I don't really consider myself as a pro at all, as I learn everyday. However, after winning some awards and being paid for my work, I wanted to be a legit businessman and give money to the IRS. I'd before just charge exact for prints, but now I'm giving the government their cut.
I don't have "all" of the overhead that a "real pro" has, but I do have some. Insurance, Website, and equipment. So I guess the real difference is an agent, and the "location".
Since I've got business overhead now, I want to get out there and market myself more. I had 1000 business cards printed, and I've been commissioned to do more MMA fights as a photographer. I figure I'll place the cards at the upcoming fights. Our agreement is paraphrased here,
I am allowed free entry. I am allowed to place cards at all table seats, and some vendor stands. I own the copyrights to the photos. The website of the promoter can use the photos WITH a photo credit and logo in place, and if the fighters buy photos, they do it through me. There's no charge for my services, unless they buy the photos (so no like day rate or anything).
Now I like doing these fights and see them as a marketing tool, but I want to get out there and shoot senior photos, engagement sessions and work into weddings. I don't own a studio, but I do have backdrops, lights and professional gear. I'm looking for ways to market to seniors, and engagements/weddings now. I considered mailing business cards to the "couples" in the paper that don't have professional photos, but am not sure if it's cheesy.
My other grief is pricing. Vik Orenstein's book tell's me that I shouldn't price myself too low, because it devalues the work and makes people think that I'm doing shoddy work in comparison.
Any help would be appreciated. I love these forums and I've learned so much here and I see no reason why I cannot learn more.
If you want Senior photos you need to show senior photos. Not a single one will look at a fight photo and book you unless it made the cover of a known magazine. Same with weddings and enagaements. You have to show the same product to sell it 99% of the time. Do so,me trade or TFP with people on the model sites wanting images. Build a couple portfolios showing the subject you are tying to book. One for wedding and engagement and one for seniors.
Good Luck
