Are you interested in pursuing freelance photography, but don’t know where to start? Many photographers begin their photography business by doing freelance. Whether you’re looking for a side gig, or want to develop your skills to make photography your full-time career, freelance photography might be the perfect option for you.
What is Freelance Photography?
Freelance photography is a type of self-employment. Rather than being employed by another company, freelance photographers work for themselves. They manage their own photography business and shoot photos on a contract basis with individuals, brands, businesses, etc.
Freelance photography has a space for all genres. Whether you’re into lifestyle, sports, wedding, corporate, or another category of photography, the freelance photography realm is full of opportunities.
Is This Type of Work a Good Fit for Me?
While many photographers begin building their portfolio through this type of work, freelance isn’t fitting for everyone. When it comes to determining if freelance is a good fit for you long term, it’s helpful to look at the pros and cons.
Pros vs Cons
Below we have listed some pros and cons of freelance photography. These should help you better determine if freelance is something you truly want to pursue.
Pros:
- Travel friendly! You don’t have to be tied to a specific location for an extended period of time, if you don’t want to be. You can take your creative talents to other places across the globe and work from anywhere.
- Choose your specialization. As a freelance photographer, you have the freedom to choose what type of photography you want to specialize in. If you’re initially interested in sports photography for example, but later decide you’re more into lifestyle photography, you have the ability to branch out easier than if you were an employee.
- Create your own schedule. You have the power to create whatever schedule you want while working as much (or as little) as you please.
- Follow your passions and desires. If you’re pursuing freelance photography, chances are it’s something you feel passionate about. When you are your own boss, you’re able to pursue these things, without the interference of upper management.
- Endless potential. You have the ability to pursue freelance as far as you’d like. There is no limit to what you can accomplish!
Cons:
- You have to find clients. When you’re an employee somewhere, it’s not always your responsibility to find clients or work to do. However, when you’re a freelancer, this isn’t the case. You have to find your own clients and jobs, or else you won’t have a successful business.
- Lack of benefits. Freelance photographers are self-employed individuals. This means that you are responsible for finding your own insurance, which can be very costly.
- It’s demanding. Depending on your goals with freelance and the extent you want to pursue it, the amount of demand wavers. However, starting a freelance photography business and being successful is often a demanding path because it can take up a large amount of your time and you have to be more accessible to others.
- Stressful. Oftentimes, stress is prevalent when it comes to pursuing a new business, especially on your own. Stress isn’t always a bad thing. Sometimes it can push you to achieve greater things. Regardless, it’s important to know that there are additional stressors that come with freelance.
How to Find Freelance Photography Jobs
So… you’ve decided freelance photography is something you want to pursue, or you’re at least still considering the possibility. It may seem daunting to begin a freelance business without clients or work to do, but everyone has to start somewhere. There are many different ways that individuals can successfully find freelance photography work out there.
Freelance Job Boards
The websites listed below are the most popular for finding various freelance photography jobs. It’s typically easier for individuals to find freelance work on freelance-specific websites, as compared to general job boards. Be sure to check out these websites if you’re interested in freelance photography!
General Job Boards
Occasionally freelance photography jobs will be posted on general job boards. While finding a freelance job on one of these websites listed below isn’t commonly as successful as freelance-specific job boards, they’re still worth taking a look at. Who knows… maybe you’ll find your most successful freelance job from a general job board.
Social Media
Utilizing social media is a strong asset for freelance photographers. As social media continues to expand and evolve, the ways that individuals can find freelance work through social media are endless.
While LinkedIn may not be the first social media platform that comes to mind when thinking about freelance work, it can be a fantastic resource. On Linkedin, you can look through hundreds of job postings, connect with like-minded individuals, and expand awareness about your work. Posting public articles, or photos of your work are important aspect of building a strong LinkedIn page as a freelancer.
Facebook Groups
Optimizing social media and getting involved in photography-centered Facebook groups can be extremely beneficial for your success as a freelancer.
- Local: Local photography groups are a great way to find freelance jobs, connect with local photographers, and learn tips about your area. For example – If you’re a lifestyle and family photographer, it would be beneficial to learn the best locations around town for family photos.
- Worldwide: Joining worldwide Facebook groups for freelance photographers is a great way to connect with others in your line of work. You can gain valuable tips, and tricks, and hear real-life experiences from other freelance photographers.
Personal Social Media Accounts
When you first begin your freelance photography business, it can be difficult to build clients initially. Posting on your personal social media accounts is a great way to inform your friends, family members, and past colleagues about your new endeavors in freelance photography. Not only is this a great way to expand awareness about your business, but the individuals you personally know could help excel in your passions with freelance by acting as models to help build your photography portfolio.
Your Own Website
Building a strong portfolio is extremely important for freelance photographers. Regardless of the genre of photography, or long-term goals you have for freelance, having a website is crucial for gaining exposure and displaying your work. Wix is a user-friendly website builder if you’re in need of a website.
Pro Tip: Be sure to include your contact information on your website!
Wrap Up
Freelance photography is full of endless opportunities. Whether photography is your true passion, you have natural talent, you’re looking for a side gig, or want to pursue photography full-time – the freelance realm has the space for you!
If you’re looking for a turnkey platform for hosting and selling your images, check out WaldoPro. Waldo’s ease-to-use platform for pros will let you focus on what you love, taking images while making selling them a breeze. Waldo’s AI-powered delivery will put your images in front of those you’ve photographed within seconds via text alerts and allows for easy mobile purchasing.
