How come people don’t like supporting new photographers but so quick to say “Support small businesses?

[Anonymous]

I’m on the verge of selling my cameras and other equipment. Everyone is looking for the most popular photographer in town, the ones with a million followers but always rant and rave about how new comers (of any business) don’t get the help and recognition they need.

I feel kinda frustrated cause I’ve been patient for so long waiting for people to respond back to my emails and still nothing.

I don't know what I’m doing wrong. I know things won’t happen in a snap of a finger, but it’s so annoying how these people will ignore tf out of you for having a small amount of followers.

How will I ever be able to improve and actually get better at what I want to do if people aren’t willing to give me a chance or at least respond?

Updates

1 y

Even people who are trying to get into modeling (new comers) don’t even respond to new photographers that wanna help them. Maybe I’m in the wrong city or something, I don't know.

[Zodiac10]

You have to brand yourself. I have a friend who once graduated with photography immediately opened her own photography business and them advertised it on campus for free grad pictures. Within a month she had a whole bunch of customers that referred her to paying customers, and a ton of photos to use on social media showcasing her work. Sometimes you have to use marketing techniques like free work initially to build credibility. Leverage who has worked with you by asking for referrals. Referrals are the best way to grow a book of business. Network is king.

[Sun_Kim-Ai]

If I can, I always give some patronage to promising artists and professionals. First I did it in my grandfather's name, now I'm planning to do something similar in my father's name for musical artists, since he had been a composer and DJ in his youth.

[annabananna]

I know for me if I am getting pictures it’s for something special and I want to make sure it’s someone experienced or Consistently does good work. It may take you awhile to break in if others are the same as I am. It may help to make sure you have a good website with a nice portfolio.

[jamesgoldman]

People don't support anything new, I've been in my current business for 10 years now and only got taken seriously 5 years ago... before that it was all eBay auctions and sniffing out cheap deals

Thankfully my local jeweller closed and the basic antique dealer had already gone (I bought a chunk of the latter's inventory)

[bean2k21]

It's just one of those things people say so they can look woke. In reality, they're going to WalMart and buying cheap shit. You probably do the same thing. When's the last time you needed, say, and entertainment console and went looking for a local furniture maker?

[jahaims]

Depends on if the small business sells goods or services. It's one thing to pay a little extra for goods to support your local community vs. hiring someone and getting inadequate service.

[Asker]

I’m doing free work at the moment, I’m not charging or paying anyone.

[Asker]

Only because I’m trying to practice my photography first before charging anything, but still nothing.