How To Sell Photographs - Both You And Your Model Need Portfolios!

There's nothing better than a Win Win situation. That's what we all want. In photography there is one situation where everyone's a winner. You're a new photographer, looking for ways to establish yourself and earn money from your favourite pastime. She's a budding model, striving for fame and fortune on the world's glamour cat walks. Team up, and you're taking a step in the right direction if you want to start selling photography services.

In many ways the title says it all, and once you realise that there are always thousands of people in each city that (rightly or wrongly) think they could be models, you are on your way to the bank. Not only do half the women in every city secretly believe they could have been a model, but 100% believe their children can be too. By offering them photography services they may not otherwise be able to afford, you can create a service in high demand.

The secret is in knowing how much a big studio charges for their time. That can be upwards of $500 for 2 hours of work. By saying you are selling photography services for $100-$250 instantly puts you in the position of the only affordable model photography service for many aspiring models.

In fashion or beauty photography, lighting is everything. I know professional photographers who don't have their own studio, and arrange to take their models' photos using natural light - either in a well lit room, or outside in some nice looking surroundings. So by all means, if your model is up for it, get outside and get creative.

If your budget has stretched to some studio lighting, you really have the opportunity to make your mark. You can arrange to visit the model's premises, if it is suitable (it's surprising how little space is needed for a basic lighting set up). Otherwise, you can ask at a local bar and see if they have some space you can set up in, before they open up (or a room elsewhere you could use anytime of the day). Be professional at all times, give out your business card, and you may surprised how many are willing to let you do this. It may even create some added interest for them they hadn't expected.

Now, if you are looking to build your first portfolio, then a newbie model is the perfect partner for you. OK, you may have to forego your fees at this early stage of your career, but similarly, the model will be looking to progress their career too. Subsequently, you can negotiate so that the model doesn't charge you, she gets a set of prints and a disc of images for her portfolio - and a stunning photo shoot produces a real Win Win scenario. Before long, you'll be selling photography services, rather than giving them away.