So, I've been working as an Associate Photographer and a Studio Manager for the last 5 years since I decided to become a photographer. I think I've just about hit the wall on working for other people all the time (Matt & Enna, you know I love you ). I've done lots of freelance stuff, but have never had time to dedicate towards pursuing my business (i.e. it's taken me 3 years to get my website to where it is, and it's not even done yet )

Ever since PartnerCon I've been really trying to focus on (and pray about) what I want to do with my photography and I've felt really encouraged to go after it. Yesterday I even quit one of my part-time jobs working remotely for a studio in Chicago (shwew! that feels good!)

So, a friend suggested I get a booth at a local festival called Winchester Town Day. Winchester is like the richest town around for miles, so I thought it might be a good way to get my name out there to some of the rich folk, and (hopefully) get a wedding or some portrait clients out of it. At least, that's what I'm hoping...

So, the reason for my post... I'm wondering if you guys have any brilliant advice for me to prepare for Saturday!! I'm planning to have my computer set up with slideshows running, sample albums, portfolios, postcards, biz cards, chocolates, etc. I'm going to have a drawing for a free portrait shoot. Am I missing anything? Should I have some prints for sale? like, non-wedding stuff. What else??? I've never done anything like this before!

Any words of wisdom will be most appreciated

-krista

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If your primary goal is to attact people for children's photography - I would suggest having something in your booth that will attract children. My friend Josie and I set up at a festival when we were first getting started and the people with children were busy chasing their children from place to place. Maybe you could get some balloons in your colors or something. The festival we went to was actually a children's festival so we set a schedule up front and had a story time every half hour. We were both teachers at the time - so it was no problem for us to pull a few books that we knew we could keep their interest with. While one of us was reading the book, the other was free to talk to the parents.

Sorry, not much constructive advice, just wanted to agree that Winchester is indeed one of the more upscale communities in the area (my wife did her student teaching there). It should be a good way to reach some quality clients

But I'd say you're on the right track with everything you're already planning to bring.

thanks for the advice & encouragement!



krista

I'm just starting out myself,Jill has a great idea! Have something for the kiddies to do...that will draw parents to your booth!

i've not done one before, so my advice could be bad, lol.

i'd pick something to focus on. (weddings, kids, family, seniors, etc) and gear the entire presentation towards that. send a very clear and memorable message, and like Jill said, do something to catch the attention of those clients. Children are easy...bright colors and toys and balloons. Seniors, fun music, hang out area, etc. Weddings..do lovey stuff, maybe a game for couples (and prizes!) or cake to eat or something!

the rest of your business areas will get help too...usually people will ask "do you do....?" but having a clear focus will help draw in the crowd. bring lots of water!!


another idea would be to have a partner there, and set up a "photo booth". Quick background, silly props, quick and simple release to sign. do the first shot with a sequence number (and put that on the release), and then a few silly shots. Then give them a card with a link to your website, and write down the sequence number.

put all the photos online (provided you have that release!), and suddenly you have a ton of traffic! offer the photos for free download or cheap prints...it's a marketing event not a moola event. and suddenly everyone really wants to remember you & your website, so they can see photos of themselves!

Set up a laptop with computer games on it. The parents will have to drag the kids away.

I just did one a fe months ago...it really worked wonders for my business...I will post some pictures, but I think the biggest thing was having a A+ booth...really go all out to bring in the clients you want...I booked 4 clients that day and they have been really big spenders and I truly believe it has to do with the whole display attracting my target clients. I also had a big glass jar of jelly bellys in my logo colors...kids love that.

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Marie...your set up rocks! I love the tshirt she is wearing, so cute!!!