This article explains what it takes to be a professional photographer, providing an overview of what degrees are best for photography.
Business of Photography
[Pho.Talk] FREE, REAL Photography Invoice Template & How to Make your Own
A basic photography invoice includes the photographer’s business details, the client’s details, the scope of the specific job, and payment details. Invoices do not have a fixed format, so you can make your own invoice, or tailor a photography invoice template to your own needs.
Read More[Pho.Talk] The Art of Promoting and Selling for Photographers
It is key to understand the ability to sell stems from within. In order to be effective in promoting your photography services, you must first put yourself in the appropriate state of mind, which does the selling for you. This state of mind manifests itself both before a potential client comes into contact and after. Once you are in this state of mind, all selling strategies and techniques subsequently falls into place.
Read More[Pho.Talk] Start Charging for your Photos when the Market does THIS!
The single most reliable sign that you should start charging is when the market asks for your rates after seeing your work. Whether or not your photos are good enough is not the central issue - there is no objective way to assess this. Focus on putting yourself in a state of mind that enables you to convert every enquiry into a booking.
Read More[Pho.Talk] Photography Payment Norms: Methods, Deposits, When to Pay
Usually, photographers accept both cash and bank transfers, taking a 50% retainer due before the shoot. Exact due date for retainer and the balance is mostly up to the photographer. Up-front payments are taken to close a time slot from further advertisement and cover gear rental costs.
Read More[Pho.Talk] Share Photos with Clients the Professional Way (for FREE)
Firstly, cull shots to remove technically-flawed images, then export them as jpg format. Upload the jpgs onto Pixiset by creating a client gallery, and share the gallery with the client. The client selects their favourite shots and notifies me about it. I edit their selected shots, export them as jpg and transfer through Google Drive. I then delete the photos after 30 days after they have been made available.
Read More[Pho.Talk] The Polite Response to Clients' Requests for Raw Files
A polite response consists of three main elements. Start by acknowledging your client’s concerns and expressing empathy. Then, explain how getting the raw files will not solve their concerns. You then go on to restate your boundaries, as it is important for the client to see that it is your business practices and this will gain you their respect. Lastly, you can counter-propose any alternative solutions to their concerns, if any.
Read More[Pho.Talk] First Portrait Collab Shoot: Industry Norms, FAQs, Do's and Don'ts
For those wanting to kickstart your first portrait session, it would be great to know where to find models, makeup artists and hair stylists, whether or not you pay them, how to split costs incurred, if you need a contract, how to deliver photos, and usage of the photos.
Read More[Pho.Talk] Journey to becoming a Freelance Photojournalist
Unlike in the old days before digitisation, today, photojournalism alone won’t pay your bills, at least for a large majority of photographers. However, you can totally make it work for you by doing it freelance and shooting other jobs at the same time. To be a photojournalist, master the basic technical camera skills, be assertive in shooting close up, train your eye for remarkable scenes, and maintain a strong work ethic. Start making money by selling photos via photo agencies.
Read More[Pho.Talk] Sample Conference Shot List for Corporate Events
Here is a quick summary of the shot list. In relation to people, shots to get include opening & closing speech, keynote speakers, panel speakers, Q&A participants, poised environmental portraits, networking group shots, organiser group shots and candid shots. In relation to venue, get shots of the entire audience, entire stage with speakers, and the empty venue. In relation to details, photograph food, name cards, notebooks, banners and decoration if any.
Read More[Pho.Talk] Collaborate with Brands as a Photographer with Real Example II
Briefly, here is a step-by-step breakdown of how to start your collabs:
Decide on your scope of work
Build a crew (Instagram DM, Modelling Agencies)
Location Scout
Pre-shoot communication with crew
[Pho.Talk] Collaborate with Brands as a Photographer with Real Example I
Briefly, here is a step-by-step breakdown of how to start your collabs:
Prospect potential collaborators (Google, Instagram Explore, Industry-specific Organisations etc.)
Send tailored cold messages on Instagram
Streamline ideal collaborator avatar
Build an Inspiration Library
[Pho.Talk] Beginner's Guide: What is Freelance Photography?
Freelance Photographers are legally self-employed, hired by various clients on a project, contractual basis. A wide range of clients and work can be involved, including weddings, fashion, products, events, and food etc. The photographer will be in charge of marketing his services, customer management, as well as administrative matters, alongside photography.
Read More[Pho.Talk] Guide to Starting a Freelance Photography Business with No Experience
In this guide, you will learn the essential steps to starting a freelance photography business with no experienced needed. First, understand the business realities. Then, organise collaborations like paid shoots. Curate a portfolio, and do omni-channel marketing. Take the time to legitimise your business as soon as possible.
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