If you love photography, becoming a freelance photographer might seem like an easy thing to do. However, you will have to work hard and learn a lot to develop a successful photography business. To become a successful freelance photographer, you can't rely on your photography skills alone. You must also be able to carry out administrative duties.
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Part 1 of 3: Starting a Freelance Photographer Business
Step 1. Select your custom field
If you choose to become a professional photographer, you can specialize in different types of photography, such as journalism, weddings and other special events, or portraiture (a type of photography devoted to photographing a person or group of people). However, if you are planning to become a freelance photographer, it is important that you specialize in the photography business because you will have to find the type of equipment and accessories needed and how to promote the business that fits your field. You don't have to limit yourself to just one particular area because you can get more customers by offering more services. For example, you could promote yourself as an event and portrait photographer. These two specialty areas work well together as couples who use you to photograph their weddings and love the photos may hire you to photograph their children.
- Event photography usually requires you to take pictures at weddings, parties, graduations, and other special occasions.
- If you specialize in portraiture, you will be photographing a person or group of people, such as families, children, and even pets.
- Commercial and product photography usually requires you to photograph products, properties and other items to help businesses promote their business.
- Stock photography (stock photography) refers to photos taken for sale. You can sell photos through stock photo agencies. People and business people who need photos of certain objects or situations can buy them through this agency.
- Journalistic photographers shoot famous events and people. While you may enjoy this job, you may find it difficult to enter this field as a freelance photographer if you have no previous experience as a journalistic photographer.
Step 2. Get a photography certificate
Indonesian Photographers are under the auspices of the Indonesian Photographic Professional Association (APFI) which seeks to improve the quality of Indonesian photography. APFI helps facilitate Indonesian photographers to obtain certificates by establishing the Indonesian Photography Competency Certification Institute (LESKOFI). To get a certificate, you must take a competition test organized by LESKOFI. Every year LESKOFI organizes several test competitions.
You can visit the website https://www.leskofi.or.id and the LESKOFI Twitter account to get more information about the schedule and competition test requirements
Step 3. Learn the taxes you have to pay
Even though you work as a freelancer, you still have to pay taxes and take care of your own Taxpayer Identification Number (NPWP) because your income is not automatically deducted to pay taxes. If you have difficulty making a TIN or understanding tax-related matters, you should visit the Tax Service Office (KPP) in your city.
- Try to use the services of a small business accountant. Accountants can help you gather various tax information and calculate taxes.
- You can also ask your accountant for advice on the type of business you should start. Almost all photography businesses are usually sole proprietorships. A sole proprietorship is a company or business owned by a sole proprietor. That is, the owner of the sole proprietorship will get all the income.
Step 4. Determine the cost of your services
Before you start serving clients, you must determine how much you charge the people who use your services. When determining the cost of services, you should consider various expenses, such as equipment, taxes, and operating costs. In addition, you should also consider the time it will take to complete each project, such as the time spent driving from your studio to the shooting location. That way, you can make enough money to survive.
There are various types of software (software), such as fotoQuote and BlinkBid, that help you measure the costs spent on photography projects and create invoices for customers
Step 5. Determine the payment method you accept
When starting a business, it is important that you determine how you will get paid from your clients. For example, you may decide to only accept cash. However, we recommend that you offer as many payment methods as possible. Therefore, consider allowing clients to pay bills by credit card and check.
If you want to accept credit cards as a payment method for photography services, there are apps and dongles that allow you to process credit cards via your tablet or smartphone. You can also get an EDC machine from a bank. In addition, you can also add various types of online payment methods (online or online), such as PayPal and Mastercard, to your website
Step 6. Create a portfolio
The most important tool for promoting yourself as a freelance photographer is a collection of awesome photos that you can show potential clients. If you're new to freelance photographers, you can ask family and friends if you can shoot them for your portfolio. You can also look for local models who may need photos for their portfolio. That way, you can help each other.
- Remember to consider your audience when creating a portfolio. For example, if you plan to promote yourself as an event and wedding photographer, don't fill your portfolio with product photos.
- Whenever possible, create a digital and print portfolio. Some clients may prefer to view photos via the internet or links, while others may be more impressed with printed photos.
Part 2 of 3: Getting Clients
Step 1. Create a website
When you start working as a freelance photographer, you need a website to showcase your work. That way, potential clients can know the quality and ability of your photography. You can also use websites to make it easier for customers to contact you, schedule photo shoots, and send photos you've taken. Make sure the website is easy to use and contains only your best photos.
- If you don't know how to create a website, you can use WordPress because this website offers a variety of templates and themes designed specifically for photography.
- We recommend that you combine a blog with a website. It's a good idea to regularly upload photos along with short descriptions so clients can see your recent activity.
Step 2. Create social media accounts
Apart from a website, using a website is an ideal way to promote yourself on the internet. Photography is a visual medium. This way, high-quality photos can go viral and help promote your work to potential clients. Create Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest accounts. That way, you can showcase your work on a platform that is easy for people to access and share.
Include all your social media account links on the website. Thus, potential clients can find it easily
Step 3. Print a business card
Word of mouth can be an effective way for freelance photographers to gain new clients. Therefore, it's a good idea to have a business card that you can give to family, friends, and clients. They can give your business card to people who may be interested in your services.
- You can make your business card stand out by including one of your photos. You can include a self-portrait so clients can remember your face or a photo they like and show off your skills.
- Make sure the business card contains all contact information, including the website address, so that potential clients can easily find your online portfolio.
Step 4. Expand connections to get clients
Although many people promote your photography skills by word of mouth, you shouldn't just sit back and wait for clients to come to you. By making connections with other businesses related to your business, you can find new clients. For example, if you work as an event photographer, you can contact wedding planners or party planners, halls, and other events-related businesses to introduce yourself and show your work. By doing this, if someone planning to host an event asks for a photographer's recommendation, your contact can recommend you.
If you are interested in working as a commercial or product photographer, you can try contacting a marketing or public relations company
Step 5. Free some of your work
When you start working as a freelance photographer, it is very important to increase word of mouth. To gain experience and increase word of mouth, you can provide a free service for a limited time. If you specialize in portraiture or special events photography, ask family and friends if they need your services. If you want to develop a career in commercial or product photography, look for small businesses in your area that allow you to take photos that can be used to market their business.
- We recommend that you consider making your service free. Instead of paying for your services, the client only has to pay you if he or she decides to purchase a photo copy. This can be an effective way to get new customers and keep making money.
- Make sure all clients who get your free services give testimonials after you take photos. If their testimonials are positive, you can use them to promote your services or as a reference for potential clients. Use their criticisms and suggestions about your work to improve your skills and services.
Part 3 of 3: Improving Photography Skills
Step 1. Purchase new, state-of-the-art equipment
If you want to have a career as a freelance photographer, you can't take pictures with an old cell phone or camera. Therefore, when your business starts to turn a profit, it is important that you buy the latest digital camera that can be used to take high-quality pictures. In addition, do not forget to upgrade the equipment.
- When you start working as a freelance photographer, consider buying used cameras and equipment to save money.
- Depending on the type of photography you want to get into, you may need lights, diffusers, and reflectors to make sure the lighting you create can help produce good quality photos.
- Even if the camera you purchased comes with a lens, it's a good idea to purchase an additional lens, such as a wide-angle lens or a pancake lens, which helps to vary your photos.
- To edit photos, you will need a computer and photo editing software.
Step 2. Take the course
Some photography skills are innate, such as having a keen eye for composition. However, there is some knowledge to learn, especially if you are not used to using a camera. If you are a student, the university you are studying at may offer photography courses or have a photography Student Activity Unit (UKM). Also, if you're planning to go to college, you can look for universities that offer photography majors that can help you prepare for your career.
- If you're not in college, consider studying at a Vocational High School (SMK) that offers photography classes or taking photography courses.
- If you can't find photography courses in your area, many online schools offer photography courses to help hone your skills.
- Art classes can help improve a photographer's skills. By taking this class, you can sharpen your eyes and learn composition.
- If you plan to become a freelance photographer, we recommend that you take business, marketing, and accounting classes.
Step 3. Get an internship
It is recommended that you have experience working in the field of photography before starting to work as a freelance photographer. Working as an assistant to a professional photographer can give you the opportunity to learn photography tips and techniques. In addition, you can ask him for help to provide criticism and suggestions about the photos you take. That way, you can refine and enhance your work. You can also work in a photography studio and apply your photography knowledge directly. You can take pictures of your customers and learn about the types of photos they like.
You don't have to look for an internship that can make you money. You can offer photography services to friends and family who are hosting a special event, such as a wedding anniversary or graduation party. By doing this, you can gain a lot of experience and hone your skills
Step 4. Enter the competition
If you are confident in your abilities, taking part in a photography competition can help you compare your skills with those of other photographers. If you win the competition, you can include this achievement on your resume. In general, competitions encourage you to produce creative photos. This can help you in developing your career.
If you can't find a photography competition held in your city, try searching the internet for a competition. You will find various national and international competitions that you may be interested in
Step 5. Join a photography group
Getting constructive criticism from fellow photographers can help improve the skills and quality of photos. If you are a student, the university you are studying at may have a photography SME. You can join the UKM to discuss your work with other photographers. If you're not in college, try asking a local camera shop owner or worker about a photography club in your area.
- If you can't find a photography club in your area, consider creating your own. Ask other photographers if they can meet weekly or monthly to give each other critiques and suggestions.
- If you can't find local photography groups, you can search the internet for photography communities and groups. You can upload photos and ask for criticism and suggestions from other members. You can search for these communities and groups on the internet. Many photography enthusiasts have discussions on Google + and Lightstalking.
Tips
- If your photography business is successful, you should still regularly attend photography workshops or courses. This can help you get the latest information about photography technology and keep you excited to explore the world of photography.
- When working as a freelance photographer, you should be careful when making a schedule. If you receive a lot of clients and are unable to complete all the work, they will be disappointed with your service. This can damage your image and discourage potential clients from using your services.
