Hi guys, i have been learning photography for quite awhile and am really interested in doing free lance photography..i actually do a full time job in the HR industry thus i am not too sure where or how should i start on this..maybe some of you can give me pointers?
Interested to do freelance but not sure how to
- Thread starter vizard87
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Be honest with yourself,what are you good at or what do you want to specialise in? With camphones getting better what is it that you do that can stand out among the rest?
Hey jinhong...
Here is my advice.
1.Shoot a lot.
For free, for a low price, as an apprentice. Doesn't matter. Build your portfolio. Get the experience. Not just with the technical aspect. But the client management and after sales as well. Even if you shoot for free or low price treat that client well. It will pay dividends.
2. Start a website
It's doesn't take much technical know how. Go to godaddy.com. First year (hosting plus website design module) is about SGD$30.
It'll give your prospective clients a sense of confidence. But you must have a god enough portfolio of photos. And a good set of testimonials from clients. Where do you get these? From point 1.
3. Advertise
Start with FB, gumtree, CS, various forum related to your interests in photography. I'm not really adept in this part.
Friends and family? That's a tricky but there that you need to think twice about before you push forth.
4. Pricing
Once there is a steady flow, think about adjusting the prices upwards and offering various packages.
The going might be slow in terms of reaping instant rewards financially or otherwise. But then again, this caveat applies to almost everything in life. Just think about this. If you can produce top quality photos, YOU will be the one people want to hire!
FYI, equipmentwise, use whatever that you are comfortable with and you can produce the best images with within your resources. A canon 650d and the 50 1.8 can produce awesome shots of kids that the parents will love.
BUT, if you are intending to shoot portraits (families, blogshop fashion, couples etc) get a flash. It's really helpful BOTH indoor and outdoor.
This is what I would suggest. Good luck mate!
(Copied from my response to a similar question in a previous thread)
Also, check out some photography companies that are fine with hiring freelancers. (I had a good experience learning from firefly. They advertise occasionally in the search for new photographers). That'll help to build your confidence and enhance your skills.
Hi! I can help you, look at this site fixthephoto.com They always are looking for freelance photographers, even if you are just beginner. My friend works there aand he is very satisfied. Just try, maybe it will works for you too
Heyhey!
A few tips on becoming a freelance photographer:
- Set up a photo-friendly website. Make sure whichever template or option you choose is going to display your photography as best as possible.
- Set up social media. I find Instagram is a great option for displaying your photography and attracting attention. Use it as a marketing tool and gain as many followers as possible, in a natural way.
- Once you have set up your foundation (the above) then start reaching out to various platforms, publications, businesses and agencies and pitch yourself.
Hope this helps and best of luck!
A few tips on becoming a freelance photographer:
- Set up a photo-friendly website. Make sure whichever template or option you choose is going to display your photography as best as possible.
- Set up social media. I find Instagram is a great option for displaying your photography and attracting attention. Use it as a marketing tool and gain as many followers as possible, in a natural way.
- Once you have set up your foundation (the above) then start reaching out to various platforms, publications, businesses and agencies and pitch yourself.
Hope this helps and best of luck!
Learn by doing. Network. Offer to shoot at pro bono to small paid projects. Slowly go from there.
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