Since my beautiful baby girl has been born, I haven’t found a job that can actually support me working AND paying for a babysitter.
I’ve had several years of studio photography experience, and that is primarily what I’ve done for the last several years. I have a few Paul C. Buff Alien Bees lights that do the trick for most lighting situations, although… I wish I could afford better equipment.
My husband got out of the military last July, and since then, I’ve done a few freelance photography jobs on my own. Mainly family and maternity/newborn studio.
My main problem is that I’m not a salesperson, and that I SUCK at marketing myself. We moved to a new state. I had 5 or so family shoots around Christmas time that made some money, but since then have been unable to pick up shoots off of craigslist alone.
I had a job offer the other day to be an apprentice to a studio that is in a (somewhat) nearby mall. I know that I can take better photos than those that are on this private mall studios website. Should I go with it, in the interest of keeping in practice, or do you think that I MIGHT have what it takes to make it on my own?
Here is my website: http://www.yourportraitsbydesign.com/

I SUCK as a salesperson.
When I shoot on my own, I generally sell the whole session on disc for $100.
I really thought I’d get better responses, but then… I just post on craistlist and don’t really know anyone around here in order to spread by word of mouth.

In your opinion, am I better off bettering my marketing/salesmanship skills and shooting on my own, or should I join as an apprentice to an already established studio?
FTR… I just had a beautiful baby girl. I’d like to be at home with her as much as possible. If you think I could find a 40 hour per week job that could pay for her care AND make some extra money, I’d do it. In fact, I have an interview soon with a company that has a place in a mall. I know that my photography is better than the photos that they showcase on their walls, so I’m slightly hesitant to even go to the interview.
What do you think? Should I stick it out on my own? Advertise more, in different places other than just craigslist?! Or just give it up and go to the interview?
Thanks :-)

Forget the mall studio, those jobs are all about selling.
Look for a business incubator or an artists coop in your city. Start networking with other moms. Where I live there are local websites and chat rooms for moms. Get involved in the community and it will lead to work.
Check with area studios about assisting part-time. Most photographers can always use help on a location shoot.
Take everything you can get to build a businees of your own, you have the skill.
And, your website is fine. Having a domain name is professional.

One Response to “I need some serious professional advice in my studio photography career?”

  1. Saskia says:

    wow. you have really good skills with photograph! i wish i could take photos like that!!!!!
    I think you should go solo, I think you should go to the inverview though. it’s worth a shot and you could get lots of money. goodluck!!!
    References :

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