Being Freelance Face To Face - Photographer Andy Barnham
From an officer to a gentleman's go-to-freelance photographer. Andy left the army and soon found he had enough orders for capturing images of bespoke, tailor-made products, lifestyle and more. He shares his story on making a name for himself, making face-to-face connections and even making his own magazine to create his dream work.
Love learning from other freelancers like this? Check out the website beingfreelance.com, subscribe to the podcast and to the newsletter.
Key Takeaway Points
- When you start freelancing make the most of your existing contacts
- If you're not using social/online techniques to promote yourself and make connections you're cutting off a potentially lucrative source of work, however...
- Press the flesh: don't hide behind email, actually meet people, pop in and make a real connection as you show an interest in them and their business
- Re-evaluate your freelance site every 12-18 months: what's working? what isn't? does your portfolio reflect what you're doing now or want to do?
- Andy started his own magazine - he could create the work he wanted to, keep his portfolio fresh and make new contacts that evolved into leads for paid work
- Is there anything else you can offer your clients? Andy joined forces with a videographer in order to offer a stills/video package
- From Andy's experience in the military: planning is key, but no plan ever survives 'contact' - the reality; also take time to debrief yourself after a project, what lessons can be learned?
- When it feels things are going bad in your freelance day, take time out, literally leave the house, go for a walk, grab a coffee, get a fresher view and you'll see they're not as bad as they seem
More from Andy
Who the hell is Steve Folland?
You know how everyone bangs on about how powerful video and audio content can be?
Yeah, well Steve helps businesses make it and make the most of it. Find out more at www.stevefolland.com
Track him down on Twitter @sfolland or lay a trail of cake and he'll eventually catch you up.
JOIN THE COMMUNITY
You're not alone being freelance.
Come and hang out with your BFFs (Being Freelance Friends).
beingfreelance.com/community
NEW TO FREELANCING? THERE'S A COURSE FOR YOU!
The Being Freelance course is made for you!
Take the course and you'll also get 6 months FREE community membership.
FREELANCER MERCH
Get Being Freelance merchandise at beingfreelance.com/shop
Like VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance on:
Instagram - Instagram.com/beingfreelance
YouTube - YouTube.com/SteveFolland