Finding clients and forming valuable partnerships is especially challenging for food photographers. With a saturated market, economic rollercoaster and intense competition, it’s easy to feel uncertain about where to start or how to stand out. Navigating the freelance world adds an extra layer of complexity, from building your network to securing consistent work.
If you’ve ever struggled with these challenges, this post is for you! Soak in the insights of 76 creators, along with my own experiences as part of this resource packed with our proven strategies. These pro tips will help you attract the right clients, build meaningful partnerships, and thrive as a freelancer.
If you are hungry to learn about another subjects, make sure to check the previous episodes of my Pro Tips blog series here.
What is their pro tip to find clients and partnerships?
Before you scroll any further, get comfy, grab your favourite hot drink, notebook and pen, then get ready to dive into this inspiring read!

"Find an agency in your local area or an agency that hires creators remotely. Instagram and LinkedIn."
Shiela Cruz - CPG photographer and stylist
"Assessment and monitoring competition. Making lots of connections."
Anita Zsirmik - food blogger, content creator
"Make real connections before even pitching them. Use social media to interact with brands or agencies you want to work with."
Anja Burgar - commercial and editorial food photographer
"Attending in person events such as conferences and workshops. Often times these are sponsored and brands are there. Starting a conversation in person is much less intimidating and you can exchange info."
Kristina Cadelina - food photographer, blogger
"Think of your dream client and find out who to reach out to if you want to work with them. Maybe it is they marketing manager or maybe it is their ad agency. And then send them relevant work you have shot to make them curious to get to know you and have a chat with you. Also send them a personal note showing that you have done your homework and made an effort to get to know about them, so they just don't feel like they have been hit by spam mail."
Mikkel Jul Hvilshøj - photographer
"No one likes the fact that cold calls still work today."
Mika Levälampi - photographer
"Define your ideal client or partner: identify and define your ideal client or partner. Consider factors such as industry, size, location, and values. A targeted approach allows you to focus your efforts on entities that are more likely to benefit from and appreciate your offerings."
Melissa - photographer, blogger
"Post on social media, go to networking events, keep in with other photographers/videographers/people in your industry - even your competitors will often have work for you at some point."
Jason Wain - photographer, videographer

Photo by © Jason Wain
"Social media, good customer relationship, seizing the opportunities."
Kamile Kave - photographer
"Build genuine relationships by offering value and support to others. Collaborate on projects, share expertise, and contribute to discussions. Utilize online platforms and directories specific to your industry to connect with potential partners or clients."
Sari Spåra - entrepreneur, food and wine photographer, recipe creator
"Valuing the power of networking is crucial for finding clients and establishing partnerships. Building and maintaining professional relationships through various networking opportunities, such as industry events, social media platforms, and professional associations, can open doors to potential collaborations and clients. Personal referrals and word-of-mouth recommendations often arise from strong networking, significantly enhancing your chances of securing new business opportunities."
Peggy Cormary - photographer
"If you want to work with a certain client its always a good idea to shoot images for your portfolio that are in line with their brand or similar brands. When you have a few images you are proud of, you can introduce yourself through email, attach your portfolio and say that you think you would be a good fit for them and would love to help them out with any upcoming projects. Also, when I was starting out I got quite a few jobs from simply tagging brands on instagram when I posted personal projects using their products."
Snorri Guðmundsson - photographer, recipe developer, product development manager in the food industry
"There are many channels to reach potential clients. Some people say - be there where your clients are. Keep your online profiles alive, follow and comment. Visit relevant events, and meet face to face. But should know, they won't hire you if they don't need your service at the moment. It's a business. But be ready to be there when they need you. If they already know your name, they will look for you. Make yourself easy to find."
Milena Ugrinova (Mim) - food and product photographer
"I really believe that a personal approach helps. For example, I have already sent a personalized mailing (by slow mail!) several times. But sometimes you just have to be lucky and have word-of-mouth advertising. Customers can come from the most unexpected places. For example, I once did an interior shoot for someone from whom I bought something on Marktplaats (sort of a Dutch e-bay)! Be yourself and be honest in what you do and can't do. The 'take it or leave it' method."
Maaike Zaal - food- and beverage photographer
"Stay active on social media. I do not have a huge following on Instagram but the brands I work with all want a presence on there, so it is vital to maintain and it's often the best way to make initial contact with a brand."
Jane Coupland - food photographer, food blogger
"Follow creators on social media sites, even Instagram. (Though Instagram is now a bit strange.) Reels are not good for photographers I feel. Ask questions, answer questions. Always be polite, even to people not liking images. Ask what they would do different."
Matt Wilson - photographer

Photo by © Matt Wilson
"I’m still learning how to sell myself, but I reach out with my two-page ‘recent work’ portfolio and show prospects what I’ve been up to."
Jules Wilson-Haines - photographer, stylist
"Approach clients you would love to work with. If you know the product well, it shows through in a pitch."
Sandy Wood - photographer
"I proactively take photos with a brand's products and get in touch with them via social media."
Andrea Köver - food photographer

Photo by © Andrea Köver
"Choose people who have aesthetics similar to yours and products that you either use personally or have a good understanding of."
Natalia Ashton - nutritionist, photographer, author
"My main marketing tool is social media. Part of my selling pitch to the customer is that after I take the photos, I upload them to my instagram, and boost the post for more exposure. This gives the customer and my profile more visibility. Its a way to show the customer that once we start working together, our businesses are intertwined, and the better I do, the better they do."
Robert Alvarez - photographer
"Just be yourself and don't hesitate to hand out your business card. I also volunteer for not for profit organisations. This provides great experiences, professional development and opportunities to build relationships with businesses through these events."
Leeanne Mason - food photographer, photo chef, food stylist, content creator

Photo by © Leeanne Mason
"Website, SEO and being active on social media. Spend more time to work on your skills, your pictures will tell their stories."
Victor Chin - food photographer

Photo by © Victor Chin
"Focus on the brands you love to eat/drink yourself - you're essentially their customer too!"
Emilie Dorange - photographer, designer
"3-4 time s year I send out portfolio update emails to past clients and agencies I have worked with over the years. But honestly I don't really search for new clients anymore, they find me through my social media pages and my website. Most of the times agencies, who I worked with in the past, contact me for new jobs."
Tibor Galamb - photographer, director

Photo by © Tibor Galamb
"Spend time looking online, social media feed, in stores, or even your kitchen cupboards for food brands of interest that you really want to work with, and align with your unique value proposition."
Mary Turner - commercial food photographer, stylist, chef
"To get started on finding clients, look in your pantry or grocery store aisles to find brands you use and love."
Emily Miller - food photographer, recipe developer
"I find that looking at what food products I already use is a great place to start. Look at the brands you have in your pantry and do your research to get a contact point, whether that be through email or Instagram."
Murielle Banackissa - food photographer, food stylist, cookbook author and blogger

Photo by © Murielle Banackissa
"Offer your services and show the example of your work that matches with your client's needs."
Sanja Alisic - blogger, food stylist
"Im ALWAYS sending DM's, e-mails, creating new images that will fit what my dream brands are looking at. I like to collaborate product x content, that way the brand can see what I can do with their product. I have one rule: I only do this ONCE per brand, if they want more, now they have to pay, its a matter of knowing your goals and what you feel comfortable with."
Karen Loza - food photographer and stylist
"Go through your pantry and look at the brands you use in your everyday life! Maybe your ideal client can be found between a bag of pasta and canned beans."
Lara Virkus - food photographer
"For me it is most important to maintain good relations with my existing clients. I do have a lot of returning clients for years and that to me is a big compliment. If you make sure your existing clients are happy with your work they will tell others about it, making finding new clients very organic."
Anoeska Vermeij - photographer

Photo by © Anoeska Vermeij
"Go beyond your desk. Attend events, make friends, get to know people in the industry you want to serve. If all you're doing is sending cold e-mail pitches, that's a harder road than meeting people in person at conferences, parties, meet up groups, and festivals. In-person connections are gold that will serve you for years to come."
Joanie Simon - photographer
"Marketing yourself in many platforms, newsletters, doing test shoots with other local professionals so that way you can build a network. So much of this business is word of mouth and people being able to see your work."
Aline Ponce & Mike Hulswit - professional photographers
"Visit the local food markets, buy their products, talk to them, visit new restaurants, bakeries, etc. A personal relationship is always stronger than a virtual one."
Susi Bálint - stylist, photographer, writer
"Actively engage in industry events, conferences, and online communities to expand your network. Authentic relationships built through genuine interactions can lead to meaningful collaborations and long-term partnerships."
Maxine Lock - photographer
locklickimages.com.au

Photo by © Maxine Lock
"Make real connections on social media - show that you really do love/understand their product/brand."
Sam Robson - food photographer
"Social media is very useful. These days LinkedIn is very popular, but I like to also like to trawl Facebook. The algorithm soon works out what you are interested in and sends similar business ads. You can then build a list of who you might want to contact."
Birgit Mayled - photographer
"Be targeted in your search. Know what you are looking for. Think about the kind of work you'd like to be commissioned for and then start looking for brands that might fit that kind of work. Knowing what you want makes it easier to look for clients who fit the description."
Dyutima Jha - food photographer, food stylist, podcaster
"Some people do send emails, some people do B2B in the cities, or through socials, I did all of them, and I think you should too, to see what fits for you the best."
Maurizio Previti - photographer
"My advice in my experience finding clients/partnerships is to actively use social media to build your personal brand and showcase your professionalism. It's important to include the photos you want to shoot in your portfolio to highlight your unique style. Adding author photos helps to attract attention and stand out in the eyes of your target audience. And most importantly for me, warm human relationships with clients and partners is the key to success in my experience."
Halyna Vitiuk - food photographer
"Define your ideal audience and create a professional portfolio showcasing your skills and work. Optimize it for search engines to enhance visibility, making it easier for potential clients to find and choose your services."
Alessandra Zanotti - food photographer, food stylist

Photo by © Alessandra Zanotti
"Identify your target clients and approach them firstly with an email and if you get an answer ask them to meet or have a chat over the phone."
Elisa Marina Orani - food photographer
"Never give up on finding your new clients."
Mihails Pavlenko - food and product photographer
"For me, it's to always leave a positive impression on clients and provide them more add-ons along with the services that you offer, so they always come back, and they refer you to other brands."
Anjala Fernando - food photographer, food stylist
"Social media is a great place to find prospective clients. Most of my clients are from Instagram and Facebook. Also, Behance is a good place to get clients. Keep posting your work and keep pitching."
Gouthami Yuvarajan - food and product photographer
"Find clients and brands that reflect your own values. Post content that aligns with brands and clients that may be casually searching for new talent."
Anisa - photographer, recipe developer
"Be patient and do your work as good as you can. Don't be shy and show your work to the whole world. Create a good portfolio and be consistent on social media. Prepare a good offer and send it to selected companies."
Monika Grudzińska - photographer, food stylist
"Be consistent in sending proposals to the clients or companies I like to work with, and do not be afraid."
Alena Prichystalova - photographer, blogger
"Networking outside of Instagram."
Veera Rusanen - photographer
"If you see a potential for a project, don’t hesitate to reach out to them."
Sangita Bhavsar - food blogger, photographer, stylist
"Talk and show as much as you can about your services whether on social media or in your newsletter."
Massiel Zadeh Habchi - food photographer and stylist
"Connect. Networking is key. Establish yourself as an expert. Show what you've got. Social media – be present. Invest in your website."
Carolin Strothe - professional photographer, food stylist, stylist, art director, author
"First define the profile of your ideal customer. What type of company can you work with? To find brands I look at the catalog of delicatessens. If I find a brand that I want to approach on Instagram, I save a post from the brand in a “prospect” folder."
Constance Ibañez - food stylist, food photographer, food event creator

Photo by © Constance Ibañez
"I personally start from items/ products that I enjoy and believe in. I also look for brands with value / missions that aligns with my brands. Start from following their socials, and make your presence known by engaging with their brand, build a relationship and trust before pitching in. This way you have one foot at the door already."
M. Aimee Tan - food photographer, videographer, stylist, content creator, recipe developer
"Search for local businesses and brands as a first step. It’s easy to meet them and keep up contact."
Lauren Short - food photographer
"I always follow my heart and I try to find the rights clients for me, thinking that my style could be the right fit for them."
Marika Cucuzza - food photographer, content creator, recipe developer, food stylist
"Work on your personal branding and reach out to those you’re genuinely interested in and are aligned with your brand."
Roberta Dall’Alba - photographer
"I think the first thing is to define your potential customer base and find the way to reach them. When you are a beginner, you may have to start with a few free jobs, which can bring a much bigger advantages on the long run. But you have to be smart in selecting them and only take them when you are a beginner. Later there will be a price of what you do. The other important thing is the online presence. You have to make sure you are visible on every online platform, and that you are taking advantage of the many opportunities coming from the social media platforms."
Liliána Tóth - food photographer

Photo © Liliána Tóth
"I myself take great pleasure in being found by clients through referrals and through my work on Instagram or in my portfolio. But the most important thing is to get on well with the client - these collaborations are always the most enjoyable and fruitful. So when I'm looking for the perfect client, the most important thing for me is to feel positive about their product and their current style - to immediately feel a certain connection and an idea of how I would like to present the product. These would be the potential clients I would want to work with first."
Katarzyna Anders - food and product photographer and stylist, recipe developer, content creator, blogger
"Go to your storage room, kitchen, fridge and look at the brands you already like. Notice brands in stores when you do your shopping. See where you like into eat out in your location and talk to the manager about how you can help. Take notes, do your research, network, add them to your pitching directory and there you go, now they are a prospect you can approach with your offer to help."
Andrea Gralow - professional commercial and editorial food photographer, videographer
"Market yourself.
- Ask for referrals.
- Collaborate with an agency or content creators.
- Digital Advertising."
Indrajeet Nishad - food photographer and stylist
"Network at food-related trade shows. Take your portfolio book, make flyers, and go from stall to stall and have a genuine chat about their products and what you can do for them."
Julia Wharington - photographer, videographer, stylist
"Expand your client/partnership network by actively engaging in industry events, both online and offline. Utilize social media platforms to showcase your expertise and connect with potential clients or collaborators. Leverage existing professional networks and seek referrals. Craft a compelling online presence, including a well-designed website and portfolio, to attract inbound inquiries. Consistency, authenticity, and proactive outreach can significantly enhance your chances of finding valuable clients and partnerships."
Anna Janecka - photographer, food stylist
"In order to be successful, you have to network. My preferred way of finding clients is through LinkedIn and email pitching. I use LinkedIn for research and connection and send email pitches to prospects with a proposal. Pitching will completely transform your business but you have to do a lot of it and be consistent."
Darina Kopcok - food photographer, educator

Photo by © Darina Kopcok
"Show up and regularly post your best content. Talk about your business everywhere and make sure your friends and acquaintances know about your food photography business. Make sure you have a good relationship with existing clients. They are a great source of connecting you to new clients. Follow your ideal clients on social media, connect with their content and tag them in your stories using their products. Don't be afraid to work for the big ones."
Mojca Klepec - food photographer
"Focus on your dreams, not just your current situation. Define your dream client, preferred brand, and desired product category. Tailor your portfolio to showcase proficiency in that specific area, practicing the style and product type you aspire to work with. This strategic approach demonstrates your professionalism and positions you as an ideal choice for your dream opportunities."
Melinda Bernáth - food photographer
"NETWORK
My network is my primary source for acquiring new clients. Within this network, there's always someone connected to someone in need of our services - yours and mine alike. In addition to leveraging my network, I also secure clients through my social media presence and proactive direct outreach efforts."
Anita Zivkovic - food photographer, photography coach

Photo by © Anita Zivkovic
"I base my choices of partnerships on finding like-minded individuals and organizations to collaborate with and work for."
Terri Salminen - blogger, food culture researcher
"Good portfolio / website and being active on social media helped me find new clients."
Harsha Sipani - commercial photographer
"Cold emails! They have worked the best for me so far, along with maintaining a consistent Instagram and website."
Yashaswita - photographer
dashoflime.co
"Become a cheerleader of their work and progress. And be pleasantly persistent in reminding them you exist."
David Pahmp - commercial advertising photographer
"Research the market in the country and region you’re based, and look for the companies and clients who are most likely to need your services."
Dina Hassan - food photographer, videographer

Photo & BTS by © Dina Hassan
"What I’ve done from the very beginning when started cold pitching, when I was visiting supermarkets I used to take pictures with my phone for all the brands in my favourite food aisles. Then I was pitching."
Monika Jonaite - food- and product photographer, food stylist, recipe developer
"You may hear it often that you shall "stand out" from the competition by "doing something unique" - but did't I hear somewhere also, that "we are all unique"? I would like to save you from the mentally destructive act of linking the level of your uniqueness to the level of success you experience - and offer you my down-to-earth approach instead.
Nothing speaks better for your skills, creativity and services than the amount of credibility you build for yourself - and I believe this is the only working strategy for "standing out". Your marketing and sales efforts (be it in person, online or through cold calling) will come to fruition more likely, if backed with a solid evidence.
Hence, my main focus from the very beginning of my creative journey was to achieve, earn and work towards various forms of external proofs that are aligned with my value proposition. It takes a lot of courage and consistent work to see even small results, but this is what helped me to land new and retain existing clients with ease, even in the midst of re-establishing my business twice in new countries + entering new markets internationally."
Reka Csulak - photographer, mentor

Photo by © Reka Csulak