I've had the opportunity to do too many free sessions... and have started charging, finally.

I'm fascinated by this movement to build networks with other photographers and I want to. I have seen a few in my area who's work I really admire and I want to hang out with them and shoot around ideas and build a network.

So, the question is - do I just ask them? Do I send them an email and say, hey I love your work, I'm building my business too would you like to get together and shoot the shite?

What is the next step without presuming to interfere with their business building?

holla...

yes

+1

Jes, first you gotta make sure wherever you show your "face", whether its here on OSP or on your website, make sure your location is easily visible. For instance, don't know where you're located cuz "Spacie Coast" sounds more like a funny phrase than an actual place. But yes, just email photogs and offer to take them for coffee and chat, or organize a get-together of several photogs in the area.

Put together a lunch!

I started hosting a lunch for local photographers over a year ago. I (try to) do it once a month at a locally owned resturant (supposrting the other local businessess is good!). It started out with maybe 7 of us? Now I have a mailing list of 62 local or semi-local photographers. At least 20 people show up every month, almost always a different mix of people - I don't think we've ever had the exact same group twice. We all hang out, get to know each other, and have a good time!

+1

I just started a networking lunch here. All I did was pick a time and a place and invite people to show up. It was another photog and I both wanting to start a networking group. I told her I would invite a few, and she would invite a few. We ended up with 8. I bet next month we have 20!

QUOTE (Chris Austin Photography @ August 15 2008, 11:25 AM)

Jes, first you gotta make sure wherever you show your "face", whether its here on OSP or on your website, make sure your location is easily visible. For instance, don't know where you're located cuz "Spacie Coast" sounds more like a funny phrase than an actual place. But yes, just email photogs and offer to take them for coffee and chat, or organize a get-together of several photogs in the area.

Ok, changed my location to Central Florida, though I might go even further and put Titusville because we're a pretty metro place here...
You guys ROCK. Thanks so much for the answers!

Ok, let's say I've got them interested and they show up - what then?
Anyone wanna be a group mentor, or maybe share what they normally do, or just random advice?

A mosquito just bit me in my thumb knuckle crack.

What a great idea to make it bigger than just a 1-on-1 session!
I do have just a few questions about this approach, though:

1) How far along were you photographically when you attempted your first meeting?

2) How did you get the word out that you were hosting a meeting/lunch
& finally,

3) How what did you do for an agenda?

Anyone who's done this before is welcomed to reply, of course. I feel safe posting these questions here 'cause I don't think I'm hijacking anything....

cheers!
-Mark

I am no pro at this either, so I love reading all the responses.

For me, I think meeting people one-on-one first, might be the best way to approach this because if you try to arrange a larger group who knows nothing about you, what is in it for them? Once they have seen you around a few times, then invite the people that you clicked with to a bigger group. I think people who have been in the business a while might be apprehensive about an invitation from a person they know nothing about.

As for a group thing, I am thinking about doing one two. I was thinking more like casual things like bowling or trivia, something interactive. You learn more about people that way and you don't want to seem like you are meeting up just to get something out of people.

Too bad you aren't in Nashvegas, I'd love to come but not drive that far for lunch.

None the less, thats a great idea!

People that live in Florida know what the Space Coast is - it's a pretty popular term to describe the Cape Canaveral area. Any local would know exactly what area she works in. I only lived in FL for about 18 months and on the opposite side of the state, and I know what it is.

Hi from a fellow Floridian! I suspect if you come to Free to Succeed on 9/4, there'll be a lot of locals there

Heya Lori B, I do know who you are. Been to your site before and love your work. My plan *is* to go to F2S with my hubby. I would love the opportunity to network and so on.

Ever since I've decided to start charging, my mind is racing and my business skilz suck a$$... not what I would like...

Aw, thanks Hope to see you at F2S! And if you can't make it, let me know and we can grab lunch one day or something!

Despite some people's opinion about Pictage, Pictage User Groups are a great, great way to meet established photogs in your area, even if you're not a member. Since you're in Central Florida, if you're close to Orlando, there's a group there.

tue sept 16th is the next orlando pug, we'd love to have u! we've been meeting monthly for ~2 years now :-)!

All are welcome, next orlando pug will be a shoot. contact me directly for details and to get on the RSVP list work at whatistimco dot com

In response to the "structure" of the lunch... I would say have none. When you invite them, people will sit where ever, and then chat about whatever. Since we all have one thing in common, it is likely that the conversation will gravitate toward photography. The main thing is that now they know you exist. After the first lunch/dinner it will be a lot easier to get everyone together, since they will know what they are in for, and will invite others to come along. In Ottawa, a few women photographers formed a women photographer network, and began their own forum to keep everyone updated. I went to my first dinner with them last week and think it is a really great way to network!

On another note, you can hold a Portrait Exchange (to learn more do a search on here). I recently sent out an email to many of the local photog's (men and women) and invited them to my first portrait exchange. The feedback from the initial email has been great.

Also, be sure to go to some local seminars, and photography events, possibly join a photo club or two. It all depends on how much time you have and how much time you want to spend networking with them. Don't forget to network with potential clients as well. I am a part of a couple of local women's networking groups, where there are different businesses women in attendance, and they toss out ideas, share business cards and so on. That is a great way to become known in your area.

Hope this helps!

Hey, I might just take you up on that!

Thanks to everyone who's been delivering so much great advice