networking

Finally a sunny and not too cold morning, a group of us met at Midi 6 resto in Montreal to reconnect, share and gain insights into networking for photographers. With special guest Jean-Francois Seguin we covered a lot of bases and got the inside scoop on the best tactics for networking as a photographer in the digital age.

The top 10 highlights:

Enter Photography contests. You never know if you will win and the exposure helps to build your credibility. “If you win one contest, chances are you may win two or more” says Jean-Francois.
Focus on the main industry contests such as Communication Arts or Applied Arts, it’s where the agencies, buyers, and art directors look for talent.
Maybe it’s a quote from Woody Allan but Seguin stresses that “Showing up is 70% of success.” So keep at it.
“There are two things that make a photographer successful;
- you have good quality pictures, and
- you are likeable and people want to work with you.
Avoid working for free. At least cover your costs or travel time.
Have a social media platform for your work and start now. When people mention your name the first thing they will do is look online to see your work. Have a website, facebook, instagram. “All platforms are equally important.” It’s like having multiple doors into a restaurant.
Post on your sites regularly. People only know you through your website or facebook page and regular activity indicates that you are still in business.
Ad agencies and art directors want to see your personal projects because commercial jobs look very similar and don’t show your style. Your personal projects may be the defining factor to get you that job.
We’ll see in the next 5- 10 years the landscape of digital photography changing with more women and a break from traditional concepts of photography.
Building your network and reputation takes time and you need to keep working on your connections and believe in yourself.

Thank you to Jean-Francois Seguin who generously offered his insights.

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Applied Arts Magazine

Communication Arts Magazine

The 2015 Photographer’s Guide To Photo Contests

By Alyson Stanfield on January 15, 2014

I’ve been surprised at how difficult it can be for artists to introduce themselves as artists.

“I’m an artist” doesn’t seem to roll off the tongue easily for some people. And yet it’s critical to be able to say it with confidence.

Stephanie Hartshorn and Holly Wilson get to know each other at Art Biz Makeover this past fall. Photo by Regina-Marie Photography.

Why It’s a Struggle

It seems to be easier for people with art degrees to pronounce their profession to the world. This might be because there is a piece of paper that says you completed a curriculum to the satisfaction of an institution.

There isn’t a governing body that confers the title of artist. You don’t have to pass any state licensing boards or get certified.

For most people, there is no turnkey moment when they say, “NOW I know I’m an artist.” It’s more of a slow, steady slog on the way to the title.

This is why it can be difficult to introduce yourself when you are in the process of becoming.

Why You Should Care

But this shouldn’t stop you from trying.

Introducing yourself as an artist is the beginning of your professional relationships. Not introducing yourself as an artist results in missed opportunities.

When you stop apologizing for your art . . . when you stop waffling on your purpose . . . others begin to view you as an artist. And even though you may not be perfectly comfortable with the title, this buy-in from others will help build your confidence.

So stop introducing yourself with a label from your day job. Lead with, “I’m an artist.”

What You Should Say

It’s all about how you respond when someone asks, “So, what do you do?”

This isn’t an opportunity for a commercial about your work. It’s a chance for real connection.

When someone asks what you do, let’s face it, they are mostly being polite. They are exploring how far they want to carry the conversation. They’re looking for something to relate to.

You just have to say, “I’m an artist.”

You’re looking to engage the other person, not to control the conversation. If there is interest, the other person will ask questions.

You should be prepared to follow up with a brief (!) sentence or two about your work. Again, you’re looking for conversation, so make sure your language is inviting and intriguing.

Don’t inflate your position. Don’t be that person.

Make it natural, but own it. Say it with confidence.

Those with whom you were meant to connect will respond positively. Don’t worry about the rest. You have higher things to concern yourself with. You’re an artist.

“Your Compelling Introduction” is part of module 4 in Art Biz Bootcamp, which starts today (January 15, 2014). Join us if this is something you’d like to practice with us. Click here to read about it.

Alyson Stanfield is an artist advocate and business mentor at ArtBizCoach.com. This article was originally published on her Art Biz Blog, which is consistently listed as a top 20 art blog. Read more articles like this at http://artbizblog.com.