Build a strong portfolio: Start by taking high-quality photos of various types of food. Showcase your best work on a website or social media platforms to demonstrate your skills and creativity. Consider collaborating with local restaurants or chefs to add diversity to your portfolio.
Network with local businesses: Attend food events, farmers' markets, or trade shows to network with restaurant owners, food bloggers, and food industry professionals. Introduce yourself and share your portfolio. Building personal relationships can lead to potential job opportunities.
Connect with culinary schools: Contact culinary schools and offer your services for their events, presentations, or promotional materials. The exposure gained from working with aspiring chefs and culinary experts can create opportunities for paid jobs.
Collaborate with food bloggers and influencers: Reach out to popular food bloggers and social media influencers in your area and offer to provide professional photos for their blogs or social media accounts. This collaboration can help you gain exposure and potential referrals.
Use social media strategically: Utilize platforms like Instagram and Pinterest to showcase your work and engage with potential clients. Regularly post high-quality food photos, use relevant hashtags, and interact with other food-related accounts to expand your reach.
Offer your services to local publications: Approach food magazines, newspapers, and online publications and pitch your services. Write a compelling cover letter expressing your passion for food photography and offer to provide professional visuals for their articles or features.
Attend photography workshops or classes: Enhance your skills by attending workshops or classes focused on food photography. These events provide opportunities to learn from industry experts and network with like-minded individuals, potentially leading to job opportunities - specifically check out Foodtography School if you're serious about growing your food photography business
Create a professional website and blog: A well-designed website that showcases your work and includes a blog with informative content related to food photography can help establish your authority in the field. Regularly update your blog with industry insights, tips, and project highlights to attract potential clients.
Offer discounted or pro bono work: In the beginning, consider providing discounted or pro bono services to select clients or for specific projects. This can help you gain experience, build relationships, and create a positive reputation in the industry.
Build relationships with local vendors: Develop relationships with local farms, food suppliers, or farmer's market vendors. Offer to photograph their products in exchange for exposure or referrals. This can be an effective way to expand your network and gain new job opportunities.
In addition to these tips you can also apply to various online platforms that are sending leads to photographers, such as Bark or Snappr, and get more jobs as a new food photographer.