Freelance Photographer - It's a Career Worth Pursuing by Roelof Kiers

Ever wondered if you've got what it takes to be a freelance photographer?

You've been told your photos are good, even great. You've likely earned some money shooting a handful of assignments, but you're not quite sure if you can make it as a freelance photographer. And you've likely got a lot of questions. Questions like: "where will the assignments come from", "how much should you charge", and "how much equipment do you really need?"

These are just a start. Once you jump in and become a freelance photographer, you quickly understand that there's a big difference between the creative side of the business - taking photos and the business side, where you actually have to go out and find the work.

Two of the biggest factors influencing your future success, will be how well you manage your new business and the skill you apply at marketing yourself.

Because once you decide to become a freelancer, you're in business. It's no longer a hobby. Every decision you make, from the field of photography you pursue, to how you position yourself in the market, to promotion becomes a business decision.

Seeking input from others in the business prior to making those critical decisions is important. You want to really understand what's involved before committing months, years and perhaps even your entire career to the path you choose.

First steps would include finding out what other photographers earn in your preferred niche. Fashion, advertising and corporate photography pay far more than photo journalism, family, stock or wedding photography. Fine art photography is a very tough area in which to make a lucrative living. So choose wisely. Photography stops being fun, when you're starving and the bills keep piling up.

The geographic area you choose to live and work will also influence how much work you are likely to find. As expected, the larger the metropolitan center, the more likely it is you'll attract the clients wanting to hire you.

Some fields of photography require frequent and extensive travel. If that's what you want, you'll want to know what's involved.

You'll also want to find out what clients expect of you as a freelance photographer. Each client will have different expectations and experience in dealing with photographers. This is something you'll learn and gain knowledge in as you pick up more and more assignments. Best to be flexible and be ready to negotiate.

Knowing what to charge for an assignment, preparing quotes, copyright, licensing and usage fees are just a few of the new areas you'll quickly need to become familiar with.

The type of equipment you'll need will depend on the photographic niche you've chosen. Again do the research necessary to make sure you've got at least the basic equipment. You can always rent what you don't have as assignments come in.

A marketing plan and budget is a necessity. Without one, you'll be going off in all directions, chasing prospects and likely spending hard earned money on promotional tactics that often don't work. There are multiple methods you can use to promote yourself, from websites, to directories, postcards, direct mail and personal presentations.

Assuming you're shooting decent quality photos, how well you market and sell yourself will often define your level of success. These are two skills you'll want to master, along with managing the financial side of the business.

Add it all up and the hurdles to earning a lucrative living as a freelance photographer can be formidable. Each can be overcome. But it does take preparation, research, some soul searching and a commitment to succeed.

Like any business, those that work hard, do their homework and are prepared to ask questions and learn from others will quickly move up the ladder of success, while their colleagues who think they can do it all on their own, will often stumble and struggle to survive. There's no sense in "reinventing the wheel", when it comes to becoming a freelance photographer.

Talk to other freelancers and find out what's working and not working for them. Also don't overlook all the other resources you can quickly access to help you not only in making the right decision but also growing your freelance photography business.

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Roelof Kiers has over 25 years of experience as a successful photographer and marketer.

For your FREE exclusive step-by-step blueprint explaining EXACTLY how to succeed as professional photographer - please visit http://www.photobusinessblueprint.com/