Key takeaways
- Photography gigs are short-term, project-based roles that provide creative freedom and flexible work hours.
- While there are many freelance photography jobs, not all are suitable for those with formal education, as some gigs may pay poorly, lack creative freedom, or pose ethical issues.
- Degree holders can explore a wide range of freelance photography opportunities, including portrait, lifestyle, event, fashion, real estate, product, and even influencer collaboration.
- These gigs help build portfolios and gain exposure in competitive markets, as a portfolio is essential for success in the freelance work photography market.
- Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer, and PhotoJobz are valuable for finding gig photography jobs.
- Fields such as photojournalism and event photography not only align well with a formal degree but also provide opportunities for consistent work and competitive pay.
- The training, portfolio-building opportunities and mentorship experience graduates with a photography degree have enables them to land high-paying, top tier photography jobs.
Whether you are an aspiring digital photographer or just a hobbyist exploring the profession, you will soon realize that a digital photography degree is essential. A digital photography degree opens a world of employment opportunities for you. The field of photography is versatile, offering abundant avenues for exploration. Those with a love and passion for photography can confidently explore multiple niches with the skills learned through a college education.
However, not all types of photography gigs are suitable for degree holders. Some pay less, demand too much, undervalue their work, take away freedom of creativity, or pose ethical challenges. Here, we explore freelance photography jobs that are ideal for aspiring professionals who have invested in a college education.
What is a photography gig?
Before we move on to list some amazing gig photography jobs for qualified photographers, let us first break down what a gig is. Typically, the word job refers to a paid position or formal, regular employment. A job has set working hours and may come with perks such as a retirement account, old age benefits, health insurance, and paid time off. However, it also comes with restrictions and set regulations. You have strict working hours, limited room for growth, and you may even feel like your creativity is being stifled.
In contrast, photography gigs are short-term project-based or freelance photography opportunities. Another term for a photography gig is a contract photography job. A freelance job does not come with any of the restrictions that regular employment does. You will be free to explore, tap into your creative side, determine your own working hours, and so on. However, freelance work, photography in particular, does not feature the income stability that regular employment does.
Whether freelance photography jobs are right for you or not is a decision only you can make. However, should you choose to pursue a career as a freelance photographer, read these 6 tips to succeed as a freelancer.
What are the types of available photographer gigs?
Photography gigs can vary widely depending on the type of photography you’re into, the event or need, and who’s hiring. Moreover, the nature of these gigs can range from one-time projects to ongoing contracts. However, these are usually short-term projects and can last from anywhere between a one-day shoot to a 3-6 month contract.
Related: How to land contract photography jobs?
Freelance photography work can be a good way for photographers to build their portfolio or for someone just starting in the industry to gain experience. Here are some types of available photography jobs in the USA.
Event photography
This includes gigs for weddings, corporate events, birthday parties, graduations, or festivals. An event photographer captures moments and provides clients with a set of high-quality images.
Portrait photography
People often hire photographers for individual or family portraits, professional headshots, senior pictures, or maternity shoots.
Product photography
Brands, e-commerce businesses, or individuals may hire photographers to take high-quality images of products for marketing, websites, or catalogs.
Real estate photography
Photographers specializing in real estate take pictures of homes or commercial properties for listings. They may also include drone shots or videos for virtual tours.
Related: What is a real estate degree, and what jobs can you get with a real estate bachelor’s?
Fashion photography
Fashion photographers work with models, designers, and brands to shoot clothing, accessories, or editorial content for magazines or campaigns.
Stock photography
Photographers can take general-interest photos (landscapes, food, people, and so on) and sell them to stock photography websites, earning money whenever their images are downloaded or used.
Sports photography
Sports photographers attend live sporting events to capture key moments, team photos, or action shots for publications, teams, or individuals.
Related: All you need to know about finding sports photography colleges
Concert or performance photography
Capturing musicians or artists performing at events, concerts, or gigs. Concert or festival photography may particularly interest those with a love for the performing arts.
Influencer collaboration
These might be anything from photo shoots for online influencers to collaborations with other creatives. This field is ripe with potential as the popularity and power of social media influencers grow.
Photojournalism
Photojournalism is a great option for freelance photographers. Here, photographers work with media outlets to cover news stories, ranging from local events to global affairs.
Related: Is a photojournalism online course right for you?
Which photography gigs are suitable for photography degree holders?
A photography degree can help you develop a competitive edge, much needed to succeed in the field of photography. Through the program, you benefit from a multitude of portfolio-building opportunities, networking opportunities, mentorship programs, internships, and so much more. Not only will you be able to explore multiple niches and develop a specialized skill set, allowing you to carve your own path and do what you love.
However, there are plenty of gig photography jobs, but not all are suitable for photography degree holders who are serious about pursuing digital photography as a career. At the same time, the exact considerations for choosing photography gigs differ from photographer to photographer. The goal is to only choose projects that will help develop a portfolio that will take your career forward. Here are some freelance photography gigs, degree holders can explore.
Related: How can photography and editing classes prepare you for a successful career in digital photography?
Portrait and lifestyle photography
Portrait and lifestyle photography is the art of capturing people. While the two involve working with humans, they differ greatly when it comes to capturing style or the approach a photographer takes. Portrait photography is posed and well set up. It can involve a single person or a group of people such as friends, family, office workers, school batch, and so on.
Related: Unlock your photography potential with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography online
In comparison, lifestyle photography is more versatile and focuses on capturing natural candid movements and, of course, a person’s lifestyle. This can include close-up shots of the outfits, furniture, cars, general home decoration, activities of daily life, and so on.
Earning potential
Average hourly rate: $20 per hour
Skills you will need
As a lifestyle and portrait photographer, you must possess the following skill set:
- Expert use of studio lighting and natural light
- Knowledge of editing software like Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom
- Understanding of posing, composition, and how to make clients feel comfortable
- Client communication skills to create a tailored experience
- Business management skills, including scheduling and billing
How to find photography gigs?
You can find lifestyle photography jobs on the following platforms:
Photojournalism
If conveying news and information is something you feel passionate about, photojournalism is the field for you. Here, you are free to work with multiple newspapers, magazines, websites, and other platforms. Photojournalism aims to convey a story through images, while maintaining objectivity and keeping a neutral perspective. You can either join organizations on a contractual basis or capture news stories and sell them to these organizations as a freelancer.
Related: What essential techniques can you develop in a documentary photography class?
Earning potential
Average hourly rate: $21.48 per hour
Skills you will need
To pursue photojournalism, you will need the following skills:
- Extensive knowledge of image composition
- How to set lighting and exposure
- Ability to photograph in low light, dimly lit, and even open bright, naturally lit spaces
- People skills, as you may need to communicate with your subjects
- Ability to maintain a neutral stance and photograph the complete scenario rather than omitting facts
- Navigating ethical challenges and dilemmas
How to find photography gigs?
You need to possess a strong network of professionals to secure photojournalism gigs. Leverage platforms such as LinkedIn and Instagram. You can also search for photojournalism jobs on the following platforms:
Event photography
Event photography is another excellent option for freelance photography gigs. It requires skill, versatility, and a good eye for capturing the essence of an event. Moreover, the demand for event photography jobs in the USA is high, as they cover everything from weddings to corporate functions. Digital photography degree holders are ideal for event work because they are skilled in handling fast-paced environments and using high-end equipment.
Additionally, this field has high earning potential, making it a great option for graduates looking to start their own photography business.
Earning potential
Average hourly rate: The average hourly rates for event photographers vary based on location, event type, and professional qualifications. In major metropolitan areas, event photographers charge anywhere between $300 – $500. However, the average hourly pay for event photographers in the United States, as per ZipRecruiter, is $20.36.
The difference is huge, and if you want to earn more, you must focus on obtaining the right qualification and building a relevant skill set.
Related: How much to charge for event photography? A smart photographer’s blueprint!
Skills you need
Learn the following skills for a successful event photography career.
- Mastery of fast-action photography and quick decision-making
- Ability to work with different types of lighting, including low-light environments
- An understanding of key moments to capture (e.g., vows, speeches, candid moments)
- Post-processing expertise for quick turnaround and album creation
How to get photography jobs?
To secure event photography jobs, you will need a strong portfolio and an even stronger digital presence. You will need to utilize the power of social media to showcase your work, as that will help you attract the right clientele.
Here is how you can find event photography gigs:
- Partner with venues and offer your services at discounted rates to those booking the venue.
- Use online platforms such as Upwork, Fiverr, Reddit, and Quora to connect with people looking for photographers
- Join photography-specific groups to connect with other professionals and learn about available photography gigs
Related: How can an event photography course unlock various career opportunities in digital photography?
Navigate the gig photography market successfully with a digital photography degree!
Photography is a skill-based field. Thus, the competition is tough out there in the market. If you want to be taken seriously and access photography gigs easily, getting a photography degree is the ideal choice. If you choose to invest in your skill set and your career, the investment is bound to pay off by earning you the trust of potential clients.
Related: How does a photography degree help you land photography internships?
Moreover, the program curriculum of photography workshops, courses, and degrees is designed to provide aspiring photographers with a comprehensive set of skills needed to succeed. This involves developing a business sense, building niche-specific skills, learning how to attract clients, developing marketing strategies, and so much more.
With these skills in hand, you can easily target photography job postings that pay well, offer you an opportunity to showcase your skills, build a portfolio, and establish a name for yourself.