Back in May 2013, I went on a 10 day group trip to Israel. I went not as a photographer but as a college graduate looking to have some fun. Naturally, I brought my camera. But it was a small and basic setup (Canon 5D Mark III w/ 27-105mm F/4). When I returned I posted my photos on Facebook (personal page and JHeislerPhotography page), Flickr and various other social media sites. Well, the images went viral in the Binghamton University community, the national (and even global) Jewish community and throught the travel industry. A few weeks went by and I received a phone call from Hillel International asking me about my photos and if I would be willing to photograph a week long event down in St. Louis.
First, I had to plan the week. Then, I had to write the contract, and then, most importantly, I had to submit approval for a week off at my 9-5 job. After, it was all said and done I finally flew down to St. Louis in late July.
The week had me running around with 90lbs. of gear on my back, a 5D Mark III in one hand and a backup 7D in the other.
Some of my gear from the week. Check out Canon's new Speedlite 600EX with radio sync transmitter. The things are awesome and worth every penny. If you don't need Pocket Wizards or if you're seeking something with a cleaner and more streamline look go for these things!
I arranged and photographed portrait sessions throughout the day and in between speeches, group activities and POI/ environmental (point of interests) shots. I was exhausted and on top of it all I had committed to video production work as well. Oh yeah, I was also live blogging across several platforms and I had a 24 hour edit turn around.
Instragram picture while doing video work on a faculty member. P.s. follow me @JonathanHeisler on Instagram!
After a week of back pain, 2 migraines and 3 hours of sleep a night I returned back to New York. The following weeks were met with strict deadlines and the production of some of my greatest work yet.
The point: Openly marketing yourself and your images is one of the most important and most beneficial things you can do. It's where you should be putting most of your energy when things are slow; photographer or not! It's all about having the greatest reach possible whether it be through word of mouth or on the internet (SEO(I use the term loosely as it's overly used and misunderstood). Market yourself, and your ideas, it's the most important thing you can do if you want to be seen and, or heard.
