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cannot differentiate it from department store photography and wonder why the prices are so much higher. When they have see my work, this eliminates this argument and they want to know how soon they can get into the studio.

My goal, was now to build enough business on my own so that I could leave the studio I worked in. Of course, I was extremely grateful for the opportunity of working there, gaining knowledge and experience, but I wanted my own studio where I could really put my creativity and niche to good use.

Aside from online profiles and directories, I knew I had to also get my name out there on an impression bases I wanted to reach those who hadn't thought about having photos taken or had no idea I was out there ready to take photographs of them in their fantasy attire, complete with set and their new baby adorned in petals, or their little girls having a tea party in the front parlor.

Where would I find people like this? Again, I found myself brainstorming to the specific markets. I could find teens and brides on profiles, but how I would I find aspiring models and young families? My mother had the greatest of ideas: Ask local costume shops to display cards and brochures for their customers renting and purchasing costumes. We already knew they would be interested in dressing up and getting into another character.

So, I did and the costume shops I contacted graciously agreed to place my cards in their store.

But I wanted more. How else could I get my name out there without people having to look for me online, happen across my online profiles, or shop at the costume shop? How can I get press without spending money? The answer offer or participate in fund-raisers. Each year around the holidays, businesses give money for charity and charities look for businesses to give. I looked for some who held yearly auctions and submitted gift certificates to the charities for auction. The "winner" then had a free photo session with me and the charity received the money from the winner. This gave me free press in that I didn't have to spend a dime, I just had to give some time for taking photos, which in turn had the potential of generating money if they ordered prints from the session. A charity received money, an individual donated to charity and received a free photo session and I received money from print sales. It's a win-win situation.

It was about this time, I decided to call some local cafes. I had always noticed the photos and artwork on the walls and wondered how

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