Make MORE MONEY with Video & Freelance | 3 IMPORTANT TIPS

[@MarkHoltze]

Great info Daniel. Freelance is really the only career path in the industry. Most jobs are contract based, I work on doc series and tv series for major networks/Netflix etc as an editor and we’re all freelancers. The industry demands it really. So it’s definitely a path to success in the field of photography, videography, editing etc. You will be your own boss which means when the creative work is done you have to all business. The terms “grind” and “hustle” that many youtibers use are applicable to all entrepreneurs/freelancers. Because when a job is done you have to get out there and find another. It can be stressful not having that “job security” (which doesn’t exist anyway) but one project at a time. The best part about freelance is the rewards for the “grind” are super satisfying and you get the see first hand the results of your efforts. Not always easy, but its rewarding as heck. Nice topic man, sorry about the essay. My one tip starting out was I never said no to a project. I took it all on even when working my regular job. I’ve learned if you say no enough people will stop asking. A time will come When “no thanks” or “booked” will be something you respond with, but you’ll know that point when it comes.

[@danielschiffer]

So true! Great comment, had to pin it 🙌

[@WesleyFranks]

I agree! Thanks both of you for this insight!

[@michaelkillebrew3114]

How does one go about taxes with the videography contracts?

[@jasonvansant6028]

Michael Killebrew, in the US, you can claim your income as self employed income when you file your taxes. If you make more than $600 in a year from a specific company they are required to submit a 1099 form to the IRS (you will get a copy of that form as well). When you start making a significant amount of money doing freelance it gets more complicated so I suggest hiring an accountant at that time to help you with paying estimated taxes as well as possibly setting yourself up as an LLC or some other business entity. Hope this answers your question.

[@firsttolast]

Hey Mark, any tips on how to start working on doc series?

[@JustinOdisho]

When he said hi my name is Daniel schiffer 😍

[@danielschiffer]

😉

[@peterfogden]

Dead. 🤣

[@sawyerbrice]

Justin Odisho lmao

[@jasonzeenkov3458]

IM SCREAMING 😂😂

[@CalumDavies]

When he says peace

[@KellyDante]

Was literally having a pre-birthday panic attack/mini-crisis over the fact that I've been making videos professionally since the beginning of this decade yet I still find it hard to get consistently paid for my videography, photography & editing skills. This video came at the perfect time, your advice has given me a better sense of direction for how to market myself & what steps to take next. Thank you so much Daniel 💕

[@danielschiffer]

I'm so glad you found it helpful! That's the whole reason I made this video 😊

[@gabrielhohagen4172]

I've literally spent the past couple weeks cold emailing dozens of realtors offering a free video and got no response so far. This last tip of yours blew my mind, so simple yet makes so much sense. I would imagine that in the long run I'd rather work independently, but as you said, that's a good way of getting cash flow and start building contacts/portfolio in the niche you are interested in. Thank you so much for the light man!

[@YCImaging]

I JUST realized that wasn't a garage style sliding door with windows behind you lol. Dope video

[@fobbsfilms6235]

I love how all these youtubers network with each other!

[@danielschiffer]

Haha, it does look like a garage doesn't it! Thanks for watching bro! 🙏

[@ciscoante2212]

YC! When's the next video dropping bro?

[@CrewTV88]

Fobbs FIlms facts

[@stvbbsy]

Most people on youtube will title their video's like this, but just provide generic rubbish in the hopes of views. This is actual content, with actual value to those of us in the pursuit of a video making career. Thanks Daniel! Question; I'm needing to do contracts for my clients, is there a template you would recommend just to get me started? :D

[@danielschiffer]

Glad you enjoyed! In terms of contracts, I'm sure there's some videos out there or something on google that'll set you in the right direction. Personally I don't have any templates at the moment.

[@chadpalmercrisis1723]

smooth information👌

[@alex84127]

How can someone not like your videos! Everything is super detailed but not to the point where it’s boring, like an informative essay! Keep up the good work bro!

[@grahamransom5162]

Exactly how I got Into real estate photography. I was an agent in the uk and figured I could do just as good a job at something g I loved more. I now work freelance aswell as my main job.

[@amberlopez3364]

Thanks for sharing Daniel - my BF is one of your biggest fans he started his videography business and bought his first camera because of you!

[@danielschiffer]

Amber Lopez Fitness that’s amazing! Let me know if you two are ever in Toronto!

[@vitod7425]

I’m an amateur videographer trying to make money freelancing while working a full time job I hate. I tried to go for a promotion at this job and didn’t get it. I was kinda down in the dumps but then saw your video and it was a great reminder to hustle for my true passion and keeping my eye on the prize, which is independence. Thanks for the great content man and keep it up! Bless.

[@dna8269]

Hope you're still grinding and seeing success bro!

[@guitargogden]

I’ve had the same experiences over the last year. After watching this I googled local social media agencies and sent a personalised email to each. I’ve already had two responses saying thanks for the email and that they’ll keep my details on file and be in touch if anything comes up.

[@MarkCayabyab]

I remember this year i wanted to start doing videos as a side hustle(Been doing videos for 1.5 year as a hobby). And then next thing you know i came across Daniel's videos about freelance and hitting up businesses for videos. Dude thanks to you Daniel, i'm starting to get clients slowly and build my portfolio!! And this is literally a background with no school for business and no school for videography/photography. I am 100% behind what value Daniel has to provide for everyone. You rock bro!

[@ChrisKwonRealtor]

I’m a real estate agent and create a lot of my own video content and this is exactly how you need to do it if you’re looking to start shoot real estate videos. Now more than ever, agents are starting to understand the power of video and how they can use it for their own branding to get more business. I network with tons of agents around the country and many of them are searching for a videographer that they can consistently work with. If anyone ready this is a content creator/videographer/video editor and you got talent, I can most likely get you in touch with an agent looking. Great video DS! 👊🏻

[@AlexMinor]

I think this video is going to help alot of people. Especially your last tip. I do corporate AV work and I freelance for production companies who are landing the big accounts. Its the same principal you describe. They have big clients and need folks with my skillset because they cant keep enough of us on staff to meet client demand. Its not as lucrative, but I've been able to feed a family comfortably this way.

[@aboodabulaban2867]

the best video on this topic. i watched a bunch of videos on topics like that and all what i saw was people who is trying to drag you on their courses and not explaining that the best way for starters is to actually go and look for people who has clients already (agencies perhaps) because getting clients as a starter is brutal. thanks

[@TheFunnyCamGuy]

Daniel you are literally my favorite KZbin. You give great info, make great videos and have a great personality. Our video style is also the same. I constantly rewatch your old vidoes waiting on your new drops. Keep up the good work man!

[@danielschiffer]

Wow! Thanks so much, feel free to send me some of your work on instagram, I'd love to check it out!

[@Ken.s.Snapshots]

The reason I love your videos is I can sense your sincerity, your honesty. Even though I’m not a KZbinr or professional, but those are very important to me. Keep up the good work. I can see you reach to 1mil sub soon. Thanks for sharing!

[@drewthomas1534]

I've been thinking a lot lately about all of this since I'm graduating in December. I've been lucky enough to have way more opportunities for marketing and short film work than the average student, and thanks to that I have tons more stuff in my portfolio than I probably should have, but so far I've only displayed my work on my Vimeo page, and I still worry about what to do after I graduate. This video was super helpful, and your website design is fantastic and straight to the point. I'm inspired.

[@irfaanaqil]

Now I found someone who dare to talk about the 'what I dont do' because most of freelancers I ask, they told me, just accept every job even when you are not good at it while in my opinion if the output sucks, it will ruin my reputation. I think while I am a beginner and dont really know that much, being choosy in jobs sometimes is necessary to build a good portfolio.

[@danielschiffer]

I think it's good to be picky in terms of what to display on your portfolio- but at the very beginning it is good to take on as much work as possible because it is a good way to network and get experience. Like I said in the video, it's okay to work on stuff you don't necessarily want to do, as long as it's not taking away from what you do want to do.

[@oliverjamescreativeltd2882]

Real great advice. I would also recommend getting involved with Web Designers as they have clients who would benefit from videos and could offer video services on your behalf!

[@danielschiffer]

Also great advice!

[@jayladan]

How would I get involved with them, is there something specific I have to do?

[@oliverjamescreativeltd2882]

@@jayladan You could reach out to local companies offering your services, explaining to them that it would be great for their business to be able to offer your services and they could take a small finders fee for the work on each video.

[@jayladan]

Oliver James Productions ok thank you!

[@EmilySkeelsMN]

This was seriously the best video I’ve seen for this sort of thing. Easy tips that can be implemented right away. And a different spin on everything. Thanks so much for sharing!

[@danielschiffer]

Emily Skeels so glad you found it helpful!!! Thanks for watching 😊

[@GabeAgsar]

3rd tip was so simple yet so mind blowing, and im sure it means more from hearing it from you, great work

[@danielschiffer]

I'm glad you found it helpful, thanks for watching!

[@GabeAgsar]

my pleasure bud!

[@johanssonfilms]

Cheers for all the awesome info! I recently realized that freelance work is all about knowing a handful of really connected people :)

[@jacobchristianglover3655]

Good stuff Daniel. Always enjoy your content, took a well needed break from my studies to catch this video. You never disappoint. Be well, and stay encouraged!

[@rddrmedia]

I just watched this. I haven't started approaching agencies yet, but I do believe what you have provided was all I needed to get over the hump.

[@Pre_Boom_bescent]

This is by far the best video on advice for growing your video/photography business if you starting out... thanks Daniel!!

[@customatic]

I've been telling my friends this. Instead of trying to get all your own clients, work within other companies systems. Aside from my company and clients, I am an editor with 3 production companies in the city for the last 3 years. Great advice

[@teocrawford]

yesss so much valueable information, thank you Daniel! - I've been really lovin' your content lately, keep up the great videos! :)

[@danielschiffer]

Glad you enjoyed it! 👏

[@bruno_tinoco]

Hi Daniel, I’ve been watching someof your videos ever since Matti told his audience about you in a recent video he uploaded. I DO NOT REGRET ANY SECOND I SPENT WATCHING YOUR STUFF! This is of great value for anyone that wants to start a business be it in videography, photography or any artistic work really! Thanks you for sharing your experience 🤙🏻

[@Jamesmatthews]

Boss. This guy gives so much value man

[@AronBagel]

Love it when you talk business bro! Can't wait to see more videos like this!

[@danielschiffer]

COME HOME

[@jervinquisada9774]

Love your setup with the banana, the look is siiiiick man! Who else? 😂

[@danielschiffer]

Everyone loves the banana!

[@coreepro7759]

Jervinho thought I was the only one that banana is in every video I see 😂 make me want some neon light fruit

[@santosawogbemi]

Daniel I've been looking for this kind of video for a few months and I'm glad i subscribed to you , you're the absolute best

[@AnandaGarden]

Respect. I'm reminded of the first book I studied when I wanted to start taking studio-quality portraits: Nancy Brown's "Photographing People for Advertising." Nancy shared a ton of her methods, and it surely did not hurt her business, primarily I think because she was so darned creative about shooting for big stock agencies - she would put together clothes from thrift stores and hire neighbors and friends as models. Her generosity really stood out, and I think it's why she was able to have top-tier clients like Revlon. People like to work with people who are expansive and generous. So, thank you Daniel, for sharing your methods - I'm sure this attitude will contribute to your success. (Oh yes, and the enthusiasm for doing the hard work...)

[@andyarts8382]

Probably the most Brilliant, inspiring, full of knowledge up to date video I've seen up to date. It really spoke to me and gave me pause to think about who and what I wanted to show people/clients. Thanks for taking the time to make this video. Subscribed

[@destinationasia7999]

i learn so much with you , much more than others famous youtubers

[@Svi3806]

This is probably one of the most valuable videos Ive ever seen on youtube. Cheers my brotha!

[@VictorLaforteza]

Love this dude! This is how I got started as well last year and it gained traction through word of mouth after that. Thanks for this vid! so much value

[@jajasmike7818]

Excellent video Daniel and also you win the award for best placed youtube ad EVER! lol The timing almost brought me to tears.

[@danielschiffer]

😂

[@sayanmahato4483]

Thank you so much for all these business information. I always watch your videos whenever i go to shoot or edit videos. You are really doing it the best in the market. Waiting for more videos. Much love man.

[@ricardopaquino]

So stoked to see you sponsored by Squarespace. Congrats!

[@cinemamusicvideoproduction468]

Loved this. I genuinely needed the inspiration again to start knowing how to get clients! Love your content man!

[@meziens15]

Daniel this video is such a coincidence .. after 1 full year doing a lot of effort and trying to get customers as a freelancer... (While working at the gasstation) without much success... Nevertheless, I went to my competitors to work together so I can work and learn a lot again (yes I have experience from past years on filmschool and bussnisses)... Everything you have appointed in this video I will now also do and I can tell you ... it already feels much better and with a better basis than on your own wasting a lot of time AND ENERGY and MONEY !!! This video is really like... free gold. Best of luck to all filmmakers that are in the same boat, and keep rocking this sollid informative video's Daniel this is really a LIFE and TIME saver, 10/10 Cheers !

[@AndreiRestrepo]

Such much good info. I’m a freelance photographer based in Houston, TX and you literally described word for word what I did! I discovered the struggle for starting out as a freelancer and getting your own business. Now I am contracted with a real estate marketing company that has a big list of clients and do real estate photography while working on my business on the side. 😊👍🏻

[@60secondmediauk]

thanks, as a BRAND new business in the UK, these tips you share are gold for me...

[@WesleyFranks]

Dude... this video blew my mind... THANK YOU for this perspective into your business and how you went about it!

[@jonathanacuna]

Dam Daniel!!! This was incredibly valuable and perfect timing. I'm leaving my 9-5 to pursue my videography passion and this helps so much. Thank you thank you thank you!!

[@MichaelSasser]

Great tips! Your audio always sounds the best of different creators I follow. Can you do an EQ/Compressor tutorial on getting it to sound the way it does? Thanks!

[@danielschiffer]

Glad you enjoyed! Definitely some audio videos to come in the future!

[@DekiaryCarter]

These are some of the best honest tips I’ve heard in a video before! Keep up the grind man

[@BigVicMedia]

Man, so helpful. Stuff like this gives me confidence that no matter what I could survive as a full time freelance videographer. Thanks, Daniel.

[@chalmers7554]

Loved the video Daniel. The manner which you speak is so passionate; i always find it super inspiring. Also, on a side note, how you implement sponsorships into your videos is easily the most seamless/appropriate out of any i've seen, which isn't easy ahaha. Isn't just thrown in at random like other creators. Top draw stuff dude.

[@danielschiffer]

Glad you enjoyed it! I definitely make an effort to integrate sponsors in the most natural, fitting way I can. Thanks for watching!

[@Chiphtree]

Awesome.....I always get a lot out of your vids. You help make my videos so much better. Keep it up!

[@danielschiffer]

Thanks! Glad you liked it 🤙

[@danielmazor2690]

Great video Schiffer I just started my own business this week and you've perfectly covered everything I've been doing to find clients! keep the videos coming!!!!!!

[@TylerSmithImpact]

Really really love this! Just launched my business in August, and gotten some decent success. I’ll be adding your tips to help expand as well!! Thanks so much!!

[@korrze]

Hi Daniel, this video and advice had perfect timing for me. Ultimately like so many people, a huge goal of mine is to get myself to be a creator on this platform. However, I started shooting a few videos for people for free for the past 2 months in Seattle, and even without much history or experience, sponsors and media production companies have been asking for me to go on projects for them. It's been crazy and I don't know the freelance world too much. So this helps a lot!

[@KamuelaMoniz]

Thanks for the video! Going to have to try this approach. I been doing all the work in real estate myself. The only point I would like to make is once you get in and build a relationship with your clients (real estate agents) you are good to go. But, I do see the plus side of not having to do so much of the leg work. To just shot the video and walk away sounds like a dream come true. Going to have to figure out the money to still stay profitable doing it this way.

[@beetopereira]

Dude, your content is awesome. I just want to thank you for all those tips. It will surely help me from now on. Regards from Brazil.

[@Frozen_Frames]

Hey Daniel, awesome video man, it gave me a lot of ideas for the next steps i'm going to take. One question though, do you think you can someday make a video about pricing the type of work you do? Everyone says to go off of what people around you and what they charge, but I have a hard time finding people that do this type of social media video content.

[@TheFunnyCamGuy]

I think thats terrible idea to go off of what others charge. Yes you have to keep what others charge in mind to stay competitive, but you should price your work off of what you think you're valued for. That value insists of skill, time and money spent doing all of it.

[@ivg96]

I’m really struggling to figure out what to charge for services :/

[@Frozen_Frames]

Same man. It's tough especially when it's your passion. like for me I love creating so much that it's hard to put a price on.

[@Frozen_Frames]

I completely agree, and maybe I worded things the wrong way. What I meant, is to see what others are charging to stay competitive but to also get a feel for the market and how much this work is actually worth. When you love what you do, it's pretty hard to put a price on it that will make sense for the creator but will also not be to expensive to the buyer. and then there's the question of do you price low to stay competitive and get more consistent work or do you charge high and not get as many clients but have the higher price compensate for that. There's a lot more variables to it than just adding an hourly rate and putting a work markup on there and hope that it's reasonable for both parties. I can personally bet that a video explaining this could be extremely helpful for others, especially when this form of "branding micro content" seems pretty new to possible ways that videographers can make money. So it would just be great to possibly get Daniels insight. Sorry for the long message, I ramble a lot lol

[@TheFunnyCamGuy]

@@Frozen_Frames I see, i would suggest coming up with a test dummy price. You can always change your prices if things dont work out. Id maybe suggest starting a bit low (not too low) and as you get good clientele and reputation and practice, start increasing your prices just a bit till you get comfortable with a nice price point range/balance. Also id worry about selling your business/product/skill first (meaning getting your clients attention and willingness to do business with you) because you can always discuss prices later. Price doesnt matter if you cant convince your client why they should use your service.

[@DaniBarker]

Awesome to see you back with more uploads! I'm working on a Squarespace site at the moment already - highly highly rate it!

[@chrisfarrell8399]

Daniel this is gold!!! Perfect timing for me! Thank you

[@marvinnavarro645]

I am beginning my own freelance business in exactly the way like you said in the video. But to be honest.. I am unsure that I don't have the right skills YET to ask clients or social media companies to create a video for them .. Still not confident enough.. Love your videos Daniel! Keep it up!

[@danielschiffer]

The great thing about reaching out to the companies I was talking about is that your rate will reflect your skill level and experience. These companies might already have another very experienced videographer with an expensive rate- but when clients with small budgets come to them they often don't have less expensive video person to use- so use that to your advantage!

[@marvinnavarro645]

Thanks for the tip daniel & thank you for taking your time ! I like your way of thinking. Keep it up!

[@jerrycrayton4881]

This was some AWESOME advice. You seriously just opened my mind to creative ways to find opportunities. Thanks Daniel!

[@LucasGuanes]

Has anyone implemented this successfully? Thanks Daniel, this is gold. I'm about to implement this formula

[@avivbenor6454]

YES! its funny but thats how get almost 60% of my work and its been this way forever and now I see that daniel use this method too. let me know if you need any insights :)

[@zachhiebert7926]

Very relatable when you talked about the mistakes of getting into real estate

[@MrKeanu1977]

Thanks Daniel, very helpful. I totally agree! It’s so hard to get clients. One month you have so much work and next month nothing at all... loving your videos man! 👍

[@fobbsfilms6235]

Very great tips, have to think outside the box!

[@coreepro7759]

Fobbs FIlms man destroy the box and never go back in it

[@antonbrask4574]

Awesome video man, super informative. It's so useful and inspiring to hear about peoples actual first gigs and clients, like from the very beginning and how they moved up from there. Really appreciate this video man! :D

[@jacklongman4610]

Insane amount of value in this mate. Transcends creative industries also. Thanks!

[@majesticlukas]

Daniel thank you so much for such detailed video. You told me step by step how to start off and without a doubt I'll follow your rules!

[@danielschiffer]

Glad you found it helpful! Don't be afraid to experiment and come up with your own rules/strategies as well!

[@majesticlukas]

@@danielschiffer I definitely have ideas of my own but you really helped me paint a better picture and clearer career path! Also please do a live stream of you watching other people's videos as I'd really love for your to watch my video!

[@thewellvideoproductions8244]

Great tips! Always look forward to your helpful/informative vids. Will certainly use this technique. Thanks!

[@firsttolast]

That last tip really is a game changer!

[@janneost]

Awesome tips Daniel! I just started my career as a videographer and got a couple clients, this video made me more confident to quit my full time job :) Your videos are spot on!

[@danielschiffer]

Glad you found it helpful! Keep grinding!

[@richardbelu8252]

Buds!!! I love how your videos get to the point and provide gold nuggets of information! Keep it up!!! 👌🇨🇦

[@waynosfotos]

Yeah, back to the first question, I couldn’t think of anything more boring than doing reality work, taking pictures of homes. So I will not be offering that. I am at the point I want a part time Photo/video business. (I only want part time). My interests are; Food Cars And low level, Weddings and family shots/portraits. So stick to that. It is true to define your field especially when small, otherwise you become a jack of all trades, master of none. I think it also works to refer other photographers that specialise in genres you don’t do instead of trying something your not into. This gives you more respect and they may refer work to you in the future. Thanks for the tips Daniel. 😊

[@zayedalhaddar]

THANKS these videos are very important in my life and business. Keep going, please.

[@danielschiffer]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@alexgreif7883]

thank you Daniel! you always drop so much value. And you reiterated what I've been thinking of doing which is reaching out to smaller companies who have clients and need creators :)

[@avivbenor6454]

Try and reach out to ad agencies... ;)

[@alexgreif7883]

@@avivbenor6454 thanks for the tip! will do pal!

[@HaveaBadDay]

That clap at the end slays me, I been doing that since like grade eight! Good to know I'm not the only getting strange looks! Your killing the game there Daniel!

[@techsavvydaddy5616]

Nice Tee shirt buddy! Great advice, with the real estate video market....love it.

[@dalbermatianman]

Awesome, this is very helpful! Keep making contents, man!

[@danielschiffer]

Glad you found it helpful, lots more on the way!

[@coreepro7759]

dalbermatianman wish guys like this upload content everyday but ok that is a lot of work

[@محمدمنيب-ت9غ]

This video is pure gold

[@joealaddin]

I just stopped the video after the third question answer. Your answer was amazing. What exactly I was looking for

[@jackspadeofalltrades]

Really impressed by your videos man. Extreme Value!

[@chriscostamedia]

Reaching out to already established agencies is a great tip! I've had more success doing that early on especially when you're just starting to build a portfolio of your own.

This video is GOLD. Thanks Daniel

[@evumies]

Hey Daniel! I know this is an older video, but it helped me a lot. Would you please consider making a video about how to write a contract as a beginning product videographer and explain what copyright or rights took keep or give to the client? Thanks!

[@peterfogden]

Powerful Powerful video bro! Definitely taking in these tips!

[@coreepro7759]

Pete Fogden become a sponge 🔥💪🏽

[@creative_studios]

Great tips! Thank you for sharing this great information Daniel.

[@ritzyllama]

Well dude, was looking at ways to start getting those sweet sweet bills and came across your channel. 3 vids and 30 mins later, +1 sub looking forward to your future content bru

[@mitchmedmedia5386]

Such good stuff. All of your videos are so helpful. Thank you for the info!

[@joelito20]

Thanks for the info! This gives me a clue on which direction to go.

[@TristanJHopperton]

Loving this series! Keep it going!

[@CongoNguyen]

needed this. portfolio is number 1

[@rishimodak245]

The PM sweatshirt looks soo good 😍😍 I'm just starting out and i realised real quick that I'm not going to be a photographer. Thansk a lot man.

[@superpowerpictures]

Oh my god. This video gave me sooo much drive .Thanks dude. I follow all of your stuff .

[@GregoryBozik]

This video is gold. Great video Daniel.

[@jimmytmma]

Great tips on building the portfolio! I just created my first commercial video for a business for free. Now trying to think of my next step and came across your video. Thanks for sharing Daniel. 😀

[@ThisisDigitalden]

He who shares, wins ! Thanks Daniel for sharing this info and experience. Good tips based on your experience.

[@DavidBoca]

You bring so much value! Thanks bro

[@pcproffy]

Thanks for the video. I especially like the tips about reaching out to other media companies.

[@gmcg852]

Could you make a video about how much you would charge and why when you started out? And also how the market has changed since you started freelancing. Love your stuff :)