Week two ... there's work out there .. somewhere

Ok so after 21 years shooting professionally of which the last 5 spent in newspapers I've made the big plunge to freelance!

This is going to be one hell of a journey, I can tell you that for nothing.  I felt a lot of freedom walking out the door of my employer.  The euphoria lasted a couple of days, what a great feeling.  Like a weight off my shoulder, or the chains coming off.  I didn't have to turn up at that place, and go through the day in day out B.S.  I have to say that I loved the job, the chance to photography some great and interesting people.  Getting into the big stories, and events of my community.  I get a real kick out of telling stories, giving a voice to those who need help.  It's the daily politics of working in a newsroom that really did my head in.  So the time to move on to the next stage, and here I am.

So why leave?  The big plan, in a few words.  Great photography has always been the driver for me. Whether it's been portraits, spot news, sports, aerial photography, or big commercial jobs.  With a few years at the paper I've picked up video and interview skills as well.  The power of the visual medium is stronger than ever, and delivering those stories is now even quicker and easier than before.  There is still one truth out there, your ideas is the best thing you can bring to the table.

So with all the connections I've made, there is an opportunity out there, you just have to hunt for it.  .... so ... here we go!

What's the point of the blog?  The point of the blog is for me, not you.  To document the journey, giving me a record of what I've done and the results I've achieved, both good and bad.  I have to say that's not going to be pretty, I'll put some stuff here that I shouldn't, so there's the disclaimer at the bottom.  Whether anyone reads it or not, well, you never know.

In the first couple of weeks I've been on the phone everyday, calling contacts and letting them know I'm here, and can bring something to the table.  Creating a business card, pricing structure, website, the list goes on.  And in the first weekend of my new career, I get booked for three jobs!  Very happy, but (and you knew it was coming), NOT very high paying.  But you can't be picky when starting out in a new business.  Well not yet at least.

So feeling pretty good about booking jobs in the first week, and now looking at an empty schedule from here to the New Year, not so good.  I do have some bookings for January and February but they are just a drop towards making my monthly budget. For some reason those bills don't stop coming, I can't figure it out!  The need to find more paying work is strong with that one!

This week is pretty up, money coming in from jobs shot on the weekend, clients happy with the results and one rebooking me for next year.  Another client booking in the new year too, good start.  I've still got a long list of people to ring, the website is up and looks good, but needs more work.  I think right now, knowing who to talk to is pretty key.  Cold calling is hard stuff, especially when you don't have a contact, or recommendation from friends.  Photography and creative arts have always been about relationships, at least in the business context.  In fact I think it's true no matter the business.  So I am contacting people left, right, and centre.  I might strike out a lot, but letting them know I'm there if they need me is the name of the game, and of course, doing a very very good job when you get the work.

More later ........


Disclaimer:

1. I'm not going to disclose any client names, names will be changed to protect my good clients and the ones that aren't   So you might read some honest stuff about what it's like to do this crazy, crazy thing... giving up paid work to go freelance.  Scary man!
2. I'll post when I've got something to say, so daily drivel of me still being in my PJs at 1pm, not going to happen.. just assume it cause I work from home.  Don't worry I'm a tidy dresser on jobs.  Mainly 'cause my wife would kill me if I was seen out in public with PJs on.
3. I'm not a writer, I'm a photographer so spelling and grammar aren't my strong suit.  So all those haters out there, just don't read this blog.
4. If I get people reading this blog, I'll moneytize it ... well wouldn't you?  Money is money period.
5. I'll post pictures or videos if clients allow, I think it's appropriate, etc.  There are plenty of great photographers who do just about photography.  For me this is about the reality of being a creative making it in the business of visual arts.
6. If I think of anything else I'll let you know.