Tips on getting Photography jobs

Years ago, before I had my own business, I wanted to learn as much as I could about Photography. Funny thing is, I'm still learning, it's a constant process. Technology is changing, new products are available, and I want to buy some of them. But it takes money...


Here is the BEST tip I've learned along the way to help you land Photography assignments/jobs.

You MUST Volunteer for an event or Charity


This is by far they best way to get yourself out-there and in front of people who will refer you and hopefully remember you if you do a good job. I worked in a camera shop and someone came in with a problem camera. I had no idea who this person was but I wanted to help him. It was an easy fix as I recall and he was happy. When he asked me how much it would cost, I told him it was "No Charge". He asked if I liked basketball & if I wanted Sixers Tickets! Wow, that was great! He told me that he does Event Management Productions for large corporations and I told him..."I'm a Photographer" :) He had a few events coming up and said he would try me out. I told him I would volunteer for his next event and if he liked my work, he should hire me for the next one. He agreed.
I made this offer because I knew if I immediately gave him VALUE up front, he would react positively to my no-risk offer, and I knew that I could network my services at his event to earn more business. 
Here's what happened next......
The event was the 4th of July Parade and fireworks show in Philadelphia! Wow! I thought this was amazing! I must have taken hundreds of pictures that day! The Liberty Medal ceremonies were held in front of Independence Hall, and there were about 50 press Photographers, including folks from AP! And I was right there along side of them with my credentials for the event-all access pass!
I was able to add photos to my portfolio of:
Senator Arlen Spector, The Mayor of Philadelphia, the District Attorney of Philadelphia, and Thurgood Marshall, who was the recipient of the Liberty Medal! What a great day for me! At night, the Fireworks display was spectacular, but I had never taken Fireworks pictures! Luckily, I learned how to do it quickly and went to an event the day before to test out my techniques. I had the pictures printed immediately and they were great! I ended up selling some of the Fireworks photos to the Fireworks company who published my photo on the cover of their Magazine! And all because I decided to volunteer my time and services. 


A few days after this event, I met with the Producer and he agreed to hire me for his next event in Philadelphia. I earned $750 for 4 hours of shooting, but it was the best (4) hours I've ever had as a Photographer! As it turns out the event was sponsored by some famous Boxing Talent, including Muhammad Ali, Earnie Shavers, and Jake LaMotta-"The Raging Bull", and others like Tim Witherspoon! Incredible event! I met and photographed each of them and other stars who came out to support the event such as Al Green, Neil Sedaka, Rita Farouz, Cool & The Gang, and more!!!
I almost ran out of film! I was shooting with my Hasselblad at the time and 120/220 film + processing was not cheap! But it was worth it....The picture of me with Muhammad Ali is sitting on my desk right next to me. 


I still do volunteer work today. Not because I know I'll get business from it, but because I like the way it feels to make other people happy. Giving back your time and services, regardless of what it is, means something...So get out there and volunteer!