How to actually find photography clients?

[Sara]

I am trying to start a photography business. I am working for and being mentored by a large and well known photography studio in the area, but am trying to branch out on my own. I am learning the basics of marketing such as creating a business plan and calculating a price list, keeping a Facebook page and blog updated engaging, etc. etc.

The problem I'm encountering is the fact that everything I read, for example about how you should set your prices, seems to automatically assume that you have a plethora of wealthy clients knocking down your door, willing to pay pretty much whatever price you set. Or if you don't, then simply adjust your numbers so you only need to find ten SUPER-wealthy clients a year. That's all, just 10. And you'll still be making enough of a salary.

I'm finding that all quite silly in my situation. I cannot even find ONE client to let me shoot them for $100 bucks. And perhaps that's as it should be, as I'm just starting out - but then I read to never shoot for free, and to set your worth high from the beginning. But then WHERE are all these clients supposed to come from??

I have even resorted to advertising on craigslist offering a huge discount, and only got one reply - from a low-end client who wanted to pay virtually nothing for hours and hours of coverage of a sweet 16 party.

Please...help. I'm trying so hard here but I just do not understand how it seems so many photographers have clients coming out of the woodwork.
Awffy -
We are not working under non-compete contracts; the studio I'm working for has no reason or choice to not like the fact that I want to start my own business as well. Many of the photographers who work there do work on the side as well. Nothing at all wrong with it.

Just because I need to make money to survive and to start, keep and thrive my future business... doesn't mean that's all I'm interested in. You sound bitter.