As a freelance photographer myself, I know that the job is not as romantic as it may first seem to beginners. Yet even so, the independence, the interesting opportunities, and sometimes even the pay make it all well worth pursuing.
The next 7 tips are what I aspire to myself. I don’t yet master all of them, but I find I’m getting better with time.
Build a solid website
I’ve learned from experience that your online portfolio, i.e. website, is the first thing potential clients check when considering whether to hire you or not. A well-organized, HTML-based website with a portfolio sorted by collections is a must.
Upload your best pictures only
I aim to upload to my online portfolio only about 10-15% of all my edited photos. I believe potential clients are more easily impressed by a handful of excellent photos than they are by dozens of good ones.
Maintain a photography blog
I recommend WordPress, because that’s what most professional photographers use. The platform is quick to set up, easy to manage, and has some excellent themes for photographers. Aim to post a few photos at least three times a day. I do it on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Know your pricing
When you’re getting started, it’s better to ask less that you deserve rather than more. That’s because an affordable price is usually the first consideration for clients who choose to work with a green freelance photographer. But when you’ve established yourself, it’s important not to look cheap, so raise up your pricing. I find most customers prefer working with a photographer who knows how much he or she wants from the first contact.
Read: Are We Ready for Enterprise Tablets?
Respond to phonecalls or emails within 6 hours
Potential clients normally call or email a photographer just after they have checked their online portfolio and decided that they liked the photos. In case of phonecalls, it will be ideal to answer right away, but that won’t always be possible.
Take head on the daunting projects
Looking back on my experience as a freelancer photographer, I find that it was that handful of completed projects that intimidated me at first that helped me improve the most. Always chose to tackle those projects that unnerve you even if the pay is not ideal – you will learn much about yourself, and gain self-confidence, so much so that doing a similar project for a second time will be much easier.
Read: Windows 8 Developer Preview
Know when to take a day off
As a freelance photographer, most of your days will be more or less like they would if you’d be working 9/5. There will be, however, plenty of hectic days, with working hours in the evening or in the night. What’s important is to rest after a hectic day, to refill your batteries. If you take on a new project after you’ve been up all night shooting a celebration, you won’t be 100%, and it will show in your photos.
Consider the tips above and your life as a freelance photographer will be a little bit easier.
