Freelance Photography
There are thousands of budding photographers out there wanting to make a bit of money from their hobby. But before delving into the camera market to buy up for the launch of your freelance career there is a few things that must be remembered. You are operating a business and as such you need to focus on that same principal that makes any successful business.
Only photographers that focus on quality, product, and produce photographs to deadline will keep working. Freelancing is a hard slog not an easy ride, particularly if you are relying on clients for work. But digital photography has opened up two areas where photographers can make an income, stock photos and special events.
The digital age of photography
Digital photography has cut costs, increased distribution and improved productivity. These are all important elements of a successful business.
Digital photographers are able to take thousands of photographs without the expense of rolls of film and development costs.
Digital photographers can publish photographs on-line easily with minimum expense, and distribute around the world with the click of a button. They can be exposed to unlimited markets.
Finally, digital photographers can have their products available minutes after taking the shot. But remember quantity does not compensate for quality, and out of hundreds of shots there might be a handful of any quality. Only put top quality photographs out in the market, one sub-stand shot can lose customers.
Stock photography
A growing industry is the stock photograph. There are numerous sites popping up offering stock photos royalty or royalty free. Companies are always looking for photographs for publications, advertising, annual reports etc. And while there is plenty of opportunity there is also a lot of competition. It is important to set yourself apart from the competition. There is no magic formula for selling stock photos, what appeals to one customer might not appeal to another.
There are some things that can be done to make your work more appealing. Try and take unique shots from a different perspective, and focus on a style that you can develop into your "trademark" style.
Take that unique shot that shows a different perspective. When you have identified a subject take time to frame the shot looking at angle and finding the perspective that enhance the photograph. A buyer who finds more meaning in a photo will be inclined to purchase. For example, a business wants to announce a partnership and is looking for a photograph to enhance the announcement. Rather than just showing two business people shaking hands, consider a close up in the hands with a stock exchange board in the background. The photo gives a suggestion of a successful partnership benefiting shareholder. Or maybe taking the photograph over the shoulder of one of the persons so you have the shoulder in the frame but the focus is on the smiling partner. This suggests that this new partnership is not only for the business but also the stockholders, or beneficiaries. The point is to take time, and try and convey different messages in each photo you take to help the sell.
Develop a style, this may take some time but if you develop a style and are consistent then you can grow customers through word-of-mouth. If you become renowned for your landscapes people will start seeking you out. This also allows a photographer to maintain a decent margin on each photo sale. Don't try to be a jack-of-all-trades or you will end up as master-of-none.
Special event photography
Because digital photographers have flexibility and convenience, there is a market for photographers at special events. This can range from a school carnival, major sporting event and even farmer markets.
Taking photographs of competitors while handing out business cards to spectators with a web address where people can view and purchase photos. It might seem obvious but taking as many photos as possible of each competitor is important, because you will only sell a few of each photograph at the most. There is no use spending all day at an event and walking away with only five or six competitors that can be used in the catalogue. Selling only a few of each photo can also be beneficial. Offer to sign and number the back of each hard copy sold. This will help you charge a little more because the buyer believes, as you do, that one day you will be a sort after photographer.
A successful freelance photographer I know visits special events and takes shots for customers at the event. His specialty is cycling events. Each competitor has a race number and he categorized photos by their numbers. When buyers visit his site they are able to type in their race number and can see their photographs.
Maintaining your market
Remember every satisfied customer can lead to repeat customers, and word-of-mouth sales. A stock photo buyer is likely to require more photos in the future.
Always offer more services. If a customer used your photos before and wants to again but you do not have what they need in the catalogue, then offer a service of work for hire on your website. It is little details like these that can maintain a long-term customer and keep you in freelance work.
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Freelance Photography
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