As a freelancer, you know that every penny counts. For budding freelance pet photographers, making ends meet can be difficult while trying to build your portfolio and gain experience in the field. Thankfully, there are some simple ways to save money without sacrificing quality. Here are some of them.
Invest in Quality Gear
As the saying goes, you get what you pay for—and this is especially true when it comes to photography equipment. Sure, you could purchase cheap photography gear from an online marketplace or department store, but chances are good that it won’t last very long and won’t produce professional-quality results.
Instead of wasting your money on inferior gear, invest in quality equipment that will stand the test of time and help you create stunning images for years to come. When budgeting for new photography gear, do your research and opt for the best value instead of the lowest price tag.
For example, if you need a new lens for your camera, research the lenses in your price range and look at both customer reviews and sample photos. This will give you an idea of how the lens performs in real-world conditions and help you decide which one to purchase.
Use Serviced Apartments as Temporary Studios
Many pet owners are hesitant to invite a stranger into their homes, which makes it difficult for pet photographers to find appropriate shooting locations. One solution is to rent affordable and pet-friendly serviced apartments for temporary studios.
These places provide all the amenities of a regular apartment without a long-term rental commitment. Plus, they’re usually well-equipped with the necessary furniture, lighting, and other photography accessories.
Using a serviced apartment as a temporary studio is an excellent way to keep costs down while still offering clients the professionalism they expect from a professional photographer. Plus, you can often find discounts when booking in advance or through corporate partners.
Network with Other Photographers
Networking is essential in any industry—including photography! Connecting with other photographers can help you find job opportunities and even land discounts on supplies or services.
You can join local photography groups or take advantage of social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter to find collaborators who can offer mentorship or advice about running a freelance business. For instance, you may discover a great discount on new photography gear or even find out about potential pet photography jobs that you may have otherwise missed.
Even if all you do is follow fellow photographers on social media, that connection can still be beneficial down the line when it comes time to book gigs or share tips about the industry with each other.
Utilize Free Editing Software
Editing software doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg! There are plenty of free editing programs available online these days, so there’s no need to invest hundreds of dollars just yet (unless you want to).
Check out free photo editing software that provides many features found in more expensive programs! Once you become more established as a freelance photographer and start making more money through your work, then you may want to consider investing in paid software for better editing capabilities.
Alternatively, you can also work with a virtual assistant to help with post-processing, which can be beneficial if you’re swamped with work.
Be Selective About Your Jobs
It’s tempting (especially early in your career) to take any job that comes along—but don’t let yourself get taken advantage of! Don’t be afraid to turn down jobs that don’t align with your vision or don’t provide enough compensation for your skillset.
It’s okay not to be everyone’s cup of tea! You should also be wary about taking jobs where clients ask for too much work for too little pay. Remember that as a freelancer, your time is valuable and should always be respected by potential employers.
By being selective about which jobs you choose to accept as a photographer, you’ll ensure that you’re not underpaid while also maintaining high standards when it comes to producing quality work!
Starting out as a freelance pet photographer can feel daunting—but it doesn’t have to break the bank! With these tips in mind, saving money while building up your portfolio won’t seem so intimidating after all. From investing in quality gear upfront over buying cheaper items multiple times over, using serviced apartments as temporary studios, networking with other photographers for advice or connections, utilizing free editing software until paid versions become affordable, and being selective about which jobs are worth taking—you’ll soon see how easy it is becoming successful without breaking the bank!
