9 Ways to Get Your Photography Noticed
For photographers, getting your work noticed in a crowded market can be a challenge. With so many talented creatives vying for attention, it can be difficult to stand out and receive the recognition you deserve. However, by leveraging a variety of strategies and tactics, you can increase your visibility and build a strong brand that resonates with your audience. In this article, we've compiled ten ways photographers can get their work noticed, from using social media and creating a portfolio, to collaborating with other creatives and sharing behind-the-scenes content. By implementing these strategies, you can take your photography to the next level and get the recognition you deserve.
By implementing these strategies, you can take your photography to the next level and get the recognition you deserve.
Use social media
While we are discussing social media, you can follow mine now:
Also, whilst we are talking about social media, read my guide to marketing on social media:
Here are my suggestions for getting your photography noticed on social media
Choose the right platform: There are many social media platforms available, but not all of them are ideal for photographers. Instagram, for example, is a visual platform that is perfect for showcasing photography, while LinkedIn may not be as effective. Consider the target audience and purpose of each platform before deciding where to showcase your work.
Create a consistent aesthetic: To create a cohesive and professional presence on social media, it's important to develop a consistent aesthetic. This could include using a particular colour scheme, sticking to a certain type of photography, or editing your photos in a similar way.
Use relevant hashtags: Hashtags can help your work get discovered by a wider audience. Make sure to add relevant hashtags that accurately describe your work and are commonly used in the photography community.
Engage with your audience: Responding to comments and messages, following other photographers and industry professionals, and participating in photography-related conversations can help you build a following and get noticed.
Collaborate with other photographers: Collaborating with other photographers by sharing each other's work or creating joint projects can help you expand your reach and get noticed by a wider audience.
Share your work regularly: Consistently sharing your work on social media can help you build a following and keep your audience engaged. However, be careful not to overshare or spam your followers with too many posts.
Utilise Instagram stories and reels: Instagram stories and reels are effective tools for showcasing your work in a more casual and engaging way. You can share behind-the-scenes content, before-and-after edits, and quick tips or tutorials.
Offer exclusive content: Offering exclusive content, such as sneak peeks or early access to your work, to your social media followers can help you build a loyal following and increase engagement.
Consider paid advertising: Paid advertising on social media platforms can help you reach a wider audience and get your work noticed by potential clients or employers. However, it's wise to have a clear strategy and target audience in mind before investing in paid advertising.
Social media can be a powerful tool for photographers to showcase their work and get noticed in the industry. By using the right platforms, developing a consistent aesthetic, and engaging with their audience, photographers can effectively build a following and expand their reach.
Create a portfolio
Here are some things to consider when creating a portfolio as a photographer:
Choose a platform: There are many different platforms to choose from when creating a portfolio, including personal websites, portfolio hosting sites, and social media platforms. Consider which platform best suits your needs and the needs of your audience.
Showcase your most impressive work: Your portfolio should showcase your best work and demonstrate your skills and style as a photographer. Choose images that are visually striking, technically sound, and demonstrate a range of skills and styles.
Organise your portfolio: Organise your portfolio in a way that is easy to navigate and visually appealing. Consider grouping images by theme, style, or subject matter, and make sure your portfolio is easy to navigate and understand.
Include your contact information: Make it easy for potential clients or employers to contact you by displaying your contact information in your portfolio. This should include your name, email address, and phone number.
Consider adding an "About" section: Including an "About" section in your portfolio can help potential clients or employers learn more about you as a photographer. This could include your background, experience, and approach to photography.
Keep your portfolio up to date: Your portfolio should be a living document that is updated regularly with your best and most recent work. Consider updating your portfolio at least once a year or as you produce new work.
Share your portfolio: Once you have created your portfolio, it's important to share it with potential clients or employers. Consider including a link to your portfolio in your email signature, social media profiles, and other marketing materials.
Consider a print portfolio: While digital portfolios are more common these days, a print portfolio can be a great way to showcase your work in a tactile and memorable way. Consider creating a high-quality print portfolio to show potential clients or employers during in-person meetings.
A well-crafted portfolio is a critical tool for photographers looking to get their work noticed. By showcasing your most impressive work, organising your portfolio effectively, and making it easy to navigate and understand, you can increase your chances of landing new clients and opportunities.
Participate in photography contests
Here are some things to consider when participating in photography contests to get your photography noticed:
Research contests: There are many photography contests available, ranging from local to international, and covering various genres and styles of photography. Research contests that align with your skills and interests, and carefully review the rules and submission requirements before entering.
Follow submission guidelines: Make sure you read and understand the contest rules and submission guidelines before entering. Some contests may have strict rules regarding the format, resolution, or subject matter of your photographs, so make sure you follow these guidelines carefully.
Submit your highest quality work: Send your most impressive work to the contest, and carefully select images that best demonstrate your skills and style as a photographer. Consider submitting images that are unique, visually striking, and demonstrate technical excellence.
Take risks: Don't be afraid to take risks and submit images that are different from what is expected. Unique and innovative images are more likely to catch the attention of judges and stand out in a crowded field.
Network with other photographers: Participating in photography contests can also provide an opportunity to network with other photographers and industry professionals. Attend events associated with the contest, participate in online discussions, and engage with other photographers to build relationships and expand your network.
Learn from feedback: Some photography contests offer feedback on submitted images. Take advantage of this feedback to learn and improve your photography skills.
Leverage your success: If you are recognized in a photography contest, make sure to leverage your success by sharing your work and the recognition you received on social media and other marketing materials.
Participating in photography contests can be a great way to get your work noticed and gain recognition in the industry. By carefully selecting contests that align with your skills and interests, submitting your best work, taking risks, networking with other photographers, and learning from feedback, you can increase your chances of success and build your reputation as a photographer.
Attend photography events
Here are some things to consider when attending photography events to get your photography noticed:
Research events: There are many different photography events to choose from, ranging from local workshops and seminars to international trade shows and conferences. Research events that align with your interests and goals, and carefully review the schedule and activities before attending.
Plan ahead: Once you have identified the events you want to attend, plan ahead to make the most of your time there. Identify the sessions, workshops, and activities that will be most beneficial for you, and make a schedule to ensure you don't miss anything significant.
Network with other photographers: Photography events provide a great opportunity to network with other photographers and industry professionals. Attend networking events, participate in online discussions, and engage with other attendees to build relationships and expand your network.
Participate in workshops and sessions: Many photography events offer workshops and sessions led by industry experts. Take advantage of these opportunities to learn new skills and techniques, and to gain insights from professionals in the industry.
Share your work: Photography events can also provide an opportunity to showcase your work to a wider audience. Consider participating in portfolio reviews, entering contests or exhibitions, or displaying your work in a booth or gallery space.
Learn about new equipment and technologies: Photography events often feature exhibitors showcasing the latest equipment and technologies in the industry. Take advantage of this opportunity to learn about the latest tools and techniques that can help you improve your photography skills.
Leverage your experience: Once you have attended a photography event, make sure to leverage your experience by sharing what you learned and the connections you made on social media and other marketing materials.
Attending photography events can be a great way to get your work noticed and gain insights and connections in the industry. By carefully selecting events that align with your interests and goals, planning ahead, networking with other photographers, participating in workshops and sessions, sharing your work, learning about new equipment and technologies, and leveraging your experience, you can increase your chances of success and build your reputation as a photographer.
Collaborate with other creatives
Collaborating with other creatives can be a helpful way to get your photography noticed and build your reputation as a photographer. Here are some things to consider when collaborating with other creatives:
Identify potential collaborators: Start by identifying potential collaborators in your area or online. Look for other creatives whose work aligns with your style and interests, and who may be interested in collaborating on a project.
Reach out: Once you have identified potential collaborators, reach out to them and propose a collaboration. Be clear about your goals and expectations for the collaboration, and make sure to listen to their ideas and suggestions as well.
Choose a project: Collaborate on a project that allows each person to bring their unique skills and perspective to the table. This could be a themed photoshoot, a joint exhibition, or a multimedia project that combines photography with other creative mediums.
Divide responsibilities: Be clear about each person's responsibilities and contributions to the project, and establish timelines and deadlines to ensure that everyone is on the same page.
Promote your collaboration: Once the project is complete, promote your collaboration on social media and other marketing channels. This can help you reach a wider audience and gain recognition for your work.
Build relationships: Collaborating with other creatives can also provide an opportunity to build relationships and expand your network. Stay in touch with your collaborators, and consider working together on future projects.
Be open to new ideas: Collaboration can be a great way to learn more skills and techniques, and to gain fresh perspectives on your work. Be open to new ideas and feedback, and use collaboration as an opportunity to grow and develop as a photographer.
Collaborating with other creatives can be a great way to get your work noticed and build your reputation as a photographer. By identifying potential collaborators, reaching out and proposing a project, choosing a project that allows each person to bring their unique skills and perspective, dividing responsibilities, promoting your collaboration, building relationships, and being open to bringing in ideas, you can create something unique and establish a reputation as a photographer who is willing to collaborate and innovate.
Submit your work to publications
Submitting your work to publications can be a helpful way to get your photography noticed and gain exposure. Here are some things to consider when submitting your work to publications:
Research potential publications: Start by researching potential publications that align with your interests and style. Look for publications that feature photography similar to your own, and consider the audience that each publication targets.
Follow submission guidelines: Each publication will have its own submission guidelines, so make sure to carefully review these guidelines before submitting your work. Follow the guidelines closely to ensure that your submission is considered.
Create a strong portfolio: To increase your chances of being selected for publication, make sure that your portfolio is strong and showcases your best work. Choose images that tell a story and showcase your unique style and perspective.
Write a strong pitch: Along with your portfolio, you will typically need to write a pitch or cover letter explaining why your work is a suitable fit for the publication. Make sure that your pitch is clear, concise, and highlights the unique qualities of your work.
Be persistent: It can take time and persistence to get your work published, so don't be discouraged if you don't get accepted right away. Keep submitting your work to different publications, and don't be afraid to follow up on your submissions.
Promote your publication: Once your work is published, promote the publication on your social media channels and other marketing materials. This can help you reach a wider audience and gain recognition for your work.
Build relationships: Submitting your work to publications can also provide an opportunity to build relationships with editors and other industry professionals. Stay in touch with the contacts you make through the submission process, and consider submitting your work to them again in the future.
Submitting your work to publications can be a helpful way to get your photography noticed and gain exposure. By researching potential publications, following submission guidelines, creating a strong portfolio, writing a strong pitch, being persistent, promoting your publication, and building relationships, you can increase your chances of success and build your reputation as a photographer.
Offer your services for free
Offering your photography services for free can be a great way to get your work noticed, build your portfolio, and gain experience. This is something I have done several times to gain exposure and experience working with clients. Here are some things to consider when offering your services for free:
Choose your projects carefully: When offering your services for free, it's important to choose your projects carefully. Look for opportunities that align with your interests and style, and that will allow you to showcase your skills and creativity.
Be clear about your expectations: When working for free, it's critical to be clear about your expectations and what you hope to gain from the experience. For example, you may be looking to build your portfolio, gain experience in a particular genre, or establish relationships with potential clients.
Set clear boundaries: When working for free, it can be tempting to take on too much work or to work beyond your agreed-upon scope. Set clear boundaries from the outset, and make sure that everyone involved understands what you are and are not willing to do.
Treat the project as a professional opportunity: Even though you may be working for free, it's imperative to treat the project as a professional opportunity. Be punctual, reliable, and responsive to the needs of your clients or collaborators.
Promote your work: Once the project is complete, promote your work on social media and other marketing channels. This can help you reach a wider audience and gain recognition for your work.
Build relationships: Offering your services for free can also provide an opportunity to build relationships with potential clients or collaborators. Stay in touch with the people you work with, and consider working together on future paid projects.
Be strategic: While offering your services for free can be a helpful way to get noticed and build your portfolio, it's important to be strategic about the projects you take on. Don't take on too much free work, and make sure that the projects you choose align with your long-term goals as a photographer.
Offering your photography services for free can be a great way to get your work noticed, build your portfolio, and gain experience. By choosing your projects carefully, being clear about your expectations, setting clear boundaries, treating the project as a professional opportunity, promoting your work, building relationships, and being strategic, you can make the most of this opportunity and build your reputation as a photographer.
Share behind-the-scenes content
Including behind-the-scenes content (BTS) is a great way for photographers to give their audience a glimpse into the creative process behind their work, and to build a stronger connection with their followers. Here are some tips for sharing BTS content effectively:
Show the process: BTS content should show your audience the process of how you create your photography, from start to finish. This could include photos or videos of you scouting locations, setting up equipment, working with models or clients, and editing your photos.
Be authentic: BTS content is about showing your audience the real, unfiltered process of creating your work. Don't be afraid to show the mistakes, setbacks, and challenges that come with the creative process. This can help to humanize your brand and build a stronger connection with your audience.
Share on social media: Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok are ideal for sharing short, visually-engaging BTS content that can grab your audience's attention and generate engagement. Use hashtags and location tags to help your content reach a wider audience.
Create blog posts or videos: If you have a website or blog, consider creating longer-form BTS content, such as blog posts or videos, that go into more detail about your creative process. This can help to provide value to your audience and establish you as an authority in your field.
Show off your personality: BTS content is a great way to show off your personality and share a bit of yourself with your audience. Don't be afraid to inject humor, personal anecdotes, or other elements of your personality into your content, as this can help to make your brand more relatable and engaging.
Use it to promote your work: Finally, don't forget to use BTS content as a way to promote your photography and build your brand. Include call-to-actions (CTAs) in your content to encourage your audience to check out your website or book a session with you, and use your BTS content to showcase your unique style and approach to photography.
Sharing BTS content can be a powerful way to build a strong connection with your audience, showcase your creative process, and promote your work as a photographer. By following these tips, you can create engaging, authentic BTS content that helps you stand out in a crowded market and gain recognition for your work.
Be consistent
Consistency is key to getting your photography noticed. By maintaining a consistent style, tone, and frequency of posting, you can build a strong brand identity that resonates with your audience. This helps you stand out in a crowded market. Here are some tips for being consistent as a photographer:
Develop a consistent style: One of the most significant aspects of consistency is creating a consistent style that is unique to you as a photographer. This could include using a similar color palette, shooting in a certain type of lighting, or using a specific editing technique. By developing a recognizable style, you can help your work stand out and make it easier for potential clients or followers to find you.
Create a content calendar: A content calendar is a great way to stay organised and ensure that you are posting content consistently. This could include planning out your posts for the week or month ahead of time, and scheduling them to go live at specific times. This can help you avoid gaps in your posting schedule and ensure that your audience gets a regular dose of your work.
Use templates: Another way to maintain consistency is to use templates for your social media posts or website. This could include creating a consistent layout for your Instagram posts or creating a template for your blog posts. By using templates, you can save time and ensure that your content looks professional and on-brand.
Engage with your audience: Consistency is not just about posting content regularly, it's also about interacting with your audience on a regular basis. Responding to comments, answering messages, and engaging with other photographers or creatives in your niche can help you build a strong community. This will help you keep your followers coming back for more.
Stay true to your brand: Finally, it's imperative to stay true to your brand and the values that you stand for as a photographer. By being authentic and true to yourself, you can build a loyal following that appreciates your work and supports your creative endeavours.
Overall, being consistent as a photographer is crucial for building a strong brand identity and getting your work noticed. By following these tips, you can develop a cohesive style, post content regularly, and engage with your audience in a meaningful way. This will help you to stand out in a crowded market and build a successful career as a photographer.
In conclusion, getting your photography noticed requires a combination of hard work, creativity, and strategic thinking. By using social media, creating a portfolio, participating in contests and events, collaborating with other creatives, submitting your work to publications, offering your services for free, using SEO, sharing behind-the-scenes content, and being consistent, you can increase your visibility and build a strong brand that resonates with your audience. Whether you're just starting out or you've been in the game for years, these strategies can help you take your photography to the next level. This will enable you to achieve the success you deserve. So go ahead and try them out, and see what works best for you and your unique style as a photographer.