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, 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 $3,000 professional grade camera today, might become obsolete within five years due to improving technology. Lenses typically last for many years. Like most businesses, it is important for photo- graphers to consistently invest 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. Students interested in photography are encouraged to research which colleges offer photography programs and contact them to learn more about each institution. For those not seeking a degree but still wanting to advance their knowledge and skill, many workshops are available in-per- son and online. Several national photogra- phy 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 cameras and lenses. 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. While many companies employ full-time positions on their staff, the majority of photographers work as entreprenuers on a freelance basis. Starting out, a photographer’s hourly rate will be much lower than after they have built a clientel. Websites like Indeed, Glassdoor and ZipRecruiter show a wide range in hourly income rates. On average, an established photographer can make between $28 and $70 per hour, with an average in Nashville, TN of $45 per hour. 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 4% growth in photography positions from 2022 to 2032. However, some studies show fluctuation in the number of 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 | 2024-2025 85 Tennessee’s Top Careers
