Don’t forget to check out the Books For Photographers, Free eBooks For Photographers & Resources pages.
Get A Website
Most new clients will first check out your (latest) work on your website, to see if you know what you’re doing and to make sure your style is a good fit. Often having a website is also a good way for new clients to find you.
Tools
I use WordPress to run my website, hosted on the blazing fast SiteGround service (I use the GoGeek package). You could also use One.com. I recommend the themes by Flothemes. Another excellent The best option for photographers and creatives with less technical knowledge is Format.
Become A Brand
Having a professional branding will raise your value when dealing with (potential) clients. Make sure it is consistent everywhere (social media, website, business cards,…) so people can recognize it immediatly.
Tools
MOO makes the best quality business cards, which will make you stand out. You can even print your images on them if you want. If you need a logo or any other related visuals or website, get a local designer or take a look at Fiverr.
Use social media (aka Show your work)
Connection with others and showing your work (or work in progress) let’s others know your eXist or give you feedback and support.
Tools
Read “Show Your Work” by Austin Kleon. A free tool like Hootsuite can help you manage all your social media accounts and posts.
Keep learning (aka Buy books not gear)
Please note that there aren’t any photography gear recommendations on this page (see resources if you want those). This is because it is far more important to learn how to use these things than to have more of them. The second best thing you can do to make better images after practicing, is looking at other great images.
Websites
Some of the best online photography courses can be found at Photography Domination. I also learned a lot from Phlearn, CreativeLive, RGG EDU & KelbyOne.
Books
Take a look at my Books For Photographers page.
Write A Newsletter
People love hearing from you. Keep them updated with behind the scenes, new work, tips & tricks,… While social media is great for reaching new people, nothing beats email for those who already know you. You can sign up for my bi-weekly emails here to get more insights like these.
Tools
I think Mailchimp isn’t that user friendly so I switched to SendInBlue, which is also cheaper (or free for less than 300 subscribers).
Be efficient (Use the right tools)
Time is money. Or at least, I like to spend as much time as possible with my friends and family. Using the right tools to be more efficient and better organised can save you valuable time. And it makes you look more professional.
Tools
I send all my deliverables by exporting them to a Dropbox folder and sharing a link, this is fast and also creates a backup. When I’m doing research for a project or shoot I make a mood/ideaboard on Pinterest. Remove the headache from scheduling meetings and appointments with Doodle. Save all your passwords with 1Password.
Learn how to select and (better) edit your images
It’s no use learning to take better images if you can’t identify the “keepers” or know how to give them the finishing touch they deserve. This is also important for knowing which images to post on your website or social media, and to define your “style”. Often when others ask me advice on how they can become better, their post-production skills need more work than their photography skills.
Tools
Get the Creative Suite by Adobe (Photoshop + Lightroom) and learn how to use them. Go to portfolio reviews or ask other professionals for their help. (Contact me if you want me to have a look at your portfolio)