What’s Your Preference?

Mysticall · #1 (**permalink**) 02-08-2012, 04:33 PM

Hi everyone,
I'm just getting started with my photography business - it's been a hobby for many, many years and I've finally made the leap to the other side. My question is, as a way to get your name out there would you donate a photo session (children's portraits) and some prints to a school fundraiser? (It's my daughters' elementary school) I'm finished the portfolio-building stage. Now I just want to market myself. Thanks for any advice!

Rentham · #2 (**permalink**) 02-08-2012, 04:37 PM

If you are going to donate your time do it because you believe in whatever the fundraiser is promoting. Getting your name out is a secondary benefit that sometimes materializes. Otherwise you come off as self-serving and gross.

scootermcq · #3 (**permalink**) 02-08-2012, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rentham

Otherwise you come off as self-serving and gross.

You say that like it's a bad thing.

Mysticall · #4 (**permalink**) 02-08-2012, 05:22 PM

Well, yes I believe in the fundraiser. My children go to the school that would benefit from it. I guess my question was more along the lines of would it be bad for business in a sense. I just finished reading an article about knowing when to stop giving free photo sessions for portfolio building (so everyone doesn't think you're giving sessions away for free), so I want to make sure donating to a fundraiser isn't in the same vein. Obviously, they are paying/donating, but just wanted to get some opinions. Thanks!

windrider86 · #5 (**permalink**) 02-08-2012, 05:32 PM

I do it all the time. Fundraisers for the animal shelters and every year I do free portraits for family's who have loved ones overseas in the service. Free sitting, portrait and shipping

dakwegmo · #6 (**permalink**) 02-08-2012, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mysticall

Well, yes I believe in the fundraiser. My children go to the school that would benefit from it. I guess my question was more along the lines of would it be bad for business in a sense. I just finished reading an article about knowing when to stop giving free photo sessions for portfolio building (so everyone doesn't think you're giving sessions away for free), so I want to make sure donating to a fundraiser isn't in the same vein. Obviously, they are paying/donating, but just wanted to get some opinions. Thanks!

It's only worth it if you feel like you're happy with what you get in return. It may be that you're satisfied with helping the school raise some money, if not, and you feel like this will be a failure if you don't get some referrals out of the deal, then you need to ensure you need to have a solid plan for getting the client to recommend you to their friends. If you haven't figured out just how to do that, then you might want to keep working on building your portfolio and in the process figure out how to build up your contacts and referrals so you'll know how successful you can be giving away your services.