Tools for Freelance Photography
If you're doing freelance photography or considering it as a career or hobby, the right tools will help you get the results you need. Whether you're looking to make money with your work or simply to build an audience for your photographs, you can enjoy the art of photography more by choosing the best tools for the job.
-
Stock Image Website Account
-
Many stock image websites, such as StockXchange.com and Fotolia.com, offer contributor accounts to freelance photographers. Some pay you a royalty each time your photograph is downloaded; others let you post photographs for free downloading, to build interest in your work. Photographs you place online may be copied easily, despite copyright agreements. Once your pictures are on the web, there is no way to get them back. For aspiring freelance photographers, however, exposure and publicity are extremely important.
Online Forums
-
To learn more about your craft and about selling and advertising your photographs, you need feedback from the freelance photography community. A photography website that also features an active forum for photographers can be an excellent way to learn about camera equipment, accessories, lighting, angles and the photography business. You may also find useful information on websites and blogs run by prominent photographers such as Mario Testino (fashion) and Annie Leibovitz (celebrity).
-
Photoshop Software
-
Many freelance photographers rely on digital cameras and related technology to get the results they want. For many in the industry, Adobe's Photoshop software is the gold standard. It enables you to crop and resize your photographs; add special effects, including textures and lettering; and use hundreds of other tools.
Light Meter
-
If you're doing traditional photography and developing your photographs, you'll need a high-quality light meter to help you decide how to set up your shots. This device is small and convenient to use. It measures the precise intensity of light in any potential scene. With a good light meter, you'll be able to identify the proper film and shutter speeds to use.
-
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images
