The idea of freelancing can be exciting. The thought of having the freedom to choose projects, the flexibility to work at your own pace, and the potential to master your own destiny it’s what made me take the plunge. But it’s also a path full of ups and downs, and it’s not always easy. So here’s what I’ve learned along the way and how you can make it work for you.

1. The Freedom That Comes with Freelancing

For me, freelancing was all about freedom. Freedom to pick and choose the projects that excite me and to work with clients who align with my values, and ultimately, to be the master of my own destiny. But with that opportunity comes responsibility. The work doesn’t just come knocking on its own, especially in those quiet periods.

2. Embrace Quiet Periods and Use Them Wisely

It’s inevitable, there will be times when work slows down. Instead of spiralling into panic, use those quiet moments to update your portfolio, try new editing techniques, or plan a personal project. Reflect, have fun, and do things you wouldn’t normally have time to do as an employee. For example, I volunteer dog walking at Sheffield Retired Greyhounds once a week, and I love it. It gives me time to think or just clear my head if I don’t want to think at all.

3. Dealing with Imposter Syndrome

Imposter syndrome is real. There are days when you’ll doubt yourself, especially when it’s quiet or you’re waiting on that next big project. It’s tough, but you’ve got to keep pushing through. My best piece of advice is to make sure you have a financial cushion before going freelance, at least six months’ worth of rent and bills saved up. This gives you the peace of mind to focus on growing your business without stressing about the next paycheck.

4. Niche Down? Maybe Not…

They say to niche down, but honestly, it’s not for me. Sure, niching might make it easier to find clients and command higher rates, but I think there’s room to bring variety within your niche. For example, if you’re specialising in real estate, you could add variety by doing drone footage or 360-degree tours. If you’re focused on corporate work, you could branch out into case studies or event coverage. Keep things interesting for yourself and your clients.

5. Pricing Your Services as a Freelance Videographer & Photographer

I price my services per day. It’s simple and works well since it’s usually just me on a shoot. But if the project is larger, I factor in hiring costs for additional crew or equipment. It’s important to be transparent with your clients about your pricing structure and any additional costs that might come up. This ensures there are no surprises on either end.

6. Building Your Client Base

I’ve found that LinkedIn is where most of my work comes from. It’s the platform where you can connect with other professionals and businesses looking for video production and photography services. If you’re looking to create user-generated content (UGC) for brands, though, you might be better suited to platforms like TikTok or Instagram. Understand where your ideal clients are hanging out and focus your efforts there.

7. SEO and Online Presence: A Must for Freelance Videographers and Photographers

One of the best ways to attract clients is to have a solid online presence. This doesn’t just mean a website. You also need to optimise your social media profiles, create a blog, and ensure you’re ranking on Google for keywords like “freelance videographer in Sheffield” or “corporate video production Yorkshire”. On-page SEO is key; optimise your content with relevant keywords in headings, meta descriptions, and alt text. Backlinking and local SEO also help increase your visibility in the right areas, although I’m one to talk as I’m always tinkering with it!

8. Legal and Financial Considerations

Freelancing isn’t all about creative freedom. There are legal and financial aspects to consider, too. From setting up a business structure to keeping track of invoices and taxes, you need to stay organised. One of the most important things is having terms for every project, ensuring both parties understand their duties. Consider getting insurance for your equipment and public liability, and always keep track of your expenses to maximise tax deductions. I highly recommend speaking with an accountant or tax advisor to make sure you’re on top of your finances, although don’t worry too much about that in the early days. Just make sure you keep track of everything and pay your taxes on time if applicable.

9. The Importance of Continual Learning

In a competitive industry like video production and photography, staying up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies is crucial. Whether it’s learning a new editing technique, mastering new gear, or experimenting with new content formats, never stop learning.

10. Don’t Give Up, Stay Consistent

Freelancing can be tough. There will be days when you feel like giving up. But consistency is key. Keep putting yourself out there, keep honing your skills, and keep working hard. The good times will come, and when they do, you’ll appreciate them even more.

Conclusion

Freelancing as a videographer or photographer is a rewarding career choice, but it’s not without its challenges. From pricing your services to managing quiet periods, there’s a lot to think about. But if you plan carefully, stay consistent, and embrace the freedom that comes with freelancing, you’ll find your rhythm.

If you’re looking for high-quality video production and photography services in Yorkshire or beyond, feel free to get in touch. I’d love to work with you – https://freshperspectivemedia.co.uk/videoandphotgraphyproductionservices/

Here are some links you may find useful!

https://www.welcometosheffield.co.uk/business/
https://www.ad-venture.org.uk/
https://bectu.org.uk/topic/freelancers/