I get many emails every week from people who ask all sorts of questions pertaining to the how’s and why’s of photography and the photo business. So next Friday, November 6 I will feature a weekly post called Q&A Fridays.
How it works is; people email their photography-related questions to Kelli and we will go through and pick a few each week to answer right here on this blog.
By default we will keep your identity a secret unless you instruct us otherwise. You can also post your questions below in the comments section.
Feel free to ask anything technical, creative or business related. I have no secrets and will do my best to answer them in an honest, straightforward way.
Hey David!
My question is pretty straight forward… I’m an aspiring photographer (just starting out) http://www.flickr.com/photos/HD500 - I really want to get into commercial photography, but I’m having a hard time building my portfolio. I registered on the site ModelMayhem and have only had one shoot with a model from there, no one else seems to want to do anything - results-> http://www.flickr.com/photos/hd500/sets/72157622191034775/.
Anyway, my question is… What’s the best way to build up your portfolio for “commercial style” photography, when you can’t get anyone to model for you!?
Thanks, love your work!
Best,
Adam
Hey Adam,
I think Bean wants the questions to be submitted to Kelli by email. Nevertheless, I’ll offer my 2 cents. You seem a bit frustrated. Frustration will either drive you to be better or weed you out. Have patience. When your not established people aren’t gonna be inline wanting your photo services. You might begin by asking yourself, why you can’t get anyone to model for you? How are you approaching potential models? What’s your demeanor, what’s your perceived personality. People have to like you not just your photos. When you’re starting out likely you’re playing all the roles, photographer, editor, re-toucher, salesman, stylist, art director, etc you have to be well rounded. Until you can afford such luxuries.
Also, commercial photography is different than portrait photography (which your model mayhem shots appear to lean toward portraiture and there some good frames in there). In “commercial photography” the focus is the ability to communicate a message. You might research the business aspects of commercial photography to give you some background on the art of communication. Which will help you tailor your photos toward that industry. Else you may discover you’re really interested in portrait photography.
Anyhow, that’s my 2 cents. I’ve only been shooting a couple years myself, but have several years experience in commercial graphic design.
Apologies David for intruding.
Looking forward to you new Q&A feature.
Brad Imotichey
http://www.imotichey.com
Hey, thanks Brad. Yeah I didn’t realize her name was a link, heh… Like I said, I’m just starting out, and commercial photography from my understanding was any photos you are paid to take by a commercial client. Which would include portraits, lifestyle, advertising…etc I may be totally wrong though, ’cause like I said, I’m a newb.
As far as how I’m approaching models, I’m just sending them messages on Model Mayhem. They always reply with positive responses and say they’re willing to shoot. Then they never end up responding when I try and setup a time and date.
Anyway thanks for your feedback, take care.
Adam
Anyway thanks for you input
Adam,
It’s a great question and I have some great ideas for you. Check back next Friday the 6th.
Cool, thanks a lot David.
Adam,
I’ve had very limited “success” on MM personally. My impressions are that there is very little talent there in most markets. If you’re trying to shoot commercial lifestyle for your portfolio there doesn’t seem to be so much interest there on the part of the models. But, as I said, I’ve had some.
Have you asked your friends? Have you asked perfect strangers? If you’re a warm person and friendly it can work if you are professional and confident and explain what you’re wanting to do. If you can coach your subjects who have no experience then you should try. Hire a makeup artist and just create something. Think outside the box.
Just my two cents.
Alan
What were your biggest revelations that helped you move forward in your career ?
(Technically and creatively speaking)