I currently work at a big photo lab in NYC doing retouching and digital imaging. However, all my clients are client of the lab, and not mine. I'm am starting my own freelance retouching business and am trying to market myself to the advertising agencies around here. My website will be done in about 2 weeks as well as my full portfolio. Anyone have any idea on how to get started and get myself out there and my name know. And how to make the right connections. Thanks.

most photo labs, on occasion have a bulletin board...put some cards up there advertising....also, check out an film/camera shops and do the same.

The internet is also your friend....google for pro photogs and send them a happy email introducing yourself, offering a retouch on one of there photos if they need it, for free of course and if they like your work, they can hire you.

ummm, put a book together and go visit some local photogs, and show them your work. remember, you have to be a salesman as well as a retoucher.

Good luck

course and if they like your work, they can hire you.

ummm, put a book together and go visit some local photogs, and show them your work. remember, you have to be a salesman as well as a retoucher.

Good luck

agreed, having a book will be so important. in the end it doesnt mean anything, until youve done work for the client. but a good first impression certainly helps (a digital version [your website] will be important as well)

i would also recommend, if youre going into this without many clients... look into an agency such as aquent (http://www.aquent.com/) ... a job i got from career blazers ended up leading me to the best shop ive ever worked in.

good luck

Berko... Can you post your website or anything you have done..
E-mail as I am looking for some one to work with through the internet as I live in South America. What kind of retouching are you doing?
Let me know
Thanks
Snook

Snook,

I just sent you a private message.

-Berko