When deciding to become a freelance photographer, it’s important to know tips and tricks that will help you with pursuing your dream. Even though many people have access to the camera (on their phones at least) and enjoy taking pictures, taking that next step in the direction of doing photography professionally requires extra skills and knowledge.
Freelance photography is a blend of art and business so it will require two types of skills. This guide will help you take the best of both worlds – the art of creating images by capturing the light and meeting lucrative goals with your passion. In this guide, we’ll teach you how to become a freelance photographer!
How to Become a Freelance Photographer – Get the Right Equipment
When starting in freelance photography your phone camera won't do the job. Even though a phone camera can be a great tool to test your skills and practice photography, professional equipment is a must.
A professional camera means a digital and up-to-date camera that takes high-quality photos. You don't have to start with the best camera out there or buy the most expensive one. As your business grows, however, you will want to invest in newer and better models.
Depending on the photography you want to specialize in, you should also consider purchasing:
- Camera lenses for different effects and distances
- Batteries and battery chargers for the road
- A flashlight for shooting outside the studio
- Ring lights for portraits (portable or in-studio)
- Tripods for stability
- Diffusers and reflectors for lighting
- A camera bag or backpack to keep your camera is safe
- Photo-editing software
- A computer for editing photos
Of course, these are just some ideas, depending on your budget and photography style. There are many extra gadgets and accessories for photographers that make freelance photography even more pleasurable and exciting, however, you can start small and build up your equipment as you go.
Acquire the Proper Skill Sets
As with everything, the beauty of photography is in the eye of the beholder, however, having the proper skill sets can transcend your photography to a professional level. Just like with other art forms, photography has rules, and learning and implementing these rules can help you when you are starting.
Educating yourself about photography can be a great option, and many colleges have photography classes and even majors. Aside from formal education, there are other options for acquiring skills in photography, including:
- Taking a photography class at the local college or other educational institution
- Local photography schools or photography classes
- Online courses are accessible, more affordable, and less time consuming
Courses outside of photography can also help you to round out your knowledge. Consider courses like introduction to art, history of art, the technology of photography, fashion, traditional photography, digital photo editing, and so on.
You can also find courses relevant to your specific niche like food photography, night photography, landscape photography, and so on.
As a freelance photographer, you will be immersed in a business as well, so apart from the art-oriented courses, you will need to learn about: business, marketing, accounting, and taxes to have a profitable and successful career in freelance photography.
Get Hands-on Experience
Putting your skills to practice will help you immensely with your business. You should practice your photography skills as well as your business skills – from marketing and customer relations to finding new job opportunities and accounting.
Even if you are just starting, experience is valuable. Consider an internship or unpaid work as a stepping stone and a valuable lesson.
Here are some ways to get hands-on experience, even if you have never worked as a freelance photographer before:
- Reach out to local portrait studios
- Work as an assistant to an established photographer
- Offer free photography services to friends and family for their special occasion
- Build a social media platform and reach out to local influencers to offer free photoshoots
- Practice photography on your own – in nature, at social events, while traveling, etc.
Even if you have already decided on the type of photography you want to do, practice will help you advance your career as a freelance photographer and maybe even open new doors for you as you learn about new interests. Be open to every learning opportunity and know that every photography session can be educational.
Choose Your Niche
Specializing in a specific niche can be very beneficial as a freelance photographer. Identifying your niche and style can help you be more authentic and memorable. Most clients want a photographer that specializes in what they are looking for – this is especially important for wedding photography.
Having a niche can also help you with marketing, building a brand, and promoting your business on social media. Once you know your target audience, you can more easily reach clients.
Some niches to consider are stock photography, street photography, event photography, family photography, fashion photography, wedding photography, food photography, and so on.
Build Your Brand
Building a brand is one of the most important aspects of your new business as a freelance photographer. It is important to encapsulate your style, personality, and values in your brand. Clients want to work with a photographer they know and trust, especially when it comes to their important occasions.
Take your time to figure out how you want to present yourself to potential customers. You can make a vision board or brainstorm ideas as a source of inspiration.
Your brand should be consistent across all platforms and marketing materials. Your business card should match your online presence and you should always have them on hand.
Depending on your budget, consider hiring a professional to build your logo and themes, or you can do it yourself online on websites like Canva.
Have a Social Media Presence
When thinking about how to become a freelance photographer and your career journey, building an online presence is a major factor that can determine success. Having a website and social media platform will help potential clients find you and become familiar with your work.
You can use these networks to present your online portfolio. Having a well-rounded online presence will also give credibility and a professional look to your brand. The great thing about social media is that it helps you communicate with potential clients in a fast, direct, and personal way, all of which can be to your advantage.
Photography blogs can also be a great idea to create a community of photography enthusiasts.
Know Common Laws
If you educate yourself on the law, you will be more confident in your actions, as you will be aware of exactly what is and what is not acceptable, both on your side and the side of your clients.
Educate yourself from online databases and resources on what is relevant for your business, or get advice from a legal professional.
Here are some of the legal subjects relevant to your freelance business:
- Copyright law
- Tax law
- Online business law
- Insurance law
- Customer privacy
- Age restrictions
- Licenses and permits
Network with Other Freelance Photographers
Opening yourself up to new people in the freelance photography industry can be very enjoyable and useful. In addition to making friends, this is a great way for you to talk about your brand and your ideas, get feedback from colleagues, and meet mentors or business partners.
Networking with professional freelance photographers can help you with any pressing questions you have, and give you guidance on new business ventures.
There are many photography societies, including the Photographic Society of America and local photography societies or online photo societies. Many photography societies have groups and forums for online communication. Other than that, Facebook groups are a great way to reach people with a passion for photography.
Conclusion
When thinking about how to become a successful freelance photographer, you should consider both the artistic and business aspects of the profession. As an art form, photography takes practice, talent, and hard work to perfect.
Photography is not a cheap endeavor but investing in quality equipment will pay off in the long run.
As with any skill, practice makes perfect, and practicing your skills before selling them will make a difference. Networking with other photographers and potential customers can open new doors and you should look at it as a learning opportunity.
The freelance photography business is a business so as a professional freelance photographer, you will need to think like a business owner.
You will need to master skills like marketing, communication, booking clients, selling products, taxes, and more. Know that there will always be more to learn and enjoy that opportunity as you are entering an exciting and magical world of photography.
When you have mastered all other skills needed for a freelance photographer, remember that you're an artist and embrace artistry as a therapeutic form of self-development.