Are you tired of being a hidden talent in the photography world? Do you feel like your work doesn't get the recognition it deserves? Then it's time to turn the tide and elevate your status!
The truth is, getting international recognition isn't only about capturing stunning photos, but the way you market them. So you have to master the craft of marketing your photography to fulfill your dreams.
Don’t worry, you don’t have to stroll through the internet for it. I have put together my years of experience and proven strategies down below to help you get the attention you deserve. So, ready to become an internationally recognized photographer? Let's make it happen!
Narrow Down Your Niche
All legendary photographers are famous for a specific niche. Annie Leibovitz - portrait photographer, Peter Hurley - headshot specialist, Ansel Adams - black-and-white landscape master.
If you want to be like them, you must specify your niche and excel in it. Won't you be losing potential clients and money in that way? Well, not really. You may have to leave money on the table at first, but that’ll be an investment for the future.
Once you become a virtuoso in your niche, businesses and clients will be eager to have you on board. Because they’ll see that you are the best in the biz at what you do. Isn’t this your dream? And here’s the best part:
By niching down, you’ll only have to shoot what you love to capture rather than feeling bogged down by uninteresting and demanding tasks.
So start your journey today by narrowing down your niche. Though it’s a bold and risky decision, I bet you’ll be glad you did.
Perfect Your Portfolio
Your portfolio is a "Taste of Talent" platter that highlights your style, approach, and body of work. It’s the first handshake with your potential clients which decides the rest of things. So curate a remarkable portfolio that leaves a lasting impression and stamps your expertise in the clientele's minds. Here are a few tips:
● It should be a sneak peek of your skills and experiences rather than featuring all your photos.
● Organize your work in a clean, easy-to-navigate format, with clear descriptions and high-quality images.
● Regularly update your portfolio with the latest and greatest of your work to keep it current and relevant.
Don’t rush to get your work out there. Take your time and think creatively, as your portfolio is your empire. And keep in mind, your portfolio should be in both digital and print formats. It’s not about one way or the other anymore.
Leverage the Power of Social Media
Once you have a stunning portfolio, just sit back and watch the money gushing forth into your pocket. Right? Well, that’s never going to happen. You have to bring your portfolio in front of the world. And for that, you must invest your time and effort in utilizing social media.
Because social media has billions of users and can be a highly cost-effective marketing tool if leveraged correctly. So get your work out there and inspire, entertain, and provide value to your followers.
Make yourself a brand by fostering a social army that loves your content.
Not every follower will buy your services, but their word of mouth will be enough to make you money. Even if they don't share your content, your social numbers will validate your expertise.
And don’t forget, people like to be helped and entertained, rather than being sold to. So use social platforms with the sole intent of providing value. This way, you'll become a name in your niche and get the global recognition you always dream of.
Stay Consistent
Consistency is the only shortcut to success. Sounds crazy, right? But that’s how it is. If you stay consistent in producing content and your photography style, you’ll soon have a signature style in your photography. This is what every other photographer strives for.
So stop being so artsy fartsy; just shoot and publish with your style consistently. This way, you’ll become a sought-after photographer known for your unique style, quality work, and dedication to your craft.
Your clients will know what to expect from you and will come specifically for that look. So your work will be one-of-a-kind and you can charge as much as you want. So nail this 3-step formula; hard work, practice, and patience, and you’ll become an irreplaceable brand in your niche.
Participate in Contests
So you’re working hard and smart to get your work out there, but how will you know if it really stands out? And if you truly have the potential to be a globally recognized photographer? That’s where photography contests come in.
Contesting with other photographers lets you evaluate your photography and is a surefire way to get noticed. You may not win every contest, but you’ll get feedback that will help you improve. And if you won, you could walk away with awards and money, not to mention valuable exposure for your work.
But where to find photography contests that are authentic and provide real value for your money? Well, you don’t need to go anywhere, as we have arranged contests for talented photographers like you.
By joining our contests, you’ll have a chance to get recognized, win exciting prizes, and learn from industry experts. So don't miss this chance to showcase your work and take your photography to the next level. Join now!
Get Your Work Published
Vivian Maier became a legend after her work was shared on Flickr. Mike Disfarmer was recognized when his photos got published in Modern Photography. And there are many other examples where a single platform changed the whole life of the photographer.
You get the picture, right? So publish your work on as many platforms as you can. You don't know where your next potential client will lead from. Here are the 5 best photo-sharing sites for professional photographers:
SmugMug
500px
Flickr
Zenfolio
Photoshelter
Just ensure you're adding the tags and descriptions to your photos in the right way. Once you're done optimizing, hit the publish button and sit back watching your luck do the rest.
Think Outside the Lens
In this sea of photographers, don’t be just a copycat. If you really - really want to get noticed, shoot what no lens has ever captured. Or at least shoot something with a unique perspective and style.
Say goodbye to cookie-cutter shots and embrace originality. Whether it's exploring tintype photography, using hidden camera mirror tricks, or experimenting with kinetic shots, set your work apart and make a bold statement. Make your mark in the photography world and be remembered for your unique vision.
Final Words
I know it’s incredibly frustrating to pour your heart and soul into your work, only to feel like it's going unnoticed. But don't worry it's never going to happen again. I have compiled what I think is the blueprint of success for photographers. By following these strategies, you’ll be able to get your talent in front of the world and achieve the greatness you dream of. So get up, start shooting, unleash your creativity, and make your photography dreams a reality.
Awesome tips and superbly articulated
Great content!