Second hand only, Nat, because I haven't done it myself. But I know three "name" photographers and one amateur who have managed it. In each case they prepared very professional proposals including a portfolio and resume', determined exactly who to send it to within the corporation, then gave it wings. Their attitude going in is always "The worst they can say is no, and you won't get a yes without asking."
Best of luck!
Posted by Mel Ladewig on November 5, 2009 at 11:44 AM
I did a bit of that when racing bikes in college. I was able to get some sponsorship from a local bagel shop to a custom bike builder and several things in between. My experience was the same as Hank's and I don't think the market is that different. You need to find the right person at the company. Build a professional presentation to explain your proposal. Provide projections of how many people will see the whatever and show how that adds value to them. Then send it. Know that they may say no, but won't say yes unless you ask. Its been 15 years since then, but I think the rules are still pretty much the same.
Mel-
Posted by Nat Coalson on November 5, 2009 at 12:40 PM
Thanks for the replies guys; very helpful. I'll let you know how it works out ...
Posted by Carl Battreall on November 5, 2009 at 12:57 PM
I have had moderate success getting sponsors with photography, but plenty of success with films. I would choose companies that do not have big names already, forget Canon and Nikon, they have their photographers. When Sony came out with their first DSLR, I was able to get sponsored by them because they didn't have any nature photographers at the time. I approached Naneu Pro a few years ago about sponsorship, they we're developing some bags for outdoor photographers but didn't have anyone doing the type of work that I do, and I now have a great working relationship with them. If you have a very close relationship with a sponsored photographer, they can help you "get in".
Don't think you will get any money, they will only give gear, usually in exchange for images.
However, when I made my first documentary, I had sponsors giving me money, because film really excites sponsors and people, photography is often seen as a losing endeavor for most sponsors.
Discussion
4 repliesI'm hoping to learn more about how photographers typically go about securing corporate sponsorships (equipment mfgs, trade associations etc.)
I have some opportunities developing in 2010 that I think will be good situations for sponsor involvement.
Any thoughts, advice or referrals would be greatly appreciated!
Best of luck!
Mel-
Don't think you will get any money, they will only give gear, usually in exchange for images.
However, when I made my first documentary, I had sponsors giving me money, because film really excites sponsors and people, photography is often seen as a losing endeavor for most sponsors.
Hope that helps a little.
Carl