Whether or not your photography skills are at a 'pro' level yet, there are plenty of things to be done to make yourself look more professional.
That means that if you're going to act the part, you have to look the part too.
Now, I'm not saying that just because you follow the steps I outline below that you'll suddenly be a professional photographer. To do that will take a lot of continued work on honing your craft, not to mention starting a business and sustaining it over the years.
But you have to start somewhere, and looking professional is certainly a good place to begin.
Let's explore three things you can do that will leave a lasting, positive impression on potential clients.
Editor’s Tip: You need to look like a pro in the way you dress and behave, but your website needs to have that professional vibe too. Get a professional photography domain right here.
Get an Impressive Business Card
You have to admit, when you meet someone and their business card flops around in the slightest breeze, that's far from the kind of impression you want to leave.
You know the sort...
The edges are perforated. The paper is flimsy. It just feels cheap. It looks cheap too!
With my last company, I started getting my business cards from FactoryMart and selected a card made from frosty white plastic.
These things feel like a credit card, and 9 out of 10 times, they lead to an avalanche of compliments from the person receiving the card.
These cards aren't cheap - I've paid from $0.89 to $1.57 for each one - but they are well worth the investment.
In fact, I've called people back from meeting them at a trade show and they would say something like, "You're the guy with the nice plastic business card!"
You only get one chance at a first impression, and since business cards are a primary means of making that first impression, be sure your cards blow people away in a good way.
For an even better first impression, you can also create a video business card!
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Get a Professional Website Domain
If you want clients to take you seriously, you can’t direct them to your Flickr page or your free wordpress website…
In other words, for that professional look we’re going for, you need a website that looks professional and you need a domain name that looks professional as well.
For photographers, there’s no better domain names than .pics or .photo. That’s because these domains tell your prospective clients exactly what it is you do right there in the domain name.
On top of that, .pics and .photo are super easy to remember, and since they’re newer domains, the likelihood that you’ll find the domain you want is much greater than if you go with a .com domain.
And since .pics and .photo live at Uniregistry, you know that you get a good product, excellent support, and for a great price.
What’s not to like about that?!
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Be Well Groomed
If you know me, this is one I struggle with at times myself.
I'm usually somewhere between 5 o'clock shadow and just call me Bigfoot!
But when I have an important meeting, I'll give a closer shave and with my attire, just look professional with a hint of edgy.
We all know what 'works' for each of us, so when you have an event or know you are going to be meeting potential clients or influential folks, get to what 'works' for you.
Have your nails trimmed, teeth brushed, shoes shined, clothes pressed, and hope you never have one of these days:
Even for you guys reading this, borrow your wife's cover up and do your best to conceal!
Don't try to wrench on it, either. What could happen is you pop it, then you have a huge crater that Apollo 13 could land in!
All kidding aside, sometimes looking the part is half the battle, so get yourself looking like a professional photographer, and that'll make it so much easier to actually be a professional photographer!