So you want to become a professional portrait photographer? Maybe you’ve enjoyed taking family photos over the years. Or maybe you enjoy snapping great images of your kids. For whatever reason, the idea of doing it professionally has become an important part of your life.
So you print off a few business cards. Print up a couple of brochures. And you start the hunt for customers. What’s next?
To become a professional, your first goal is to take one portrait, and make money doing so. That’s really all there is to it.
Yes, its easy to take photographs of your friends and your family. But to truly become a professional, you need paying clients.
Go to your friends and family for samples.
Then start hitting your community. Talk to the people at your daycare or school. Tell people in your local community center or church what you do.
With your samples in hand, your first client is on the way.