Free Photo Shoots: What’s My Motivation?
I read something the other day. It was a photographer talking about how he offers 12 complimentary photo shoots each year. Some might say things like. That really made me think, “How is this any way to run a business?” or “your losing out on 12 potential sessions sales and a percentage of your yearly earnings.” When I thought about it, he made a really great point. In realty what is happening is that I am growing my client list. I am getting more photos for my portfolio and the big one for me is that I am getting to try some shots that I want to shoot. Most times at a shoot I try to shoot mostly for the client and not so much for me. I feel when someone is paying to have a family, senior or any portrait session they want what they want and they should get that. When offering a free session to the right person, we can work together on the shoot and I may ask them if we can try something new or something a bit out of the box from a every day photo session that some other photographer might not be able to do when dealing with only paying clients. Not only that, but it feels good to help someone out who normally couldn’t afford my prices
Well then, how do you find these people for the complimentary sessions? That is were the real work comes in. I will have to work at this. Being a photographer in New Hampshire can be beautiful and tough. It is winter for 4 months and cold for longer. It is hard to get outdoor photography done. Weddings book up for the summer months with family and senior portrait seasons on the days in between. So, I will most likely be doing two or three free photo shoots each month of the spring, summer and fall. The free shoots will be more of a model type of shoot. One subject at a time. I may included a family or two and in fact have two family shoots already lined up this spring to kick off this season with a running start. I am always looking at people when I am out looking for that right person for an idea I may be thinking up. Most shoots will be just a normal head shoot session or casual portraits being taken outside in the natural beauty that New Hampshire has to offer.
North Conway New Hampshire Senior Portrait Models Wanted
Looking for a Senior Portrait Photographer In New Hampshire? Look no further.
This year I will be doing some complimentary “senior model” sessions as well, to get my name out in the local community a little faster. There are two large high schools near by me. One is in Fryeburg Maine simply named Fryeburg Academy and back here in North Conway we have Kennett High School. I will be seeking to draft 2 students from each school to gift a session to. In doing so I will have them promote my senior portraits as a option for others. I have not worked out all the details as of the date as of this post. I feel it would be fair to offer them a complimentary session including one 8×10 print of their choice and the digital file their. Then, for each person they refer to me that books a session the senior model we receive a print credit towards other images from their session. They will be given promotional materials to help with this and to track their success. If you are a senior in one of these schools or know someone that is, please contact me or show them this post. Follow my Facebook page to see updates on this program as more information and a flyer will be on the way.
Take a look at my Senior Portrait page for more information, or to book your session today!
If you have another idea for a promotion or giveaway please comment below.
About this North Conway New Hampshire Senior Portrait Photographer
Enjoy this North Conway wedding photography provided by Joe Martin Photography
Joe Martin is located in Mount Washington Valley Specializing in portrait photography and works as the following : wedding photographer, senior portrait photographer newborn photographer and family photographer. Photography coverage including but not limited to New Hampshire, Maine and Massachusetts including: NH- Rochester, Dover, Concord and Meredith. In Maine Portland, Fryeburg. In Massachusetts Boston, Lawrence, Salem, and Gloucester and beyond. If your in an area not listed I will travel for the right client.
No matter what your event may be either wedding photography or senior portraits each day is a great day and will be handled professionally with our clients goals in mind. If you have any questions or comments for me or about our photography please call me 603-367-4657 or email me at New Hampshire Wedding Photographer today.
Location Information:
Joe Martin Photography is located in Madison NH, 03849
All images copyright ©Joe Martin 2010-2014
I read something the other day. It was a photographer talking about how he offers 12 complimentary photo shoots each year. Some might say things like. That really made me think, “How is this any way to run a business?” or “your losing out on 12 potential sessions sales and a percentage of your yearly…
3 Comments
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Always interesting to run across an article by a pro working photographer and “free” photography. I get beat up a bunch as a hobbyist for doing things for free, just because I want to and like the gig. Thanks for your perspective!
Thank you Greg for he comment. we all need to do what we feel works for us. I feel as though shooting some for free is also away of giving back. I know it is not the cure for cancer, but it still gives a feeling of helping out in someway to someone that was either in need or that felt like helping me out.
Joe
Always wanted a cool family shoot in a graffiti decorated alley or equally gritty location but could never justify the expense. Always thought the contrast of love and family to urban grit would be cool…it’s great that you’re offering this. Professional photography is so awesome and worth it but sometimes people just can’t afford it.