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How to Get Photos for Freelance Work

There are a number of different reasons that photographers shoot on a freelance basis. They may like the lifestyle or may want to retain copyright to all the pictures they produce or may only want to shoot a certain type of subject or event. One of the biggest challenges freelance photographers face in their role is getting pictures that they can use for their freelance work, as such a freelance photographer spends a lot of time researching.

Instructions

- 1
  Map a geographic area you want to work in. If you live in a larger urban city, limit your working area to a specific community or you may choose to cover the entire region. If you live in a rural setting the region may have to be larger to find enough events.
- 2
  Research for events that are taking place within the region you are selected for the next few months. This should be a daily or at a minimum weekly activity. Not all of your freelance work can be determined this way. Breaking news or news items often happen with little or no warning. When you find an event you want to cover write the event and contact information into your calendar.
- 3
  Email the event organizer and request a photo pass for the event. Let them know you are a freelance photographer in the area and you would like to photograph the event for inclusion in your archive and possible future publication.
- 4
  Compile a list of publications or media companies that might be interested in the event. Send them the details and let them know you will be shooting the event.
- 5
  Attend the event photograph the event thoroughly. If it is a summer festival make sure you have pictures of the performers, vendors, people enjoying the event and any highlights or special moments during the festival.
- 6
  Send your best images to any of the magazines you contacted earlier. Contact the event co-ordinators and see if they have any interest in purchasing images from the event for their promotional material for future years.

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