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Today’s Fri-Dea - Business Ideas For Women - Freelance Photography

by Bridget Wright on February 1st, 2008

Taking pictures at the family reunion or at Aunt Sadie’s wedding may have finally paid off! Freelance photography as a side business or a full-time income producing business may be just the business that you are looking for. If you have a knack for taking stunning photos and are able to catch those “Kodak moments” you just might want to consider freelancing your skills as a photographer.

One of the first things to consider when looking at starting a freelance photography business is whether or not your idea of demand photography will be something that people will want to pay for. While most anyone can “take a picture”, you want to be sure that you provide quality photos using the best equipment available. Now, you may be wondering how this idea fits into being a good idea for women. It’s actually a phenomenal idea for women who want to start their own business but keep things flexible but lucrative at the same time. When my kids were just little, very little like in newborns, my husband dubbed me “Mamarazzi” because I was in their faces ALL OF THE TIME snapping my camera and saying things like “smile!”, or “look at mommy!” No doubt about it, moms always have cameras with them. Always.

I remember once when my daughter started kindergarten, I was there snapping every single moment I deemed memorable. Even when the doors closed to the classroom and singled to us that class had “begun”, I was still snapping. Some of my daughter’s classmates said, “Kensley, look at your mom”. And without my child even turning around, she exclaimed, “Oh, that’s just my mom. She takes pictures all of the time”. It didn’t even faze her. I’m still taking pictures and we’re on child #3! My youngest child is so good, he even knows when to smile, pose and contour this “amazed but natural” look on his face. Moms who take photos constantly and consistently are ideal for considering the freelance business. The opportunity is definitely there.

Most photographers who start off as beginners or apprentices do so by filling in or helping those who are already in the business. To be successful as a freelancer, there are some things to do to ensure that you start off successfully in the fast-growing field of photography:

Invest in a medium-to-high quality camera. Period. While some may disagree with that, here is my reason for that advice: since you’re going to be securing clients through evidence of your photography work, you need to be sure that the photos are of the highest quality affordable. Now this doesn’t mean go out and buy and $3000 camera, but by contrast, don’t take photos with your disposable camera either. Darren Rowse over at Problogger also has another awesome blog that he has started on the topic of digital photography that can be an essential benefit for beginners. Check it out!

Build a portfolio of photo clips that you have taken. Or, start by taking photo clips of events, social occasions or even family affairs. Make sure the photos are of professional quality and in proper lighting. Compile your photos in a professional binder with clean pages (no Scrapbooking decorations – not a professional look) and sturdy covers. Build books that are “thematic” like special holidays such as Christmas, Easter, Valentine’s Day, personal occasions such as children birthdays, golden anniversaries, christenings, baptisms, etc. or nature scenes likes woods, flower fields or skylines. When you build your portfolio books, make your work stand out by photographing unusual or extraordinary people or places or things that may be considered “un-photographable.”

Print your business card on a postcard instead of the traditional business card. Put a photo of a special event on the post card that will make a lasting impression on the recipient. On the other side of the postcard, print information about your business, specialty areas and a little information about yourself. Yes, this is kind of an expensive way to market yourself, but again remember that your photos ARE your work.

Ask for referrals from friends or acquaintances that may be able to send business your way. You won’t get it unless you ask.Freelance photography can be a very lucrative business if marketed properly and presented professionally. If you have a knack for shooting photos, give it a shot!

Other resources to check out:

http://www.flickr.com

http://www.schoolofphotography.com

http://www.photographyschool.com

http://www.ehow.com/how_2103057_become-freelance-photographer.html

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