Sometimes it can really pay to shoot for free but use discretion. For example. I was contacted by the Mayor of my city to intern as his official event photographer. I got to shoot high profile people including the PM of Canada. Huge exposure. I got work because suddenly people wanted to be photographed by me. I didn't get paid during my two years of doing this but I made many connections, gained cred, was actually photographed by other photographers, had a little bit of celebrity, got paid work from it. I gained experience working under every possible condition so became a much better photographer from it as well. Build an amazing event portfolio. Well worth it. Hopefully I have planted an idea for someone watching this vid. :)
I still remember time when I even struggled to find people to photograph for free. How insane is that? And now I'm a professional and even now many people write and ask for free photoshoots, I guess that'll happen often since it's a collab era. And that's good, collabs are fun and very beneficial! Lovely videos Jess, just came across this channel. New sub! x
My experience is to have a portfolio, which means making a fake wedding to shoot. That is smart advice. Also, you get some hands-on experience in trying to do it. No one will ever hire a photo/video-grapher that has no portfolio.
I use to be a photo retoucher and then had a 3y break on maternity leave. Now decided to break into photography but there is a lot to learn. I appreciate all your information so much I think you are fantastic!
The content that you put out is so helpful. I only found your channel a few weeks ago, yet I've learned more in the past few weeks than I probably have learned in months. Maybe even years. Thanks so much!
I've been shooting since 2008 and I've done like 3 paid shoots. the majority of my shoots have been free because I wanted to gain friends in the business and exposure and when I was in school I felt really good about myself and since 2012 I haven't done much of anything, I can offer free shoots and no one will book with me. Granted I feel strongest in a studio settings because I have all the control but I can certainly shoot on location. And I think it's hard for someone who put the time and effort into school and all of a sudden someone who (and not saying you Jessica I'm speaking very general) didn't go to school, didn't major in photography but all of a sudden are constantly doing work, getting clients, booking gigs and you who has been trying since 2008 to make just even a small name for yourself can't. It's really discouraging and suddenly you don't feel very worthless and like you wasted four years of your life in school building and working on finding out your brand. With that said it hasn't stopped me but it's slowed me down from trying to be who I want to be which is a photographer and not let my degree go to waste and be like a retail store manager for the rest of my life because I don't have a background in anything else. Sorry for the long winded reply. This video is very helpful, was my point I just took the long way to get there.
I know you wrote this reply a while ago but I want to encourage you to continue with what you love... I began shooting fashion and editorial two years ago and I have done paid gigs and a few weddings. Most of my time to date is marketing myself. I started shooting friends then got my foot in the door shooting a Non profit fashion show. Now I have a team of models who I collaborate and helps with the marketing of my brand. I now have constant content and knoweladge from projects we do. I to didnt go to school but self marketing is the bigest aspect of startingt o get paid. I also have learnt to take downpayments and use digital resources to collect payments. So now I can shoot with my muses when I want to do cool stuff in between shooting clients.
Hello, What I have learned overtime is that Whether you have a degree or not in photography , people will book you because of the work you produce. Advertise more your work on Soc Media and you will get attention. In short here is a quick summary 1. Build your portfolio and share it online (soc media etc) 2. Advertise yourself in you area and the surroundings ALWAYS REMEMBER BEING A PRO PHOTOGRAPHER = 80% MARKETING&CLIENTS HUNTING + 20% ORGANIZING SHOOTS AND PRESSING THE SHUTTER.
Slight little problem for me and pricing is competition in my area is doing all free shoots. Every photographer I see in my city are also very talented and it's hard to set a price for even portraits because someone else is there and willing to do it for free. :(
Take pictures of your friends for free and build a portfolio on Instagram. If you have a solid portfolio it'll raise your value and people will be willing to pay :)
Hi Susan, In the absence of Jessica getting back with a tutorial on, here are some tips: You need to learn posing and directing your subjects. Take a look at the work of established photographers such as Lindsey Adler or Jasmine Star, who are both excellent at posing subjects. Angling the body, having the chin up generally allows for a slimmed down look as well as losing some of the double chin. The key is to put these simple tips into practice sessions and working at it. Best wishes.
Despite what many say you don't make somebody look like they're slim by posing them. So I ask if your plus size models have a shape that makes a good photo or are your plus sized models basically rounded in shape? Fashion and portraiture depends heavily on human nature. The easiest way to take a photo that everybody will like is to take a picture of a nice looking woman. Take a look at plus sized models and you'll see they still have a shape to them. Their stomachs are relatively flat despite being bigger than you normally see. So are you trying to follow the myth that a lot of people think in that a photographer makes somebody look beautiful or makes them look slim?
I'm looking forward to see how far I can take my photography. I used to just do it for fun but as I'm a bit of a geek, I ended up learning so much about photography using TH-cam that I've decided to commit more time to shooting. Roll on the good times 🤭
The problem with second shooting is that there are too many photographers at least in my area, who won't help a newb step up. Shame, I gave up and shot my first wedding by myself! As for Pokemon, well...once I caught Pikachu, the Pidgeys didn't do it for me anymore...I decided to retire on a high..but I didn't catch them all...and it bothers me now! 😂
I'm Just starting out as a portrait photographer. Thanks for your videos. They are definitely, definitely helping me in many areas of this business. When it comes to being a second shooter, what is the average $$ I should ask for?
Those plants need full/ as much sun as possible. The leaves drooping downwards shows they're trying to get more sun. Anyways, this video was super super helpful for a new photographer like myself!
*Dear Jessica,* can i ask a question please. If i get an instagram account, how can i secure my photos from people copying, using them without permission? or is this about not worrying if your photos are going to get used but getting your photos shared linking back to website? thank you, all the best to you, kieron uk
Hey I just came across your channel & I have a question. I'm in college (not university college but the stage before) building my portfolio & I have my first client & opportunities arising. I want to start a free lance career without university, but what do you suggest? Is it absolutely necessary to go to university?
Hi in your opinion should I get paid as a second photographer? Also how much should charge hourly for my 1st own wedding but my 3rd wedding as a second shooter. I been a photographer for 3months now. Thank you
This is why I love you so much! Next time I’m in Michigan visiting family I would love to meet you! You have inspired me so much and have helped me more than you will ever know! 😭💗
Editorials and campaigns are where it's at. For me anyway people suck to work for, or with...people just suck. Public events, famous places, artistic piece etc. sell em online.
I was a second shooter for a few weddings for a photographer but have yet to receive any of the photos I took at these weddings. Am I entitled to theses images?
0:50 JESSICA, EVERY MONDAY TAKE YOUR PLANT TO THE SINK AND GIVE IT A DRENCHING WITH WATER. YOU ARE GIVING IT WAY TOO LITTLE WATER. IT IS A FALLACY THAT THEY CAN LIVE OFF OF A FEW DROPS EVERY TWO WEEKS.
Photography is my hobby. I'm not interested in it being my formal job, but even with it as a hobby and not charging, im having a hard time getting friends to participate.
I am doing senior portraits for a friend on sunday and we are doing it a woodsy and field area and i have never had a shoot that it more that 1 outfit- where is she going to change outfits??? THANK YOU
Great advice! At times I get clients that want me to take their wedding photos but I don't feel ready or comfortable and that upsets them and so I end up being pressured into taking them anyway (they end up loving the photos but still..) what do you think you advise me to do when I'm in that situation ?
lol i love your sense of humor! it makes learning this photography process more lighthearted and fun =) ... where do you recommend finding 2nd shooter jobs??
very informative, would you suggest making a IG just for photography and keep a different one for personal posts? Also, who is your favorite character on The Office :)
Start watching your videos today and I've fallen in love. You are amazing♥ I have a big question, I am amateur photographer, and I would like to know how I can pass my photos from the computer to instagram without losing quality, like yours. I would greatly appreciate your help:(
Jessica you are amazing and a true inspiration thank you for all of the valuable insight and knowledge! How can I offer prints? Do you have any recommended third party vendor. I am having the hardest time figuring out how photographers offer prints. I really do not want to be involved if possible. Is there a way to do this as an affiliate for a potential commission while keeping the prints a decent price for my clients? Any help from other subbies would help as well! Thanks everyone!
![Finding Photography Clients & Making Money [ PART 2/2 ]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/XQL8loRqkrU/mqdefault.jpg)
![Finding Photography Clients & Making Money [ PART 2/2 ]](/img/tr.png)
Sometimes it can really pay to shoot for free but use discretion. For example. I was contacted by the Mayor of my city to intern as his official event photographer. I got to shoot high profile people including the PM of Canada. Huge exposure. I got work because suddenly people wanted to be photographed by me. I didn't get paid during my two years of doing this but I made many connections, gained cred, was actually photographed by other photographers, had a little bit of celebrity, got paid work from it. I gained experience working under every possible condition so became a much better photographer from it as well. Build an amazing event portfolio. Well worth it. Hopefully I have planted an idea for someone watching this vid. :)
Shelly Fox Have you thought about starting a youtube channel to share your experiences
i feel like jessica is low key stoned in every video LOL
It feels like she's a fun buddy to get wasted with
hahahahahhaah She was smoking that dead plant lol Rambling for 5mins about bs, wasting time
I still remember time when I even struggled to find people to photograph for free. How insane is that? And now I'm a professional and even now many people write and ask for free photoshoots, I guess that'll happen often since it's a collab era. And that's good, collabs are fun and very beneficial! Lovely videos Jess, just came across this channel. New sub! x
"If I catch one more Pidgey" is hilarious 😂
My experience is to have a portfolio, which means making a fake wedding to shoot. That is smart advice. Also, you get some hands-on experience in trying to do it. No one will ever hire a photo/video-grapher that has no portfolio.
hmmmm fake weddings. that's interesting...
I just pause the video on the social media part and went to upload my photos thanks jess you're a gem
I LOVED the plant rant at the beginning as I thought you'd segway into a sponsored ad, but we got a cute mini-story instead. You keep being you!
I use to be a photo retoucher and then had a 3y break on maternity leave. Now decided to break into photography but there is a lot to learn. I appreciate all your information so much I think you are fantastic!
The content that you put out is so helpful. I only found your channel a few weeks ago, yet I've learned more in the past few weeks than I probably have learned in months. Maybe even years. Thanks so much!
I love this! I've been shooting for 3 years but its difficult still finding new clients.
yea me too, I guess you have to constantly advertise on instagram ads and build a great portfolio
I've been shooting since 2008 and I've done like 3 paid shoots. the majority of my shoots have been free because I wanted to gain friends in the business and exposure and when I was in school I felt really good about myself and since 2012 I haven't done much of anything, I can offer free shoots and no one will book with me. Granted I feel strongest in a studio settings because I have all the control but I can certainly shoot on location. And I think it's hard for someone who put the time and effort into school and all of a sudden someone who (and not saying you Jessica I'm speaking very general) didn't go to school, didn't major in photography but all of a sudden are constantly doing work, getting clients, booking gigs and you who has been trying since 2008 to make just even a small name for yourself can't. It's really discouraging and suddenly you don't feel very worthless and like you wasted four years of your life in school building and working on finding out your brand. With that said it hasn't stopped me but it's slowed me down from trying to be who I want to be which is a photographer and not let my degree go to waste and be like a retail store manager for the rest of my life because I don't have a background in anything else. Sorry for the long winded reply. This video is very helpful, was my point I just took the long way to get there.
Libbii, I only hope you get a LOT of clients this year. Keep fighting
Marcos Gómez thank you. Means a lot.
Do you have an Instagram? :)
I know you wrote this reply a while ago but I want to encourage you to continue with what you love... I began shooting fashion and editorial two years ago and I have done paid gigs and a few weddings. Most of my time to date is marketing myself. I started shooting friends then got my foot in the door shooting a Non profit fashion show. Now I have a team of models who I collaborate and helps with the marketing of my brand. I now have constant content and knoweladge from projects we do. I to didnt go to school but self marketing is the bigest aspect of startingt o get paid. I also have learnt to take downpayments and use digital resources to collect payments. So now I can shoot with my muses when I want to do cool stuff in between shooting clients.
Hello, What I have learned overtime is that Whether you have a degree or not in photography , people will book you because of the work you produce. Advertise more your work on Soc Media and you will get attention.
In short here is a quick summary
1. Build your portfolio and share it online (soc media etc)
2. Advertise yourself in you area and the surroundings
ALWAYS REMEMBER BEING A PRO PHOTOGRAPHER = 80% MARKETING&CLIENTS HUNTING + 20% ORGANIZING SHOOTS AND PRESSING THE SHUTTER.
Slight little problem for me and pricing is competition in my area is doing all free shoots. Every photographer I see in my city are also very talented and it's hard to set a price for even portraits because someone else is there and willing to do it for free. :(
Take pictures of your friends for free and build a portfolio on Instagram. If you have a solid portfolio it'll raise your value and people will be willing to pay :)
Advertise elsewhere.
Love your videos you're so real & that's what makes you so helpful! ❤️
thank you so much :D
I've been studying how to get paid for photos and found an awesome website at Hartlyn Photo Pro (check it out on google)
I love listening to you
* shows the world the dying plant *
Also Jessica: "dont tell anyone their dying"
Omg i love her so much 😂😂😂
Can you please make a video on PLUS SIZE MODELS. Tips and tricks, because i find it really hard to shoot plus size models.
Hi Susan, In the absence of Jessica getting back with a tutorial on, here are some tips: You need to learn posing and directing your subjects. Take a look at the work of established photographers such as Lindsey Adler or Jasmine Star, who are both excellent at posing subjects. Angling the body, having the chin up generally allows for a slimmed down look as well as losing some of the double chin. The key is to put these simple tips into practice sessions and working at it. Best wishes.
Susan Viljoen YES
Despite what many say you don't make somebody look like they're slim by posing them. So I ask if your plus size models have a shape that makes a good photo or are your plus sized models basically rounded in shape? Fashion and portraiture depends heavily on human nature. The easiest way to take a photo that everybody will like is to take a picture of a nice looking woman. Take a look at plus sized models and you'll see they still have a shape to them. Their stomachs are relatively flat despite being bigger than you normally see. So are you trying to follow the myth that a lot of people think in that a photographer makes somebody look beautiful or makes them look slim?
Susan Viljoen how r they any different to other models?
As harsh as it sounds, you will need a wide angle lense.
why anyone would dislike this video is totally beyond me.
It's really helpful this kind of videos most when you are trying to start with your photography work !! I really like and enjoy it 😀
I'm photoshooting with my aunt (as a second photographer) at a wedding in December😁😋
Back then, I used MySpace and Flickr to show off and get work. Now it's Facebook and Instagram.
You are amazing jess . Keep doing what you love
.mashaalla
I'm here because of the plants! :D
Jk, great vid as always, Jessica x
ahahhaa yayyy!! but i think they both died officially :#
I'm looking forward to see how far I can take my photography. I used to just do it for fun but as I'm a bit of a geek, I ended up learning so much about photography using TH-cam that I've decided to commit more time to shooting. Roll on the good times 🤭
Your mock wedding idea is amazing
The problem with second shooting is that there are too many photographers at least in my area, who won't help a newb step up. Shame, I gave up and shot my first wedding by myself! As for Pokemon, well...once I caught Pikachu, the Pidgeys didn't do it for me anymore...I decided to retire on a high..but I didn't catch them all...and it bothers me now! 😂
Lmao the Pokémon analogy was hilarious and so true 😂😂😂
Can't wait to watch part 2!!
I'm Just starting out as a portrait photographer. Thanks for your videos. They are definitely, definitely helping me in many areas of this business. When it comes to being a second shooter, what is the average $$ I should ask for?
Thank you Jess!! You are a sweetheart!!
She is so pretty I love her personality
That Pokemon reference was PERFECT! lol
Hi Jessica, Great video Thank you! Like the new hair!
Those plants need full/ as much sun as possible. The leaves drooping downwards shows they're trying to get more sun.
Anyways, this video was super super helpful for a new photographer like myself!
Great information! Now I need to apply this info to any other aspect of photography but weddings.
I'm in the constantly catching Pidgees phase, haha. Loving your channel. Found you a few weeks ago, you have been very helpful.
The first minute of this video is the best minute of this video
Real awsome videos! very helpful, thanks so much!
hahaha and i love your accent! :) it keeps me coming back to your videos :D
*Dear Jessica,* can i ask a question please. If i get an instagram account, how can i secure my photos from people copying, using them without permission? or is this about not worrying if your photos are going to get used but getting your photos shared linking back to website?
thank you, all the best to you, kieron uk
What you said made a lot of sense.
Hey I just came across your channel & I have a question. I'm in college (not university college but the stage before) building my portfolio & I have my first client & opportunities arising. I want to start a free lance career without university, but what do you suggest? Is it absolutely necessary to go to university?
“This ones dead.... but it’s ok” 😂😂😂😂 love her videos!
Thank you so much for sharing your tips ❤️
You are the best help for us new photographers Thank you !
Hi in your opinion should I get paid as a second photographer? Also how much should charge hourly for my 1st own wedding but my 3rd wedding as a second shooter. I been a photographer for 3months now. Thank you
Would you let someone shadow you if you have a canon rebel t6s with a 50mm 1.8 or 50mm 1.4?
im curious, whats the currrent setup ur having? do u recommend using flash for events shoots?
Pokemon analogies?! I would not have expected that. Awesome. :)
I grew up playing pokemon! Yellow was my favorite :) Still have my see through purple gameboy!
I had the same one when i was a kid! i love you so much, Jessica❤
I've been doing deals, and I officially started 2 weeks ago and have a good amount of sessions already
I've also been doing social media , that's how I'm getting clients.
(reads title)
(destroys the mouse pad clicking)
This is why I love you so much! Next time I’m in Michigan visiting family I would love to meet you! You have inspired me so much and have helped me more than you will ever know! 😭💗
you are so motivating a lot of people thankx
What is a good starting price point?
How do you book weddings when your insta is almost 100% fashion/portraits?
I love you jess... You always inspire me 😘
Editorials and campaigns are where it's at. For me anyway people suck to work for, or with...people just suck. Public events, famous places, artistic piece etc. sell em online.
I was a second shooter for a few weddings for a photographer but have yet to receive any of the photos I took at these weddings. Am I entitled to theses images?
Just got my first poke ball! LOL I’m just getting into photography. Thanks for your videos!
The Pokémon reference made my day🤣😭
was looking for the comment , "The Video starts at _:_ ." . ;p
You're so adorable.... talking about plants forgetting her video x'D
0:50 JESSICA, EVERY MONDAY TAKE YOUR PLANT TO THE SINK AND GIVE IT A DRENCHING WITH WATER. YOU ARE GIVING IT WAY TOO LITTLE WATER. IT IS A FALLACY THAT THEY CAN LIVE OFF OF A FEW DROPS EVERY TWO WEEKS.
this is very helpful i can't wait start booking session thanks for the information
How/where do you make your templates for pricing?
How much you charge to your clients for wedding shoot and how you deal with them
Photography is my hobby. I'm not interested in it being my formal job, but even with it as a hobby and not charging, im having a hard time getting friends to participate.
would love to see a vlog during a wedding.
How do you recommend finding 2nd shooter positions in NYC?
how u book ur clients ... through ur website or by meeting them .
Thanks for sharing! Some times...We need a kick in the butt to take it to the next level!
I am doing senior portraits for a friend on sunday and we are doing it a woodsy and field area and i have never had a shoot that it more that 1 outfit- where is she going to change outfits??? THANK YOU
In the car maybe? Or will you be parking too far from where you are shooting.
Yes most of the time my clients change in the car :P But sometimes you'll get lucky and there is a bathroom hidden about...
buy a pop up changing room online. they are around 30 dollars and will make your client experience that much more professional.
Thank you everyone for the very helpful suggestions!!
Great advice! At times I get clients that want me to take their wedding photos but I don't feel ready or comfortable and that upsets them and so I end up being pressured into taking them anyway (they end up loving the photos but still..) what do you think you advise me to do when I'm in that situation ?
We are never ready
@@Ongezwa_Fefeza Right !!!!!!!
Lol I like you girl you sound original and not made up.
thanks ma
I love your channel so much ❤️
I liked before watching
Thanks for those tips! I really appreciate it...Cheers from Germany :)
aww I got two succulents from a friends wedding. one went crazy and one hasn't done much....I put one in a big pot and it's growing...
Bruh she hit home with the Pokemon reference! I totally understand haha
Damnn, started off as a iffy analogy but turned out pre solid
lol i love your sense of humor! it makes learning this photography process more lighthearted and fun =) ... where do you recommend finding 2nd shooter jobs??
I’m going to 8th grade, would couple pictures be good? $5 a shot
This was legit, thanks for the help.
I love your videos!!
What're your thoughts on crop sensors?
i love playing pokemon!!!!! time to take a break from photography
This is very helpful thank you!
very informative, would you suggest making a IG just for photography and keep a different one for personal posts? Also, who is your favorite character on The Office :)
Start watching your videos today and I've fallen in love. You are amazing♥ I have a big question, I am amateur photographer, and I would like to know how I can pass my photos from the computer to instagram without losing quality, like yours. I would greatly appreciate your help:(
Love u❤️‼️
Your Pokemon analogy was beautiful thank you. Or is it a simile?
Jessica you are amazing and a true inspiration thank you for all of the valuable insight and knowledge! How can I offer prints? Do you have any recommended third party vendor. I am having the hardest time figuring out how photographers offer prints. I really do not want to be involved if possible. Is there a way to do this as an affiliate for a potential commission while keeping the prints a decent price for my clients? Any help from other subbies would help as well! Thanks everyone!
Great tips! Helped me a lot! Thanks for sharing your knowledge! Definitely earned a sub! Detroiters have to stick together.
did you go to university Jessica? x
Does it matter?
I’m pretty sure she has her degree in Graphic Design
I'm in that Pidgy and Rattata stage. 😫
LMAO you are awesome! Great pokemon analogy ^.^
Come on, you can save it. A llittle TLC 🌷
the pokemon metaphor is killing me hahaha
Ok, l’ll open an instagram account....
thank yon hun. so helpful!
love your videos 😀😀
Already liked you, then you made the Pokemon analogy. Hahah