How to be a Freelance Photographer - Helena Price

[@Sarahkozakj]

Pricing - "You can't put your own self loathing into it" - Needed to hear that!

[@bgimusic]

Sarah Kozak some real advice right there!

[@jamesakins4599]

I was thinking the exact same thing!

[@victoria_ann]

Gosh I needed to hear all of this so much! Thank you! I'm just booking up in hopes that soon in the future I can quit my fulltime job, I can't deal with working the same old 9-5 job. Being a photographer has always been my dream and I'm getting out of my comfort zone and going for it!

[@BruceLeroyUK]

Victoria Ann Vlogs 👍🏾👍🏾

[@duncso]

You made your dream?

[@sebastiantorrescol]

@@duncso I have the same question

[@TurboMiniTV]

One thing she didn't go over was how she actually gets work in, which is the single hardest part of the business.

[@milesofmxments]

Turbo Mini TV it’s so different for everyone. I’m guessing she does company headshots based off of what was showing on her computer in the beginning. If you’re doing corporate headshots alone you can me thousand upon thousands of dollars a year if you set yourself up right. I could totally be wrong but that’s what I collected by seeing her screen. Since Silicon Valley is primarily corporate tech companies, headshots would be a hot market to get into. A lot of it is about knowing your market. I’m all about photo editing in photoshop, so I get hired by people all around the world to edit their photos.

[@InertiaEffect]

Networking.

[@michaels8597]

She did explain it.She clearly said over the years she had developed skills and relationships.Then she went out and just shot,over and over,and putting her work on Tumblr.

[@enelaycreative8062]

This is so timely for me. Thank you for this!

[@simplyjoe7888]

I fell in love when you mention "being unstable". That's my life in a nutshell.

[@KarenHRiceScott]

Your story literally mirrors mine. I just got my first project and I'm looking forward to the growth. Thank you for sharing "real" talk about life as a freelancer.

[@rubenscheer]

I stumbled upon this video because I am starting my own business in a week. Thanks for sharing Helena!

[@stillalivedontcry]

Please tell us how you get work in :) Good luck!

[@GreatestWarrior2049]

How’s business?

[@DarshanGajara]

Would love to see more success/failure stories from those freelancers.

[@RobertLinthicum]

Me too. I am a freelancer as well, though not a photographer. I wish them all the best.

[@REX-iw9qr]

What the .. You both are verified🤔🤔

[@leojohnson1894]

been a photographer all my life from growing up in guernevlle ca. doing black and white to color two classes black and white and dark room experence have enjoyed all of it even today

[@Vladyyy]

Helena answered the questions in a way that seemed very authentic and true to herself. I like the amount of detail and honesty in her responses.

[@lizvillegas6603]

"The worst thing as a freelancer is the moments when you have no money." Can confirm, I've had those moments of being broke and crying too. :'D I love how pragmatic she is in talking about this.

[@1977swampy]

@MrKayaker69 how old are you? Every generation was like that so quit your generalization.

[@pennykent5687]

@@1977swampy Not true. Some of us really never did get much $ from Mom and Dad. I worked a job from the time I was 14. EARNED MY OWN MONEY. But these are different times now. Fewer jobs. Feels like so much competition to get work in almost any kind of job now. US population has increased drastically since I was 14 too.😮🙂

[@lizvillegas6603]

​@@pennykent5687 ​ Also I love how the troll accuses my "generation" of relying on parents' money after I (and the interviewee in the video) literally just talked about getting through being broke. Lmao throwing logic out the window just to feel and sound superior about their generation on the internet.

[@pennykent5687]

@@lizvillegas6603 Very true.

[@hopeisbesideme1]

I just want to thank you for being so upfront and thorough in explaining the life of a freelance photographer. the music, the clips and the communication was so clear and to the point. Thanks

[@harshitlalanphotography5464]

Agree to Helena's story.. It happens.. Its totally upto us, we be strong and firm and facing what comes but in a positive way.. 😉

[@d3mian]

The failure is part of the procces and It`s ok. Thanks for sharing this. Great stuff, Dann

[@austinnbradford]

Came across this video last week, the day i quit my full time job to do photography. Very similar boat as her from what i see. I needed this so much

[@MeliaMilhorat]

So inspirational! I am 15 years old, and I know I can be nothing but a photographer...I am homeschooled, and will be out of high school in 2 years, and whether I am or not, I'm gonna have to be ready...so I'm trying to get as many tips and prep as possible! Here's to the future!

[@zeroamity4788]

Sheila Girl1661 Isnt homeschooling the best thing ever?🔝 i loved my homeschooling. I am now a software engineer and professional photographer. Chase your dream without doubt!

[@fathimahazzahra7802]

Well, internet is really something. Im also homeschooled and i gotta start a business, for me its photography.

[@TrainAndAble]

Makes a fire...leaves the window open Haha beautiful cabin though! Love it.

[@Smiithrz]

Can totally relate to this. I gave up full-time work as a UI and UX designer to go freelance and had the best 4 years of my life, financially and from a sense of fulfilment in my life. I stupidly gave that up to go work full-time for Amazon and am now at the point where I am ready to leave it all behind and become a photographer on a whim, because I just need a career change at this point (15 years in digital), but like Helena, I have almost nothing to start with work wise. Luckily I have money aside, because I know myself, haha. Thanks for the video Dan and Helena.

[@MentalPolution]

she organized her books by color. LOVE

[@cliffimages1785]

I fined pricing my services is challenging. Thanks for this post.

[@joschkahurst]

Helena Price you are totally right, for freelancers the sky is the limit.

[@mt-nv4jd]

I admire your tenacity.

[@TedGreen]

Remarkable video...tremendous honesty. I love her honestly sharing the hard times juxtaposed with her obvious joy for her freelancing life. You’ve gotta’ be willing to cry on the phone with a friend! Just really sage advice.

[@JeepTJWheelin]

Been in tv production for over twenty years and tired of the politics and downsizing. Had to learn Vinten Robotics to maintain my job. Became very good at it but it took away staff jobs and eventually freelance jobs. Tv production is a brutal cutthroat business and now I'm looking to become a real estate videographer/photographer. This video is very helpful. I just have to find a local real estate videographer to train with!

[@yujinlandscapephotography.7787]

I am starting my job. love all photographers of artists to love. Thank!

[@sammyskelly]

She has my dream life!

[@JoeyLloydPhotography]

I love this. I am a beginner freelance photographer. This helped me to know how to build my business

[@robb7849]

Couldn't have stumbled upon this vid at a better time! Perfect advice for someone who is very much making the leap as we speak!

[@aisha5710]

Thank you for this video! You hv no idea how much I needed it. I quit my job and having hard time right now. I hope I will find my way to photography ✌🏽

[@simoneciani316]

Just seen now. This interwiew is wonderful. Great work.

[@Mcdowells]

100% Co-sign with this as a fellow freelance commercial photographer!!

[@mor.6860]

Thank you Helena, you were very insightful

[@aliahjones2401]

Absolutely solid discussion. Love it. Much needed!

[@HRIZNDOC]

I definitely needed to see this for sure! I need to take the plunge and this helps

[@fiveten6334]

Great insight! Especially about accepting help when you’re in a bind. I’m so bad at that! 🥴 But I’m learning. Thanks for this.

[@undisturbedkingdom8494]

This is an amazing video. Love the honesty. Very inspirational , needed this video.

[@Ana-oh1bp]

She is great.. I love how realistic she is

[@MegaRay68]

Any self-owned or a business is freelancing. It's just that in Photography you sell your skill for a fee. Now, pits and crests do exist in any business but one has to be solid in the belief that his skill would feed him eventually. One more important thing is that for anyone who has come from a techie background, including myself people would drag you down saying its an obsession. Their advice is to get over it. Get a job don't waste time on something that doesn't feed you. Please stay true, take the advice and leave it where it belongs, and continue to reach out to as many people as you can, shoot for free and also let know it's your lively hood. Do whatever it takes sleep in the car, and just stay true to your feelings. You will see a slow progress, the mercy drops from above would soon convert to showers of blessing eventually. It's tough but worth the trouble. Just my two cents.😉

[@_abudanny_]

Nice to hear that from you... And motivating...wishing you success and fruitfull days ahead ...

[@snesaw]

Great advice coming at the perfect time for me. Thanks!

[@wewillhaveit9012]

Really good mate. Good interesting content with someone who is clearly knowledgeable on the subject!

[@REX-iw9qr]

Do you sell your photos on Shutterstock? Btw thanks for putting efforts making this video to help us..

[@bigostream5979]

Is selling photo's on Shutterstock profitable?

[@vabriga1]

Nice, honest interview. Thanks.

[@Noisette1011]

Really great insights and advice. Thank you! 👏🏻

[@railroadhistoryarchives]

Try railway photography... Yeah, not easy getting work when your portfolio is primarily railroads lol. Thanks for this vid.

[@danielpierce8136]

Great insight! Helpful to hear.

[@tommypagawak7176]

Thanks Helena this is great advice, I am Tommy My hobby is photograph I am planning to change it into my career in the future.

[@nomadcompany]

first one ive seen of yours and enjoyed it..... nice one.

[@sophiewarnermedia]

This was so interesting thank you for posting

[@joseuribe1552]

thanks for sharing your story!

[@firimituri]

Thank you for an inspiring video!

[@kaitlinmontgomery2750]

Why would there be negotiating if there is a set price?

[@AliZaidi]

The Angel has SPOKEN !!!

[@brelinda]

Great interview!

[@markhopkinsphoto7257]

That was awesome! Like the van too. Have you done a video on your camper van?

[@renelazovy]

I googled Helena Price, and result wasn't quite what I was expecting...

[@marcelarobledophotography6364]

Thank you!

[@manzarkhan3959]

nice house and beautiful village loved

[@fabrizio-evans]

Awesome story!

[@PhotoBrad]

I'm a full-time professional photographer since 1990. I believe my work is superior to 99% of the other photographers out there, but it's still a struggle to make a living. I've never figured out how to find those high paying clients that Helena alluded to in this video. She casually mentions having two clients who each pay a $5000/month retainer. Where on Earth do you find clients who are willing to pay $5000/month for photography??

[@BrieWilly]

Great video!!!

[@AmeliaOdetteQ]

please do an interior designer or an architect

[@CallMeLexis]

Very motivating

[@sidneyrago]

whats wrong with audio?

[@Thegiftthecurse]

The realest story about freelancing....

[@pdonoso55]

Very informative, I was looking for ideas on how to get me out of the house and start shooting, and what is next, and luckily I found this video. I am not building a business, but I did get some good ideas and concepts from you, I wish you the best. BTW in regards to money, you are correct, you should make money if you want to become a freelancer sustaining yourself, it's a business, and by definition, businesses are supposed to make money. Good for you lady, and thank you.

[@mommaceleste]

Yesterday I was screamed at by my bosses friend staying at his house “in his undiewear!” I am a personal assistant and at the end of my wits! I’ve been thinking about this for years now I have a camera and no excuses! I live in Palm Springs! It’s a sign!! T Y for the great video! Passion is king!

[@languagefreeassangeteacher5338]

Thanks. I try it :)

[@HUGELife]

Amazing stories! I want also to be a freelancer

[@visualmagpie3343]

Awesome vid dan

[@paultkachenko_]

love it!

[@AceHardy]

📸

[@danagroves8205]

I have a page on fb a photography page but im wanting to become a photographer what advice would u give me and what type of camera should i use for a beginner

[@jerlewis4291]

dana groves the best camera you can afford, plus extra batteries, cards cords etc. and the best lenses you can afford. You can look at used gear to save money.

[@miklil01]

Well Done Missy.......

[@user-os5sd7sz4v]

The birthday rent a car story was a wtf moment.

[@LuisaH2022]

I sell my photography via viewbug but nobody buys anything so far. I win challenges, likes but nobody buys my photos. Why?

[@Zakalwe-01]

Kerching!!!

[@UneducatedPhotographer]

universal basic income for photographers

[@michaels8597]

great video..evidently though,so much went over some people's heads..

[@josephomalley1526]

I take my advice from those that have been in the game longer :-)

[@ROD9569]

This is grate.....

[@getyourshitdone_360]

she's hella nice

[@jerlewis4291]

The problem with being a photographer today is that everyone with a camera says they are a photographer. Ask them about the sunny 16 rule, or the looney 11 rule.

[@BorisMarques14.88]

Do you need to know those rules to be a photographer? You cant standartize Arts, a photo is what it is, its either great or mundane, i dont think rules are that much important, if a photographer isnt able to take good photos then he is not a good photographer, thats the real problem not rules or competition, of you are good none of that matters.

[@Jecaholic]

does freelance means not having a business license?

[@-simpking5761]

self-employed and hired to work for different companies on particular assignments.

[@delscorcho185]

jfc, she is beautiful.

[@abc-bn8qe]

I had to fast forward 5 times. please edit your text before you film cause Helena Price is pretty annoying to follow.

[@mommaceleste]

I am FREE!!

[@taz24787]

You shouldn't be surprised to make money from photography .... it's A LOT of work and requires some real investment and training.

[@FranAnimations]

You look and sound like young Ben Affleck

[@Paul_85-]

Not being funny but you may be very talented and very skillfull but the main reason you are successful is because you are an attractive woman. If a let's say ugly man or ugly woman had the exact same skills and talent they would not be as successful. It happens every day in all walks of life just look at instagram. Attractive women and men are more successful because they are nice to look at. Men think if they are nice to you they will have a chance of sleeping with you. It may sound harsh but it's true. Beauty sells simple as that.

[@416Spark]

This is a stupid sexist comment m'dude. No truth in it at all.

[@stillalivedontcry]

Just curious, how have you come to this conclusion?

[@guberization]

I agree to some extent. It seems to be a fad for women to want to do photography because they think it's easy and they have no skills or other things that help them. Stay at home moms is a great example. They tend to charge a high price and enjoy the freedoms to be able to work on their schedule. But they have no skills or commitment towards it whatsoever. Not saying that about every woman. But if you are attractive then let that work for you...

[@stillalivedontcry]

@@guberization I don't see how being an attractive woman and having no skills could lead you to success. It could be that good looking people have more success because their appearance makes them more agreeable. But does it apply to women in particular?

[@guberization]

@@stillalivedontcry I like how you worded that. I'm not attacking women, it applies to men as well. You are correct in that they also need skills. But those can be gained over time. I wasn't talking about Helena Price but applying what I have seen to what the original comment was. For a great deal of "People", they have not developed the skills in photography that are needed. There is a learning curve that has to be applied along with Skill! I can't say I would hire Helena or stay at home moms for photoshoots because I don't think they can offer me anything I couldn't do on my own. I have hired photographers for things like Horse confirmation and felt like I was ripped off. It was a married couple but I only used them because I needed the photos right then and I work overseas. But for the large price it was worth it and they did do a good job even if I was critical. Don't get me wrong, I understand the statement seems sexist in nature but the original comment is very correct in how we judge things and make decisions. People are hired all the time because of how they look instead of any certain skills. There is nothing wrong with stating something that is obvious. I also seriously don't think there is anything wrong with being hired because of how attractive you are. If it gets you the job then I don't see a problem. If it gets you a job and the person expects you to put out afterwards then that is something that person will have to face. It might be an eye opener to that person and maybe allow them to think of why that occured and how to change it.

[@johnmarsland3442]

10,000 a month, basic level... is she on drugs?

[@panhradu]

I know, people here could be emotional about this opinion, but i think she is fake. First of all, everthing in the video looks pretty perfect on first touch, but... I think what she say is very superficial. I shoot 10 year and im into photography pretty much also as observer. I met maybe hundreds of photographers of all levels personally and i saw like 80% of youtube videos about photography what are not total trash. I also study deeply history of photography. And people who are experienced and shoot for few years just do not talk like this. Actually anybody could say this even without experience. But most of all, she have portfolio on very low level. Like some student of photography. I mean, its fragmental, without consistent style and consistent quality, without message and story behind it. It says she dont shoot a lot. I do not believe she have sustainable photo bussines. I think she is wannabe, with rich parents who catched few lucky contacts somewhere.

[@EdBareff]

Nothing personal, but please don't hold camera like that..

[@brandondithberry]

Why are people so afraid of charging. Know your value by doing your absolute best in research and develop yourself into the freelancer you want to be. You know your work is valuable, don't be afraid to charge high because it tells your clients you're valuable. If you have the good work to show for it, charge as much as you need to survive and do it confidently. That's how I've been doing it for the past few years and I'm finding I can help clients understand it is worth thousands for what I do and I may not have as many years of experience as others, but my clients see the value as long as I explain how my work will benefit them. If they aren't willing to pay for it, then they don't see the value and I don't "hire" them.

[@asimpleintrovert]

No matter what you do, if you know what to do and how you do it, money will always follow you. Money is everywhere and it's up to you how you make it. The secret of success is hard work. Plain and simple.

[@AnatolyKhalizev]

Who will pay $5k to freelancer every month, especially to a photographer? Or even a designer?

[@nonexistent229]

99% would be freelancers will fucked up their life after this video by leaving full time job!

[@selvynsteele6277]

i think this video is abt 2 yrs old i just saw it its so good not sure if its your trueness if thats even a word where r u in photography now

[@AsiyaIammuah]

This was fucking awesomeee video

[@David_Hammond]

Beauty vid but those birds man.... can’t stand the audio 😣😣

[@nevaehast.julien7421]

This really inspired me! Btw, love the record area back there :)