Tip #1: Introduce yourself, but save some magic for the reply
A simple elevator pitch is enough to introduce yourself to potential companies you would like to work for. Start by telling them a bit about yourself, your work, and links to your portfolio so they can quickly browse it. Don’t reveal too much. Insert a line that explains what they can expect from you if they get back to your company with interest.
Example email:
Hey there!
Jordan is a Vancouver Island-based photographer specializing in tourism and travel imagery. Your brand is something I recently came across, and I feel that our visual styles are very similar. I would love to show you my portfolio, whether you are looking for photographers immediately or for a future shoot. Let me know what you think, and we can work together.
These are links to my current work.
- Website:
- Instagram:
I have shot for [Brand 1],[Brand 2],and [Brand 3]. Recently, I worked on a shoot with [Brand 3] that I feel matches the brand’s aesthetic. I would love to send you samples of images from the collaboration to see your thoughts if you are open to it.
Thank you so much. I look forward to your reply.
Jordan
Why It Works:
Potential clients will easily learn more about you by providing basic information about you and links to your work. While you can share a bit about your work that is in line with their brand, it’s important to keep the visuals intact so that they will respond to you. This is a good way to build relationships with potential clients beyond your initial email.
Tip #2: Consider Who You’re Reaching out to
It can make all the difference whether you get a response or not. You can research and look around the internet to find the right person to discuss photography. LinkedIn or Instagram (respectively, who the brand follows) are great places to start. If you are looking for magazine placement, you may be searching for Social Media Coordinators or Art Directors.
Keep your greeting simple if you don’t know who you are addressing and instead reach out to an information line. Below are some examples of appropriate greetings.
Greeting Examples:
- Hey there!
- Hello,
- Hello!
What follows your greeting?
The greeting you choose will depend on the level of formality you are giving to your client. If your brand is more casual and targeted at younger people, avoid using exclamation marks. After the greeting, it’s important to identify who the email is intended to reach with a single sentence.
Example email:
Hey there!
Jordan is a Vancouver Island photographer. If you’re interested in getting in touch with someone from the Marketing or Art department who receives pitches for work in photography, I would appreciate it if this email is passed on to them.
This is how it works:
This is a great way to ensure your email gets to the right person and is not buried under a pile of unrelated emails. After the initial communication, you can include a sample of your work and say that you will send more information to the correct department.
Tip #3: Create a Subject Line That They Will Want to Click
Social media managers and art directors are often bombarded by pitch emails. Make sure your email stands out. It might seem tempting to include a lot of detail, or just “Introduction”, but this will do a disservice to you and your work. Instead, you should include some details about yourself in an easy-to-read and concise manner. I have used these examples of subject lines to pitch clients for photography.
Tip #4: Create a One-Page Pitch Deck on Your Work and Attach It
You’ll want to stand out if you email a large brand you know receives a lot of emails each day. Your website or Instagram pages might not be available to the company or brand to assess your suitability. Instead, create a PDF of one or two pages about yourself, your work and how you can best reach people. Here are some things to include in your pitch deck.
What should I include?
- Your Name
- Jordan Dyck is an example
- The One-line
- Example: A photographer based in Ucluelet (BC) specializing in tourism and travel photography.
- Examples of work
- This should be directly related to the type of images you are shooting for the brand. If you pitch a minimalist skincare line, make sure the visual imagery matches this aesthetic.
- Contact information
- Include your email address, phone number (optional), as well as general location (city, country).
- Why do you want to work at [Insert brand]
- Example: I believe [Insert Brand] aligns visually with my aesthetic and that we could do some magic work together. Your brand’s connection to the environment and nature is important to me. I believe that a partnership would produce some stunning, unique visual imagery.
This is how it works:
A pitch deck of one page is a great way for clients and brands to share their work with others. It is easy to share and keep for future reference. Your email and pitch can be personalized, making it easier for potential clients to visually see how your work matches their brand.
Tip #5: Don’t Receive a Response? Send a Follow-up
If you do not receive a reply, or if all else fails, you can send a follow up to the client. Depending on the urgency of your email, I wait between three and five business days before I send a follow-up. It is helpful because clients may have saved your email as a favourite to be read later on, but it gets lost in their inbox. It is also a great idea to follow up with clients because it shows professionalism and your intention and seriousness about working with them.
Example email:
Hey there!
I hope you are having a great week. I just wanted to follow up on my initial email and see if you could view my work. Please let me know if you need any additional information. If you prefer to communicate by phone, I would be glad to take a call and discuss the matter further.
This is how it works:
It is impossible to know why clients don’t respond, but they will be able to review your email again. Keep it short. You don’t have to give them your entire pitch. Instead, let them tell you their thoughts about your work. It is important to keep your email professional. This will allow potential clients to know that you are serious and trustworthy and can take on the responsibilities of a professional creative contract.
