Things I Would Tell My Past Self Before Going Freelance
Reflections from 10+ years working full time as a photographer
1. You’ll have to reinvent yourself — repeatedly.
Freelance life is constantly evolving. You’ll experiment with new strategies, improve your skills, shift your style, update or archive old social media posts, explore new passions, and adjust your offerings based on changing markets. Reinvention isn’t a failure; it’s part of growth. Embrace it.
2. You’ll get rejected. A LOT. And that’s okay.
No matter how talented you are, rejection is part of the process. Some clients will say no, some pitches won’t land, and some opportunities will fall through. Everyone experiences this, even the people whose work you admire. It doesn’t define your worth or your potential.
3. Being good at photography (or whatever your craft is) isn’t enough.
Skill alone won’t build a business. You also need to understand client relationships, contracts, pricing, marketing, finances, taxes and managing the logistics of a freelance career. Your photography is the foundation, but everything else is what makes it sustainable. Keep learning.
4. You’re more resilient than you think.
Freelance work pushes you into uncomfortable situations, forces hard decisions + discussions, and challenges your patience. Over time, you realize you can handle more than you imagined and those experiences shape your confidence and adaptability.
5. There is more than one way to be successful.
Don’t compare your path to anyone else’s. Just because someone’s advice or career trajectory worked for them doesn’t mean it will work for you. Find what aligns with your skills, values, circumstances + the life you want to build. Allow yourself the freedom to create your own version of success.
6. Be selective about the advice you take.
There’s endless chatter about how to run a business and build your creative life. It’s important to find a community you trust and voices you respect. Take what resonates, leave the rest, and trust your instincts.
7. Expect financial fluctuations and plan for them (or at least try your best to).
Some months will be quiet, and others overwhelming. Keep a budget, track expenses, save consistently + don’t forget about taxes. Don’t let one successful month tempt you to overspend, or a slow month discourage you. Stability comes from managing the highs and lows strategically.
8. Pay attention to your strengths.
Know what you’re best at and don’t be afraid to market it. Some skills come naturally; others you’ve worked hard to develop. Clients want to hire someone confident in what they do well — embrace it and share it.
Built by Freelancers, for freelancers
9. Most of your time won’t be spent taking photos.
From emails to invoices, logistics, preproduction, and client communications, photography is only one piece of the puzzle. Having solid routines and systems in place allows you to enjoy the parts you love most, like being on set or creating your art.
10. Market yourself repeatedly without guilt.
Talking about your work is necessary, not boastful. Word of mouth helps, but you have to put yourself out there first. Pitch yourself, network, and share what you do confidently. People can’t hire you if they don’t know you exist.
11. Make sure you create for yourself, too.
Remember why you started doing this in the first place — you love photography. Set aside time to take the photos you want to take, whether that’s a fashion editorial, travel shots, or capturing another talented artist at work. Don’t get so caught up in creating for clients or pleasing others that you lose sight of your own vision and passion.
If I’d known then what I know now, I might have hesitated and maybe I wouldn’t have taken the leap as a naïve 25-year-old. But looking back, I’m so grateful that I did. Every challenge, rejection, late night, and hard-earned lesson shaped the career and life I have today. Freelancing isn’t easy, but it’s taught me resilience, creativity, and the freedom to shape my work and my life on my own terms. And for that, I wouldn’t trade a single step of the journey.
Xx
Katie J.