An email I got on my blog contact form, and my response. I thought it might be useful info for someone else, so I thought I’d share. Names redacted.
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” I’m also a toy photographer. I’ve been taking pics of toys for years but, I just started doing it professionally last year when I purchased my 1st DSLR camera. I’m reaching out to you because I’m seeking advice on how to put myself in a position to get noticed more? As of right now, I’ve been using Instagram as my main platform. Is there any other things I can do? My goal is to get noticed by companies like [] so I can do marketing photos. Also, if you have the time, could you possibly take a look at some of my photos and offer any tips for improvement? Thanks in advance for your help.”
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Hey [],
Getting noticed isn’t an easy task. I’m still working to get where I want to be in that arena, but I feel like I’m on the cusp. Just keep working. If you have the time and energy, it’s a good idea to set up a website. You can link to it from your Instagram bio and it’s a way to present yourself more professionally than you fully can on Instagram. I try to write blogs on mine fairly often to keep the website fresh which helps with views and SEO.
If you want [] or any company to recognize you, study the type of content they normally post. Try to emulate the overall style, but put your own spin on it. Work hard on this for a period of time until you feel confident that you’ve really nailed it, then find a contact form or email from [] on their website and reach out through there. Sell yourself, who you are, what you do, and how what you do could be good for them, and just see what they say.
You can of course also tag them when you use items they sell in your photos, and while that could potentially get you a repost it wouldn’t necessarily lead to working with them on a consistent basis.
Do know, that many companies with active social media presences want to work with people as influencers. People with over 5000, even over 10000 Instagram followers if they can get it, the more the better. I don’t have that many followers either, but I have had a couple companies reach out, so it’s not that it’s not possible.
Just don’t get so set on one company and get your hopes up, sometimes its just pure luck. Just keep working and focus on making good quality work that you’re proud of and see where things go.
I think your work is definitely on the right track. One thing I’d say is maybe try to tell more stories. Your lighting and posing is great, but do something within the photo to make me more involved in the figures lives.
Good luck in everything!
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While these are direct answers to the questions answered, you can also submit your photography to publications, galleries, etc. Just look for applicable open calls whether by theme, medium or genre in which your photography fits. You could sell prints of your work at vendor based art sales. Anywhere art is your toy photography can also be.
If you’d like more tips for your own toy photography check out this post – 10+ FAQs of Toy Photography and feel free to contact me at this form – Contact.