When I first started out in freelance photography, I had no idea how to find photography clients. I had the passion, the camera, and a growing photography portfolio—but what I didn’t have were people paying me for my work. If that sounds like you, you’re not alone. Most photographers struggle with this in the beginning. In this article, I’m going to walk you through the real strategies I used to find clients, book more photography jobs, and build a stable freelance business.
Whether you shoot weddings, portraits, events, or commercial gigs, this guide will help you understand how to get photography leads, grow your client base, and turn your passion into a profitable freelance career.
How do photographers get started and find their first photography clients?
Getting started is the hardest part. The truth is, many photographers focus too much on perfecting their gear and not enough on finding photography clients.
When I started, I reached out to friends and family and offered a few free or discounted sessions in exchange for honest testimonials and permission to use the photos in my online portfolio. It’s also a great opportunity to improve your photography skills without having too much pressure on your shoulders.
This is how I landed my first wedding photography job. One of the couple for which I did a free session asked me to photograph their wedding. Then they started to recommend my services to their friends and family.
Also make sure you always over-deliver, follow up, and ask happy clients to recommend you. I built a small photography CRM using Notion that you can use for that purpose.
If you’re wondering how do photographers get clients, the answer is simple: start where you are, with who you know. Then, build from there.
How to find photography clients online (even if you’re on a tight budget)
You don’t need a massive budget to market yourself. I built my first website using a simple template on WordPress. It wasn’t flashy, but it had my best work, a clear description of the services I offered, and a call-to-action like “get a quote” or “book now.”
To find photography clients online, you can start with these steps:
- Build a clean online portfolio or portfolio website with your best professional photos
- Optimize your site with keywords like “wedding photographer in [your city]” or “portrait sessions”
- Create a Google Business Profile so you show up in local search
- Share behind-the-scenes, before-and-afters, and finished shots on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook
- Link everything back to your website
Social media marketing has been a game-changer for my freelance photography business. I started posting tips, short reels of my editing process, and client testimonials, which helped people trust me even before reaching out.
How to find photography clients for free using smart networking
You don’t always have to spend money to grow. I found that networking events—whether online or in person—are a goldmine for connections. I started attending local creative meetups, wedding fairs, and even small business expos. Bringing a few printed samples of my work and a business card was enough to spark conversations.
I also reached out to makeup artists, event planners, and other photographers. We started referring each other, creating a mini-network of support. This is where I learned that referrals can become one of your biggest sources of freelance work.
Another tip: join Facebook groups related to photography, weddings, events, or small businesses in your area. Just don’t be spammy. Offer value, answer questions, and you’ll be remembered.
How do I market myself as a photographer without sounding salesy?
Marketing yourself as a photographer doesn’t mean becoming a pushy salesperson. It means telling your story, showing your work, and making it easy for people to hire you.
Here’s what worked for me:
- I updated my bio to talk about why I do what I do (passion matters!)
- I added customer testimonials to my portfolio website
- I posted behind-the-scenes content to show how I work with clients
- I offered mini-sessions as a low-barrier entry point
Remember that, branding isn’t just your logo. It’s how people feel when they come across your work. Stay authentic, consistent, and clear about what you offer.
Why am I not booking photography clients? the truth behind what’s not working
I had to learn this the hard way: if you’re not booking clients, something’s off. It might be your pricing, your communication, or even your online presence.
Ask yourself:
- Is my portfolio focused or too broad?
- Am I making it easy for people to contact me or get a quote?
- Are my prices clear and positioned appropriately for my ideal client?
- Am I showing up where my audience spends time (Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn)?
Sometimes, a small tweak—like changing how you describe your services—can make a huge difference. For me, it was to mainly focus on wedding photography that helped me the most.
How do photographers get leads and turn them into long-term clients?
Getting leads is one thing. Turning them into loyal clients is another. For me, follow-up was key. If someone reached out but didn’t book right away, I sent a friendly email a week later with a few tips or session ideas.
Here’s my process for building client relationships:
- Quick, professional responses
- Customized packages
- A smooth booking workflow
- A great client experience from start to finish
- Offering discounts for future sessions
This helped me build a strong referral network and secure recurring freelance photography jobs.
It’s always a pleasure to see existing customers coming back to you for another important event in their life like having kids for example. For some customers I do family session every year and I love it!
How to get more bookings as a photographer and grow your freelance income
The secret to more bookings? Diversify your offerings and make the process easy.
A few things I did:
- Offered seasonal promotions or themed shoots
- Collaborated with wedding venues so they can show my portfolio to future customers
- Created bundles (photo + video or portrait + prints)
- Sent automated emails with availability and offers (Pic-Time works great for that)
Over time, I moved from chasing freelance jobs to building steady freelance income.
How do most photographers charge and get paid?
This is a big one. Many photographers undercharge when they start out. I did too. Then I realized that pricing isn’t just about time—it’s about value.
I now price based on:
- Prep time and planning
- Shooting time
- Editing and post-processing (hello, editing software hours!)
- Travel and gear
- My experience and demand
Most photographers charge either by the hour, by the session, or via package deals. I always send a clear invoice and use contracts for every job, no matter how small.
How do I reach out as a photographer and actually get a response?
Reaching out can feel awkward, but it’s necessary. Whether it’s a brand, influencer, or couple getting married, I try to keep my outreach personalized and friendly.
A few tips:
- Keep it short and clear
- Show that you’ve done your homework
- Mention what you love about their brand or vibe
- Include a link to your online portfolio or relevant work
- Suggest how you could work together
Most of my freelance opportunities came from sending messages that sounded like I was offering help, not begging for work.
What websites get photography clients and are they worth it?
Yes and no. Sites like Thumbtack, Bark, or even Upwork can help when you’re starting out. But I found the most valuable clients came from my own platforms (portfolio, social media pages and newsletter)
Still, listing yourself on directories and SEO-optimized sites is helpful. Just don’t rely on them exclusively. Your portfolio website should always be your home base.
How do I sell my photography and get people to see it?
Selling your photography doesn’t mean yelling “buy now.” I found that storytelling sells. If I shared the story behind the shoot or what it meant to the client, people paid attention.
Other ways I sell my photography:
- Limited-edition prints on my site
- Collaborations with local galleries
- Posting work on Instagram with context and emotion
Get people to see your work by being visible and engaging. Reply to comments, use relevant hashtags, and post consistently.
How do photographers get noticed in a crowded market?
This one’s tough. But it’s possible. The key is to find your voice. For me, it meant leaning into my editing style, the way I work with natural light, and how I make clients feel comfortable.
I also:
- Shared client stories instead of just images
- Created before-and-after reels
- Wrote blog posts answering common photography questions
- Used Pinterest to drive traffic to my portfolio
Who pays the most for photography and how to attract high-end clients
In my experience, commercial brands, luxury wedding clients, and corporate events have the biggest budgets. But you have to look the part.
To attract these clients:
- Elevate your branding
- Show high-quality, polished work
- Offer a professional client experience
- Include a “get a quote” form with a fast response time
How do I kick start my photography business the right way?
Start with clarity. Know your niche, define your ideal client, and build your branding around that. Invest in the essentials: a strong portfolio, a simple website, and editing software that lets your style shine.
I’ve wrote a full article on that topic if you’re interested to know how to start a photography business.
Final thoughts
Finding photography clients takes time, consistency, and a whole lot of heart. But it’s absolutely possible. Start small, stay real, and keep showing up. Over time, your freelance photography business will grow, and so will your confidence.
If you’re still wondering how to get photography clients—remember this: your next client is out there. They just haven’t seen your amazing work yet.
Keep creating, keep connecting, and keep going.
Feel free to check all the templates I created to help you manage your photography business
