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.

[Valleycat1]

Just keep marketing yourself and your services. Set reasonable prices for your area.

In the current bad economy and with cell phone photos so rampant, fewer younger people are using formal photography for anything other than formal occasions. Facebook and online marketing isn't very effective with older people who might be more likely to hire you. Try to connect with some wedding planners, contact preschools, day care centers, dance studios, etc. (they might be interested in having you do the kids' photos or at least let you leave brochures with them). Maybe a nursing home or assisted living center would be interested in using your services or let you post brochures there. Any public location that has a bulletin board people leave business cards on is an opportunity for you to do the same. With photographers, a lot of business is word-of-mouth, so it's a matter of getting those first few clients and making them happy.

[Steve P]

It is all about proper marketing. This should help you out:

http://www.cjlewis.com/starting-a-photog...sines.html

steve

[Awffy Huffy]

I'm not keen on your question...

It just doesn't sound right to me...I've worked for large organisations that invested in and mentored me to be an asset for them...they wouldn't have been impressed if they thought I had visions of 'going it alone'.

I can't imagine where you read that you should never shoot for free...it's a sensible place to start...experience is vital...you might not get rewarded in $s or £s it gives you the opportunity to build your portfolio...and portfolios demonstrate to clients just how competent you are at creating quality images and that's priceless.

A client base is built...if people like your work they will recommend you to their family and friends, this is exactly why...I can't understand you not being willing to do free work and build your reputation...how much experience do you actually have..? Do you attend evening or weekend classes to improve your photography skills, are you in a camera club or photography group..?

Sometimes I get the impression, that the people who ask questions like yours...are more interested in making money...than photography.