Author Topic: Seven Reasons not to become a Photo Professional Freelance (Read 4382 times)

RacePhoto · « **on:** February 03, 2013, 11:10 »

I happened to see this on one of the groups I belong to. Might be thoughtful reading for some people.

http://blog.stanleyleary.com/2013/02/seven-reasons-not-to-become.html?goback=.gde_107702_member_210561376

I'm a poster child for #6 have been forever.

Also the opposite of #3 can't take direction, sometimes I want more direction from clients, to know what they want and I get things like, "Oh shoot what you like..." One time the guy said "Lifestyle" Yeah needs more direction and specific expected use information.

#1 and #2 are what I do all day long. I don't think that's a problem.

Anyway, see what you think. I'm not positive professional freelance is the same as professional Microstock, but seems like it would apply except negotiating with clients? We're pretty much in a take it or leave it kind of business. Don't like the cut or the commission, don't sell there. Freelance is more about setting prices and values for jobs.

ShadySue · « **Reply #1 on:** February 03, 2013, 12:20 »

5 out of 7 here; particularly hopeless at 1 and 4.

tab62 · « **Reply #2 on:** February 03, 2013, 12:48 »

I have thousand of buyers beating at my door- than I woke up from my deep dream after toking on too much 'legal' weed the night before when I should've been working on my photos

Pauws99 · « **Reply #3 on:** February 03, 2013, 12:58 »

I think my biggest fault is shooting what I think people should want (or what I like) rather than what the market wants.

cthoman · « **Reply #4 on:** February 03, 2013, 12:59 »

Hmm... it's weird. I'd say I'm a procrastinator and a poor negotiator, but I can't say those are true when it comes to freelancing. The list definitely sounds like a typical day of negotiating prices and filling your day with stuff which usually involves sitting at a computer and getting things done.

RacePhoto · « **Reply #5 on:** February 04, 2013, 21:33 »

Quote from: Pauws99 on February 03, 2013, 12:58

I think my biggest fault is shooting what I think people should want (or what I like) rather than what the market wants.

Oh so true. Guilty, guilty, guilty! I confess...

I really posted it for thought, not because I found his seven reasons to be some answers from high on the mountain. It was interesting to read one persons opinion, based on his own personal experience. I'm sure that someone could take a collection of reasons why anyone should or should start into any independent business venture and use the same.

There's only one real reason in the whole list and that's the one he labeled Number one, and I agree with that. You could eliminate the side issues for artists and creative people, and still have one reason. Poor Business Skills. The same reason why bars, restaurants, stores and any small business start-up will come and go like bird migrations.

This would be for full time anything, but even photography, you need business sense and enough funding for two years, to get through the start-up growing pains.

gillian vann · « **Reply #6 on:** February 04, 2013, 22:03 »

#6, like right now! I should be editing a client's shoot but instead I'm having a coffee and a little cruise around the internet.

I probably have at least 100 stock photos I could be editing.

fotoeye · « **Reply #7 on:** March 09, 2013, 08:33 »

Reason #8 .. because 5 other people living on your street already beat you to it.

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Author Topic: Seven Reasons not to become a Photo Professional Freelance (Read 4382 times)

RacePhoto

ShadySue

tab62

Pauws99

cthoman

RacePhoto

gillian vann

fotoeye

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