After my 3 years in Brooks Institute of Photography, we are encouraged to start a freelance bussiness to start off with, what would be the best way to do this? Should i contact websites or magazines? Or wait for someone to contact me? I am really not sure and I need as much help as possible :)
2006-10-25 03:26:20 · 5 answers · asked by blinX 2 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Visual Arts ➔ Photography
Keep an exceptional portfolio ready at all times. I would go into places of business that would be interested in using your services. (whatever kind of photography you specialize in, landscape, babies, black and white, etc) Make up business cards and leave some with them. Show what you can do. Make sure that you sit down and have pricing ready for questions. Everyone wants a specific price when asking about your services. You will need pricing for photo sizes, equipment, time, studio cost, supplies, etc. Call business' first and set up an appt to talk to whoever makes these executive hiring decisions. Also have an appointment calender handy at all times so you can schedule shoots. Good luck and I hope this points you in the right direction.
2006-10-25 03:43:13 · answer #1 · answered by Lori 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Great question. First of all, I would utilize the amazing resources of Brooks and see who you can hook up with. I know that Rolf Horn, a graduate from Brooks is a successful example of a graduate. Perhaps stary by contacting teachers and graduates of Brooks... If that fails to meet your needs, assemble a portfolio, both digitally and in print form and approack media sources. I ended up getting a position as a newspaper photographer by simply showing up to events and photographing them alongside other photographers and talking with them. But I was pretty lucky. The single most important thing you can do is to have a great website. So, you can hand cards to to other photographers, include your website as part of your presentation "package" and network with as many people as possible. I've since switched to fine art photography, but commercial/ phooournalism was great for a long time. Best of luck to you!
2006-10-25 10:33:19 · answer #2 · answered by spicyninja23 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You'll want to set up a website to showcase your work, and particular focal area. To get instant streams of income, although low compared to a "real" freelancing job consider setting up a sales area at smugmug.com or shtterfly.com - it's a great place to sell your photos and get a feel for what sells and what doesn't.
No doubt after 3 years you have lots of photos that don't necessarily suit your are of focus and why not make some cash off them? Oh, and NEVER wait for someone to contact you. If you want to succeed in business as a freelancer you need to be able to be self-motivated and get jobs for yourself.
2006-10-25 06:03:36 · answer #3 · answered by ljcrowe 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Can't wait to find out myself. I love photography. I'm a 24 yr photog amateur and I have taken some great shots that I would love to publicize.
2006-10-25 10:07:17 · answer #4 · answered by allstarcharles 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can register with freelance sites such as...
http://www.ifreelance.com
http://www.scriplance.com
http://www.getafreelancer.com
Also seriously consider paying someone to make you a quality website, including Search Engine Optimization.
2006-10-25 10:55:39 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋