I am a videographer who is trying to make the transition to photography. For the past year I have been building my arsenal of equipment and shooting as much as I can including 5 engagement sessions and 3 small weddings. I am anxious to officially hang my shingle and give it a go so my question is what to show potential clients. Slide show? Prints? Get an album? I'd really like to get a killer album but the weddings that I have shot so far have been small and the 1 reception that I shot was uneventful. Do I get an album now using the better ceremony? Combine them all? Wait until August when I have my 1st full booking and do it right? What do I show in the mean time? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks..
Your number one greatest tool will be a well-done professional website. Thats your number one portfolio.
Albums can't sell themselves, so samples will significantly increase your chance at selling products that you want to sell. Up to you whether you want to make the investment now, or wait till you get some more weddings to include in a sample album. But, depending on how many album styles you'll offer, it is good to have more than one.
Slideshows set to music are a very emotionally impactful presentation medium. If done well, they can add a lot of power to your presentation. They can also be very cheesy and make you look cheap (no offense, but all the slideshows I've seen videographers do just make them look like the KMart special).
Be professional and be confident. Personality and character go a LONG ways towards booking clients, in fact much more so than a good portfolio (unless they are hiring you sight unseen). If they "click" with you, then your chances are good.
I have a web site for my work and booked many weddings with my video business so I guess I am just trying to figure out how to effectively present my work in my office. With or with out a sample album. Thank you for taking the time. I appreciate it.
