How to become a freelance photographer

It’s possible to capture great photographs with a smartphone, or virtual shots without a camera at all. But you’ll need to understand how to get the best from whatever you’re using. And investing in good quality equipment will help to make your life easier.

In most cases, you’ll obviously need a camera. This can range from an entry-level DSLR up to professional equipment, depending on your needs.

You’ll also need to invest in lenses beyond what comes supplied with a camera. Examples include fisheye, wide zoom, macro, telephoto and more, depending on what type of photography you’re doing, and the shot you’re trying to get.

Lighting is vital for capturing good photos, so there’s a range of equipment you may need to acquire, including lights, diffusers and reflectors.

For shooting portraits or products, you might need a range of backdrops, along with other equipment including flash triggers, strobes etc.

You probably won’t overlook the benefits of a tripod or stand, especially when your arms get tired. But there are other things which are easily forgotten, such as memory cards (including spares), extra batteries and items which can prevent a mistake from becoming a disaster.

You may decide to invest in a professional standard printer or outsource to a specialist. And if you need a studio, then rental costs also need to be taken into account. If you have a garage or space at home, then the cost of conversion should be factored in.

The rise of digital photography also means you need a computer which is capable of managing and editing your photos, along with suitable software. Although there are a wide range of solutions available, including good free open source photo editing packages, you may need to conform to client and industry standards, which tend to favour Adobe LightRoom and Photoshop, for example.

Again, it’s as important to understand as much about the software you use as your camera to get the best results from retouching or editing.

You don’t necessarily need to buy everything at once if you’re starting out, or to purchase everything brand new. But listing everything out and budgeting will allow you to plan for the future, and means you’ll know if a bargain crops up somewhere, rather than being caught out.