How To Become A Freelance Photographer: What It Is and Career Path

What is a freelance photographer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted expert

Susan McSpadden

Freelance Photographers take photos for different purposes. They discuss image requirements with clients and perform research for the shoot. They also arrange photoshoot backgrounds, take and process images. A freelance photographer works for himself and not for someone else. However, you can sell your pictures to anyone. Due to the nature of the job, you are responsible for building your reputations, marketing your work, and actively seeking clients. Additionally, you will write business plans, create budgets, invest in and maintain technical equipment.

Although no formal training is required, most freelance photographers possess a degree in photography. When sorting for clients, a portfolio of high-quality work is more important than academic credentials. Some learn both the technical and creative aspects of the profession as apprentices for veteran photographers. Freelance photographers must possess self-motivation, networking, creativity, technical, and communication skills. They must also be familiar with relevant software. Their working style is affected by the number and types of projects.

The salary of freelance photographers ranges from $33,842 to $48,123, with an average salary of $42,342.

What general advice would you give to a freelance photographer?

Susan McSpadden

Marketing Photographer, Johnson County Community College

I think the job market for photographers is tough right now, in the same way it is for many other professions. Companies are either holding steady with their current workforce or making cuts to stay afloat until the pandemic is under control and the economy starts to consistently improve. We've had quite a few members of our organization, the University Photographers' of America Association, lose their jobs, take a pay cut, or be furloughed for an extended period. It's challenging for seasoned photographers with a solid resume to find work. For recent graduates in the field, who don't have experience on their side, it has to be exponentially more difficult. The good news is that companies, organizations and publications have an easier time hiring a freelancer than a full time employee, so if you're self-motivated, with your own gear, there are good freelance opportunities out there.

ScoreFreelance PhotographerUS Average

Salary

3.4

Avg. Salary $42,949

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

4.5

Growth rate 9%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

5.3

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.23%

Asian 6.96%

Black or African American 6.25%

Hispanic or Latino 14.89%

Unknown 5.68%

White 65.99%

Gender

female 48.81%

male 51.19%

Age - 38

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 38

Stress level

4.5

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level

6.5

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

1.9

Work life balance is very poor

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a freelance photographer

Explore freelance photographer education requirements

Most common freelance photographer degrees

Bachelor's

68.9 %

Associate

18.0 %

High School Diploma

5.3 %

Start to develop specific freelance photographer skills

Skills	Percentages
Adobe Photoshop	30.41%
Aperture	14.48%
Adobe Lightroom	6.64%
Photo Shoots	5.08%
Portfolio	4.30%

Complete relevant freelance photographer training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New freelance photographers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a freelance photographer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real freelance photographer resumes.

Research freelance photographer duties and responsibilities

Manage HDR and PANO shots for greater Pittsburgh area.
Help manage a few bands Facebook pages and websites, including sharing and promoting shows and upcoming relate events.
Manage creative projects from concept to completion; including signs, posters, specialize logos and video documentaries for clients.
Provide commercial photography to assist company advertising and promotion on social platforms, including Instagram and Facebook.

Prepare your freelance photographer resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your freelance photographer resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a freelance photographer resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable freelance photographer resume templates

Build a professional freelance photographer resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your freelance photographer resume.