Ace Your First Paid Freelance Photography Gig With These Tips

You took a picture of your bestie overlooking a scenic view of the city that one time.

You posted it online.

It got 200 likes.

After a couple on-site or online photography-related classes and private conversations with yourself in front of the mirror, you now consider yourself a freelance professional photographer, ready to flex on everybody who said you couldn’t do it.

Pursuing freelance photography is cool and everything, but do you know what to do when you land that first paid client?

If you don’t, you should probably start with these important, yet easy tips:

Secure The Bag

Now that you’re diving into the realm of paid freelance photography, you have to set things straight before you discuss any shoot locations, ideas, or schedules. There are many ways freelance photographers decide to be compensated, but we believe the best way is to get the bag up front. Not during. Not after. Before the photoshoot even happens. If the client tries to finesse their way out of your terms, they should not be your client. Most times, these trifling offenders are friends and family (Ex. That aunt who only visits for holiday dinners and leaves with the most to-go plates). Familial and peer pressure is a nasty jawn, but you need to stand firm about your prices. Because, if you can’t stand firm with those closest to you, what makes you think it will be any easier with future clients?

Ok, that tea may be hard to swallow, but we’re pretty sure you’re no pushover.

No Contract, No Photoshoot

It’s very easy to meet up with your photography client, take a few photos, have them pay you through Venmo, PayPal or Cash App, and take your behind home. However, without a contract, what should be a fun, creative transaction can quickly turn into an ugly and sometimes costly situation. Contracts may seem unnecessary and boring, but they are a crucial part of ensuring that everyone is on the same page, especially when it comes to compensation. If your plan is to make money from the images you’re about to take, you better create your own contract, or find an affordable template online. Oh, and please, please, please make sure your contract is either converted to or created as a PDF.

Remember, you’re a professional freelance photographer now. Leave those Word documents alone.

Scout Your Photoshoot Location

When it comes to any type of professional freelance photography, knowing where you want to shoot is very important. It’s the worst feeling when you’ve anticipated your photoshoot location, only to find out that some event or unexpected circumstance prevents you from getting those great shots. Depending on what location you and your client decide, it’s definitely worth doing the proper research before making a solid commitment. Plus, doing the right amount of research will show your client that you really care about making their/your project as close to perfection as possible. 

The prepared Photographer Slays the Outdoor Photoshoot

Unless your shoot is indoors, or doesn’t require daylight at all, it’s always, always, always best to schedule your shoot early in the morning. By morning, we’re saying 4-5am. That way, you have the entire day to get it right. Be sure to have everything you need (Ex. Extra Memory Cards, Batteries, Tripods etc.) for your first photoshoot the night before. Make a list. Check it thrice. Oh, and do include some sort of refreshments with your list. There’s nothing worse than a hangry client. Or photographer,

A Paid, Freelance Photographer is On Time Every Time

It’s sooooooooooo much better to be on time than to have your client to be wait for you. If you’re worried about the punctuality of your clients, it’s a good idea to include a late or no-show fee in your contract. This ensures that your time isn’t wasted. More importantly, this will be more likely to attract higher quality clients, because it shows that you are not to be messed with. It’s better to start doing this in the beginning stages of your photography career, because no one likes to be accused of “switching up”.  

Make ‘em feel like a zillion bucks

If your client isn’t feeling their best during the photoshoot, it will show, no matter how perfect the location, the makeup, or the overall aesthetic is. That’s why you have to do your very best to make them feel as comfortable as possible. One of the easiest ways to do that is to take a few photos and show them how great they look, or tell them how their “look” positively adds to the overall concept of the shoot.

It’s all about positive reinforcement.

What you don’t want is to conduct a shoot with unnecessary, awkward silences. Strike up a conversation. Ask your client what genre of music they like or what music genre gets them in the zone. Then, playlist the shit out of it during the shoot.

Business and Pleasure Don’t Go Together

(It’s Called Freelance, Not “Free Chance”)

Some of you read that and thought, “Duh, like everybody knows that”.

Unfortunately, there are many professional freelance photographers out there (you know the ones) who use these opportunities as a way to “shoot their shot” by asking for personal numbers and making unwarranted comments before, during, and after the photoshoot (which 99.9999% of the time results in an air-ball-brick-diddly-wiggly). These unwanted advances leave the client feeling wildly uncomfortable, ESPECIALLY IF THEY’RE ALONE WITH YOU. Worst of all, it leaves you without future gigs, because, guess what? That client, who you tried it with, is going to tell it ALL to…

…you guessed it. All your current and potential clients, which is even more likely if you’re a local professional freelance photographer.

Just don’t do it.

You shouldn’t even want to fumble the bag like that.

While we do encourage healthy, life changing, soul-snatching relationships, we suggest doing so on your own non-professional time.

Sometimes, signals can get mixed up. We’re humans. It happens. The best way to avoid the implication of thirsty behavior is to:

• Do your very best to make the first form of communication via social media or email. Never insist on acquiring phone numbers or addresses, unless it’s a unique circumstance. If a current client refers a new client to you, it’s better to grant permission for them to give your contact information, than to reach out to your potential new client yourself.

• Always suggest that your client brings a friend or loved one, especially if you’re a male photographer and the client is a female, regardless of age. This allows for your new client to feel more comfortable with you because you’re considering their safety. If they are ok with coming alone, it’s always a good idea to do your shoot during the day, and not to be in a secluded area. Some clients will insist, but it’s ok to decline, because it’s just as much about your safety and comfort as it is theirs. Of course, you can use your discretion and feel out someone’s “vibe”, but it’s always better to be safe (and paid) than sorry.

you got this

Of course, there are more things you can do to keep photography clients coming back, but we’re sure that this list serves as a great start. Think there are more tips we may have missed?

Drop some knowledge in the comments below!

Special shoutout to our creative, multifaceted Black Door members Erica Jae, Allison McDonald, & Rodshaleek Avonti Pino for telling us about their own unique photoshoot perspectives as both client and freelance photographer.