Freelance photgraphy is an opportunity to get into the business of photography without a studio.
Starting a photography business doesn't require an expensive studio. If you have a digital SLR camera, minimal equipment and a talent for taking photographs, you can start a photography business right out of your home. With the Internet, you have access to a world of resources and contacts that can help make you begin a career in photography. Taking advantage of these resources allows you to turn your passion for pictures into a career that can be both financially and creatively rewarding.
Instructions
1. Build a portfolio. Your portfolio should contain some of your best photographs, along with a personal bio and a professional resume. Keep your portfolio up-to-date. Your resume should always reflect a complete list of your clients and your bio should emphasize your love of photography. Your photos should reflect your specialties as a photographer and highlight the work you do best.
2. Get a website. Preferably register a domain name to promote your photographic services and show off your work. Make your website as visual as possible with an online gallery that will showcase your work and allow customers to contact you for jobs. The website allows you to reach a world full of potential clients and can be one of the most important facets of a photography business.
3. Seek outside jobs. Since you don't have a studio, you'll want to take advantage of jobs that require you to shoot at other locations. Weddings, graduations and other events in your area can provide a good financial base for your at-home photography business. Advertising these services in a newspaper, in addition to your online presence, can help you obtain these jobs.
4. Take newsworthy photographs. Keep an eye on events that may be written up in newspapers in your area. Most newspapers have their own photographers, but if you get a particularly interesting shot, you may be able to sell it to a newspaper. This can lead to freelance photo opportunities that may bring additional income, which will be needed to continue to make a living with your photography business.
5. Track your expenses and income. You will file taxes as either self-employed if you are operating as a freelancer, or as a business. Unless you are knowledgeable about taxes, it will be a good idea to have them done professionally to obtain advice specific to your situation. A simple ledger book is all you need for this.
