Dear Beginner Photographers: What I Wish I Knew Before Starting My Commercial Photography Career

Hey there, fellow togs…! There are some messages in this blog post I wish knew when I first starting off… so let’s read about them together:

Embarking on your photography journey is an exhilarating experience, filled with creativity and endless possibilities. As you navigate this path, it's essential to consider how to present and monetize your work effectively. Let's dive into some practical strategies to help you get started. I took questions that are constantly asked to me by my community college students (I used to teach an adventure photography course at a local community college), beginner photographer’s I’ve sat with to coach and other curious creatvies looking to make it full time and put some of that information into this blog post.

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1. Business Cards: Your Portable Portfolio

In our digital age, a tangible business card remains a powerful tool. When you're out capturing moments, especially in settings like barns or equestrian events, having a stack of well-designed business cards can make a significant difference. After photographing riders or events, approach potential clients, let them know you've captured compelling images of them, and hand them your card. This personal touch can lead to follow-up conversations via email or phone, where you can offer them access to a custom gallery of their photos. By providing a unique download password for their collection, you create an exclusive experience that adds value to your work.

2. Establishing Your Online Presence

A professional website serves as your digital storefront, showcasing your portfolio to a broader audience. Platforms like SmugMug offer customizable galleries and integrated shopping carts, allowing clients to view and purchase prints or digital downloads seamlessly. This not only enhances your credibility but also attracts higher-paying clients beyond your immediate circle. By expanding your reach, you can transition from bartering services to securing well-compensated photo shoots.

3. Pricing Your Work: Know Your Worth

Determining your rates can be challenging, but it's crucial to value your time and expertise appropriately. Here's a general guideline for industry-standard rates in the Denver area:

• Full Day Rate (8-hour shoot): $1,800 - $2,500 (high-end up to $3,000)

• Half Day Rate: $1200 (high-end up to $1,500)

• Break it down for your client to show them $1k is my daily shooting rate and then $500 covers all image editing and final asset delivery

Some photographers include editing in these rates, while others charge an additional fee. For instance, I add an editing fee on top of my $1,800 day rate. It's essential to track your time on projects to provide clients with a clear breakdown of shooting and editing hours. This transparency helps justify your pricing and showcases your professionalism.

4. Engaging Clients in Budget Discussions

When discussing potential projects, avoid immediately presenting the lowest-priced package. Instead, engage clients in a conversation about their budget. Asking, "What is your budget for this project?" opens the door to tailor your services to meet their needs while ensuring fair compensation for your work.

5. Protecting and Monetizing Your Images

To safeguard your images and maximize revenue, consider using platforms that offer password-protected galleries. This ensures clients can only access and download images after payment. Additionally, offering print options through these platforms can provide an extra revenue stream. While delivering some images for free via services like Google Photos can be a goodwill gesture, having a professional platform underscores the value of your work. Client delays final payment? You then have the ability to lock their gallery, watermark the images (using a delivery website like SmugMug.com), remove their access until they fulfill payments. This isn’t fun, I’ve had to do this before but WE as creative can’t be taken advantage of. Remember, you’re a small business, time to start acting like one and stand up for your value and getting paid on time is important.

Final Thoughts

Remember, as a freelancer, your rates should reflect not only your shooting and editing time but also expenses like health insurance, website maintenance, marketing, and camera equipment. These factors contribute to your overall cost of doing business. By valuing your work appropriately and utilizing the right tools, you'll set a solid foundation for a successful photography career.

Stay inspired, keep shooting, and let's continue this conversation… Your journey is just beginning, and I'm here to support you every step of the way. Cheers and see you out there…

-Frankie S. — Follow all of my adventures over on Instagram.