This post is kind of a sidetrack from the rest in that it is specific only to photographers and how they use audience analysis. With the current state of the economy, finding a job is going to be hard for just about everybody. With the current trend of technology, finding a job as a professional photographer is going to be even more challenging
These days, anybody who can afford a nice camera can shoot a really nice picture. It just doesn’t take very much to do. Especially with the focus of these new cameras being on userability and ease of use. Somebody with absolutely no background in photography can take shots that look almost as good as if done by a professional. There are however ways to distinguish yourself from the rest.
According to the e-book Understanding new media, social media
and the business of photography, you have to “create a story” for yourself. What the author means by this, is letting people know not only what your style and ability is but how much experience you have. It also depends on what kind of photography you are doing. For instance, being a photojournalist is completely different from being a wedding photographer. Although being skilled in both fields is helpful. The differences are better explained in this blog called the new media photographer.
The best way to get your name out there is of course to advertise yourself. Instead of posting your photos to a photo sharing website, you should create your own website like these people have: Casey Templeton, Katie Stoops and Dr. Frank Doherty. These sites are much more professional than just posting on Flickr but there is nothing wrong with using sites like Flickr.
Doing all of these things will help to establish yourself and hopefully you will gain a following. In my next post I’m going show you how to find a new audience while keeping the existing one interested.
