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What about these 10 portfolio shots? Any website and business card recommendations?

I'm looking at building a legitmate photography business to help me through college, and while my buddies and I build a news organization, so that I have lots of flexibility in my schedule. I posted one of these for feedback last week, so most of these are going to be repeats.
My experience with websites is only updating with Dreamweaver and WordPress, though I am extremely savvy with learning new software, just don't ask me to do any manual coding (my head will explode).
What about good, cheap business cards?
I found photograph of a child at a playground that was a bit more action-y.
New image to replace the protester with the flag. I chose this one because it was more of a straight-up portrait.
I'm not sure this is the best band image to use, but love the contrast, and the band really loved this image a lot. (The guy on the right used to drum for Foo Fighters BTW!)
Did I do better with this set? lol













There are terrific. I got a large order of business cards from VistaPrint years ago and my supply of them far outlasted the contact information on them.
I'd suggest Squarspace for a website, only because they seem to support every podcast I listen to:
https://www.squarespace.com/
Website's definitely imperative. Careful about the business card investment.
Yeah, one time I ordered cards through one of those big box office supply and definitely wasted money. I'm probably going to do the smallest order until there is a steady stream of clients.
Totally forgot about Squarespace. Though I don't know how because they do seem to support every podcast imaginable. haha. I could only think of Wix because they seem to take the same advertising strategy, but on YouTube.
I've heard better stuff about SquareSpace than Wix but they have been around longer. 👍
VistaPrint does good work for cards but you might also want to check out Moo I know some artsy types that have used them for several years with great results.
Love this series of shots today. Nice work!
Forgot about Moo too! Thanks!
No prob.
Oh yeah, I've seen some cool stuff with Wix.
Definitely order the smallest order of business cards. If you wanna suuuper cheap-out and have a decent printer, I'm sure there's some "print-your-own" business cards you could buy from the Office Supply stores. Think about where you'd actually use them. How many networking events are you going to barnstorm? Think about the scenarios where it might be wasted. I've tossed countless business cards.
What you're doing is very interesting to me because it's something I've been very poor at doing. Trying to sell your skills/abilities/art. I personally would definitely appreciate you posting updates -- here or on your personal space -- on your progress. Specifically: goals/milestones you're hoping to reach, trials and errors. The ups and downs of trying to launch your empire :-)
Haha, yeah I thought about going to school and printing out some paper cards. That's not very professional though. lol
Generally, the way a photographer breaks into the business is by offering free portraits in exchange for referrals. I don't have any couples in this set, so I've asked for volunteers on my personal FB page. I also want to specifically offer services to queer folks, so I posted an offer in a local group. I'll give everyone a few business cards that they'll hopefully hand out.
I will definitely write about how everything goes, because I know there are quite a few people that would like to make a little extra money with their photography and art. Also, I love sharing/blogging about my work. :-)
yes, it's all about building up your portfolio. i think the online site's probably where the focus should be because that's what's gonna get you work. people passing your info around.
I'd definitely add another vote for Squarespace. I've been using it for my artwork and shop, my main goal was to put focus on the art. I feel it definitely did it's part in helping me do so. They have templates made for portfolios as well.
If you decide to go that route feel free to let me know if you'd like some help getting started. Would be more than happy to! I'll message you my email.
I snagged a Squarespace and registered benjaminpecka.com! I also got my pricing model down. Now time to build it. :-D
Smugmug.com isn't bad if you're looking for 'minimal work' on the website front.
This is a great start to your portfolio. Swap out images as you get them and when you can add in a couple or three. I've been debating on my own website and business cards too. You can try advertising on the Model Mayhem website as a photographer for free, but I don't know how much traffic it gets.