MODEL CALLS
But I don't have money to hire models!!??
You don't need to. These are the models of the non-pro kind. People who are willing to spend an hour posing for you free of charge. Do these people exist? Yes they do!!! Trust me on this one. The best way to drum up business at the start is a model call. The model call works in two ways. The first is that you will get much needed practice in a professional setting. The second is that you can also build clients this way as well. If they are happy with the pics, they will share them with others and if you then treat them like a client instead of a "freebie" you may develop a client for life. I started out with a model call. My first "family" session was engagement pictures. I met them, treated them as a prized client. I lalso made them sign a no charge session model release so I could use all of their pictures for marketing in anyway including my website (which you ABSOLUTELY NEED AS A PHOTOGRAPHER). I then offered to make them prints at a discount price. I put these pictures up on a blog (a showing of the best) and sent an email of the link. I asked in the email that they forward the link to all their friends and family and have them offer feedback as well. I also strategically placed in that email that I am having a friends and family referral and for every one they refer, they will get a $50 print credit and the new customer will get a half price session fee. This got me two referrals. The print credit for two referrals cost me $10 to get two clients (who even at 1/2 price still is paying $75 for session plus the prints). When I delivered the prints, I also threw in a couple of my "referral business cards" so they could hand them out. I get a call they love the pics and need a wedding photographer and would like to hire me. Awesome! So the model call turned into new business. This is a Cinderella story and it may not always happen, however, this is an example of how you can use this to build your clientelle. PEOPLE LOVE FREEBIES. For example, people will buy things at the grocery store that they don't need just because they have a coupon.... The power of savings is a powerful thing! P.S. you don't have to be a newbie to use this method, you can also use this to drum up business. Just think - fresh pictures for your website and a few more contacts on your client list! Also a great way to use a new location or new props before you use them on a new customer who is paying a premium for their session fee.
Where do you post a model call?
The best one I did was on my friend list on FACEBOOK. Tweet it. Post in your local free papers, or on Craigs List. When you are photographing people you do not know, take utmost care. Do it in a public well travelled place of your choice where you feel comfortable. Take along your boyfriend, friend, etc. BE SAFE. If you know the person well you can do it at their home or location.
Tip:
Make sure that you designate a specific # of free sessions. If someone responds and your already booked. Tell them "I'm sorry, I am already booked for the model call but I would be willing to do a session for you for a half price session fee (or give you a $25 print credit.)" You are still getting either 50% of session fee (or full session fee if you use the print credit method.
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