What is the Difference between a Traditional Photographer and a Freelance?

 

written by: Laura Dusek

The Unique World of Freelance Photography: How It Stands Apart from Traditional Photography

Photography is a diverse and dynamic field, offering a wide array of career paths. Among these, the roles of freelance photographers and traditional photographers are often compared. While both professionals share a passion for capturing moments and telling stories through their lenses, their approaches and daily routines can differ significantly. Let me explain a bit.  What sets freelance photographers apart from their traditional counterparts. 

Flexibility and Independence

One of the most defining characteristics of a freelance photographer is the level of flexibility and independence they enjoy. Unlike traditional photographers who might work for a studio or a media company with set hours and assignments, freelance photographers have the freedom to choose their projects and set their schedules. This autonomy allows them to pursue a wide range of photography genres, from Landscapes to family portraits and commercial travel photography. 

Diverse Client Base

As a Freelance photographer, I often work with a more diverse client base compared to traditional photographers who may have a steady stream of clients through their employer. Freelancers must constantly market themselves, network, and seek out new clients. This aspect of freelancing can be both challenging and rewarding, as it allows photographers to build a broad portfolio and develop versatile skills.

Self-Management and Business Skills

Running a freelance photography business requires more than just technical skill with a camera. Freelance photographers must also manage all aspects of their business, including marketing, client communication, scheduling, budgeting, and sometimes even accounting. This self-management aspect means that freelance photographers need to possess strong business acumen in addition to their creative talents.

Creative Freedom

As a Freelance photographer, I  often enjoy greater creative freedom in my work. While traditional photographers might have to adhere to the style and guidelines set by their employer, this is where my artistic eye really shines,  as a freelancer I  have the liberty to explore my own artistic visions and experiment with new techniques. This freedom can lead to more innovative and personalized work, which can be highly appealing to clients looking for unique and customized photography services.

Adapting to Varied Environments

Freelance photographers must be adaptable and versatile, ready to shoot in a variety of locations and conditions. They might find themselves working in a client's home one day and a bustling city street the next. This constant change of scenery can be exciting and inspiring, pushing freelancers to continuously hone their skills and think on their feet. 

Networking and Building Relationships

Networking is a crucial part of my profession. Building and maintaining relationships with clients, other photographers, and industry professionals can lead to more job opportunities and collaborations. Unlike traditional photographers who may have a stable flow of work through their employer, freelancers must actively seek out and cultivate these connections to sustain and grow their business.

Personal Branding

Freelance photographers must establish a strong personal brand to stand out in a competitive market. This involves creating a distinct style, maintaining an engaging online presence through a website and social media, and consistently delivering high-quality work that reflects their unique perspective. Traditional photographers may rely more on the reputation of their employer or studio, but freelancers must build and promote their brand independently.

Conclusion

The world of freelance photography offers a unique blend of challenges and opportunities that set it apart from traditional photography roles. Freelance photographers enjoy greater flexibility, creative freedom, and the chance to work with a diverse array of clients. However, they also face the demands of running their own business and constantly seeking out new opportunities. For those who thrive on independence and variety, freelance photography can be an incredibly rewarding career path that allows for personal growth and artistic expression.

News and Updates Feb 2022

 News & Updates

Hello Friends.

I thought I would catch you up on some news since I have not written in a while, sorry for that, however, I honestly have not had a lot of downtime lately.  Finally through the holidays meaning Thanksgiving and Christmas... 

So let's bring you up to speed.  I joined a BNI (Business International Networking) Spokane Referral Exchange -group located in my beautiful town of Spokane Valley.  This was such a wonderful decision.  I get the opportunity to meet and network with some amazing professionals and we have such a wonderful time uplifting one another and helping each of us grow as professional business owners.  So that keeps me busy.  

This past winter I had this brilliant brainstorm to retrofit our GMC Suburban into a home away from home photo mobile.  So my husband and I have been researching exactly what it takes for me to be comfortable, safe, and productive in the " Photo Mobile  " called Deliah.  We are planning to have me out on the road by April of this year hopefully if everything goes smoothly.  

So far we have purchased a solar system Opeus which we have already used once. So far I am impressed. I love that it has so many options. Count em (3) outlets. This stinking thing can run a blender if I wanted. I am thinking of getting a magic bullet to make smoothies in the morning, however, my priority is  COFFEE. The Opeus can handle it.  An issue that I have gotten an education about is what you can plug in and how long will it last. How many volts is the item you are plugging into the generator? It matters. 

The second and really important item is a bed for me to sleep on.  I wanted something with a great deal of cushion for support and comfort. We found a tri-fold by Millard.  I wanted something I could fold up and get out of the way so I can sit on a bench support and work on post-processing during the day. We have all the lumber that is required for the build and I am so excited to get started and get out there and get some amazing landscape photographs.   As soon as we get started I will begin posting videos of our progress on my YouTube page.  I tell you what I have so many pins on my camping board on Pinterest.  I didn't realize when I had this brainstorm that this is a "Thing".  Many are out living 24/7 in a vehicle, Van, Truck, and have been doing really well at it.  

Our top requirements: 

• Safety
• Comfortable Bed
• Power
• Internet
• Food Storage & Cooking 
• Water (Drinking, Shower, Cooking)
• Did I say Comfort?  Yes my bones are demanding (Laughing)
• Bathroom 
• A place for me to work and store my equipment

Added to my news is that I bought a DRONE this past fall.  Now both my husband and I have enrolled in an online school to learn how to fly the darn thing.  I have to admit, after ordering the four books that we need to participate in the course and pass a test that we have to pay $150.00 to take the exam and receive what's called a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate; I am a bit nervous. It is a ton of information and tests are not something I excel at. But  I am determined to do it.  I watched someone fly a drone, a fellow photographer when we were photographing the East Coast this past fall.  It was so wonderful to see how beautiful Acadia was from the birds-eye point of view. 

Speaking of education I am working on checking off one of my serious goals.  I am working on receiving a Master Photographer Certificate.  The course should if I stay on track take me six months to finish. 

Hope you forgive me now for not having written in a few minutes. 

Product Update:  My 2022 Calendar will be taken off of the shelf on March first.  So if you want one, go to my website and get yours while supplies last.  

I will try to do better at posting more.  

Hugs and Love to All

Laura

 

Hey All.  I know that I said that I would be writing this blog almost daily, ...well I neglected to take into account the access to technology and great Wi fi, and getting to and from locations, plus sleep; haha, what is that, who said I need sleep.  so let me play catch up.  

This has been so much fun traveling the East coast.  We began this trip in Burlington VT. then we progressed to a really great ski lodge called Bolton Valley Resort, from there we stayed two nights in Stow VT which was a place I could easily call home.  Everything is so relaxed there.  So after our stay in the Green Mountain Inn we have made our way to Portsmouth NH which is the third oldest cities in the country, Buildings from the 17th and 18th century line the streets,  the North Church stands like a grand lady in the center of town.  Prescott Park boasts beautiful gardens and a great view from the docks. We found a really lovely place to stay at the Anchorage Inn soon to be taken over by Comfort INN's but the Prescott Suite was simply, lovely.  I have been very surprised how quickly in retrospect how close all the villages and towns are located to one another.  Cemeteries are practically on every corner.  USA flags are respectfully posted on the graves of Military which was so wonderful to see they were not forgotten,  History is everywhere and it's breathable.  Walking on the streets and standing in or near buildings where major decisions were discussed that changed the fabric of our future as a country was so profound and powerful to me personally. My husband made the comment that our drive is a living museum, which was so spot on.  For the next few days we are staying at a sweet motel called Acadia Pines in Bar Harbor Maine. We even have a small kitchenette that was nice to actually cook bacon and eggs plus drink a decent cup of coffee the way we like it. For the last few days the rain has been coming down in sheets, so I thought I would take a few minutes to get this blog out.  

I have been so blessed on this trip to capture some amazing beauty.  I set out to capture a few covered bridges and find some light houses and a few quaint farms.  I wanted to find images that have been on my professional bucket list for years.  I got that and more!  So with the weather not exactly on my side, I took the time to get some post processing productive time in,  I am so darn excited to share with you my journey in photographic art.  I should be uploading to my gallery in just a few days.  Hear is a teaser. 

As for the food, Let's just say, we have not suffered.  Yes, we had Lobster here in Bar Harbor... so much FUN.  As for the time difference, I think I will try and keep this biological eastern time zone clock going, I get a ton done before anyone is even awake on the west coast.  Well, that's the theory and I'm sticking to it, for now any way.  Time to get back to taking more photos, time is slipping away before we jet back home.  Talk again soon.  

Hugs, 

Laura
Photo Art by Laura Photography