A few months ago, I have decided I want to give my photography career a full chance at blossoming. And I did that, exactly that: I have gone full-time as a (portrait) photographer.
I had been doing photography part-time since 2010 while studying for my university degree and working full-time in a few restaurants in Canterbury. Working as a waitress provided me with a steady job and (I must admit) inspiration while working on personal projects, like writing my novel(s) and stories, and doing various photography photo-shoots to built up my portfolio. However, being a waitress is not the best job in the world as you have a boss to answer to and a rota that sometimes is ready on as late in the week as a Sunday night. That's not great for scheduling personal projects and it sucks the creativity big time. So I took the decision of going my own way full-time more and more seriously as days and nights passed on. Just before going away on holiday, I had given my notice letter and that was that.
Now comes the life of an independent creator and freelancer.
Let me put it out of the way first and mention this: I do not recommend leaving your 9-5 job (or whatever strange hours you're working as I once did) to go freelance unless you have a safety net. By safety net, I mean having few months savings or/and someone to support you financially while attempting the full-time freelance job you're so passionate about.
Being a freelancer is difficult and you must be careful about it.
Just because you don't have a strict rota and a boss to answer to you still have to answer for your actions. And actually guess what, you still have a boss and that is YOU. And that comes with gains and responsibilities. Plenty of both.
So how is the life of a freelancer? Well, to be honest, I have only been doing it for a few months and so far I can confirm it is at times stressful, sometimes delightful, and in general, it's FREEING.
I have been photographing many people in the last few weeks.
My photography work has been inspired by photographers like Sue Bryce, Peter Hurley, Dylan Patrick, Jannis Dirkson and many, many others. While from the first two I have learnt how to coach people to get the best expression, from the last two photographers I have got how to treat people to come back and also recommend me. Also, I love the look of their photographs and that is the gorgeous cinematic look. I still remember my reaction while seeing the Fstoppers trailer for Dylan Patrick's tutorial on teaching how to shoot headshots. I was blown away, just as Lee mentions in the video. I remember saying to myself
'That's what I want to do!' (I think I even said it out loud, that's how excited I was).
I want to make every person I photograph to feel special and see themselves as I see them.
And Dylan Patrick's headshot work delivered exactly what I wanted to achieve: making people feel like movie stars. I will also never forget how kind and helpful Dylan was when I asked for his advice. He was quick and patient instructing me on what lens is best to get to obtain a similar look while also not forgetting about how to get a great expression.
Recently, I have been following Jannis Dirkson's website and youtube for such cool tutorials and advice in general on spontaneously photographing people on the street. I have learnt so much especially after taking a video course from him and being taught step by step how to do more, how to step over boundaries imposed by shyness or fear of not being good enough or whatever that usually holds someone back from doing what they love. Practice is the most important in my opinion but education is as important and I highly advise you to invest in it. So educate yourself (there's plenty of material online) and practice, practice, practice. I've noticed myself, the more I do it, the better I get at it and that makes me, and other people, happy.
I have recently updated my website as well adding a photography page to it because before it only had details about my writing, my published novel, and my video work. Now on that page you can find information about what kind of photography work I do (from product photography to headshots and even some weddings)
and for how much so people have an idea of what to expect. It's so annoying when I research someone because I am looking for a service and can't find prices listed. I want to know for how much the provider offers his services because I don't want to bother in case I can't afford him/her. That is why I added some prices on my website. Of course, depending on the person and the service required, those prices may vary so please email me if you need more info. But in general, I think my site looks pretty awesome at this present time. I am sure it will look even better in the future as my work will grow.
I am currently working on several projects alongside doing my photography jobs. The main projects I am working on are:
a photographic book that has its theme based on spontaneously photographing couples on the street (I have a title for it and know more or less what it's going to contain; more on that to come in the following weeks as it's a big project and will require plenty of time to put it together up to the stage of being published and available)
MIDNIGHT TEARS, my second novel that follows the people I have created in my first published novel (Velvet Touch).
TENDER IS THE RAIN, my psychological novel about how internal monsters can be freed by creating art. This novel is in many ways more difficult to write because it deals with mental illness, loneliness and isolation and all 'great things' like that.
Yeah, it will take me some time to finish it.
Being a full-time photographer while being an indie published writer takes its toll and often one side of me has to be put aside for the other one to grow. But they are growing together and while at times it can be difficult and extremely challenging, I am loving it.
For photography services please contact me at lilybloomwriter@yahoo.com or at the phone number provided on my website.
For my writing, publishing work and other inquiries you may have, you can contact me at the same email address. :)
Have a lovely time,
Crina aka Lily Bloom :)
ps: Don't forget to check out my youtube channel ;)
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