How to Get Through Your First Paid Photoshoot

In this video I share tips on how to get through your first paid photoshoot. Rather than going through photography techniques, I look at the practicalities for a beginner in photography.

In my bag I have;

[benharris]

One day I’ll get that first gig! A video on tethering and how you utilise it would be good.

[improbablehandle]

Thanks for the vid. I like the artsy cable-management on that wall behind you.

[Hayles]

I've got an offer for my first paid shoot in about 3 weeks time, they seem very intent on having me, i just need to give them a quote - I have no idea how to price my work, I'll be working from around 7:30am till 5pm - working with vehicles. I am an automotive photographer.. Do I say i'll give them a certain amount of photos.. do I edit them.. do I leave them... my mind is going 1000 miles an hour going though all of these things and how to word the email and come across professionally... because I haven't a clue. Do I mention its my first shoot? Do I keep quiet and pretend I know what I'm doing in regards to paid I've been doing this as a hobby for 10 odd years...only recently moved into self employment... I am UK based.

[merandadevan]

Thank you for this Trumpets Live Stream!

[___Stephan_D___]

Great advice, thanks a lot ... well said ... sample and clever

[josh]

Another thing to consider is if your one off paid job snow balls into more than one you now have to set up a legal business. Do it ASAP. Don't roll the dice working under the table for 6 months, a year two years ect, get caught and have your business and financial future killed in the nest by owing thousands to the tax man, ending up in jail, ending up evicted because you weren't zoned/leased to run a business in your dwelling, sued into oblivion, ect. All it takes is on person who is mad to sue you or give the tax man or your landlord an anonymous tip. All of which will put your under the table business on the table for all to see. Which will likely end your dreams of being a professional photographer for quite a while if not permanently. Trust me when it comes to setting up and running a business including taxes and such, you don't know what you don't know if you haven't studied the subject extensively. So the best tip for anyone who finds themselves suddenly doing paying jobs or with a lot of interest from others to do so, is to pay in accountant to help set up your business entity and an attorney to help you make your contracts so they protect you and will actually hold up in court. The latest you should do this is the instant you get your second or third paid gig. Even if you have to go in to the red a bit to do it. All businesses have start up costs if you want to make more money than a child's lemon aid stand. Running a legitimate business is the real difference between a hobbyist and a true professional and is the only way to protect yourself down the line when you are actually depending on your business for your income. Remember as soon as you are taking money, your are a business owner first, and a photographer second. Or maybe third.

Also in the U.S. insurance is even more important. Specifically liability insurance and errors and omissions insurance, the last one is especially true if you are a wedding or event photographer shooting stuff where you can't do a re-shoot. And don't cheap out on it either. Get at least 2 million worth of liability coverage but the more the better. In the U.S. it is very litigious. People will on purpose trip on your light, slip on your drive way, falsely claim you damaged property, ect so they can sue you if they think your pockets are deep enough for a good pay day or simply because they are jealous of your success. So don't just think "I'll be careful so I don't need much or any insurance coverage." NEVER operate a business without at least 1-2 million in liability insurance in the U.S. NO EXCEPTIONS. If you end up with any amount of real success with a studio and nice car and really expensive gear assume It's not if you get sued, it's when. Your mind set should be preparing for surviving a law suit, not avoiding ever being sued.

[Skiinye]

Have you got any mentoring sessions on approaching brands or ways to get paid clients?

[jono_]

'You only get one first paying job'. I disagree, if you're good at working rarely, every job is like the first paying job!