The Art of Selling Your Photography to Big Brands with Nate Crawford

#475 In this episode of the Beginner Photography Podcast, I chat
with Nate Crawford, a vibrant food photographer who turned his
passion into a thriving career. Nate outlines the essence of
connecting with brands, stressing the importance of a strong
portfolio and personalized follow-ups. He also delves into the
technicalities and emotional aspects of food photography, sharing
invaluable tips on capturing images that resonate with warmth and
authenticity. As you listen, I encourage you to apply Nate's
lessons by experimenting with different settings on your camera,
prioritizing the story behind each photo, and refining your
approach to engaging with potential clients. Always remember,
each shot is a step towards mastery.

THE BIG IDEAS



Embrace Persistent Selling: Consistently following up
with potential clients can dramatically increase your success
rate. Persistence pays off in this competitive field.


Respect and Professionalism: Ensuring your interactions
with brands are respectful and professional can make or break
future opportunities. Your reputation precedes you.


Harness the Power of Storytelling in Food Photography:
Your images should tell a story, more than just showcasing a
dish, they should evoke emotions and tell tales.


Understand the Impact of Equipment Mastery: Learning the
technical nuances of your camera elevates your ability to
capture compelling images. Know your tools intimately.




PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLAN



Master Lighting Basics: Begin by observing the natural
light during different times of the day and notice how it
affects the mood and texture of your photos. Use a simple
reflector (even a piece of white cardboard) to manipulate light
and fill in shadows when shooting under harsh sunlight.


Practice Food Photography: Set up a mini home studio
with a basic backdrop (a large sheet or plain wall) and natural
light from a nearby window. Style your food using simple props
like utensils or raw ingredients to add authenticity and appeal
to your shots.


Develop a Portfolio: Start gathering your best work in a
digital portfolio that can be easily shared or updated. Focus
on including varied subjects and styles to show your
versatility and ability to handle different photography
challenges.


Engage with Other Photographers: Join local or online
photography groups to connect with peers. Participate in
discussions, ask for feedback on your work, and attend group
shoots or workshops to expand your network and skills.


Embrace the Business Side: Educate yourself on basic
business practices relevant to photography like drafting
contracts, setting pricing strategies, and managing client
relationships. Consider attending a workshop or taking an
online course focused on photography as a business to ensure
you’re well-prepared to monetize your passion.



Resources:


Chicago Food Photographer Nate Crawfords Website



Learn What Camera Settings to Use in our free guide!
https://perfectcamerasettings.com/


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www.DeliverPhotos.com


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https://perfectcamerasettings.com/




Thanks for listening & keep shooting!