How I Built My Photography Page From Scratch

When I started photography, all I had was a Canon T8i and a big interest in creating stories through pictures and video. My Instagram page didn’t exist yet, and I had zero clients. Today, I’ve grown my page from nothing to over 670 followers, built a small portfolio, and connected with real people who trust me with their ideas. This post breaks down the exact steps I used so other beginners can follow the same path.

One of the first things I learned was that you don’t need expensive gear to start. What matters most is practicing constantly and showing your work. I began by offering free shoots, which helped me build confidence and gave me content to post consistently. Free work isn’t forever, but in the early stages it teaches you how to talk to clients, handle different lighting situations, and edit better.

Networking in person was just as important as posting online. Whenever I met someone interesting at college, the gym, or even the mall. I told them what I do and showed a sample of my work. Being a Digital Film student at Mercer County Community College also opened doors to collaborate with other creatives who were building their own portfolios.

If you’re trying to grow, focus on these key steps: stay consistent, post your best work, treat every project seriously, and don’t be afraid to talk to people. Building a creative brand takes time, but every step forward counts. Keep creating, keep learning, and your audience will grow with you.