How to Look Like a Professional Photographer

Whether or not your photography skills are at a 'pro' level yet, there are plenty of things to be done to make yourself look more professional.

That means that if you're going to act the part, you have to look the part too.

Now, I'm not saying that just because you follow the steps I outline below that you'll suddenly be a professional photographer. To do that will take a lot of continued work on honing your craft, not to mention starting a business and sustaining it over the years.

But you have to start somewhere, and looking professional is certainly a good place to begin.

Let's explore three things you can do that will leave a lasting, positive impression on potential clients.

You have to admit, when you meet someone and their business card flops around in the slightest breeze, that's far from the kind of impression you want to leave.

You know the sort...

The edges are perforated. The paper is flimsy. It just feels cheap. It looks cheap too!

With my last company, I started getting my business cards from FactoryMart and selected a card made from frosty white plastic.

These things feel like a credit card, and 9 out of 10 times, they lead to an avalanche of compliments from the person receiving the card.

These cards aren't cheap - I've paid from $0.89 to $1.57 for each one - but they are well worth the investment.

In fact, I've called people back from meeting them at a trade show and they would say something like, "You're the guy with the nice plastic business card!"

You only get one chance at a first impression, and since business cards are a primary means of making that first impression, be sure your cards blow people away in a good way.