Whether you plan to work full time as a photographer or shoot weddings on the side, freelancing is a fabulous way to share your photography with the world. If you\u2019re wondering how to become a freelance photographer, this step-by-step guide is for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Step 1: Hone your skills<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Your number one asset as a freelance photographer is your photography. While some say that you need to have an \u201ceye for photography\u201d to succeed, anyone can learn to take phenomenal photos if they\u2019re dedicated enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Luckily, learning about lighting and composition doesn\u2019t need to be expensive. To improve your skills as a photographer, you can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Enroll in online workshops<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Watch YouTube videos<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Take photography software courses at a community college<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Check out books on photography from the library<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Practice every day<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Join photo walks and local photographer clubs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Photography is an ever-evolving business, so you\u2019ll continue to improve as you shoot more and more. Still, having a solid grasp of the essential skills before <\/em>you start taking on clients is highly recommended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nStep 2: Make sure you have the necessary gear<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Professional equipment doesn\u2019t automatically make you a 5-star photographer. But if you aspire to be a professional photographer, you need some high-quality equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Of course, your most important piece of gear is your camera. Cameras come in all shapes and sizes, so it\u2019s challenging to recommend a specific model\u2014your style of photography will dictate the kind that suits you best. Along with a camera, you\u2019ll want the essentials like a protective camera bag and some high-capacity memory cards. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Depending on the type of photography you plan to do, Small Business Trends<\/a> suggests that you might also need:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- A tripod<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- A lighting ring<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- A reflector<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- A variety of lenses (at least a wide-angle and a telephoto lens)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Photo editing software<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- A computer or laptop (for editing)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- A hard drive or cloud account (for storage)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- A printer<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- A prop collection<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Remember that knowing how to use photography gear is often more important than owning expensive gadgets. Don\u2019t feel like you need to spend a fortune to guarantee amazing results. As you expand your business, you can start investing in higher-end equipment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"Photographer](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.gigsalad.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/iStock-639357966.jpg?resize=1170%2C780&ssl=1\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nStep 3: Build a portfolio<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What is a freelance photographer if not an artist? Like any working artist, you\u2019ll need a portfolio to showcase your recent portraits and photoshoots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
All freelance photographers should build a portfolio using at least <\/em>one of the following options (if not all three):<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- A website<\/strong> \u2013 Having a photography website shows that you\u2019re dedicated to your craft. Conveniently, there are dozens of easy-to-use website services out there, so running a site is simple and cost-effective. In addition to showcasing your work, make use of your website to inform clients about your services and the best ways they can book you for a shoot. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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- Social media<\/strong> \u2013 Sure, a personal website stands out on business cards, but maintaining a site can be costly for a fledgling business. These days, social media platforms have everything you need to build a free portfolio, including contact information and the ability to post links. All you have to do is curate a picture-perfect feed and direct your would-be clients there. Plus, the apps often double as a tool for organic reach. Learn more using social media<\/a> as a marketing tool. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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- A physical portfolio<\/strong> \u2013 While most clients will likely find your work online, there\u2019s always a chance someone will want to see your photos in person. It\u2019s worth having some of your best shots professionally printed for those initial consultations or chance encounters. Keeping some examples of your art in your car or camera bag ensures you\u2019ll never miss an opportunity to show off.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Step 4: Set up pricing and packages<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Our research has shown that clients are looking for 3 things<\/a> when booking vendors online, and pricing is one of them. Before you can close a booking, you need to make sure that your pricing and packages are set. Take your experience and skill into consideration when determining your pricing<\/a>, and create packages that will fit different budgets. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You’ll also need to create booking agreements or contracts for your clients so there’s no question about expectations on the day of the shoot. You can find samples online or use our guide to 6 things your booking agreement should include<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"Create](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.gigsalad.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Blog-Post-Images-1200x600-8-1.png?resize=1170%2C585&ssl=1\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nStep 5: Start looking for clients<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
With samples of your stellar work readily available, you can start searching for jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A common mistake that budding freelance photographers make is expecting clients to come to them. In reality, freelancers of any kind need to hunt for their first gigs. Without a reputation that precedes you, people looking for a photographer might not have much of a reason to hire you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As you progress in your career as a photographer, you\u2019ll start to see returning customers and glowing reviews. Until then, here are some ways to find job opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nWord of mouth<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Vendor referrals for wedding gigs<\/a> and other events often operate on word of mouth. As such, your job as a freelance photographer is to lean on your network.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Do you know a couple throwing an upcoming baby shower? Reach out and see if they need a photographer. Have friends with their daughter\u2019s quincea\u00f1era<\/a> around the corner? You know the drill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When you provide people with an excellent experience, they\u2019ll likely recommend you every time someone says, \u201cWow! Where did you get these photos done?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nCommunity boards<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Whether online or physical, community forums are an incredible resource for finding potential gigs. Busy people know that freelance photographers will come to them, so they cast a wide net looking for the best of the best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In your neighborhood, look to see if you can find postings at:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- The gym<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Community centers<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Church<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Coffee shops<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Universities<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Online, you might be able to find opportunities on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Neighborhood social media groups<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Reddit communities for your city<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Internet classifieds<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
While these postings are often plentiful, they require a lot of effort to navigate. What\u2019s more, everyone in your community will have the same shot at landing the gig.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nGigSalad<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
For a more efficient way to find photography opportunities online, you can try a booking marketplace like GigSalad<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No matter where you are in your freelance photography career, GigSalad simplifies your quest for clients. How? Because event planners will be searching for you<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once you create your vendor profile<\/a>, nearby users can view your rates and availability whenever they look for a local photographer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n\ud83d\udc4d You might also like: <\/strong>12 Proven Strategies for How to Book More Gigs<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nStep 6: Meet your clients\u2019 expectations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
To score those 5-star reviews that drive your photography career forward, you\u2019ll need to provide a professional product. That means spending the time to carefully edit and touch up every shot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Keep in mind that your job as a hired photographer is to give the client what they want. Their requests may not always mesh with your artistic vision, but at the end of the day, you\u2019ll be judged on your client\u2019s definition of quality, not your own. Always strive to make your customers\u2019 dreams come true, and you\u2019ll find yourself swimming in bookings in no time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"Professional](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.gigsalad.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/iStock-1297013153.jpg?resize=1170%2C780&ssl=1\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nMore tips for freelance photographers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Freelance photography is an exciting, rewarding career or side gig. But it also takes a commitment on your part. Check out these tips and tricks for succeeding as a freelancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nNever stop learning<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Even keeping up with the ever-changing world of photography requires constant self-education. And if you want to stay ahead of the curve, you should never stop learning about techniques and technology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to career aggregator Zippia<\/a>, freelance photographers in the US make an average of $36,298 per year. While that\u2019s nothing to sneeze at (especially for someone who may not work 40 hours a week), you can earn even more by bettering yourself as a photographer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some ways you may be able to justify charging more for your work include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Taking the Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) exam<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Earning a drone photography certification<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Going to school for a photography degree<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Beyond enrolling in official programs, you can easily learn via mentorships, online materials, or exploring new software.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nGive yourself a schedule<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Even though freelancing isn\u2019t a typical 9-to-5 job, it can be helpful to organize your time<\/a> as if you had a boss. Because, in reality, you are<\/em> your own boss \u2014 and the boss has high expectations of you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Creating a schedule is advisable for a variety of reasons:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- It ensures you don\u2019t miss deadlines<\/strong> \u2013 Most importantly, a schedule keeps you on track. Failing to deliver files on time is the cardinal sin of freelance photography. A neat, easy-to-read schedule holds you accountable to your clients and <\/em>yourself.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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- It helps you prioritize<\/strong> \u2013 Having a visual representation of your week or month makes it easier to work efficiently. When you can see that the Millers\u2019 wedding shoot is your next deadline, you\u2019ll know what to tackle next. If your calendar is empty, you can pencil in some workshops or a photography retreat.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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- It promotes work-life balance<\/strong> \u2013 Because freelancing has no set schedule, it\u2019s all too easy to find yourself checking emails at night and on weekends. Creating a calendar<\/a> allows you to set working hours, ensuring you don\u2019t feel the need to be available 24\/7. Plus, you can always be flexible with your schedule\u2014you are <\/em>in charge, after all.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Be personable<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Your photography skills can only take you so far as a freelancer. Realistically, there are probably other local photographers who can take pictures as well as you can. One way to differentiate yourself from the pack is to be kind and approachable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When someone hires a photographer for their birthday or bar mitzvah, they expect professional photos as the bare minimum. Exceed their expectations with a fun, friendly, can-do attitude. If you deliver high-quality photos and are a joy to work with, you\u2019re much more likely to receive positive reviews and attract new clients through recommendations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\ud83d\udd01 Read more:<\/strong> How to Get Repeat Clients and Why It Matters<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nFind more photo-op opportunities with GigSalad<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Now that you\u2019re prepared to take your photography business to the next level, it\u2019s time to look for ways to increase your exposure<\/em> as a freelance photographer. Photography puns aside, GigSalad<\/a> has everything you need to start booking gigs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- It promotes work-life balance<\/strong> \u2013 Because freelancing has no set schedule, it\u2019s all too easy to find yourself checking emails at night and on weekends. Creating a calendar<\/a> allows you to set working hours, ensuring you don\u2019t feel the need to be available 24\/7. Plus, you can always be flexible with your schedule\u2014you are <\/em>in charge, after all.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- It helps you prioritize<\/strong> \u2013 Having a visual representation of your week or month makes it easier to work efficiently. When you can see that the Millers\u2019 wedding shoot is your next deadline, you\u2019ll know what to tackle next. If your calendar is empty, you can pencil in some workshops or a photography retreat.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- It ensures you don\u2019t miss deadlines<\/strong> \u2013 Most importantly, a schedule keeps you on track. Failing to deliver files on time is the cardinal sin of freelance photography. A neat, easy-to-read schedule holds you accountable to your clients and <\/em>yourself.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- A physical portfolio<\/strong> \u2013 While most clients will likely find your work online, there\u2019s always a chance someone will want to see your photos in person. It\u2019s worth having some of your best shots professionally printed for those initial consultations or chance encounters. Keeping some examples of your art in your car or camera bag ensures you\u2019ll never miss an opportunity to show off.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Social media<\/strong> \u2013 Sure, a personal website stands out on business cards, but maintaining a site can be costly for a fledgling business. These days, social media platforms have everything you need to build a free portfolio, including contact information and the ability to post links. All you have to do is curate a picture-perfect feed and direct your would-be clients there. Plus, the apps often double as a tool for organic reach. Learn more using social media<\/a> as a marketing tool. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- A website<\/strong> \u2013 Having a photography website shows that you\u2019re dedicated to your craft. Conveniently, there are dozens of easy-to-use website services out there, so running a site is simple and cost-effective. In addition to showcasing your work, make use of your website to inform clients about your services and the best ways they can book you for a shoot. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n