Freelance Photography- Getting started?

[mamabear]

Thanks Paul G
I am sort of leaning toward more of 'photography venture' as you put it, but am liking more and more the idea of journalism and travel (although with my two youngens at the age they're at I won't be travelling much at all. When they get older we plan to travel as much as possible, so we'll see how I go there.)


It's nice to hear from someone else with young kids in the business that is managing

I'd like to prepare myself as much as possible really in as many areas as I can while I've got the chance, as I think once I finally get back in to the workplace I'll find it hard to study and all the rest of it. My partner is home in the evenings so I'll see what courses I can do then. I'll definately do a business course or two and some photography courses.

Thanks very much!

[dche5390]

By no means have I made it but this is my personal experience.

I had a dream of being a wedding photographer late 2009. I organised an ABN and paid for a few domain registration, as well as self-hosted webspace. I shot my first wedding as a second shooter in March. Since then, I have not had any wedding work, nor have I actively seeked it.

The journey is a long one. I originally set up my blog to be a portfolio of my work. However, it has somewhat mellowed into a personal blog that acts like a personal journal. My priority is not to get weddings booked. In fact, I am trying my best not to think about the business aspect. Instead, I am taking things very slowly. Enjoying all that photography has to offer. And I am having fun and learning at the same time.

My plan is to subcontract myself to wedding photography companies. I don't care about the pay. I just need more exposure and to build a reputable wedding portfolio. I am doing an unrelated Masters so my priorities are with that.

Fortunately for me, due to my crazy gear trading reputation, I have met many key people within the industry that I can call upon for help, mentorship, and guidance. I think this is the most important aspect - having someone to critique and push your work to the next level. It certainly has helped me. And I must thank a random person I met from gumtree for pushing me into taking my photography to the next level. And we're great mates now and in fact, have formed a business partnership.

Mamabear, if it is your goal, work hard towards it. There are no shortcuts. In this industry, it is a very dog eat dog world filled with jealousy and back stabbing. But that is life. Take the good bits and apply yourself. There will be obstacles. There will be moments where you will doubt your ability. But just like running a marathon, or even child birth, keep the end in sight.

[mamabear]

Thanks dche5390
I plan on taking it easy at least for now, while I get things in order, which is why I'm willing to do quite a bit of volunteer work. Take a few course when I come across them.
I'm not looking to get rich quick, but to learn as much as I can and make as much progress as possible before I expect people to pay for my work.

[jjphoto]

I think almost everyone wants to be a professional photographer these days, hence the glut of professional photographers out there in many area’s of photography.

I think that the value of photography is much lower now than it was even 5 years ago, meaning that many companies and people will pay less for the same end product now than they did before. Of course photography covers a vast gamut of fields and this may not be true of every one of them but I think it's a reasonable generalisation. Many people think that photography is easy, both buyers (the customers) and photographers (who are now no longer shooting E6, slide film, with it's unforgiving properties). Look at product shots as an example, the middle to low end of that market has gone with most companies shooting their own product shots with simple point and shoot cameras and crappy hot work lights from Bunnings, or similar. Also many magazines are finding it difficult to survive and their financial woes are being passed on to their contributors (this is not always a bad thing as their standards are often much lower too so it's easier for beginners to get a foothold over the old hands who might be charging more for their work). Stock images are very cheap now, and only getting cheaper. None of the above affects the high end of the market but nor will a newcomer be starting at the top. My point is basically that I think there are probably more opportunities for beginners but almost all of them would pay very little so how do you make a living that way? Maybe photography is becoming the new part time work of choice, and maybe it is best looked at that way. I really don't know.

The talented, dedicated, committed will almost always do extremely well through a hunger for knowledge, challenge and maybe even, dare I say it, originality or a unique vision. There's always room at the top for those who can deliver the goods (broad generalization here, as there are many different types of photographic markets to work in). Ironically they are not usually here asking how to do that but are probably busy doing it anyway, making mistakes, learning from them and moving on to the next challenge. I think I look at professional freelance photography a bit like shopping in a Bently show room in that if you have to ask how much it costs then you can't afford it, and relating that to photography, if you have to ask how to do it then you possibly/probably can't do it, at least not terribly well. I'm not trying to be mean so please don't take it that way but my point is that you need to be VERY driven, VERY DRIVEN, and those who are will most likely succeed. Some talent helps a lot, but confidence (and putting yourself out there), marketing skills and business acumen are far more important. Being wishy washy or half hearted about it will not end terribly well but of course it depends on your measure of success. If you want to make a few hundred bucks a month extra then that should be easy. If you want to make a living out of it then that’s a different matter, contrary to what seems to me to be the common perception of photography.

On the one hand it has been getting easier to get started in photography in recent years (maybe the last 5-10 years) and there may be more markets for images but on the other hand I think it's also become harder to earn a reasonable income (in certain, maybe many fields) as the value of images and photographic work seem to have gone down too.

JJ

[Paul G]

It's nice to hear from someone else with young kids in the business that is managing

I wouldn't say I'm managing just yet . I still work other jobs too where I can, which can be hard to maintain in between infrequent freelance assignments.

As others have said it is a tough field to stay afloat in and to her credit my partner picks up a lot of the weight when I do have the need to be away on weekends.

Honestly, my background (or true calling) is in print journalism, (newspaper) and I'm only just starting to get back into freelance work now that my photography is improving somewhat.

[mamabear]

I agree with you in that photography has lost its value, which is a real shame considering the effort, passion and money photographers put into their work.


I'm not asking how to take photos, I'm asking how people get started in freelance photography and am interested in hearing peoples experiences. I have an idea of the things I will need- ie, equipment, insurance, etc. The part I'm not sure on is the business side and how it is managed, as I am not business savvy in the slightest. It's not knowledge one is born with.

I am a determined person, and I think in my position I have to be. At risk of getting too personal; I fell pregnant at 17 while I was doing my HSC. I was determind to finish, which I did, I was determined to stand on my own two feet and get a place of my own, which I did, determined not to become one of those young mothers that sit out the front of centrelink, smoking while their kids sit in their pram drinking cordial out of a bottle wearing flithy pyjamas, I'm determined to bring my boys up in a stable, loving environment, which my partner and I are and have been from the start. (It helps that I wasn't a deliquent to start with). Not to mention I was determined to have a drug/intervention free childbirth, which I did twice . I am determined for my boys to reach their full potential, and although they're only young, they are. My 3 year old is reading, writing and counting and has an obsession with dinosaurs, naming nearly 30 as well as spouting facts off the top of his head, as well as showing some real potential in soccer. I am determind to raise smart, happy, healthy, considerate boys- which, so far, I am.
Anyway, I'll quit my rambling.

But it's not like I woke up one morning and thought 'I might become a photographer today. Let's see what I can find on google.'.
It's something I've always had a great interest in. I've carried a camera with me just about everywhere since my Dad bought me my own for my 9th birthday.
My photos aren't at a professional level, but they're good. I'm still developing and still learning, but I'm making progress. Like I've already said- I'm not looking to get rich quick. I'm looking to gain as much knowledge, experience and qualifications as I can. I've put my life on hold for the past few years, taking care of my boys and allowing my partner to establish the career he's always wanted. He's due to finish his study in the next few months, so I'm taking the opportunity now to start taking steps to achieve mine.
I am a very driven person, but also very laid back. I strive to get what I want, and if it doesn't work out I sit back and find another way around.

If all I gain out of attempting to achieve a career in photography is just is a few qualifications and a bit of experience I'll still be happy. At least I will know I've tried, rather than wondering what could have been.

Thank you for your reply, I do appreciate it.

[jjphoto]

... At least I will know I've tried, rather than wondering what could have been...

I think a lot of people resonate with that sentiment. You can't die wondering what could have been.

Good luck.

JJ

[kiwi]

Nice reply. My experience suggests that when you reach a certain level people will start wanting to pay you. The best way to start is to start. There's plenty of free advice about starting a business from government about the regulatory needs.

I think that usually it takes a few false starts but takes only a couple of years to get some sort of business plan in place with the skills to back it up

Go girl

[mamabear]

Thanks kiwi!!

[Dan Cripps]

Here's my advice in a nutshell:

1. Do a business management/administration course.
2. Find a mentor(s) who can advise on both the creative and business sides - might not be the same person.
3. Identify a style/genre/niche - don't try to be all things to all people.
4. Build a portfolio before you charge anyone a cent.
5. When you do start charging for your services, price your time and products properly. A good mentor will help here.

[mamabear]

Thanks Zeke!
Would you recommend doing a full business administration course or will a basic-ish one do?
ie- a cert I-III?

[Dan Cripps]

Thanks Zeke!
Would you recommend doing a full business administration course or will a basic-ish one do?
ie- a cert I-III?

In all honesty, anything is better than nothing!

The vast majority start up their photography businesses with little or no business training or skills. A digital SLR and a dream will only get you so far.

If you get the basics down pat it will go a long way towards you being able to implement a feasible long term business plan.

[mamabear]

Awesome
Thanks heaps!
I just realised I did a TVET business course as part of my HSC as well, which I think was either a cert I or III.. So I should be able to get credit or recognition for that. I'll have to have a look at my HSC papers.

[flashpixx]

I am a semi pro freelance motorsport photog. It all started out as a hobby, shooting over the fence at local events. I asked at the race secretary's office about getting access onto the track proper, and was lucky enough to be granted permission. In return I provide pix to the club for free. My son (a trainee Journo) and I contribute to the club newsletter. I have slowly built up a following of club members who regularly purchase images in both digital and print. At the start of this year a national magazine wanted someone to supply images from the event. I contacted the editor and negotiated to provide a race report and pix for publication. Since then have covered a number of events and a couple of feature articles. I won't make enough to leave my fulltime job, but I have purchased my Nikon kit from the business. Keys to my success:

- be realistic about your skill, the market, and to who you can sell images
- be very aware of what the market is currently paying and charge the same
- differentiate yourself in the images you produce, not on price
- market, market, market. Talk to lots of people, practice and plan
- look at what others are producing and look to make yours different

good luck!

[ricktas]

Awesome
Thanks heaps!
I just realised I did a TVET business course as part of my HSC as well, which I think was either a cert I or III.. So I should be able to get credit or recognition for that. I'll have to have a look at my HSC papers.

If you didn't remember doing it till now, I would suggest ignoring getting credit for it, and do the unit(s) again, cause you could very well have forgotten the important information contained within the unit(s). A refresh is always worthwhile, even if you think you know it! I reckon I have done that many units on balance sheets that I should know everything by now..but I don't!

[mamabear]

Wow, flashpixx!! That's awesome! Well done!! Thanks for the advice!

Yeah, ricktas I was thinking the same thing earlier. I went to do something on Microsoft excel and was just blank! I can't for the life of me remember how to do half the things on there, and that's just data entry, so I can't imagine what else I've forgotten!
It's amazing how much kids fry your brain! Haha