The Value of Building a Local Reputation as a Photographer

Be reliable and consistent

This sounds simple, but it should be said: as you begin working with other photographers, editors, and clients, be sure to follow through on your commitments. That means showing up on time and committing yourself fully to the job, as well as delivering edited work in whatever time frame you promise to others.

So many photographers ruin their local reputation by being inconsistent and unreliable. It doesn’t matter if you’re the most talented photographer in the world, if you don’t do what you say you’ll do, then no one will want to work with you.

The best thing you can do as a new professional is show up on time, deliver the photos your client is expecting, and get your editing done promptly. Never give anyone a reason to complain about you and always act with integrity — word travels fast in tight-knit communities, and photography is no different. If you want to be a professional, you have to be a professional.

Have an online presence

Throughout this process, it’s imperative that you’ve done the work of setting up a website with your portfolio, as well as created a social media presence. It’s also a good idea to have business cards at the ready, as this makes it easy for other creatives and potential clients to see your work and connect with you. You can’t build up your local reputation without having a way to introduce yourself and your portfolio.

Always maintain a good attitude

Attitude is everything when starting out. It’s easy for photographers to grow overconfident, especially when you first start getting gigs. After all, you’ve probably seen remarkable improvements in your own work once you dedicated yourself to learning how to be a better photographer. But before becoming a professional, you’re committing yourself to a process that you’ll spend a lifetime learning.

Spending time with other photographers is a great way to see this in practice — the good ones are always humble about their craft and looking for ways to improve. As you build your local reputation, keep this in mind. Don’t just look for ways to earn more money — look for ways to become a better creator. In no time at all, you’ll be on your way to effectively building a local reputation as a photographer.