10 Proven Ways to Attract More Photography Clients (Plus a Free Guide with 29 More!)
Wondering how to get photography clients as a beginner? You’re not alone. As photographers, we often pour our hearts into perfecting our craft—mastering lighting, investing in equipment, and refining our editing style. But then comes the hard part: finding clients who value what we offer.
After relocating and rebuilding my photography business 7 times across 5 states and 2 overseas locations, I’ve learned that figuring out how to get photography clients as a beginner doesn’t have to be a constant struggle. In fact, with the right strategies, you can create a steady stream of inquiries without burning yourself out.
Today, I’m sharing 10 of my favorite client attraction methods from my comprehensive “39 Ways to Get More Clients” guide. And the best part? You can download the complete guide for FREE at the end of this post!
Let’s face it: you probably didn’t become a photographer because you love CRMs, marketing funnels and writing emails. But if you want to do what you love – Photography! – then you need a steady stream of leads, inquires and clients!
In This Article:
I’m Alison, the “Wild Card”
On the phone with a business coach, he validated all my frustrations saying, “The good news is you’re doing everything right. The bad news is you’re already doing everything. You’re a bit of a wild card.”
I’ve relaunched my photography business 7 times over 5 states and 2 overseas. From being all-inclusive photographer charging just $150 to running a six-figure business where clients happily invest thousands per session, I’ve experience the full spectrum of this industry.
Each move is a masterclass in adapting. Use my experience to stop guesswork and start growing.
Why Most Photographers Struggle to Find Clients
Before diving into solutions for how to get photography clients as a beginner, let’s address why client attraction feels so challenging. Most photographers I mentor face these common roadblocks:
- They’re trying to be everywhere at once (hello, social media burnout!)
- They’re targeting too broad an audience
- They’re using strategies that worked for someone else but don’t match their unique strengths
- They’re focusing on short-term tactics instead of building sustainable systems
As I tell my mentoring clients, “This isn’t easy. If it was, more people would be in business longer than 3-5 years.” The standard advice says it takes 3-5 years just to get stable—but I’ve never had more than 3 years in a single duty station!
I needed to learn how to get photography clients as a beginner much faster. On my 7th move, I had my first paying client just 30 days after launching and reached the top 5 Google search results in only 9 months.
If I can do that, you can too! Let’s explore some strategies that actually work.
SEO: Your 24/7 Client Attraction System
When it comes to how to get photography clients as a beginner, Search Engine Optimization might seem technical, but it’s simply about making your website visible to potential clients when they search for services like yours. This should be your first focus because:
- It works while you sleep
- It targets people actively looking for photography services
- It builds authority over time
Start by optimizing your website with location-specific keywords, creating helpful blog content, and ensuring your Google Business Profile is complete and updated regularly.
This strategy takes patience (search rankings don’t happen overnight), but the payoff is tremendous. As my guide explains, SEO will be “the biggest, most evergreen source when you nail it.”
In-Person Networking: Building Real Community
A key element of how to get photography clients as a beginner is face-to-face connections. In our digital world, these have become even more powerful. Some of my most successful photographer mentees excel at in-person networking through:
- Joining their local Chamber of Commerce
- Volunteering their services for community events
- Creating pop-up events with complementary businesses
- Participating in fundraisers and charity events
These activities not only generate immediate visibility but also build a network of supporters who refer clients your way. Plus, they get you out from behind the computer—something we all occasionally need!
Strategic Social Media (Without the Overwhelm)
Understanding how to get photography clients as a beginner on social media requires finesse. It can be a valuable client attraction tool or a massive time-sink. The difference lies in your approach.
As my guide emphasizes: “Don’t get overwhelmed here. Consistency is better than quantity. Do what is FUN, not burdensome. And certainly don’t do them all.”
Choose one platform where your ideal clients spend time, post consistently rather than constantly, and focus on authentic engagement over follower counts.
Hosting Events That Attract Your Ideal Clients
Events create urgency and excitement while showcasing your photography style—a perfect strategy for how to get photography clients as a beginner. Consider:
- Mini-session days focused on a specific theme or season
- Model calls to refresh your portfolio
- Collaborative events with businesses serving similar audiences
One photographer I mentored held quarterly mini-sessions at a popular children’s boutique. The store promoted the events to their customer base, providing the photographer with a steady stream of ideal clients while giving the store added value for their customers.
Email Marketing: Your Most Valuable Asset
While not specifically mentioned in the guide’s table of contents, email marketing is crucial when learning how to get photography clients as a beginner. Unlike social media, where algorithms control who sees your content, email gives you direct access to interested prospects.
Create a valuable resource (like a “What to Wear” guide) to offer in exchange for email addresses, then nurture those relationships with consistent, helpful content that establishes your expertise.
Virtual Networking Beyond Social Media
Another aspect of how to get photography clients as a beginner is building relationships online outside of traditional social platforms by:
- Guest blogging for complementary businesses
- Appearing on local podcasts
- Adding genuine value in community Facebook groups
- Interviewing local businesses for your blog
These approaches leverage existing audiences while positioning you as a knowledgeable professional.
Traditional Marketing With a Modern Twist
When exploring how to get photography clients as a beginner, don’t overlook “old school” marketing methods that still work beautifully when updated for today’s consumers:
- Teaching photography workshops at local libraries or parent groups
- Pitching seasonal photo tips to local news outlets
- Sending targeted press releases about special events or achievements
These strategies often face less competition than saturated digital channels.
Creating Strategic Partnerships
A powerful element of how to get photography clients as a beginner is forming mutually beneficial relationships with businesses serving your ideal clients. For example:
- Partner with a wedding venue to be their recommended photographer
- Collaborate with a newborn boutique for baby sessions
- Connect with high-end clothing stores for fashion-focused family sessions
These partnerships provide consistent referrals from trusted sources—often the highest-quality leads you can receive.
Consistency Is Key to Client Attraction Success
As Marie Forleo wisely states (and I quote in my guide): “Success doesn’t come from what you do occasionally, it comes from what you do consistently.”
When learning how to get photography clients as a beginner, choose 2-3 strategies that align with your strengths and schedule, then implement them consistently. You’ll see far better results than sporadically trying everything.
Get 29 More Client Attraction Strategies—FREE!
The 10 strategies above are just the beginning of how to get photography clients as a beginner! My complete “39 Ways to Get More Clients” guide provides a comprehensive roadmap for attracting photography clients in any market.
This free resource includes:
- Detailed strategies organized into 7 categories
- Implementation tips from my experience relocating 7 times
- Space to brainstorm ideas specific to your market
- A proven system that helped me reach Google’s first page in under a year
Click here to download your free copy of “39 Ways to Get More Clients”!
Remember my favorite advice: “Do something today that your future self will thank you for.” Taking consistent action on even one new client attraction strategy can transform your business over time.
Have questions about how to get photography clients as a beginner? Email me directly at alison@alisonbellphotographer.com. I personally respond to every message!
More Resources for How To Get More Photography Clients
- 10 Proven Ways: How to Get Photography Clients As A Beginner (Plus a Free Guide with 29 More!)
- Show Your Face: Video Marketing Tips for Photographers Who Want to Stand Out
- Photography Business Software: The Secret to Getting Your Time (and Sanity) Back
- 5 Reasons Why You Need a Photography Business Coach When Relocating Your Business
- How to Start a Photography Blog And Boost SEO
- 39 Proven Ways: How to Get More Photography Clients Without Burning Out
I'm a USMC spouse, South Carolina native, recovering homeschool mama of a 4 boy circus. They've taught me the most important facet of family photography: KEEP IT FUN!
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