Making Money As A Photographer

[@zanitawhittington8997]

Agreed! If a client doesn't want to credit - that's their prerogative as a commercial entity. Every person tagged in a commercial image - directs traffic away from the brand or product. It dilutes the effect of any tags or detail they are trying to promote. If they've paid for the use of the image, they shouldn't be obliged in turn to promote the talent involved at the cost of their purchased engagement. Every photographer is responsible for their own promotion and marketing, expecting a client to do so is absurd and unprofessional. Creative collaborations, editorial work - a totally different thing. All talents should be credited in that context.

[@simianinc]

If it's in the contract then they have to. Why do you think newspapers and magazines credit photographers? Because they're contractually obliged

[@zanitawhittington8997]

A photographer could contractually obligate everyone to wear yellow hats on set - but it's not professional. I'm speaking of commercial/branded work over editorial work, which IS newspapers and magazines. It's industry standard to credit key creatives in editorial work because those shoots tend to operate near cost, as in, it's not a money making endeavour - more over, those involved are incentivised by benefit of exposure. Still, they don't usually credit everyone on set. Magazines will rarely name the model, typically it's just the photographer and the stylist.

[@martinbode8401]

Zanita Whittington Yup agreed, what kind of photos do you do?

[@zanitawhittington8997]

Fashion and beauty mostly! :)

[@iunderstanphotography2780]

"Creative collaborations, editorial work - a totally different thing."

[@wolf.staedter]

One easy way to go and shoot with someone. Open instagram look who lives close to you and looks good. And just DM them. If they say no it is okay just ask someone else until you have someone to go out and take photos with. Atleast thats how I do it

[@jeremychiuu]

Do you charge them if you DM them??

[@wolf.staedter]

i dont charge them when i ask them for a shoot.

[@ChrisBrayPhotos]

I just recently started using contracts as I'm booking shoots for several hundred dollars (or $1000+). When I was shooting friends for free or for less than $100 it felt fine, but now I don't want to be playing games. Also it's just good to build solid business practices in order to be more professional. Thanks for a lot of great ideas in this video Jessica!

[@noeldominguez6034]

Chris Bray wow, several hundred dollar shoots for just every day regular people? Or for businesses or something?

[@moonxxheart3051]

Do you have a template for your contracts?

[@aubreyburman7661]

wait is $100 bad? i do this for weddings 🥲

[@ChrisBrayPhotos]

@@noeldominguez6034 Hey lol I never saw this reply until now! At this point I'm actually doing more like $350-450 for a 1-2hr family session and 30-50 final edits. For businesses I'll usually charge more for that amount of time/images since they usually have bigger budgets for it.

[@ChrisBrayPhotos]

@@moonxxheart3051 Hey lol I just only saw this comment right now, sorry I missed it! There are plenty of really good photography contract templates that you can buy online, I would suggest doing it that way so that the legal wording is all 100% correct and perfect in the case that any issues arrise.

[@thecoolestgingerkid]

I like the tip about not forcing clients to tag you in their posts.

[@JessicaKobeissi]

it really is true! many people/models have told me stories about how they become aggravated and annoyed when they're forced to post things. Better to have someone WANT to credit and tag you rather than forcing it on them and creating a tense atmosphere about it

[@lelanddyer9461]

I have asked nicely before and it wasn't a problem ("if you post, would it be possible to tag me?" - "sure, of course!"), but I've also not asked and the client has tagged me. I would NEVER harass a client into tagging me. Good call.

[@phildaniel486]

I just want to say thank you for sharing your knowledge in photography. I learn something new every time I watch your videos.

[@RachelAnnSJ]

Not a photographer but still watching Jessica😍

[@JessicaKobeissi]

omg I love you haha I'm flattered!!

[@RachelAnnSJ]

I dont even know if I will be but I learned a lot from you. Love lots!

[@aseelmuawad5667]

I’m an artist But still watching your video . I learned a lot thank you ❤️

[@Android_replicant]

Im not human , but still watching

[@jennanadigoo785]

Jessica is not a photographer but Im still watching her.

[@reenx3]

Jessica, could you do a video on taxes? I've read things about being a freelancers & 1099s, but what about "regular" shoots like for someone's baby or senior portraits? They don't give you 1099s lol. Also, if you could dabble a little on freelancing, sole proprietorships, & LLCs? What are you, your experiences, opinions, etc. I would love to hear about that kind of stuff if you're up for it!

[@mobilecinematographer9317]

i second this! please!

[@apotatoe1907]

^^^^

[@jonathandavidson9869]

I make a lot of dough at FROZ ENP A. C 0 M

[@kiadoughty5881]

Definitely

[@AjKellyProductions]

Jessica Always gives the best tips! We do mostly videography but we do some photography but always take advise from her !

[@justindunlop8927]

Aj Kelly Productions her natural light photography is amazing so yea tips from her is always helpful she knows what she’s doing

[@AjKellyProductions]

Yes natural light photography master!!

[@AjKellyProductions]

Chelsea Perry 👍🏽

[@joshuaburchh]

I don't normally comment on videos, but wow Jessica you have really been stepping it up and improving your video quality. Thanks for sharing this! Keep up the great work!!!

[@ticklemelexii]

I book 90% or more of my clients through wedding vendor websites like The Knot and Weddingwire.

[@kiannaferreira-cannon840]

Lexi doesn’t this cost money?

[@ticklemelexii]

Yes, but you have to spend money to earn money. Buying ads is the BEST thing you can do for your business.

[@NatalieKeeton]

ME TOO!

[@andrewpark4912]

That light though.

[@sajidurrahmannafis8476]

Jessica, this is a old video & i do not know if you ever gonna find my comment out of thousands of comments, but I want to say 'I like you a lot (i do not tell many people) because you speak very genuine when you give advice', I did not see this video yet, just pausing, my comment was based on seeing all of your videos. when i see your face, i feel like you are my good friend! love u!

[@ZdenkaDarula]

Jessica this video you made was as honest as possible. You are completely right with everything. To be just a good shooter is not NEARLY enough to make it out there... loved this video... well done

[@AllgoodthingsTv]

As a lawyer who is also a photographer, I completely agree about having a contract in place. With regard to the wedding situation, you had a contract -- just an oral contract rather than a written one. I'm guessing you didn't have any emails corroborating how much you were to be paid and other details. But only certain types of contracts HAVE to be in writing to be enforceable, and providing services (e.g., photography) is not one of them.

[@jonathandavidson9869]

I make a lot of dough at FROZ ENP A. C 0 M

[@juanasa636]

i know Im asking randomly but does any of you know of a trick to get back into an Instagram account..? I somehow lost the login password. I would appreciate any help you can give me.

[@foxbraydon7989]

@Juan Asa instablaster =)

[@juanasa636]

@Fox Braydon Thanks so much for your reply. I got to the site thru google and Im in the hacking process atm. Looks like it's gonna take a while so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@TheSlackassCrew]

I need a contract but i have no idea how to even make one

[@DevonRegular]

I always get so overwhelmed with photography lol! These videos help me out so much because I find not enough people are talking about the business aspect of photography at all! Jessica, you're doing amazing with these. I find one of the hardest things with it though is getting the confidence in yourself to be so business oriented. I always feel so awkward bringing up contracts and payments. Hopefully that goes away with time.

[@NatalieKeeton]

It's a learning process for sure! I still have a difficult time working with family and friends and dealing with payments!

[@jessicahollweg8163]

Thank you for all the support Jessica!

[@SuperSigma69]

I don't know why but you look like someone who is fun to hangout with. Everytime listen you talk, i smile. Wished i had any friends who shares similar values.

[@thecoolestgingerkid]

How do you do taxes being a photographer and do you have to have a business license being a photographer for yourself?

[@arekucosplay]

Accountant here, you would file your federal taxes as self employed under a Schedule C. Your work code under the IRS would be 541920 which is Photographic services. Be sure to keep a log with any income coming in along with expenses incurred so that you have a verifiable log for the IRS should they ever question your return

[@XxxAbbiexxx]

Arekus World this is complicated but thank you

[@dcchavez97]

Ian C schools and universities are indoctrination camps.

[@deathlyvoices4308]

I don't know, I only deal with property taxes on businesses and homes.

[@DivineAtheistWannabe]

@@pandasinspace3560 The government doesn't want you to know how to pay your taxes properly, so you end up overpaying.

[@mellanese]

Jessica, you broke things down so well! I don't follow a lot of ppl but you are so open and relatable. I'm at the beginning stage of starting my photography business and my biggest challenge is just picking the right entry/mid-level camera that won't overwhelm me and that I won't outgrow too soon. In the meantime I'm learning the settings and trying to get them to work is a challenge for me on my current Panasonic DMC DS60 digital camera. Thanks for the great tips and insight!

[@leonquerino5683]

First of all: THAT LIGHT OMG I LOVE IT. Great video, you're amazing Jess, hope we meet each other one day. 💙

[@neilmel1530]

I don't necessarily play with too much photography, but I enjoy learning about new things from your channel and incorporating a few things here and there when I do take photos. And honestly watching your videos and the way you shoot them is so inspiring. You can tell you're experimenting and it all works for you. Kudos on your successful channel... well deserved with all the work you put into it!

[@stephanyfaycohen1370]

Thank you Jessica for your short, brief and very precise and helpful comments. GOD BLESS YOU with your future and business.

[@zlaticakaluzna8617]

Thank you, it was very nice and honest from you :)

[@valeriemonty10]

All I WANT TO SAY TO YOU IS....THANK YOU I have learned a lot from watching your channel and it made a huge positive impact on me in how photography work and what to do and what not to do. please post more because I love your videos they really do help :)

[@ShirleyMartinWang]

I just started out my KZbin channel and my photography business so thank u for this video! As a teenager, starting out in this industry as a part time job built from a hobby is hard work and enjoyable, but I’ve still tried to gather as much info from KZbin as possible.

[@anzelo]

I love when you give all of us tips about photography and buisness! 💖

[@whiiterabbiitstream8118]

Could you do a video on how to plan a photoshoot from start to finish?. As far as how to choose models, location, styling, etc.

[@grandyabyatar]

thankyou jessica ! im from indonesia im blessed to know u jess hope someday u can come to indonesia to do workshop in here keep inspiring people and also keep the good work jess ! God bless

[@aldeen1982]

In these days with Instagram, Facbeook blabla.. you NEED to have everything: - Homepage (a good one) - Instagram (continuously maintained with good posts) - Businnes cards - Facebook-Page (of course) - Professional contracts I think, these are the best basic things to have

[@st.johnsounds9183]

Can you go more in depth about being paid on time? When is a good time to ask? Immediately after the shoot, or before sending final copies?

[@kaitierae]

I'm pretty sure when they pay you should be written into your contract, which they read and sign at the beginning before you do anything for them, so there should be no reason to ask or remind them... if they dont pay on time, send a letter in the mail demanding your fee and outlining the services you performed, if they still dont then take em to court.

[@alexisrose4221]

you should be paid before the shoot

[@danganarayam1121]

I’ll continue watching these tips, this is a life saver. Thanks a bunch

[@jennyfermarieart]

Yes! You answered so many questions I've been having lately! You da best 🙌🏼

[@ariefa7525]

Great video ... You are basically a very good person inside, and outside. IMO, these tips are true for almost every business and not just photography. Really admire the way you package your photography business, it's really professional and experienced.

[@caroelizau]

I feel like these tips apply whether you are a photographer or not! ❤

[@omarmorsy9401]

probably the most helpful video I've watched on you tube regarding the topic, Thank you sooo much Jess !

[@rauhaan.]

Loving this lighting setup!

[@anabellest-cyr3693]

Thank You for the tips. I want to be a photographer but Sometimes I have my ups and downs .This will help a lot ❤️❤️❤️

[@CurlyNicky]

Great video. How much time do you give a client to pay the second half of the cost? Is it the day that you deliver the finished product?

[@NaturalMystic69]

She mentions in the video that she takes 1/2 at time of booking then the 2nd 1/2 before she delivers the final pics.

[@alycias7345]

I love this- You’ve grown your channel so much! congratulations on 1 mil! even though in a way it looks like only a number it’s probably crazy and i’m so glad you are where you are. You will continue to grow, this is not your peak. 💙 love you~

[@Divineshot]

Great tips! Thanks for sharing

[@martinbode8401]

Yup. What kind of pics do you do?

[@Divineshot]

@@martinbode8401 portraits and landscapes.

[@soulseekerphoto]

that PDF looks amazing, first photographer that shows and talks about that. great video, very good tips, big like missy

[@LexyMackailia]

Jessica this was so helpful, thank you. I'm just starting out as a photographer and sometimes it can be discouraging to hear the sad stories of how the creative's are treated. I really value your perspective because it really shows the individual that you are which comes out in the work you do. I am going to take all your advise and be on my way to success. Thanks again, I love your work. Lexy,

[@christopherkotsopoulos701]

Hey, Jessica! Great video. Quick question - do you ever watermark images for a paying client? Be it wedding, portrait, fashion etc..

[@nm541]

+

[@AmericanGirlGymnasts]

I Don’t think someone would do that on the final product, but definitely on electronic preview photos they haven’t paid for yet

[@ssam9981]

EXACTLY! HOW SURE IS SHE THAT NOBODY ISN'T STEALING HER PICS??

[@NM-ey6hz]

Just bought my camera I can’t wait to get it! So ready to get into photography thanks❤️

[@brittanijackson2968]

Another tip: usage rights (copyrights) because I think most photographers don't know their rights

[@secutina]

Brittani Jackson that would be on the contract :)

[@Mystery19k]

you are beautiful! ;)

[@krysx3]

Oh my gosh! I love how you took picture of the couples! Beautiful pictures!

[@alexhealy2114]

Something to also mention, is that using the term deposit in regards to wedding/portrait/engagement photography means that a deposit will be refunded if something happened and is used as a balance towards the final payment. A retainer is a payment made to the photographer to reserve the date and timeframe of that session or wedding and is non-refundable in the event of a cancellation. This should also be in your contract. Always always always retainers, not deposits! Because we are turning down other clients that want that date or timeframe, we are losing out on that money. Therefore the retainer is kept for the compensation of that loss.

[@ahmeddem8953]

you have given some very important information that are useful for a newer in the business. I keep watching your videos, thank you & keep going.

[@churchillcoins8519]

Thank you for the tips. Wow you’re at 1 Million subscribers. Congratulations.

[@Alba_103Side]

This just came in right on time!! I'm at the step that I wrote a contract( in french), now I have to meet a lawyer, and then I'd like to translate it in english and also spanish. It's not fun at all to search and read law articles, but as you said, it's crucial to establish contracts. Damn, I'll even make my friends and family members sign it if they want a session, that'll show them how serious we are about our craft :p. I do want to make a living off of it though, and that'll be starting with weddings, so thank you for uploading that video, your help/advices are more than welcome here.

[@kevinmunive3619]

This really helped me i know i had to make a portfolio but i havent been taking a lot of photos.

[@daniellecooper5179]

That lighting setup though .. 😍☀️

[@janviggo1353]

"Whatever your shooting your cat, brother or close friend" you can read that in two ways

[@staffaun5162]

😭😭😭😭

[@zoelopez5623]

Can you do a video about what you put in your contract? Also, what you use/put on your iPad for when you mean with clients?

[@alexwilmot6694]

In the UK I used a website called “purpleport” as a photographer you put out an advert asking for models. You can choose pay or trade and you can ask for non professionals if you aren’t confident. I did it. Each photographer and model has reviews as well. And it’s FREE

[@visualsofarudophoto]

Agreeeeed... Thanks you for u're sharing 👍 keep it works

[@gerritventer]

I Love the Color grade in this video!! Awesome tips, thank you Jessica!

[@ruffprophetproductions]

just peeped your website again for the first time in a long time and boy you are so talented !!!

[@JessicaKobeissi]

thank you so so much :)

[@JamieRowe]

How long does it take for 300 retouched photos? Surely it's not the same touchup process as portraits...right? I'm curious about this so if Jessica can answer or anyone else who might have insight...please do!

[@Natalie-gc2ue]

I could not thank you enough for speaking about this! ♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@laurelgeorge3766]

Thank you so much! I'm actually an illustrator who worked most often in the wedding world and this really helped me as well.

[@AnnalisaJ]

Girl, I paused this video and busted out the notepad! Now you might resume... 😂👍🏻👍🏻😊❤️

[@emeraldyearwood7488]

I did my first wedding completely by myself. My client was a family friend. We only discussed the price. I knew I should have made a contract but I didn´t. I was one of those people that relied on trust. The deal was I would do all photos which included: some rehearsal shots, the pre-wedding shots, during the wedding, the after-party and they will supply an SD card (they were supposed to have one at the wedding but they forgot.) and the cost would be $80. (Yes, I know super low price) I did photography for the bride once before and everything went well, but since it was my first wedding gig by myself and I knew they were going through financial issues, I figured I would cut a deal to help them out. Once I was finished working on them we made the plan to meet up and made sure we were still on the same page and they agreed. I handed them the Flash drive and they never gave me the payment, instead, they said that I was never clear and they didn't know to bring the payment but they will make sure they will when they had the money. When I got home I had rude messages from herself and her mother. Here it is almost 3 years later and I have not heard from them since. I know I am the one who messed up because I didn't have a contract and I honestly don't understand the business side of things. Let's just say I haven't done any shoots since. It was very discouraging and I am now scared to do it again. Sorry for the long comment.

[@stephaniewilliams3578]

Girl, your video quality went up a million times. What did you change?!

[@crming7151]

Good information. Could you do a video about your editing process? Specifically addressing what you put in your contract about editing. Maybe sharing an experience where a client wasn't satisfied with the edits and they had to be revisited. Thank you

[@nanceyy12]

dang girl that lighting

[@SushiDonushi]

I love your Videos, and this is really helpful! Thanks! ♥️

[@anharx7885]

this is very helpful I wish there is more of these videos . also I can't get over your t-shirt its so beautiful 💜

[@saoirseobrien1623]

Hey ! I’m 14 years old and I love photography however not many people know . I was talking photos on my iphone5s recently and my dad asked what I was doing so I told him he said he thinks he had an old camera somewhere it’s a Kodak is it any good ?? Also if I do deside to try be a photographer down the line do u have to pay taxes on ur work or is it like babysitting and ur gross wage is ur net wage hope this makes scence thanks for the awesome tips 😊

[@MunirRahool]

Camera phone is good for start, use that more often and to learn to 'see' composition and interesting scenes to shoot. Use dad's camera from time to time to learn using advance functions of the camera if it is digital, which I think it might be. But also, something you must have been hearing a lot, that do that after your study time. Give priority to studies, make it interesting with photography using phone and so on.

[@MariaJimenez-tk9cg]

i'm starting to obsess over your videos, like you are amazing and I really hope to become a successful photographer like you💕

[@briansolid]

Thank you so much for the tips! I just started my career as a wedding photographer and I just wanna say that, how lucky I am to be your subscriber 👍

[@petitecassette8603]

Hi dear Jessica, thanks a load for this video. I’ve my third wedding last weekend and been enjoying it a lot. Yet I did spot a few problems and I have a couple of questions: As far as you’re concerned, do you rather get paid when you deliver the pictures or the day of the wedding ? Cash or bank transfer (too personal ? Sorry if it is.!!) I have lots of trouble trusting people because for 2 out of the 3, I got paid way later than agreed together with the client. One of them was super vague about it and almost got upset when he realised I was starting not to trust him. Also, how many pictures do you deliver for a couple’s shooting ? So many questions, sorry not sorry, just way too curious and in need of sharing. Thanks again for all your videos.

[@bienveqe]

Great video Jessica... i have to work on my website... big hugs !

[@danielpottsphoto]

Such a great video with so much valuable information! Going to rewatch and make some notes - Thank you 👌🏼

[@AlexRoyster]

Thank you so much for this video Jessica, you have crammed so much great info in to this video! I'm testing the waters on getting in to professional photography and have so much to learn before I'm ready to make the leap, but trying to get a feel for what it looks like. This was super informative and really inspiring, can't wait to binge some of your videos, and will definitely watch this again! Thanks again!

[@krn9254]

Do you always use photoshop to edit photos or do you also use lightroom? And if so which one do you like best?

[@montannacapri7538]

Thanks for the tips Jessica, really appreciate you making these types of videos ! ❤️❤️

[@gintaresukyte7206]

thank you for this useful tips. A very nice touch of backlighting in the video!

[@SavannahLilianne]

Can you do a video regarding being self employed and what you can write off for taxes, etc as a photographer/model?

[@lucymoreno6345]

So helpful!! When it comes to photography tip video no one normal talks about contracts.

[@Yemundo]

thanks so much for the video, Jessica

[@Raish_Phoenix]

I'm a Digital Illustrator and this video is very helpful! Thank you so much for sharing!

[@biancalynn]

Thank you for these tips!!! I can’t wait to use this for my business

[@nataliekennedystudios8932]

Another really helpful video, thank you so much. I am just about to transition into this more seriously and want to try and make this work as my living

[@ebenleben5788]

Thanks for this Video i am a graphic Designer And Soon will finish school... But i also love product photography And will do this too. :) The idea of a website is greaaaat

[@heyyimadrii5506]

This is really useful because I want to be a professional photographer. Thank you for the tips and more!

[@melissaysitall7703]

This was so helpful thank you so much for sharing your tips on doing this professionally 🙏🏽. Will need to work on my website! What’s the best website layout people have found for their photography?

[@ruthbrunstein512]

Very useful tips. I'm studying photography rn and a "marketing" teacher told us that we should focus on just one type of photography, like that would look more professional or sth. I actually love and enjoy all types of photography, so I want to know whats your opinion about that. Love your channel and would really appreciate if you answer me

[@blueberrymay7645]

Helpful as always!! Love your videos!

[@tytimlet]

Thanks for the tips! Random question-what kind of glasses are those? Super cute!

[@giarlucankeoffasiatico4449]

Jessica! Thank you so so much for this. You are wonderful. God bless

[@wscphotographyc.e.o.7677]

LOVE IT. Great tips JESS.

[@dillonwanner104]

This video came out at the perfect time! i was just looking last night! Thank you so much!

[@paulaemt]

Jessica, excellent video! Thank you so much!

[@JaredSpink]

Great info. Also, love the lightning on this video.

[@spiritsandsin]

Thank you so much for this. I'm 16 years old and I am in photography(?) class. This video is important for me, thank you so much! ❤

[@sidAtul]

You always help Jessica... Big ❤️ for you... Keep going... Wish me luck...

[@kristyhong633]

Thank you so much for this! You got straight to the point and explained everything so clearly. So valuable!

[@tusharved6856]

Hey Jessica! you are always practical.

[@shirsenduhalder9458]

Very good content.. JESSI your eye glasses is reflecting...