Now that you have a non-photography related hobby, you are actively participating in your fun hobby, and you are meeting people and manufacturers in the industry, it’s time to design your book around your hobby.
The friend that I mentioned in our previous article started his portfolio with bike shots because his hobby is mountain biking. He first started taking pictures of people mountain biking. He wanted to show bike manufacturers that he could do the work they would give him.
Next, he started to go to races and show his book to manufactures that sponsored different riders. After talking to these manufacturers, some of them used my friend to shoot little things that they needed someone to shoot. Although these were little jobs, his book soon turned into a portfolio.
This process can be used in just about any industry. Another friend of mine started as an expert in archery, taking pictures of archery competitors.
Keep in mind that these are very niche markets. They won’t have a ton of work, but you can do work in these niches to get started. You will also learn to follow trends as you try to follow the trends in your niche.
Remember that the key to success is to be constantly working on your book. You need to follow the photography trends in your niche. As you do this, your new images will reflect the direction the industry is taking. After working on your book in a certain niche, you will soon have a portfolio that is ready to show to ad agencies. Congrats! You are on your way.
About Jay P. Morgan: With more than two decades of experience Jay P. Morgan brings to his commercial studio two special qualities: a keen appreciation of the bizarre and a knack for flawlessly executing elaborate shots. Through his educational series The Slanted Lens, Jay P. shares his knowledge of photography and video.