Venturing into the world of freelance photography over the past year has been both challenging and fulfilling. It has been a journey of continuous learning, upskilling, growth, exploration, and progress. Throughout this experience, I have learned valuable lessons that have helped me develop both personally and professionally as a photographer and marketer.
Here are my top 5:
✨Be prepared for an unpredictable schedule ✨:
Freelancing can be too much or not enough (and sometimes there’s no in-between). You have to embrace the flexibility that freelancing offers and learn to adapt quickly to an erratic schedule, as it can fluctuate. It's also essential to ensure you have effective organisation and time management practices to meet your client's expectations while also maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
✨ The power of networking ✨
Building connections is key to expanding your reach, finding prospective clients, and learning from other industry professionals. Consider attending relevant events, joining online communities, and engaging with like-minded individuals to expand your network. You never know when or where an opportunity might present itself!
✨The importance of branding and social media marketing ✨:
In today's digital age, establishing a strong brand and a multichannel marketing strategy are crucial for success. Showcasing your work across platforms and building your online presence will improve your engagement, build your network, attract potential clients, and open doors to exciting opportunities. Additionally, your personal brand is just as important as your professional one as a freelancer.
✨Value your craft ✨:
While collaborations are a great way to experiment and expand your portfolio, remember that it's only collaborative if it's mutually beneficial to all parties involved. You have to value your craft and charge your time, skills, and expertise accordingly. Set realistic pricing that aligns with the value you provide and the market standards. Your work deserves fair compensation, and by valuing yourself as a professional, you'll attract clients who appreciate your worth.
✨Brace yourself for some unusual enquiries ✨:
The world of photography is full of surprises, and you will likely come across a diverse range of enquiries as well as some unusual requests (believe me, I've had my fair share!). Being open-minded and welcoming different opportunities is a great way to step out of your comfort zone, unlock your creativity, and expand your portfolio. However, trust your instincts and do what feels right for you.
As the New Year approaches, I look forward to continuing learning, growing and evolving as I take on new opportunities and challenges in my career. Thank you to everyone for their continuous support on this journey.