If you want to be successful as a freelance photographer, you need to constantly have your finger on the pulse of what gigs are out there and where to find them.
But where, exactly, should you be looking for those coveted jobs? And how can you snag the best ones in the industry? Here’s a roundup of 55 places to find freelance photography jobs today.
First things first: Before we jump into where to find the best freelance photography jobs, let’s go over some quick information about the field itself. That way, you can determine whether it’s the right fit for you.
Photography Jobs Abroad
A freelance photographer is just what it sounds like—a photographer who gets hired on a freelance basis to shoot and edit photos.
For example, you can work for a newspaper or magazine, brand, or individual. You can shoot landscapes, portraits, and product photos. You can specialize in wedding photography or architectural photography…the possibilities for self-employed photographers are pretty much endless!
Typically, in-house photographers are considered employees. They have taxes taken out of their paychecks and, if applicable, are eligible for employee benefits (like paid time off and sick time). As employees, in-house photographers will typically stay with one publication or company for long periods of time.
Cruise Ship Photography Jobs
As a freelancer, you’re considered an independent contractor. That means you’re hired for a specific assignment or contract—and you’ll have to set aside your own money for taxes. Also, freelancers aren’t typically eligible for benefits.
Freelance photographers typically make a higher hourly rate—and because they’re not tied down to a single company or publication, they can pursue a broader variety of opportunities. That can translate into a more expansive portfolio and more creative freedom.
COVID-19 completely changed the employment landscape. In the midst of the “Great Resignation, ” more people than ever are leaving the traditional 9-to-5 in search of opportunities that feel more aligned with their goals, passions, and desired work environments—and for many, that means pursuing freelance work.
Job Hunting Stock Photos, Pictures & Royalty Free Images
The good news is, as the work world shifts towards being more “freelancer friendly, ” there are likely to be more freelance photography jobs up for grabs. The not-so-good news? There’s likely to be more freelance photographers vying for those roles. Or, in other words, more opportunities—but also more competition.
Only you can decide if freelance photography is the right career path for you. But if it is? Here are 55 of the best places to find freelance photography work.
As you’ll see, there are a lot of places to look for freelance photography jobs. One of the very first places you should search? Job boards catered specifically to creatives and freelance photographers.
Travel Photography Jobs And Tips For Becoming A Travel Photographer
Industry-specific job boards are an ideal place to look for freelance photography jobs. Because they’re catered to creatives (and, in many cases, specifically to photographers), you won’t spend a ton of time combing through opportunities that aren’t a fit.
While industry-specific job boards are a one-stop shop for creative talent, they’re also a go-to for hiring managers who don’t want to spend a ton of time sifting through unqualified candidates. Consider it a client/candidate win-win!
TheCreativeloft is a job listing database catered to those in creative industries—and that includes photographers! You’ll need to sign up for a membership to browse all available jobs. Filter your search by city (primarily U.S.-based), field, and occupation.
Photographer: Job Description
Fees: For $12.95/month, you get access to all job listings, a resume builder tool, and theCreativeloft’s support team. There’s a 24-hour trial period, so if you aren’t happy, no worries; just cancel before the trial period ends, and you’re good to go.
Pros: theCreative loft has a huge variety of photography jobs available on its site. Everything from capturing images of exotic cars for ad campaigns to taking headshots for business cards. And if your interests expand beyond photography—and you’re looking to get into videography and/or filmmaking—you can also find great opportunities in those fields.
Get Photography Jobs is a photography job board that allows you to filter by job type and location. Once you find a posting that catches your eye, you can click through to apply on the company’s website or via a third-party hiring company.
Job Vacancies Hi Res Stock Photography And Images
Fees: None! All photography jobs are completely free to browse; all you have to do to access the job database is create a free account. Once your free account is up and running, you can also manage your resume and set up custom alerts and notifications.
Cons: Since it’s free for employers to access (they only need to create a free profile as well), you may need to wade through some spam or illegitimate job postings to find high-quality opportunities.
Every great story needs a great photo—and if you want your photos to support great stories, you’ll want to check out Journalism Jobs. In addition to jobs for journalists, the platform hosts a wide variety of freelance photographer opportunities, which is especially interesting if you’re thinking about pursuing a career in photojournalism.
Photographer Job Description: Salary, Skills, & More
Pros: This is one of the most popular sites for jobs in the journalism field. And because employers have to pay to post their job openings on the site, all the listings are typically legitimate.
Cons: If photojournalism isn’t your area of interest or expertise, you probably won’t find any relevant opportunities here. Plus, while the platform does feature plenty of freelance photojournalism work, there are also plenty of full-time jobs you’ll have to sort through to find what you’re looking for.
If you want more options to search for freelance photography opportunities, here are some additional photography-centric job boards you’ll want to check out.
Photography Jobs In Bangalore
Freelance photography job boards are a great place to start your search. But if you don’t find what you’re looking for, what’s the next step? Cast a wider net.
In fact, more general freelance job boards might even have opportunities you wouldn’t be able to find on more niche photography job sites. Because these freelance marketplaces are more well-known, they tend to attract a wider variety of employers.
While it’s probably not the best time investment to pore through these job ads on the daily, doing a quick search for freelance photography-centric jobs every once in a while could bring in some interesting opportunities.
Jobs In Shooting, Uk
Chances are, you use social media to share your photography. But did you know you can also use it to find your next freelance photography gig?
Social media is a great place to network, learn about new opportunities, connect with potential clients, and land your next job. Some of the best social networks to leverage for building your freelance photography career include:
You don’t need a job board, posting, or description to get out there and land your dream photography gig. If there’s someone you want to shoot for, do your research, find them online, develop a pitch, and get in touch!
Photography Jobs In London
There are a few different reasons why cold pitching is a great way to build your freelance photography business. Not only does cold pitching show potential clients that you’re proactive and can take initiative, but because you’re not going up against other job applicants, the process can also be less competitive.
Want to shoot features for a local magazine? Grab a copy, look at the masthead, and reach out to their photo editor.
Want to offer your product photography services to an up-and-coming brand? Get on LinkedIn, connect with their brand manager, and make an introduction.
Top 19 Unique & Popular Photography Jobs For You
Not every cold pitch will lead to an immediate assignment, but it’s a great way to introduce yourself and get your foot in the door to start a conversation with your ideal client.
Want to be successful with your pitching strategy? Then you need to show would-be clients you’re the kind of professional they want to work with. And we can help! With ’ proposal feature, you can craft tailored proposals that get you noticed—and get you hired.
Generally, these platforms require you to create a profile that outlines your skills, experience, and rate—and from there, users who are in need of a photographer can hire you to manage their job (e.g., to snap photos at a wedding or birthday celebration).
Photographer Job Vacancy In Nepal
While the jobs featured on these sites are typically one-off opportunities (and don’t usually pay the same kind of rate as more professional jobs), they can be a great way to build your portfolio, especially when you’re just getting started.
Want more on how to find (and get hired for) freelance photo jobs? Here are a few additional tips to help you with your job search:
If you want to consistently land freelance photography gigs, you can’t take a one-size-fits-all approach to your portfolio. Make sure to send tailored samples for each job you’re applying for; that way, you can show potential employers that you’re not only skilled at capturing high-quality photos but capturing exactly what’s needed for their project.
Photography Jobs Near Los Angeles
For example, if you’re applying for a job shooting portraits, make sure to send examples of your portrait work—not branding or product photos.
You’ll want to send tailored samples to each freelance photography job you apply for. But you also want to create a more comprehensive portfolio that features all your work. That way, if a potential client or hiring manager is interested in your samples and wants
