Transitioning Into a Freelance Photographer & How I Find Clients
When you’re first starting out as a freelancer the most daunting phase that tends to hold people back is the 'do I have enough clients’ thought. Then wondering how to sustain that once you’ve taken the big plunge. It’s the constant worry when you launch into the full-time freelance world but don’t let that put you off because working for yourself can be oh so rewarding.
My story.
I’ve been pretty blessed when I think about how everything has unravelled since starting out nearly 2 years ago as a photographer. Nearly 3 years ago I moved to Brisbane from the Hunter Valley. I was working full time and juggling the combined full time study grind. Back then, photographing was a hobby for me - I never thought it would turn into my full-fledged career, until my then editor from The Urban List came knocking on my door with my first freelance contract.
How did that come about you must be wondering? Quite organically, I’ve always loved posting on the gram and being a newbie in Brisbane - I loved carting my camera around and discovering new pretty places and photographing them, so did my editor too apparently haha.
Since that coffee meeting I’ve had the opportunity to meet countless business owners in the hospitality industry and have photographed over 214 venues here in Brisbane alone for The Urban List. I remember when studying, freelancing and working full-time became way to overwhelming and I decided that I’d had enough of working in the hospitality industry and knew I only had one way of knowing if this was going to be for me, so like everything I do… I threw myself in wholeheartedly!
For the first few months of photographing for The Urban List alone I networked with a range of Brisbane based businesses I was meeting everyday when shooting as well as using Instagram as my major marketing tool for getting creative work out into the world. As my images started popping up and I made industry connections - more work started to roll in and my portfolio started to diversify. One thing that I have learnt and still make sure I make a priority is personal projects and creative test shoots. I can’t stress enough how important these have been in helping me recharge in amongst client work and critical in forcing me to push myself out of my everyday creative box.
Slowly and slowly as my brand exposure has grown for Grace Elizabeth Images, so has my client base. It all goes hand in hand guys. The amount of effort and time you’re willing to invest will be the ultimate indicator of what comes back to you. In saying that I’m pretty lucky that these days my networking skills and surrounding community helps my clients find me!
At the end of the day what have you got to lose?
Things that I know now that have helped me along the way!
Sometimes you have to throw yourself into the deep end to see whether you can sink or swim, whether you are ready or not.
Creative and personal projects are just as important and a conscious effort should be made to explore them in between client work. Try aiming for one a month or one every fortnight.
For every person you meet, they know so many more. Every time I met a new client or photographed for The Urban List Brisbane I’d hand over my business card and express my enthusiasm in wanting to work together.
Referrals are so underplayed and so critical in building a network of clients. I always aim to give all my clients a positive experience and provide beautiful images because you never know who they’ll bring through the door.
I always try and pitch personal projects, firstly because that’s the line of creative work I’d like to be doing more of and secondly because of the exposure publications bring. I don’t necessarily pitch to gain clients, I’ve been pretty blessed with them finding their way too me themselves. I have however had other friends who have pitched to potential clients and have had success.
Instagram is your best friend in today’s age, It’s a visual platform and well, we are photographers - it’s what we capture best and an incredible way to update your portfolio. I tend to overload mine but I love generating fresh content and keeping people updated. Guys, did I mention it’s free?
Have any further questions or comments you’d like to share, leave them in the comments below! I’d love to hear from you!
G x