The Truth About Freelance Photography

The facts are that photography leads the way when it comes to the number of professionals in the field who work as freelancers. Over half of all photographers freelance and the demand for qualified and experienced professionals are expected to grow in the future. But do you have what it takes to make it?

Today’s photographers, scores of which have never experienced working in a darkroom and seeing the image magically appear, simply shoot, shoot, and shoot again stare at a small screen, delete and do it again. Sorry, it’s more than just going out, buying a camera and clicking off a few million shots and hoping of getting noticed. You have to be extremely lucky to be in the right place at the right time to get that “Money Shot” that might propel you into instant fame and fortune. Scores of the freelancers struggle to make a living in the profession and trying to determine where to play is something that most struggle with when starting out.

Freelance photographers don't have the normal nine-to-five work day, irregular shooting schedules and locations are the norm. Of course to many, this is what makes this profession so attractive and interesting. It's just like freelance writing in which many people turn it into a career and enjoy the freedom of working essentially for themselves working on their own time and making money doing something they love doing anyway.

So what does it take to stake a claim in the field of professional photography? As well as talent, on-the-job training, relevant work experience or a specialized skill or knowledge of a particular industry or market. Freelancers must also be capable of running a business including: bidding for work, preparing contracts, release permission, licensing issues, copyright, and project pricing and general administration.

There are numerous opportunities and markets for freelance photographers including: portrait work, advertising agencies, journals, newspapers, magazines and stock photo agencies.

Today’s image market requirements are very different from the days of old. Where once you sent slides to a prospective client for review and then negotiated for the proper licensing and usage fees. You and the client had the time to discuss issues. Not anymore, times have changed, clients need the image now and with the onslaught of the “micro-stock” agency the ability to get the same fees have diminished greatly. Royalty-Free downloads for $1.00 has greatly mired the marketplace and has put many photographers who simply provide generic images out of business. So specialize, once you get known for a particular style or type of photography, clients will be more willing to pay more for the use of your image.

A successful freelance career is achievable for talented photographers with an excellent portfolio, good business sense and the ability to establish good contacts and build a solid client base. While photography is a competitive field, opportunities exist for skilled photographers who have the technical expertise and the creativity to produce professional quality photographs. Even if you have never had photographs published or publicly displayed, you can start a portfolio of your best work.

Before you start down the path, get honest reviews of your work. Remember, friends and relatives can be just a little biased. Participate in contests and art shows, you will find our quickly if the type of work you produce is of interest. Join one of the new photography social networks. Work as an assistant, of course you may have to do this free gratis, but the experience will pay for itself.

Finally, don’t get caught up in the hype, articles that state that freelance photography is an easy profession and that you can make quick easy money can be and are very misleading.