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!

[@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

[@joschkahurst]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@enelaycreative8062]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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?

[@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

[@simoneciani316]

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

[@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.

[@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🤔🤔

[@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.

[@simplyjoe7888]

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

[@TessGabrielleHill]

I watched this video over 2 years ago now and it is still so incredibly raw and inspiring. Thankyou :) I’d love to see where she is at now!

[@MentalPolution]

she organized her books by color. LOVE

[@mt-nv4jd]

I admire your tenacity.

[@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!

[@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!

[@JoeyLloydPhotography]

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

[@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 ✌🏽

[@playinthroulife]

A very nice one !, I love the way she spoke about it all and how I kinda got the vibe from the video that she is a really nice person, made it so much more delightful to listen to. One hell of a story too, with that -40$ thx for sharing that with us Helen!

[@undisturbedkingdom8494]

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

[@NameIsSakr]

Thank you for being honest and real and for speaking from the heart .

[@mwafakmhaish]

Best video i ever seen about freelancing

[@d3mian]

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

[@yujinlandscapephotography.7787]

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

[@anthonydavis4829]

By far the best common sense business video on the web.

[@mor.6860]

Thank you Helena, you were very insightful

[@TheOPInailaddict]

This seems to be a constant, but 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!

[@zeroamityandmonster4788]

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.

[@HRIZNDOC]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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

[@ralfymercedphotography1212]

This video was very informing. Thank you for taking the time to make it for us.

[@aliahjones2401]

Absolutely solid discussion. Love it. Much needed!

[@wewillhaveit9012]

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

[@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.. 😉

[@cliffimages1785]

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

[@sammyskelly]

She has my dream life!

[@nevaehast.julien7421]

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

[@_abudanny_]

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

[@Mcdowells]

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

[@snesaw]

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

[@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.

[@maxyellow2767]

i loooove this! needed this a lot, thank you!!!

[@adamartinmusic]

Very insightful

[@constancechristescu7766]

LOVE this ... thank you .... such an inspiration.

[@TrainAndAble]

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

[@foxandarugula]

This was super inspiring and exactly what I needed.

[@kaitlinmontgomery2750]

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

[@Ana-oh1bp]

She is great.. I love how realistic she is

[@nomadcompany]

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

[@danielpierce8136]

Great insight! Helpful to hear.

[@FreelancenetworkbeAntwerpen]

Thanks for your info sharing about your pricesetting as a freelancer

[@sidneyrago]

whats wrong with audio?

[@Noisette1011]

Really great insights and advice. Thank you! 👏🏻

[@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.

[@David_Hammond]

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

[@firimituri]

Thank you for an inspiring video!

[@chillbobaggins4632]

Awesome. Very inspiring.

[@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.😉

[@brelinda]

Great interview!

[@slightlyrebelliouz]

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.

[@sophiewarnermedia]

This was so interesting thank you for posting

[@joseuribe1552]

thanks for sharing your story!

[@erinsangria6018]

Inspirational ♥️

[@lucymoreno6345]

Such a good video!

[@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.

[@siddharthsharma240]

Hi Dann, how can I join your community? Thanks

[@drradon]

I wonder were the working hart part stops. Its great to be working at what you love, but for me i always feel like money is a means to an end. Whats the point of 10k a month if i cannot leave the place i am in constantly working/being afraid to loose clients.

[@railroadhistoryarchives]

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

[@DannyOVideos]

Very well spoken lady right here! Great vid 👍🏽

[@fabrizio-evans]

Awesome story!

[@markhopkinsphoto7257]

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

[@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.

[@mycilroos]

great vid! thank you

[@lonniepaulson7031]

What type of photography do you do?

[@sacharriolamarino317]

Yup, I really enjoyed it.

[@AliZaidi]

The Angel has SPOKEN !!!

[@Sonrique1]

cool, thanks for sharing from roof of the world.

[@VirenRabago]

Thank you so much for this video I do wanna become a Photographer as well. i'm 17 and I've already have some Pictures posted :)

[@manzarkhan3959]

nice house and beautiful village loved

[@AmeliaOdetteQ]

please do an interior designer or an architect

[@marcelarobledophotography6364]

Thank you!

[@MichelleCoxPhotography]

Such a good interview. :)

[@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??

[@AceHardy]

📸

[@bigostream5979]

I got a question. Where I live there aren't a lot of photographers, I love to make photo's! I'm thinking of starting a business here and I almost sure that it would work out. But there's one thing that I find very hard to do, and that's to set a price for my work, since there aren't a lot of photographers in my surroundings that I could ask for how much they are asking. So for example, I'm doing a photoshoot of a family. They ask for 5/10 nice pictures of them, they want them edited and unedited. They give me a time limit, let's say, 2 days. How will I be calculating on what my price is and how much my work is worth?

[@moleary100]

Never give unedited photos to a client. The photos you take are your work. You actually own the original files. Do not let a client dictate the terms like that. You need to figure out your own terms and tell them in advance. e.g. it's $150/hour, you get 10 edited photos with a 3 day turn around (+$50 for a quicker turn around). You choose the best shots and do not let them see the whole set of raw files because there will more than likely be some really bad shots (we all take some bad shots) and they might get a wrong impression of your skills. If they have an issue with your terms, politely tell them that they might be better off with a different photographer.

[@bigostream5979]

@@moleary100 Wow! Really thanks for the advice that you have given me! As if I'm new to the scene, isn't $150 to much to ask? Or do photographers ask such amount of money?

[@moleary100]

@@bigostream5979 Ultimately, you charge what you want, but it also depends on where you are based and what the going rates of other local photographers are. When coming up with a price plan you need to take everything into consideration. You need to think about it from a business point of view: you need to pay income tax, health or social insurance, car insurance, car tax, photographer's insurance, license for Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, camera equipment (which you will need to upgrade periodically), savings to reinvest into your business, and of course a LIVING wage. If you feel that you're not at a high enough standard to charge "X" amount for a session, then you need to practice with friends and family until you have a solid portfolio of around 10 images. KZbin KZbin KZbin - the largest library of free tutorials ever created. Learn how to light a subject and learn how to edit properly. My own site: www.greengrafphotography.com

[@languagefreeassangeteacher5338]

Thanks. I try it :)

[@supremeomegacompany]

Perfect Info for me!

[@visualmagpie3343]

Awesome vid dan

[@RodijsRazmus]

Great videos. keep make them.

[@CallMeLexis]

Very motivating

[@paultkachenko_]

love it!