HOW TO GET A FREE SHOOT
Alright. This is a question I get so often its like a super hero catchphrase. Now I don't mind it as much as you think. Let me explain why I am saying NO and How to get a YES.
Number 5. Guarantees a free shoot
1.The Exposure Argument
How big is your social media? Actually how relevant is your following. The exposure argument is that if we shoot together people will see my work. That fact is still true even with my paying clients. Ive done so many "Collabs" over the years with people over 20k following and honestly it gains me nothing.
Now this doesn't mean exposure doesn't work. It means you might not understands sales. Trading for exposure means you get a free shoot and I either get a bunch more followers or I get bookings from your post. Now ask yourself. Can you guarantee that? Because I can guarantee you gonna get a photoshoot. There are a ton of accounts with bought followers and fake accounts. How can I be sure?
if you can guarantee your side of the deal the YOU got yourself a free shoot.
2.Experience
I personally LOVE trade shoots- as it allows me to try out new things, or create things that typical clients don’t have an interest in– OR — it gives me a chance to fine tune settings for new concepts FOR future clients. With that said, if a new model comes in with zero experience- then they’re most likely not contributing much- other than just being there.
Solution? Either continue asking other photographers until you get enough experience (and you have a developed portfolio) or simply book a shoot with an experienced photographer (fastest way to gain valuable experience!).
If you’ve shot with tons of amazing photographers– chances are- YOU are an amazing model. Chances are- YOU would bring more to the shoot… Which would allow the photographer to focus more on THEIR creativity… which = amazing images. If your port has crappy pics… then you may have a tougher time getting the TF shoots you’d like. I’ve been there– I suuuucked for a long time… and I got rejected/ignored a TON- but that only made me more determined to suck less!
3.Motivation
There is nothing more frustrating than doing a Free Shoot than being given a shot list. Like I need stuff with this shirt or this product or headshots. That's my friend sounds to me like you just being CHEAP. FREE or Trade shoots need to be mutually beneficial for both parties. When you give me guidelines then what's my benefit? O I get to add you to my portfolio? Big Woop. Im sure I'll survive without you. If I don't get the images I want to have of you in my portfolio then im sorry we can move on.
4.Be Polite and Persistent
Often I get asked my rate and then after I send it people disappear as quickly as the slid into my DM. Now I get it you are shocked. I don't charge a bag of beans and good vibes I'm sorry. But ghosting is just rude and you hate it as much as I do. No one is special or above the rule of being polite. Try maybe responding with “Thanks for sending me your rates! I was really hoping to try to keep costs low, as I’m a FT student- but I think I’d add to your portfolio because XYZ… please keep me in mind for any future opportunities! If it’s ok, I’d like to stay in touch a few times a month because I know we’d create magic!”. Now damn doesn't that make you wanna work with them. BTW some images on my portfolio are from people that did this.
95% of TF inquiries don’t reply after I send my rate info. Manners matter.
Also keep and mind that we all have something going on. Sometimes I can't remember who I should reply to or who I spoke to. Things happen so politely slide back into my DM'S and just reach out. Be persistent and Polite.
5.I Am a Human
Something I find that escapes a lot of people is that this is my job. I have a family to feed and bills to pay. Free makes that difficult. Remember I work hourly so that means I only have so much time in a day to make a living. No my entire rate isn't pure profit either. Equipment, software, rent and many more cost me money to do my job. Yes life looks extravagant. Comes with the territory. Most likely you saw my images at the beach or on a plane and wanted to shoot with me. Hey what can I say. None of us want bland images in your drive way. So I wanna give you the best and that means we do cool locations which still cost money.
But here is a sure fire way to get a free shoot. No red tape, No social media following required.
GET ME CLIENTS.
If you get my a paying client that means you helping me look after my family. That will get you a free shoot. No we aren't doing the whole give me a discount code thing. No. Maybe down the line Ill discuss it if you've brought me a few clients.
But most people are lazy. They just want it now and free. So show me you willing to work for me and Ill show you Im willing to work for you.
Money Matters. We all need to live.
Just as with everything else in life– the more focus you put into something, the better you will become. Continue practicing your selfies so you learn your angles– and follow the influencers so you know what’s in fashion, and what poses work for your body type. Shoots are fun- and can lead to some amazing opportunities.
If you’re passionate about photoshoots, but just can’t seem to get things moving- stay tuned for my next project.
It combines the need for super affordable photoshoots with the need for new photographer training. Some sexy stuff!
Thanks for reading!