Networking and Relationships

Relationships in the world of photography are an interesting and difficult concept. While photographers tend to flock together or find each other easily, it’s hard to know where those relationships stand on a creative and professional level. You might ask yourself things like, “how do I get my friends to recommend me for a job?” or “how do I start to network my business/pictures/ideas through the Internet?” or even something as simple as, “where do I begin?”

Don’t worry, there is great news for you: the Internet today is teeming with so many ways for you to market yourself and you photography. However, anyone and everyone are doing it, so you’re going to have to get creative. Luckily, creativity should never be a problem for an artist such as yourself!! Before I get into detail about all the different sites available for networking, there are a few things to keep in mind:

1. What is your intended audience? Are you trying to market your business? Are you trying to build an online portfolio? Maybe you’re just interested in having people see your photography? Or perhaps you’re up for some freelance gigs every once in a while? Any way you look at it, you need to think about your intentions first. This will help you figure out what you want your page to look like, how you want your readers to view your page, and ultimately, what site you intend to use.
2. Is your page well organized? No one is going to take the time to look through what you have to offer if they can’t figure out how to see your photographs or how to read more information about you. Organization is key.
3. Is your contact information easily accessible? Even something as simple as an e-mail address should be easy to find. How do you expect to get clients if they don’t know how to contact you. In all reality, your contact information should be at the top and bottom of EVERY page on your site. Not only will this will really drive the point home that you are available to contact for any reason, it will plant the seed to hire you in potential clients heads. People like easy. Make yourself easy to contact.
4. Social media, at its core, is about interaction. Don’t be afraid to interact with people on your website!! You will have people coming back for more if they feel welcome on your page.
5. Be patient. Your website isn’t going to get a million hits overnight. But if you keep at it, network yourself, invite people to join your page, etc., eventually you’ll find yourself with a ton of great followers and great relationships between fellow photographers!

Now, you may be wondering what kind of sites you can use for your business. There are the obvious picks: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc. It’s NOT a bad idea to have a page on one of these sites! However, there are other sites you can use as well to market yourself!

· Pinterest

Pinterest is a great site. It works like an online corkboard, where you can digitally “pin” photographs and ideas you like onto your personal corkboard. Others can follow your boards and see what you pin, and they also have the ability to pin things they like of yours onto their own board. Signing up is a little difficult (you have to be invited, or request an invite), but it is worth it! People from all over the world will see your pictures.

· Picture Social

Taken straight from the Picture Social website: “PictureSocial is a new place where photographers from all experience levels can share their knowledge and learn from others. On PictureSocial, you can display and critique photos (unlimited free photo storage), blog about your experiences, ask and answer questions, discuss camera equipment and more. Flickr users can copy all their photos to PictureSocial with one click and enjoy free unlimited storage.” What a great way to meet photographers from all over the world, share insight, gain inspiration, and get critiques from people of all skill and experience levels! You may even build a professional relationship or two that can help you get a job one day!

· Tumblr

This site is great for people who aren’t so Internet savvy! Tumblr is a social networking site that is extremely customizable and easy to use. You can post pictures, follow others, and people can follow you.

It’s important, however, that I mention that you should ALWAYS be careful about what you post (and what you let others post) on the Internet! Nowadays, social media can be as negative for your business or reputation as it is positive. Post things that are APPROPRIATE: you never know who will be looking at your site! I’m not saying censor your page—if you specialize in nude, crude, or taboo photography, then you can’t not post your specialty—but do it with some tact. Be aware that people of all ages and backgrounds have access to the Internet. If your subject matter may be questionable, perhaps put a disclaimer on your page. Don’t let others post inappropriate things on your page! And always be kind, constructive, and helpful in your comments to others. You don’t want to burn a bridge that you may need to go back and cross later!

Good luck networking! Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there, it may help you more than you think! :)