Is it Hard Becoming a Freelance Photographer Since the majority of photographers are in fact freelance, the simple answer is—no. The more important question is whether a freelance photographer makes enough income to be successful? Becoming a freelancer requires much more than just being a good photographer. In essence, you are running your own company. So freelancers have to be good at marketing and sales to acquire customers, disciplined in accounting to properly invoice customers, pay bills and the required self-employment taxes, and disciplined project managers to determine the costs to fulfill a specific contract or photo shoot. Being a freelance photographer is a very demanding profession, but also one that is very rewarding, allowing the person to personally reap the financial rewards based on how hard one is willing to work. What Kind of Equipment is Required? As stated previously, a photographer can start with one camera and a computer if necessary. But most photographers own a comprehensive gear list including one or more camera bodies, multiple lenses (specific to the type of photography you intend to shoot), possible external lighting (for portrait and wedding photography), and a good computer with photo editing software. Most photographers do not start out with all of the above mentioned gear. Typically, one starts with limited equipment, but begins setting aside a portion of their income to purchase additional equipment as they grow. Cameras are much like smartphones, as they evolve very quickly. So a $5,000 professional grade camera today, might become obsolete within five years due to improving technology. Lenses, on the other hand, typically last for many, many years. Like most businesses, it is important for photographers to plan on consistently investing money back into their equipment as they grow. What Kind of Education is Required? While a degree is not required to become a photographer, (especially for freelancers), there is still great value in acquiring skilled training and higher education in this profession. Many colleges in Tennessee offer photography majors, ranging from certifications, to associate’s and even bachelor’s degrees. For those not seeking a degree but still want- ing to advance their knowledge and skill, many workshops are available in-person and online. Several national photography gear retailers have newsletters and training videos for both newcomers and seasoned veterans. Workshops can focus on everything from lighting, action sports, low-light, portraits, and even videos specific to individual cam- eras and lenses. Wherever the photographer purchases their equipment would be a good place to start by asking about training work- shops, classes and online videos. What is the Average Salary? Photographers can range from making a very lucrative income, to barely making enough to qualify as a hobby. Much genuinely depends on each person’s ability to acquire work and satisfy customers. Glassdoor.com shows the average photographer salary in Nashville, Tennessee can range from $40,000 to $70,000. Freelancers can make more given they build their business over time and provide excellent quality work. Keep in mind, freelance photographers are responsible for paying their own taxes, insurance, equipment costs, and business fees. How Much is This Career in Demand? The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a six percent loss in photography positions nationally from 2016 to 2026, which sounds concerning to students interested in this career. However, most studies show the decrease in positions is due to companies shifting from salaried positions to hiring freelance photographers. The demand is still there, but the dynamics are shifting towards hiring on a contract basis rather than having a salaried employee. Photography can become an extremely rewarding and even fun career choice. And there are few careers that allow you to so easily work for yourself. The right person who is gifted in photography, self- disciplined to operate their own business, and energetic enough to work hard without supervision, can find photography as being a dream career that will last a lifetime. Tennessee Career Guide | 2026 97 Tennessee’s Top Careers
