Do you have business/contact cards?
Better Photo folks
The more that I hit the streets, the more that I feel the need to have business/contact cards. The photo above is yet another photo from my NYC excursion. I noticed this group of photographers sitting on the steps of the public library. Tom and I had paused for a bit to take in the sights when Tom noticed that they were taking our picture. What?! Someone’s taking my picture?!!! 
Well, of course, I couldn’t let that sit. I had to go over and investigate. So, I got up, walked up, positioned myself in front of them and said: We’ll, since we’ve all got cameras, I might as well take your picture, too! Of course, they agreed.
We learned, after talking to them for a few minutes that they were instructors from Better Photo. That’s interesting. I had taken an online class with them; however, the instructor that I had was not in attendance. He was off doing some boring stuff like a trip to Antarctica! 
Eventually, it came to the point of: “Hey! Do you have a business card so that we can stay in touch?”. My answer: Ummmm, no. Each time that this happens, I could kick myself! I have some cards that I ordered long ago, but they are of cheap stock and I don’t like them very much, so they stay in the drawer. I don’t know why I’ve not thrown them into the trash and ordered a new set, but I haven’t.
I think that I want a new set of cards that look simple and professional, just in case I do want to take some additional photography work. So, do you have any cards, if so, who often do you find yourself giving them out?
Hi Paul, I’m like you, I find myself in situations where I could really use a business card. For example there have been a few times where I would come across a really interesting character and a desire to take their portrait arises but before I can take it, another thought arises that puts me off, like “a guy with all those piercings will probably beat me up if I point my camera at him”. Of course the thought is baseless but it often puts me off. A friend of mine then told me that he usually “breaks the ice” by going up to the person and offers them a card with his website and asks them nicely if he can take their portraits. He is rarely turned down. Most people (especially those trying very hard to stand out) actually like to have their photo taken. the card just makes them feel at ease it seems. He’s even used them when being hassled by security guards or police.
By the way my friend gets his cards from Moo and I have to say they look great. Each card is unique and has one of his photos on one side and his details on the other.
Cheers.
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Oops, sorry, That link was to the UK store, you’ll be more interested in the US store.
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I do, but they are more of a “find your picture here” card with the link to online albums and the blog. Everyone wants to see their picture and I got tired of writing web links down on scraps of paper. After a big event like the heart walk I can get thousands of hits.
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@Paul, I got my cards from Moo too. I find that I flip through the ones that I have with me to give each person just the right card for them. Everyone that has seen one loves it and often asks where I got them.
@Cedric, Why have I not thought of this before? I really think that giving them a card first is going to help me get over my fear of photographing strangers! Thank you for mentioning it!
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I’m married to a 4th Generation Printer. Nuff Said?
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Hi Paul sounds like an interesting encounter.
I always carry cards with me because too often there is a good exchange with a person, which led to me in the past wishing I had a cards.
Its not that I had them out every day but now when I need a card I have one.
I make my own cards out of photo printer paper as this gives me complete control on how it looks.
Here is the link to an article I wrote about this and it shows the Nikon case, which you can get free at eye glass stores.
http://niels-henriksen.blogspot.com/2008/12/printing-your-own-business-cards-and.html
Niels
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So far I have only used business cards in my professional life, not in my second identity as a photographer
In all the encounters with other photographers either “the other” had a card, or we just used a scrap of paper to jot down our respective email addresses. Which too often ended with me loosing it. So, maybe I’ll follow your example and order some from… somewhere.
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I’ve not had business cards for the past 3 years but ordered some a couple months ago for the very reason you talk about. There are those times when people will ask for one and I better be ready. I give mine out to fellow workers, people I encounter on the street or wherever I’m shooting. I think it also gives some credibility to their acceptance that we are photographers. I also find it easier easier to give out a card than write down my url. I’ve not had anyone contact me and offer any $10k contracts for images but who knows. And, since I do have your blog on my blog roll they may just end up at your place.
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I do carry business cards.
I use a simple business card application, a home color laser printer and laser cut card stock to make them myself. I do small runs so I can change it up every once in a while and I sometimes have done seasonal cards.
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I have mini business cards from http://moo.com http://www.flickr.com/photos/mcgregorphoto/1438591728/
Acts like a little portfolio review every time I hand them out, people want to see all 10 and pick their favourite. Also lets me see what people like!
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I can’t really say enough good things about Moo cards. Glad to see others also love them. Flickr photos on both sides, each card is a bit of art and always well received and I love to give them to folks, it get’s your work out there and they are great quality, they give some free samples and I was sold. I don’t work for them or anything just a really ideal card for anyone that takes photos. Peace, Troy
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@All: Thanks all! I just ordered 100 cards from Moo. They should arrive in a week or so.
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I have cards, I started carrying them when I was doing those shoots on the street in Tempe. I’m glad you ordered cards; those plus your personality should do great for you.
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@Chris: Knowing me, I’ll probably hand out cards and then talk forever. I don’t get many photos that way, but I do meet some interesting people.
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Yes, as you know I do. And when I was with you I needed them twice! Not for work of course but just to give for my personal info. They just happen to be lovely ladies………
Just love this photograph.
I hope you do a blub book soon.
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Sorry I’m late on this one, Cuz’n!!! I design all my business cards and get them free (250 per order) from http://www.vistaprint.com I get car door magnets and brochures as well. Everything free, just pay shipping and a small upload fee for the first use of your graphic – free after that on re-orders. I have cards for my photography biz, my ad sales, and now my new store – http://www.zazzle.com/michelleharbour I leave cards everywhere for free advertising. So many businesses have a place where folks can leave stacks of their cards.
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