Best way to get a job??

Knock on doors. There's no easy way so the only way is to get out there and make it happen. The vast majority of vacancies are filled without ever being advertised. Remember, absolutely no-one is out there looking for cherryrig so you have to let them know you're around.
 
badgerbaiter said:
photographers.co.uk has some job listings

if you want to get a foot in the door maybe try taking house photos for estate agents
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Would that work??

Just go to estate agents and say "Hello, I'm a photographer who is looking for some work adn was wondering if I could take photos of houses for your work"
 
cherryrig said:
Would that work??

Just go to estate agents and say "Hello, I'm a photographer who is looking for some work adn was wondering if I could take photos of houses for your work"
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cant hurt to try.. although they will probably try and sell you a house (assuming they arent all jumping off bridges right now :) )
 
What kind of work are you looking for? You can't just turn up and say "Gis a job, I can do that." Set out what you want to do and ask yourself what any prospective employer would want from a successful applicant. If you don't tick most of the boxes revisit the original point.
 
Well at the moment I am just looking for any work. Ideally stuff to do with lighting as thats what I'm good at, or product.
I can pretty much adapt and take photos for anything :)
 
I think you need to identify a specific area of photography that you want to do. Whilst we all like to think we can master it all, no one likes dealing with a jack-of-all-trades.

Today.. everyone has a camera. Whether it is an SLR or on their phone, what you need to do is show that you're worth employing. A portfolio is essential and should show case your best work.
 
I notice on your flickr page you have quite a few skatboarding shots. Why don't you try sending them to relevant magazines, they may publish them (for a fee) and better yet, may commission you for a job.
 
For any job, not just photography, you need evidence that you can do the task. For most roles this would be in the form of a CV, but in this case, you will need a strong and varied portfolio that you can show, plus maybe a CD you can leave behind (watermarked obviously).

Other than that, you would do well to show any potential employer that you have what it takes to go out and get work for them as well, so document any work you have done, and how much money you earned out of it.

You'll be the new boy on the block, so be prepared to start with lower than you want wages, even for 3 months, to get some real life, hands on experience that you can take elsewhere at a later stage.

It's dog eat dog out there, decide what you want to be doing in 3-5 years and then plan how to get there. Demonstrating a good "Personal Development Plan" to a future employer shows commitment, and that you have a thinking head on your shoulders.

I have been out of work for a few months, luckily I was paid off so I could afford to choose what and where I went next. I have a photographic goal in mind, but right now I'm going back to direct sales, as it's where I can make the most money to finance my future plans.

Have a plan, stick to it and go for it.... Good luck :thumbs:

Steve
 
natjag said:
I notice on your flickr page you have quite a few skatboarding shots. Why don't you try sending them to relevant magazines, they may publish them (for a fee) and better yet, may commission you for a job.
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Already been done.

I got a reply from the editor who liked my stuff and he sent it to the photo editor but never heard anything back.

I'm not trying to say I'm jack of all trades but I would like to do skate photos or portraits/studio.
 
I'd email the photo editor (and copying the editor) to see if you can get some feedback on your shots that he has seen, or if you have taken any really stunning shots sine you submitted images to the magazine, include them and use the I've not heard back from you but I'm still here" line of approach...
 
Craikeybaby said:
I'd email the photo editor (and copying the editor) to see if you can get some feedback on your shots that he has seen, or if you have taken any really stunning shots sine you submitted images to the magazine, include them and use the I've not heard back from you but I'm still here" line of approach...
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Yea I'll keep trying and trying.

Just want someone to go "wow come on down!!" :lol:

Guess I'll keep e-mailing :)
 
cherryrig said:
I got a reply from the editor who liked my stuff and he sent it to the photo editor but never heard anything back.
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There's you're problem... You heard nothing back, and wont... Find out the name of the photo editor ( if you don't have it already ) and do a follow up call "to make sure he got the photos"

They won't chase you, they can find a million photographers, you have to be the one chasing them so they remember you.

Pete
 
icecavern said:
There's you're problem... You heard nothing back, and wont... Find out the name of the photo editor ( if you don't have it already ) and do a follow up call "to make sure he got the photos"

They won't chase you, they can find a million photographers, you have to be the one chasing them so they remember you.

Pete
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:agree:

This is where the commitment bit comes in, show some serious enthusiasm and tenacity. Contact the photo editor and ask if he can give you 15 minutes over a cup of coffee, then do your pitch.

It may sound obvious, but "you've got to be in it to win it", and it's a big competition....

Steve
 
You also need to do a lot of networking. I've just stumbled upon a way of dipping my toe into some motorsport shooting. I won't be getting paid, but I will get a press pass, and then with that I can start sending the images out in the hope someone might notice them and want to publish something. Small steps ;)

Pete
 
So basically look for events coming up, e-mail the people and see if you can take photos.

Sounds like a nice plan. There is a big event going up soon near called the Army Show. Now there is an idea!!!
 
Someone told once said to me you make your own luck - The harder you try the luckier you get :-)

I'm a big beliver in this. You have to be thick skinned, focused, determined and confident and you'll be able to get a job! Sounds a bit cheesy I know but it's worked for me :)
 
What you are doing here Cherryrig is sales. If you are going to succeed in photography you need sales skills. It's not about taking good photos, hundreds of people can take good photos. The one that will make it out of those 100 is the one who can sell.

In this case the product you are selling is not your photos.... it's you!

Look at the photography that makes money. Portrait and wedding. Have you got either of these in your portfolio? Have you been along to the bridal dress shops? Bought any wedding mags to see what other togs are producing? Got a local high school having a prom at the end of term? You need to get CRB checked but you could be there photographing them all in their finery.

Local hairdresser doing bridal hair? Hair photography is a bit specialised but you say you are good at lighting!

Product photography, jewellery? Have you got any bespoke jewellers in your area?

You really do need to put a lot of thought into this, you need a sales/marketing plan and a business plan. It's not something you can bumble along hoping it will happen. It's business at the end of the day.

Good for you in getting some work now make it work for you!
 
Yea thats why I making a website (link in my sig ;) check it!!) Then cards as well to give out with the web name on it :)

I'm looking for work so that I can gain knowledge about how the industry works and see how other people work. Then I can set up my own photo company, take photos for events, weddings etc etc and sell them.

Start off small and then work bigger :)
 
I've done a bit of looking into this on a 'wishful thinking' basis. But from what I've learned so far is that a portfolio is essential. Showcase your very best work only. Also, target the right market. You should really choose a subject where your strengths are: be it Portraits, landscapes, wildlife, architecture etc. Submit images to local newspapers and magazines and GET SOMETHING PUBLISHED. It carries a lot of weight. Free papers and the like are always looking for 'local' pictures, so check out the website and start subimitting. At first, do this for FREE. When you've got some published images under your belt, you can start targeting companys etc. and demand money. It's also a good idea to get a professional opinion of your work. Look on the net/yellow pages and find your nearest professional photographer. Make an appointment and ask him/her to view your portfolio and give an opinion.
There are lots of other things you can do, but hope these tips help. Good Luck!
 
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