When it comes to business cards for photographers in 2022, there are a lot of different things to consider.
What type of business card should photographers use? Are business cards relevant to my photography business? Where can photographers get them printed? Can you use your existing photography lab, for example?
In this article, we will answer all of those questions and more!
We’ll start by discussing the history of the business card, discuss the different types of business cards that are available. Then, we’ll talk about where you can get them printed. We’ll also debate whether or not printed business cards are still valid in this “green” World we live in.
Lastly, we’ll talk about the new kid on the blog – Digital Business Cards!
Let’s get started!
What is the history of the Business Card?
The first business cards were used in China over 500 years ago. They were made out of wood and had the person’s name, occupation, and address carved into them.
Business cards didn’t become common in Europe until the 1700s. At that time, they were usually made out of ivory or leather and contained just the person’s name and title.
The modern business card as we know it started to take shape in the early 1800’s. The first known printed business card was created in 1843 by John Price Wetherby, a London stationer. His business cards were printed on one side only and included his contact information as well as a list of his services.
By the late 1800s, business cards were becoming more and more common. They began to include things like images, logos, and other information about the person or company.
In the early 1900s, people started to get creative with their business cards. Die-cutting, special inks, and other printing techniques became popular. Business cards began to be used as a way to make a statement or stand out from the crowd.
Today, business cards are still an important part of doing business. They are a great way to make a first impression and leave a lasting impression.
Ironically, with today’s concerns about the use of the Earth’s natural resources, many business people are now looking for other less traditional and more sustainable materials, somehow echoing the Chinese ideas from the past.
Types of Business Cards
There are a few different types of business cards that photographers can choose from. The most popular type of business card is of course the standard paper business card. These can be printed at any office supply store or online printer.
However, as photographers, we are creative people and we should expect to offer our clients something a little more memorable than just the standard plain white rectangular paper business card.
So, here are a few things to consider when choosing business cards for photographers.
The size and shape of the card is the first thing to consider, as well as the type of material to be used and the print finish.
Let’s take a look at each of these factors in more detail.
Business Card Sizes
The most common size for business cards in the USA is three and a half by two inches or 85mm by 55m in the UK.
This size is standard for most business cards and will fit in most wallets, pocketbooks, and cardholders.
However, some photographers prefer to make a bigger impression and will opt to have a larger business card, which can be four by six inches or even five by seven inches.
These larger cards are great for including more information about your photography business, and they can also be used as mini portfolios.
Business Card Shapes
When it comes to shape, photography business cards can be almost any shape nowadays, although typically they will be either rectangular or square.
Rectangular business cards are the most common, but square cards are becoming more popular. If you choose a square card, make sure that the corners are rounded so that they don’t get damaged in a wallet or cardholder.
Business Card Materials
Nowadays there are two main types of business cards in common use: those made from paper, and those made from plastic. However, we are also seeing other materials being introduced in an effort to make that business card have a little more impact, such as metal or wooden business cards.
Paper Business Cards for Photographers
Paper business cards are, of course, the most common, and they come in a variety of weights and finishes. You can choose between a matte or glossy finish, and you can also get cards that are embossed or foil-stamped. If you want to be really fancy, you can even get business cards that are printed on wood!
As a photographer, there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing paper business cards. First of all, make sure the weight of the card is thick enough so that it feels substantial. You don’t want your business cards to feel flimsy – this will give potential clients the wrong impression.
Also, consider choosing a matte finish instead of glossy – glossy business cards can be difficult to write on, and they tend to show fingerprints more easily.
Plastic Business Cards for Photographers
As a photographer, you need business cards that will stand up to the elements and wear and tear. That’s why plastic business cards are the perfect choice for photographers.
Plastic business cards are becoming more popular, especially among photographers. Plastic business cards are more durable than paper cards, so they’ll last longer and stay looking sharp.
Plus, plastic business cards come in a variety of sizes so you can choose a shape that matches your style or brand, or even something quirky. They can also be printed with raised ink, which gives them a luxurious look and feel.
Metal Business Cards for Photographers
As a photographer, you know that first impressions are important. You want potential clients to see you as professional and competent. One way to do this is by using metal business cards. Metal business cards convey a message of sophistication, quality, and durability.
When compared to paper or plastic business cards, metal business cards are much more durable. They won’t tear and are less likely to bend, and they won’t get ruined if they get wet. Metal business cards also have a higher perceived value than paper or plastic cards.
While metal business cards may cost more than paper or plastic cards, the increased durability and perceived value make them worth the investment. Plus, using the metal business is a great way to stand out from the competition. Even Apple is on the case with this one with their Apple Card.
Wooded Photography Business cards
When it comes to first impressions, a business card made of wood will definitely stand out from the rest. Plus, it shows that you’re environmentally conscious and care about sustainable practices.
There are many different sizes and shapes of wood business cards, so you can definitely find one that fits your needs. And because they’re made of wood, just like their metal and plastic equivalents, they’ll be much more durable than paper business cards.
So if you’re looking for a unique and sustainable option for your business cards, wooden business cards are the way to go! Plus, your clients will be sure to remember you when they see your card standing out from the rest.
Choose the business card material that matches your photography brand
No matter what type of photography business card you choose, make sure that it reflects your photography brand. Your business card should be an extension of your branding, so choose a material and style that matches that brand.
Where to Get Business Cards for Photographers Printed in the USA
There are plenty of business card printing companies in the USA that can help you with your photography business cards.
However, not all of them may be able to provide you with the same quality of service or product. Here is a list of some of the best business card printing companies in the USA that you can consider for your business cards:
Moo.com
This is one of the leading business card printing companies in the USA that offers high-quality business cards. They have a wide range of business cards for photographers that you can choose from.
The business cards from Moo.com come in different shapes, sizes, and colors. You can also choose the type of paper you want your photography business card to be printed on.
Some of the business cards offered by Moo.com include:
The “Moo” Card: Moo’s original unique spin on the business card quickly became the “secret handshake” of the web community and is a slightly different but quirkier ratio than a standard business card – we love them!
Standard Business Cards: These business cards are available in a wide range of colors, sizes, and shapes. You can also choose the type of paper you want your business card to be printed on.
Luxe Business Cards: These business cards are made with higher-quality materials and also come in different colors, sizes, and shapes.
Square Business Cards: Square is different – if you want to be different (and hey, you may even shoot your images in a square format), these would be ideal.
Cotton Business Cards: Made from recycled T-shirts, these cards will certainly be a bit of a conversation piece – hope they washed the t-shirts first 😉
Moo.com offers high-quality business cards that are perfect for photographers. With so many different options to choose from, you can find the perfect business card for your needs.
However, the thing that makes Moo.com the number one choice for business cards for photographers is their ability to print each and every card uniquely! They were one of the first on the market to offer this “single run” type printing capability and it is awesome.
Moo offers double-sided business card printing by default and you can actually load up your full wedding portfolio or portrait portfolio (or both) and have each business card printed with a different image – these are great for clients – “which card do you prefer?”.
https://www.moo.com/us/business-cards
Jukebox Print
This is another excellent business card printing company in the USA that offers a wide range of business cards for photographers. They also have a wide range of business card templates that you can use to create your business cards.
They offer a wide range of business card stocks, including recycled paper, bamboo, and even Hemp business cards made from recycled cannabis plant (I kid you not – don’t try to smoke them children)!
They also offer same-day business card printing services for an additional fee. So if you need business cards in a hurry, Jukebox Print is a great option.
https://www.jukeboxprint.com/business-cards
UPrinting
This is another business card printing company in the USA that offers high-quality business cards. They have a wide range of business cards for photographers that you can choose from.
The silk business cards from UPrinting are one of their most popular products. These business cards are made of a thick, 16-pt cardstock that has a smooth, silky finish and gives a very high-end feel, so are definitely worth considering as a luxury photographer’s business card.
The custom-shape business cards from UPrinting are also very popular. These business cards are made of the same thick, 16-pt cardstock as the silk business cards. However, the custom-shape business cards from UPrinting are available in whatever shape you can design.
You could even have camera style business cards or custom shape camera cards that exactly match the camera you use. So your photography business card is only limited by your imagination.
https://www.uprinting.com/business-cards.html
Overnight Prints
This business card printing company offers business cards for photographers at an affordable price. They also have a wide range of business card templates that you can use to create your business cards.
https://www.overnightprints.com/businesscards
Where to Get Business Cards for Photographers Printed in the UK
In the United Kingdom, there are a number of excellent suppliers for business cards for photographers. Here are three of the best:
Moo.com
Moo services the United Kingdom market as well as the US market (in fact they actually originated in the UK in 2004 and are recognized as transforming the business card market).
Delivery is super-fast and we cannot recommend Moo.com highly enough.
https://www.moo.com/uk/business-cards
Vistaprint
Vistaprint is another excellent option for business cards. They became known for their original marketing where they offered 250 free business cards, all you paid for was the price of shipping. Do they still offer that? No, but they are still the most competitively priced business card supplier on the market.
They offer a wide variety of templates and designs to choose from, making it easy to find a card that matches your brand. They also have a great online design tool that makes creating your card quick and easy.
https://www.vistaprint.co.uk/business-cards
SoloPress
SoloPress is a great option for business cards if you’re looking for something a little different. They offer a wide range of unique and eye-catching designs, making it easy to find a card that really stands out. They also provide web-based design software that makes it simple and quick to create your card.
They also have a good range of eco-friendly business cards for photographers, which are definitely worth considering as clients become much more conscious of global warming. Simple things like this can sometimes influence a client’s decision-making process, so it is worth considering.
https://www.solopress.com/business-cards/
Always do your research
These are just some of the best business card printing companies in the USA and UK that you should consider for your business cards. It is also worth shopping around and searching online to find more business card printing companies that serve your area.
When searching for a business card printing company, make sure to read reviews about them so you can be sure that you are getting the best quality business cards and that they meet their delivery promises.
Also, be sure to compare prices before you decide on a photography business card printing company. Choose the one that offers the best price and quality for your business cards.
Design Tips for Photography Business Cards
When it comes to photography business card designs, there are a few design tips and template examples that every photographer should consider.
What should be on photographer business card?
First and foremost, your photography business card designs should include your name, your title, and ALL your contact information including your website, phone number, and relevant social media handles. Beyond that, you have some creative freedom to make your business card stand out.
Always use your best high-quality images when representing your photography business. If you have a particularly striking photograph that represents your work well, consider using it as the background for your business card. Moo.com even allows you to use different images for each card!
You can also get creative with the shape of your business card. If you’re a landscape photographer, for example, you could choose a rectangular business card that mimics the shape of a panoramic photo. Portrait Photographers might design the card in an upright portrait format.
Or how about clear plastic business cards? If you have a logo design that works well on a transparent background it could really help your photo business stand out.
Another idea I have seen for a business card design is viewfinder business cards. Instead of using your own photos as a background, you are showing what the inside of your viewfinder looks like but with your business information in the middle.
It can make a stunning card and it is something I’ve seen done well a few times in the photography industry.
Think about photography business cards with qr code graphics on them – QR codes are a very handy way of embedding an otherwise long link and becoming more and more mainstream in use.
Another way to make your photography business card stand out is to use unique typography or graphics. If you have a signature style, consider carrying that over to your business card design. And if you’re particularly skilled with Photoshop or Illustrator, you could create a custom graphic for your business card.
Remember though that branding is everything – keep your card consistent with your brand in its design and its message.
Finally, don’t forget to include your call to action on your photo business cards. Whether you want people to book a session with you or follow you on social media, make sure your business card tells them what you want them to do next.
By following these design tips, you can create a business card that accurately represents your brand and helps you stand out from the competition. So get creative and have fun with it!
Creative Ways to Use Your Photography Business Card
Your photography business cards are more than just a piece of paper with your name and contact information. It’s a tool that can help you stand out from the competition and make a lasting impression.
There are many creative ways to use your business card, and we’ve already mentioned that as a photographer, business cards are a great way to showcase your work using them as mini-portfolio pieces.
How do I make my business cards look professional?
Photographer business cards can also be used for marketing purposes. Include a coupon or special offer on your business card to encourage people to use your services.
You can also use them as a way to track your marketing efforts. For example, if you’re handing out business cards at a trade show, include a code that attendees can use to redeem a special offer on your website.
If using them at weddings, make sure the card includes details of where the bride and groom’s photo collection can be seen.
You could even include a QR code to help them navigate to a key landing page on your website.
Want photography business cards templates free? Try this link
The Ethical Debate about Printed Business Cards
As the world progresses, we are constantly debating the ethics of different business practices in today’s modern world.
One such debate is whether printed photographer business cards are still ethical in today’s society. On one hand, some argue that business cards are a waste of resources, and on the other hand, some say that they are essential for networking.
So, what is the verdict? Are business cards still ethical in 2022?
The argument for business cards being unethical is that they are wasteful. Trees are cut down to make paper, and then the paper is turned into business cards.
However, many businesses are now using eco-friendly materials for their business cards, such as recycled paper. In addition, some businesses are even using plastic business cards, which are not a waste of resources, however plastic itself is an issue for the planet as it never degrades.
In today’s society, it is still important to have a way to exchange contact information with others. Business cards provide an easy and convenient way to do this. They also help to promote your business.
So, what is the verdict? Are business cards still ethical in 2022? The answer is that it depends on your perspective.
If you believe that business cards are a waste of resources, then you may want to consider using more eco-friendly materials or plastic business cards.
Digital Business Cards
Digital Business Cards are seen by some as the way of the future.
How do digital business cards work?
Digital business cards are stored on a phone or computer and can be exchanged electronically between two people. When you meet someone new, you can simply exchange digital business cards with them instead of traditional business cards.
The technology used for this exchange of information is NFC (or Near Field Communication) and is the same technology used by contactless credit and debit cards.
You can make a digital business card on an iPhone, iPad, Android device, or PC and they are frequently less expensive than traditional paper ones. Electronic business cards, like conventional corporate cards, may be personalized, created, and distributed to anybody.
You can also use a physical digital business card which you simply just hold up to someone else’s phone to transfer your contact information.
Digital business cards have no size limitations; you’re free to add as much or as little information to your card as you want.
There are many business card apps that allow you to create and exchange digital business cards. The apps allow you to share your virtual photography business card via a QR Code, email, text, NFC (by tapping on another device) or URL
Some of the best-known business card apps are around are:
Digital business cards have a number of advantages over traditional paper business cards. They are:
More Eco-Friendly: Because digital business cards don’t require any paper, they are more eco-friendly than traditional business cards.
More Affordable: You can often create digital business cards for free or for a much lower cost than traditional business cards.
More Customizable: With digital business cards, you can add as much or as little information as you want. You’re not limited by the size of a traditional business card.
More Convenient and Easier to Exchange: It’s easy to exchange digital business cards with someone. You can simply email them your business card or scan their QR code.
Proper Tracking: Digital business cards for photographers have a great advantage over paper cards in that you can track their usage via analytics.
They are cost-effective: Digital business card apps are often free or very low cost. This is opposed to traditional business cards, which can be relatively expensive to print.
Business Cards for Photographers Turn Digital
V1CE
The V1CE is a card that was introduced in 2020 and is designed to look like a physical business card but act just like a Digital Business card app on your phone.
Since its inception, V1ce has done an excellent job of developing an NFC Business card with all of the features you could ever want. Each card is available in plastic, wood, and stainless steel (stainless steel) and can be customized with your own branding.
The card can be designed with your logo and even a QR code on the back in case a business colleague’s phone doesn’t support the NFC technology required for transferring the data.
V1ce Cards start from $39
TapTok
Taptok is another fantastic option when it comes to business cards utilizing NFC technology. They even have an interactive section on their website where you can see how much money you’ll save compared to traditional paper company cards.
Taptok cards start from $29
Digital Business Card for Photographers Are The Future
No matter what type of Business cards you use, they are still an important tool in your marketing.
There are many ways to exchange contact information with potential clients or business partners. You can choose to use traditional cards or new technologies like digital cards. Whichever way you choose, make sure it is quick and easy so that you can get the information they need quickly.
Digital business cards are most likely going to be the future of business cards. They are more affordable, customizable, convenient, and eco-friendly than traditional business cards.
As a photographer, then you should definitely consider getting a digital business card at some point in the future. Remember you can still use them alongside traditional business cards for photographers – that way you can see how your clients react to the technology and if it works for you or not?
What are your thoughts on digital business cards? Let us know in the comments below!
P.S. Are you just getting started with your business – here’s a great guide to starting a business for photographers that you might like.
P.P.S. Are you an established photographer, but are still struggling to get regular leads for your business – try out our FREE Website Audit Tool – if may reveal issues with your website that you didn’t realize existed.
