Best Way To Get Work As a Photo and Prop Stylist

One of the best ways I get photo styling clients is attending industry tradeshows and industry trade events. I started doing them over 10 years ago and even in the world of social media (and with all the options we have to get photo styling work) ~ it’s STILL my best conversion rate for getting work as a Stylist. My method and strategy is:  Make beelines to brands I want to style for.  Rather than trying to use social media to “attract” clients to me ~ I go to them! I’m a beeline kinda girl ~  lol!  🐝🐝🐝.

I make a beeline to the clients I want to style for.  Every year I create a list of 5 “Will Work For’s’ (Not a “Wanna Work for List” ~ but a “Will Work For” List.) and make the beeline plan!   Always use that positive language ~ like I talk about in phrases to avoid on a photo styling assignment.  If client doesn’t book THAT year ~ THEN I roll them over to the next year.  Ya gotta play that LONG game, sometimes.  (As a visual, I have the brand’s logo in by daily vision ~ Yup, that ol “Vision Board")

I know it’s a small number.  But, I’m super focused. Rather than do a random  . . . . “today I will prospect for new clients”, research companies to approach, send email, wait to get email back, follow up with another email . . . .  (I just. can. not.) I make a IRL beeline.  If you have followed my posts, you KNOW I bring the crazy and creative in my methods of booking a client and the follow ups! 

So . . .  WHERE do I beeline 🐝 to?

INDUSTRY TRADESHOWS AND TRADESHOW EVENTS

They have been cornerstone to success in my styling business for 2 reasons:

1.  Meet New Styling Clients at Them.

2. Meet New Suppliers, Brands and Designers at Them. (Which some have turned into styling clients!)  I establish a partnership and “borrow” items for photo shoots from them.  I do this with home/interiors, props and wardrobe. (& I also approach food brands to incorporate into photo shoots)  Visiting and meeting new brands at Tradeshows has been one of the best ways to get items for photo shoots.

I approach this EXACTLY the same way I call the Style, Shoot, & Show method.  I only approach the companies I KNOW would envision me styling for them. (or on the new suppliers and vendor side:  can see me using their products in my brand shoots to compliment their brand.)

It has been THE most effective way I have grown the business.  So much so, I wrote 2 Guides on it. (Download Guide Links Below.)

TIPS BEFORE YOU REGISTER TO GO:

EIN.  If you have not already, make your business “official” and get your EIN for your styling business. (Identification Number) Trade Shows and Trade Events will require you to have an EIN to attend.

MARKETING MATERIAL. Ensure you have your promotional marketing material in order so you can give them out at trade show. I have 3 items, depending how the conversation goes.  (1) business card  (2) promotional 5 x7 Card with 12 images of my styling (3)  10 page promotional book of my styling images, about my company, my bio and clients I work for.

Don’t feel you have to have all these promotional items to go to a trade show,  Just GO even with a business card.  Go, get a “feel’ for promoting at an event and start meeting people and brands and seeing all the new trends and items coming into the market.  (Being on top of trends will fair you well in the styling industry ~ we have to stay on top of trends.)  Don’t do what I call the when I syndrome and say to yourself . . .  “I will go to trade show, when I have more work to show on my promo card, when I have a better business card, when I have been in business longer, etc.”  (Don't "when I" your styling business.)

RESPECTFUL.  I'm always mindful that the reason why a brand does a trade show is because they are trying to get companies to purchase their products. (It's not a place where they want to be approached and pitched to on the trade show floor.)  So, I am super respectful of their time as I introduce myself at the trade show and aware of any potential customers trying to talk to them. That's why I say "trade show and trade show events".  The events that take place before or after trade show (like the social mixers, panel events, breakout sessions) are a better way to talk with the brands, rather than in their trade show "booth".  BUT, I do talk to them on at the show respectfully and have gained great success.  (AND you can too!) 

PUT FEAR ASIDE.  Yes, I know it can be a scary to think about just approaching a prospective client and starting up a conversation.  I will tell you it gets easier in time. Doors open to those bold and brave to knock.

 
We go into detail in Guides. Get Detailed Steps and Tips │ DOWNLOAD Guides.

Photo Stylists Best Conferences, Tradeshows and Events

Photo Stylists Guide To Networking

Bonnie ~