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Photography is a fantastic hobby that easily translates to a freelance career or side gig option. Read on to learn how to start making money as a beginner.
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What Does a Freelance Photographer Do?
A freelance photographer provides photos on a contract basis as a self-employed photographer as opposed to being on a company's payroll. So as with all things freelance, you control your own fate as your own boss. As such, there are several different types of photography to perfect, and different levels of pay.
That's Cool... So What Do I Need to Get Started?
Well there are some required starter expenses:
1)Cameras, Flashes, and Lenses
To be a photographer, you obviously need a solid quality camera with the appropriate light sources, and lenses. If you are just starting, the key is to do some research and find the camera with the best price and the attributes you need to start your career. The most important of the pieces of equipment are your lenses. Remember that the most expensive camera isn't always the best piece of equipment for your needs and skill level. However, don't fret if you find yourself having to get a lower quality but functional camera. With dedication and hustle, it won't be too long before you have the cash to upgrade.
2)Training and Education
Whether you're new to photography or have been doing it for years, the more you train and learn about it the better you'll be. The newer you are to photography, the more important this is to building the foundation to your success. Click here to find training in both photography and photo editing appropriate for beginners and experienced photographers alike. Don't forget about photography forums and workshops as both have plenty of valuable information.
3)Computer and Editing Software
Unlike years of old, photography is generally digital. So it's important to find yourself a computer with enough hard drive space and memory and solid photo editing software. It isn't a requirement to edit your photos, but not doing so would be a missed opportunity to give your photos an edge over your competition and provide the best possible product to your client.
4)Start a Website to Showcase your Skills.
Begin a website that you will post photos on as a form of online portfolio with information on who you are and how to contact you. Having an online presence is a must in our opinion as a freelance photographer. As your career progresses, you may choose to use your website as a central point to interact with clients, schedule jobs and manage orders, deliver finished jobs to clients, and even blog. You can find the services you need to build a website and create a logo here.
OK... So What Do I Take Pictures Of?
Once you've gathered your equipment and gotten some real training under your belt, it's time to put them to use. The subjects of your photography are almost endless. Here are some of the more popular ones(in no particular order):
Portrait Photography
Wedding photography
Sports
Fashion
Commercial
Travel
Food
Still Life
Real Estate
Under Water/ Marine Life Photography
How Much Money Can I Make as a Freelance Photographer?
As with just about everything in the freelance world, you have to build a reputation and a bit of a portfolio before you can start charging clients the big bucks. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a part time freelance photographer can make from about $17K a year to about $78K a year. Some factors that should be taken into account are geographical location, what industry/subject you are taking photos of, your skills and experience, and how full of a schedule you choose to keep.
I'm Sold! Where Do I Find My First Client?
Finding your first client can be as easy as asking friends and family, or getting a referral from friends and family. Another great way to grab a client is to enter art shows or competitions to get your name out there and show off your skills. This has the added benefit of exposing you to other people's photography and styles. Freelancing websites are a great resource as well. There are many, but our list of the top sites can be found here.
Bonus Tip
When you find yourself ready to take on your first client, you should consider a few things:
-Am I confident and experienced enough to charge for my services?
-Have I done enough research into the industry to know what type of work clients want in my respective niche?
-Am I a good enough photographer to start risking my reputation by charging clients?
If the answer to any of these is a NO, then one recommendation is to take at least 1 client on for free. Yes, you read that right...FREE! Now before you start to protest the idea of spending your free time working with a client for no money, consider it an investment. If you've never worked in the photography business for a client, then working for free is the best and safest way to learn without much fear of damaging your reputation. Clients are more likely to be understanding if you don't get it perfect or have to retouch and retake photos if they know you are new to the game and your services are free. The opposite is true when they are forking over hard earned cash. Furthermore, that first free job will act as a bench mark from which you can measure your skill set and ability to provide value to clients, and potentially find what weak spots you have or training you need.
Conclusion
Make sure you have invested in the necessary equipment. Remember that the most expensive equipment is not always the best for your needs, so do some research to get the best bang for your buck.
While freelance photography has the potential to be a lucrative venture, there are many factors that should be considered to have realistic expectations of projected income.
Do not dismiss the idea of taking a few free clients before charging for your services. Take advantage of the opportunity to hone your skills with less stress before potentially hurting your reputation before you even get going.
Keep building a portfolio, be it online or offline, and keep learning for your best chance at success.