Besides drinking Naked juice, there are many ways to get ahead in the world, and more specifically the photo world. I like to stick to the tried and true method of meeting and talking to many people and especially establishing where my interests lie as a photographer. The only key to this is to be friendly, open, and assertive. Going to openings, especially on first friday, is very important because you are bound to be inspired by other artists and likely meet a few as well. Business cards are great because you can pull them out on a whim and seem professional. Even someone at your corner store may need a photographer for something (like a dog's birthday party or a wedding) and voila you have a an easy job and a bonus few hundo. Even if it's a rainy day the new digital era allows us to stay in bed and still make our work accessible and network with artists around the world. Below we have shared a few websites that we find helpful.
Especially now, this guide is a great help for photographers in Philadelphia. When we graduate we are going to have to hunt for darkrooms, print centers, galleries, etc. This site will cover you whenever you are in need of these resources with links to all of the websites.
This website allows you to create a simple and accessible portfolio on the web. It is one of the newest ways to share, and it's prettier and hipper than flickr and easier to use than cargo! You post a little bit about yourself and then you can create several portfolios and publish to the web. It's nice because you can follow other photographers and have others follow you. A good way to get your work out there for more people to see without the hassle of blogging or web building.
JPG is an online photography magazine. They encourage involvement in their site through photo essays, challenges, and themes. Most photographers that contribute their photos include contact information if you are interested in talking to them or sharing your portfolio. There's even a market that has equipment for sale here. I find it a little bit difficult to navigate, but a little digging might get you to some cool information.
BUY SELL TRADE used CAMERAS!
It's not for networking, but it is helpful for analog oriented photographers.
Maybe a website we all take for granted, but it is constantly updated and checked by possible future employers. For you smartphone users, there's even an app that allows to get a notification every time the art/media/design section is updated. Sometimes all it takes is to be the first to respond, so if you have your resume and portfolio ready a job or internship could only by a nice cover letter away!
By Sophia and Chip
500 Px seems like a useful site, especially as many of us are assumably looking for better ways to store/access files.
ReplyDeleteAs far as networking, I'd say just try to be nice and helpful to everyone you meet or know. You'll never know when they'll need a photographer. And if you were nice enough they just might remember you. :)
Well, I think most of us are already on a good track for networking. Most of us have or are in the process of making websites to show case our work. By the end of the semester our resumes will be complete and hopefully we'll even have business cards to hand out. I think keeping in contact with one another after we graduate is also a good idea. At some point down the line we'll remember one another and find that we could use each other again in some over the top project. So keeping up on what each other does after graduation would be helpful and passing along job opportunities we hear of to one another could also be a big plus.
ReplyDeleteNaked juice is what will make me succeed in everything in life so don't bash naked! Just kidding that stuff is too expensive. But in all seriousness, connections and networking is something we have to think about. If we sit at home and talk to no one then our chances of being something are very slim (and by slim I mean no chance, unless u have a rich uncle who dies then no worries you'll be fine for the rest of your life). The link that i think we would all benefit from is possibly the first link of this post. With a lot of information on people and locations where we can produce more work, it makes it easy for us to simply sit down and start looking and connecting with others. Like we've discussed in class, the thing that will be scary is have none of the equipment today to produce more work, so finding connections and locations where we can produce these pieces is something we must all think about and begin to locate.
ReplyDeleteI have recently had a small freak out when I realized that in just a few weeks I won't have access to a lot of equipment especially a dark room. Most of my work is digital but I do enjoy the quality of a print made in the darkroom. Philadelphia photo dot net has put my mind at ease. It's a relief to know that when I choose to shoot some film I will have a variety of processing labs to pick from in the Philly area. I'm glad I won't have to spend a frantic week spending all my time trying to make prints and develop film before the lab closes for the end of the semester. *sigh of relief*
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ReplyDeleteHere is a site I just started following, http://www.photographycompetitions.net/
ReplyDeleteThe site is pretty self explanatory, it's a compilation of open photo contests, and I believe it also features some of the winner's photos so you can see what you're up against. You can sort the contests by deadline, application price / free, or by prize. The front page says there are 211 open contests at this moment. These can be a great opportunity for us to get that one extra step ahead before we graduate. Also don't forget to pay attention to the emails Rebecca sends out for all the open submissions or positions, it can be hard to sort through everything but there are plenty of great opportunities out there for us without even leaving the comfort of our own home.
I would also like to stress using CraigsList as a tool- not only have I found two summertime-long photography jobs through CL, I have also scored some one-time gigs as well, one of them being a dogs birthday party (as mentioned in the post above). It can be a good way to score some quick cash if you keep your eyes open. Not only is it a good place to find local work, it is also a great place to buy and sell equipment locally. Yes we all know lenses and other photo equipment costs more than we'd all like to spend, but you're guaranteed to save a few bucks by checking CL first.
500 pix definitely seems like the answer. One more thing on the craigslist front..be ware of scams. I know it's written all over the site, but people are crazy. And craigslist, from my encounters anyway, is a magnet for them. Although, not all are bad. I've had a lot of success with it, and I've found all three of my roommates on it. I think an important thing that we could all benefit from is a good contract for jobs that will get us some cash. If you spend your time on something and your customer then tells you they aren't going to pay you or want their money back, a contract can save you a whole lot of money and hassle.
ReplyDeleteNetworking is something I definitely don't do enough of. I never go to openings or visit galleries or hand out business cards. This was a good wake up call for me because we're all not too far away from losing this community of artists constantly around us. 500px seems like a pretty good tool that I'd like to look into more.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with going out and visiting galleries (especially on First Friday) because it is very important to see the work that is being produced and what else is out there - for inspiration and also just to get an idea of where our own work stands in the photo/art world. Also, visiting galleries allows you to view what work certain galleries are displaying/looking for which ultimately helps you decide on what galleries you can and should be submitting work to.
ReplyDeleteAs far as the websites you two have listed - I have just recently become a member of 500px and for just a quick website to get a portfolio out there for eyes, it is rather nice. .. and works for the time being until I am able to build/buy my own domain. Also, I am a HUGE fan of KEH.. I have bought quite a few things from them and they always seem to underrate their equipment (which for us is a good thing), I bought a spotmeter from KEH that was used and marked in pretty good condition, but that thing is in PRISTINE condition. I highly recommend anyone and everyone who is looking in to buying used equipment to check them out, it's a guarantee that why you are buying will be in the condition (or better) that they state it is in... and the pricing is fairly decent (huge plus!).
First and foremost, Naked juice is way to expensive. Frankly its insulting. I feel bad when I see someone drinking one. If only they knew that they could take that short walk to Sev and pick up a green tea tall can, two bananas, two packs of ramen, and a slice of shitty pizza for the same price.
ReplyDeleteAs for networking, I think the single best way to market yourself, and get potential jobs is to establish personal relationships. In any business field, relationships are crucial. Getting to know/trust someone is priceless. When someone can put a name to a face, and especially quality work, photo or otherwise, to that name you got the job.
I honestly believe that word of mouth has, and will get me more jobs that any website or business card that i make. ( www.christiansuchecki.com )
I've worked for The community Arts Center in Wallingford for years now. Teaching every summer. I make sure to never turn down an offer from them. I've taught alternative art, drawing, painting, video, set design (bet you didn't know I have a stage background) Because of all of this I've developed a great reputation with that community. Any time someone calls and says " Hey I have a basketball court that I need lettering done on", They don't dig through a drawer of business cards or look through their inbox to see which painter has spammed them their website. They pick up the phone and give me a call.
Im not trying to toot my own horn here, but I think the most important networking device is developing relationships.
And if anyone wants to buy me a Naked juice im sure their delicious and worth the diamond dollars.
This was a good reminder that even in the digital world, personal connections are key. yes, ti is easier than ever to share you work or send it or see other people's work. I really enjoyed reading what other people have said, and it reminded me of how Gabe Fredericks said to be nice to everyone, and be as helpful as possible even if they are not your "client" at the time, because in the future they might be. Even just simple things, like at the gift shop in Jersey I worked at, my boss knew I was a photographer so he asked me to make a promo video for one of the dumb toys we sold. I made some extra money, and he still plays that video in the shop, so even though it's not some great work I still have someone out there who knows what I can do. Craigslist is also awesome, not just for finding jobs, but also I have bought/sold alot of things on there. The other websites, especially 500px seem really great because design is not my strong suit so I am very interested in things that make it easier for me.
ReplyDeleteGoing out on First Friday more is something I really want to do more - going to and visiting more galleries and photo galleries too. Just staying in the loop about photo shows and events, what's popular in the photography art world...
ReplyDeleteSometimes it feels like the only photographs I see are advertisements.
Do any of you know a site that posts galleries and openings dealing with strictly photography in the Philadelphia area?
http://www.photoreview.org
ReplyDeleteafter reading this, i cant thank the photo faculty enough for bringing in all these guest speakers/Tyler alumni to share their experiences with us, share their advice with us, and share their time with us. These artists/photographers talk to us face to face, and then give us their email, website, or business card. it's an awesome way to start networking.
ReplyDeleteI guess I am old fashioned but i prefer a personal relationship with people. something about a handshake and an interesting conversation is much more satisfying and stays with me a lot more than an email. I really need to get better at the whole networking thing. I don't normally go to first fridays and that i something i need to change. I most certainly need to expand my web presence. I am building a website but i don't have a blog nor do i really desire to have one but it is something i guess i should get in to.
ReplyDeleteI will agree that all of these ways of networking are very thrifty, inventive, ad useful, but in my opinion, when it comes down to meeting someone you really want to collaborate with, or would like to build a relationship with sooner, and probably stronger, I'd trust a person in front of my face any day. To supplement this meeting of person to person, however, I would absolutely hop online and check out their stuff. I've done this with people I've worked with, or just random people I've meet whom I wouldn't ever suspect.
ReplyDeleteI am always super nice and I try to be friendly to everyone I meet just in case they need a photographer for whatever reason. All of the jobs that I got this far have been from word of mouth- not by the internet. As soon as I spit out the word that I'm a photographer, people want portraits of themselves, their kids and even their dogs! Oh, and about First Fridays: I wish I could get out to First Friday more often. PEOPLE LET'S GET TOGETHER AND GO!
ReplyDeleteJust because I prefer face to face networking, I still do check out CL from time to time to see if any art/writing jobs are available. I've never heard of any of the other websites that were mentioned, but being the nerd I am, I'll probably have accounts by the end of this year.
Networking is huge and since I am socially inept I feel like I need a push to do this sort of thing! I go out on first friday and usually am quiet and hide in a corner. However, I am constantly thinking about opportunities to share my work, but so far it has been very indirect, via e-mail, juried competitions, etc -- think of the possibilities if I spoke with people directly who are involved in the art field! I also think it's important to know the type of audience and the type of artists you fit in with.
ReplyDeleteI know that from having my work on the internet and sharing it, I have gotten more exposure, but that's only on the internet -- you need to reach real people, face to face!