Turning pro

Your portfolio

What it needs to say

• Demonstrate versatility
• Intimate with emotion
• Professional look
• Include photo story (Soundslides use is impressive) & 8-12 singles
• Original ideas
• Social relevance
• Your best work

Freelance facts

• Newspapers best place to start
• As full-time staffer, paper owns the copyright
• Contract photographers agree to work a certain amount; may or may not own rights to photos

Freelance facts

• As pure freelancer
• Research who to work for; how to make contact
• Who owns the photos becomes negotiable
• Be in touch, be available to get the work you want

Freelance facts

• Day rates usually mean fixed rates no matter the time or creativity needed
• Know if its fees plus expenses or just fees
• editorialphotographers.com
• License the rights of use

Freelance facts

• Work-for-hire agreements cost you copyright ownership
• You might have to sign over electronic rights or outright ownership to get the job
• All contracts can be negotiated
• Know your fixed costs