How to market photography for cheap or for free? Get wedding photography clients.?

[Brian]

My name is Brian and I am a recent college graduate. I studied graphic design, photography and printmaking among many other things. I have been trying to get a wedding photography business started but it is slow going. Most of my past work was through referrals and this year was the first bridal show I have ever done. Unfortunately, it was the exact same week as a major auto show and I had overheard someone say that there was 1/10 of the people as there were the year before. YAY, a great time for me to spend a fortune for nothing.
But out of the individuals that were there I got good reactions on my photography and screen prints. Here is a sample of some of my wedding photography.


I want to know if anyone has any ideas to help me market myself, get myself out there. And in a cheap or free way.

http://brianfreemanphotography.com/
there is a small sample of stuff, websites under construction

[MoneyMonkey]

facebook, referrals, community service work, etc.

Write a cool blog about wedding photography that will draw attention.

[nee]

You could post your services on Craigslist, which is free to do.

You could submit your photos to magazines, in hopes of being published. I worked for a few bridal magazines and most of their images came from photographers submitting their work. In return for the use of their images, the magazine would of course credit their name/website.

Here's a suggestion on how to up your chances of having your photos published in wedding magazines (as this was the majority of my job- image editing): make sure you have a variety of shots from the wedding (food, decor, venue, attire, etc.), not just people. Most importantly, magazines like themes, for example the repetition of color(s) in various elements.

If you really want to put your name out there you might have to spend some money. Get in touch with some local magazines or newspapers and ask how much advertising is. You might be surprised by how cheap the prices are, especially if you opt not to get a full-page ad.

Good luck!

[Audrey]

Hi Brian,

Starting a photography business is the toughest part, but once you start then you build from there.

I would build a blog, as was suggested above, and post your photography there with updated information about you and what you offer on a regular basis. Let people get to know you.

Joint venture with local businesses like the florists, bridal shops, jewelry stores, caterers, etc, where brides frequent and use the services for their wedding, engagements and bachelor and bachelorette parties, etc. Show your work in these places with your contact info.

Put your mailing piece in with these other businesses to their clients to get your name out and leverage their database of customers.

Join the Chamber of Commerce and other local organizations along with local charities and network with people there. More often then not, there are high powered memebrs in the here who can refer you to others who are looking for what you offer. Don't try and sell them, just get to authentically know them and business will come your way.

There are a ton of other things you can do but these are just a few to get you started. Be a second shooter and apprentice with other photographers who are looking for help. Learn what they do but interview them and study with those who are successful.

Definitely target the social media sites as was mentioned before like Facebook, Linked-in, Twitter, etc. But you really want to start meeting people in your community who are movers and shakers so they get to know the real you and can confidently refer you.

Be careful about where you get your names for clients as they may be difficult to work with. There are steps to take to qualify your clients but that in itself is another conversation.

Check out the resources below.