but may not have the budget to hire established photographers. This is a great opportunity for you! Approach local businesses in your niche and offer to shoot for them at a discounted rate or in exchange for a client testimonial.
When pitching your services, tell them how your photography can benefit them. Whether it’s content for their website, social media, or marketing materials, show them why they should hire you. If you don’t have a website yet, consider making a media kit at this stage.
Not sure what a media kit is? I wrote all about what goes inside one here, plus a link to a free editable template on Canva. No worries, this one is on the house 😎
Not sure what to charge? Also no problemo. Here’s an article on how you can figure out how to price yourself.
Step 5: The word spreads
Now that you’ve:
Decided what kind of photography you want to do,
Have started networking within your community,
You’re sharing related content,
You’re working on your own projects to refine your skillset, and
You’re telling people who you are and what you do: people are going to start talking!
Say you’re a portrait photographer and you do all of the things above. Maybe a colleague has a friend coming from overseas and that friend says, “I’d love to get my photos taken in Tokyo. Do you know anyone?” and maybe your colleague will say “oh, yes, I do know someone that does that!” and shares your Instagram. It really can be as simple as that. First client in the bag.
Even if it feels awkward at first, being vocal about your new venture is important. People can’t hire you if they don’t know you’re available. You’ll be surprised at how quickly opportunities can come your way when others know what you’re doing and believe in your work.
Step 6: Be patient and, importantly, be kind to yourself!
Finally, remember that getting your first client takes time and persistence. It’s easy to feel discouraged if things don’t happen immediately, but every photographer has been where you are right now. Including me! Getting clients is a holistic process involving patience and persistence.
During this time, stay compassionate with yourself. You’re learning, growing, and putting yourself out there, all of which takes courage. The first client will come, and when they do, you’ll be ready.
Until then, keep refining your craft, expanding your network, and believing in your ability to succeed.
Landing your first client is a major milestone, but it’s just the beginning. Follow these steps, keep at it, and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.
You deserve success.
You’ve got this!
Lisa x
