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Photographers starting out on Craigslist


10 years 10 months ago #286753 by Craig Stone
Is it completely frowned upon for a photographer to advertise their business on Craigslist when they are getting started? It's free, and free is good in my book. If practice fair business, does it matter that you advertise on Craigslist?
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10 years 10 months ago #286767 by garyrhook
IMO. $0.02. For me.

If you can't post images that demonstrate your ability to do good work, it doesn't matter where you advertise. Most of what I see on CL is, *ahem*, not good. I suggest you start by enlisting family and friends as your models (read: guinea pigs) and work on getting at least the start of a portfolio. Do some homework on putting together a portfolio and building a website . Produce consistently good work.

Grow a thick skin.

Learn about building and running a business.

Find a photography meet-up and a mentor.

Differentiate yourself.

When you've got some shots that you can honestly compare to other work and feel that it stands up, then consider how to market yourself. CL will only be a small part of that.

Again, IMO.
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10 years 10 months ago - 10 years 10 months ago #286800 by icepics
To me there's a reason it's free - I think it would likely attract potential customers who want something for next to nothing. Listing on there would probably give the impression that a photographer might be an amateur at best. I suppose it depends on what kind of reputation as a photographer you want to develop.
Sharon
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10 years 10 months ago #286846 by Jeanne Merlo

garyrhook wrote: IMO. $0.02. For me.

If you can't post images that demonstrate your ability to do good work, it doesn't matter where you advertise. Most of what I see on CL is, *ahem*, not good. I suggest you start by enlisting family and friends as your models (read: guinea pigs) and work on getting at least the start of a portfolio. Do some homework on putting together a portfolio and building a website . Produce consistently good work.

Grow a thick skin.

Learn about building and running a business.

Find a photography meet-up and a mentor.

Differentiate yourself.

When you've got some shots that you can honestly compare to other work and feel that it stands up, then consider how to market yourself. CL will only be a small part of that.

Again, IMO.



Good post
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10 years 10 months ago #286890 by I shoot RAW
Just don't end up on their 'Craigslist best list' :rofl: :rofl: Be smart with what you are posting.
Wasn't me :)
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10 years 10 months ago #286917 by Hoss
Good advice, Craigslist can be a good source of advertising if you be smart with how you advertise your business.
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10 years 10 months ago - 10 years 10 months ago #287150 by Joves
I am with Gary on this as well.
Personally I do not see a problem with posting an ad on CL. But your problem will be the low ballers, and those who will try to get you to compete with the Blue Light shooters. Most of what I see on CL is kind of scary to me quality wise. You would think that none of them even bothered with reading the manual for their cameras on getting proper exposure, meaning the basics. If your work is top end then all I can say is good luck.
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10 years 10 months ago #287403 by Uplander
Where can you find all the funny ads on Craigslist? The wacky ones?
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