This is really good Katja. It's important to give starting out photographers realistic expectations, encouragement, and ideas. As a full-time interior and commercial photographer I've learned over the years that you have to continually hustle. You can never rest easy. Even your best customers, repeat customers, can change business, move city, etc. So your business can be fragile. I love you talk about different income streams. Hopefully young photographers realise it's good to have a backup. I've always had translation to help in the tough months of December & January where it's dark in Sweden. Good luck with your business, your dreams and the challenges ahead.
Thank you Jon, for your kind words and encouragement. I work as a copywriter while building up my business. I hope I can make updated reports where my income grows and diversifies in the future.
I just found this channel and Im already loving it. I've been kinda of a photographer my hole life and working for this field but in a retail company and since I couldn't keep growing, im starting my own freelance carreer. I know is not day by night but i feel alone and don't know where to go. This really open my eyes. Thanks a lot! ofc i will see all your vids and already suscribed.
Man, I remember the early days when I started out, early 1980's. Pretty much all I remember is the relentless hustling before social media and being able to use the internet(Didn't exist yet) to sell products and services. We actually had to network in person and meet with potential clients or art directors, who were usually self important assholes, and show our portfolios and hope we got the gig. I'm sooo glad all that is over with and I'm about to retire as a photographer in the museum field for over 30 years now.
My deep respect! I've never heard anyone in the media industry talk so open minded about their income. Your dayly rate is very common and in upper mid range and that’s what you should definetly raise step by step to avoid to be compared with the low budget „kiddies“. Keep it going! Greetings from Leipzig
Liebe Katja, das ist für mich der interessanteste Kanal, zu diesem Thema, den ich bis jetzt auf RUclips entdeckt habe. Vielen Dank für deinen content. Heute Abend schaue ich weitere deiner Videos. ✌🏼
We definitely need more transparency! CEO pay was not out of control until the 1980s when their pay began to be published widely. It then skyrocketed because they wanted to get paid more than the other CEOs. Meanwhile, they encourage us to hide our pay so we don't realize how we are being shortchanged. Anyway, I should stop before I rant more. :) Another good video!
Yeah, here in Germany it’s particularly taboo to talk about income or money in general. People are embarrassed if they make too little and worried about envy if they make a decent amount. There is simply too much judgement. How is it in the US? But yeah, the discrepancy between ceo salaries and workers salaries is in itself a very problematic development.
@@katjafeldmeier Yeah, people are really secretive here. It's considered a personal matter and I think people are insecure about not making enough, too. But I feel like employers like it this way because they pay some people so much less (women and minorities especially) and if they make it a social taboo, it gets to stay a secret. People are catching on, though.
You're not wrong, I agree. What I hate is, you go to photo groups (for example) and everyone is stifled from talking price. We need more info to realize what people are actually making at this and what to realistically expect. Its not all what the big timers, selling their how to videos, want you to think. When I went to a recent WPPI convention, I was confused as to the high prices, they all claimed to make. I though, if this is true, how the hell do you have the time to be making how to videos and lectures? Answer: they don't. They make more from selling their systems, than actual family portraits. The actual number of photographers, making a lot of money from only shooting portraits, is very small. Oh and @katjafeldmeier, nice video. Thanks for putting this out.
@@photoray002 I very much agree. I would also argue that it's very hard to make a living of family portraits for anybody. Private sector clients are just not really a profitable niche, except for weddings or possibly family portraits for super wealthy people. If you want to find a profitable niche, you better look to take on work from businesses. My current target client group is mostly actors and artist which is a bit in between because they use the photos for business-related purposes. However, I am still pivoting away and working for more for startups and branching out into content creation.
Vielen Dank für die Einblicke. Interessant fände ich zB noch, was Wie lange das dauerte, der restultierende Stundenlohn, Arbeitszeit, brutto, netto und Kosten und youtube einnahmen, Stockfoto so. Aber natürlich auch klar, wenn Du das nicht so offen kommunizieren möchtest. Nur so als Idee, wenn Du das Thema weiter verfolgst.
Hello, super video ! Thanks for your honesty and openness ! How did you manage to be a copywriter ? Do you have an academic background on this subject or you learned online as you go ?
I too am a part time photographer. I don't even advertise or show my customers photos on line. I do everything wrong when it comes to advertising myself. But to be honest I don't want to be to busy because it will end up interfering with what my primary responsibilities that God has me doing. And that is to be a stay at home dad who homeschools his kids. With all that being said the numbers you are showing are very similar to what I am making. Most months I don't make anything. But then the phone starts to ring off of the hook. There is no rhyme to reason for it either. But God’s timing is always perfect.
Hey Katja, ich hoffe es ist okay, wenn ich dir auf deutsch schreibe :) Kannst du vielleicht ein bisschen berichten, wie du an die Fotojobs so kommst? Ich bin Freelancerin und würde gerne auch allein von meiner Fotografie leben können oder zumindest mehr Kunden generieren. Finde deine Tipps auch super, aber ich habe das Gefühl, trotzdem zu wenig nach außen zu gehen. Ich habe in der Vergangenheit Etsy, Shutterstock etc. ausprobiert, aber viel kam da nicht bei rum. Im Grunde genommen nichts. Mich würde total interessieren, wie du an deine Jobs gekommen bist. Hast du die Leute besucht, hast du sie angeschrieben oder durch Hörensagen? Finde, das ist der schwierigste Teil... würd mich freuen über eine Antwort!
Hey Marge, ja darüber will ich auch noch ein Video machen mit Tipps. Ich persönlich gewinne viele Kunden über Instagram oder auch Weiterempfehlung. Ich würde wie folgt vorgehen: 1. Nische deiner Fotografie festlegen (z.b Hochzeiten, Architektur, Events, Produkt, Corporate etc). 2. Portfolio in dieser Nische erstellen 3. Klares Angebot für dich selbst erstellen (1 Shooting Tag kostet xyz und beinhaltet xyz) 4. Mit deinem Portfolio und Angebot sichtbar werden (die Strategie hängt hier von der Nische ab…Wo genau erreichst du deine Kunden? Social Media: insta, linked in, Facebook? Mappentermin in Redaktion? Oder in der Werbeagentur? Etc.) 5. Dir darüber klar werden, dass wenn du Fotografie als Dienstleistung oder Produkt anbietest, es eine unendliche Kette (forever!) aus Punkt 2,3 und 4 sein wird. Du bekommst Kunden, indem du dein Portfolio und dein Angebot immer und immer wieder kommunizierst und immer mehr Leute damit erreichst. Je mehr Leute du erreichst und je öfter die dein Angebot wahrnehmen, desto höher wird die Wahrscheinlichkeit, dass sie dich früher oder später buchen. Denk an Coca Cola. Die machen immer und überall für sich Werbung, damit Leute weiter ihre Cola kaufen. Ihr Marketing hört nie auf. Du bist quasi Coca Cola nur in Mini als Einzelunternehmerin. :) Hoffe das hilft dir weiter ❤️
@@katjafeldmeier liebe Katja, das war wirklich super hilfreich, vielen lieben Dank!! ❤️ Ich hab dich abonniert und freue mich auf weitere Videos von dir.
It is important and necessary to have photographers speaking the truth. Interestingly, I had just watched Yvonne Hanson's video talking about the same topic. Yvonne Hanson's video: ruclips.net/video/SsHOH5QPwDE/видео.html
yeah, I think I will be making more like this in the future. And yes, she is absolutely right about the privilege involved. The more we say the truth, the easier it becomes to navigate this industry.
Do you think this is a little or a lot? Comment your thoughts please
This is really good Katja. It's important to give starting out photographers realistic expectations, encouragement, and ideas. As a full-time interior and commercial photographer I've learned over the years that you have to continually hustle. You can never rest easy. Even your best customers, repeat customers, can change business, move city, etc. So your business can be fragile. I love you talk about different income streams. Hopefully young photographers realise it's good to have a backup. I've always had translation to help in the tough months of December & January where it's dark in Sweden. Good luck with your business, your dreams and the challenges ahead.
Thank you Jon, for your kind words and encouragement. I work as a copywriter while building up my business. I hope I can make updated reports where my income grows and diversifies in the future.
I just found this channel and Im already loving it. I've been kinda of a photographer my hole life and working for this field but in a retail company and since I couldn't keep growing, im starting my own freelance carreer. I know is not day by night but i feel alone and don't know where to go. This really open my eyes. Thanks a lot! ofc i will see all your vids and already suscribed.
Thank you so much. And welcome to the little channel 😊
Man, I remember the early days when I started out, early 1980's. Pretty much all I remember is the relentless hustling before social media and being able to use the internet(Didn't exist yet) to sell products and services. We actually had to network in person and meet with potential clients or art directors, who were usually self important assholes, and show our portfolios and hope we got the gig. I'm sooo glad all that is over with and I'm about to retire as a photographer in the museum field for over 30 years now.
Yes, the internet does have its upsides. 🙏😊
really appreciate your attitude! you are sincere and really kind-hearted x wish your career all the best
Thank you so much
My deep respect! I've never heard anyone in the media industry talk so open minded about their income. Your dayly rate is very common and in upper mid range and that’s what you should definetly raise step by step to avoid to be compared with the low budget „kiddies“. Keep it going! Greetings from Leipzig
aww thank you so much for the support. Liebe Grüße nach Leipzig 🫶
Liebe Katja, das ist für mich der interessanteste Kanal, zu diesem Thema, den ich bis jetzt auf RUclips entdeckt habe. Vielen Dank für deinen content. Heute Abend schaue ich weitere deiner Videos. ✌🏼
Danke dir!
Respect for your transparency!
Thank you 🙏
We definitely need more transparency! CEO pay was not out of control until the 1980s when their pay began to be published widely. It then skyrocketed because they wanted to get paid more than the other CEOs. Meanwhile, they encourage us to hide our pay so we don't realize how we are being shortchanged. Anyway, I should stop before I rant more. :) Another good video!
Yeah, here in Germany it’s particularly taboo to talk about income or money in general. People are embarrassed if they make too little and worried about envy if they make a decent amount. There is simply too much judgement. How is it in the US?
But yeah, the discrepancy between ceo salaries and workers salaries is in itself a very problematic development.
@@katjafeldmeier Yeah, people are really secretive here. It's considered a personal matter and I think people are insecure about not making enough, too. But I feel like employers like it this way because they pay some people so much less (women and minorities especially) and if they make it a social taboo, it gets to stay a secret. People are catching on, though.
You're not wrong, I agree. What I hate is, you go to photo groups (for example) and everyone is stifled from talking price. We need more info to realize what people are actually making at this and what to realistically expect. Its not all what the big timers, selling their how to videos, want you to think. When I went to a recent WPPI convention, I was confused as to the high prices, they all claimed to make. I though, if this is true, how the hell do you have the time to be making how to videos and lectures? Answer: they don't. They make more from selling their systems, than actual family portraits. The actual number of photographers, making a lot of money from only shooting portraits, is very small.
Oh and @katjafeldmeier, nice video. Thanks for putting this out.
@@photoray002 I very much agree. I would also argue that it's very hard to make a living of family portraits for anybody.
Private sector clients are just not really a profitable niche, except for weddings or possibly family portraits for super wealthy people. If you want to find a profitable niche, you better look to take on work from businesses. My current target client group is mostly actors and artist which is a bit in between because they use the photos for business-related purposes. However, I am still pivoting away and working for more for startups and branching out into content creation.
GOOD JOB AND KEEP IT UP!
Vielen Dank für die Einblicke. Interessant fände ich zB noch, was Wie lange das dauerte, der restultierende Stundenlohn, Arbeitszeit, brutto, netto und Kosten und youtube einnahmen, Stockfoto so. Aber natürlich auch klar, wenn Du das nicht so offen kommunizieren möchtest. Nur so als Idee, wenn Du das Thema weiter verfolgst.
Hello, super video ! Thanks for your honesty and openness ! How did you manage to be a copywriter ? Do you have an academic background on this subject or you learned online as you go ?
Thank you. I learned on the job at different companies and I also got an MA in communications.
Congrats to you. This is great for part-time. I hope you don't mind i have a question. What was your favorite gig?
Yeah of course, no problem. I guess, selling prints is my favorite part. In terms of shoots I love the one on ones with actors
I love this because it's personal and you know your clients@@katjafeldmeier Thanks for letting me know :)
I too am a part time photographer. I don't even advertise or show my customers photos on line. I do everything wrong when it comes to advertising myself. But to be honest I don't want to be to busy because it will end up interfering with what my primary responsibilities that God has me doing. And that is to be a stay at home dad who homeschools his kids. With all that being said the numbers you are showing are very similar to what I am making. Most months I don't make anything. But then the phone starts to ring off of the hook. There is no rhyme to reason for it either. But God’s timing is always perfect.
Thank you very much for this video!
Wow thank you for the honest insights! ❤
Thank you for commenting. I’m glad if it’s helpful to anyone out there 😊
Hey Katja, ich hoffe es ist okay, wenn ich dir auf deutsch schreibe :)
Kannst du vielleicht ein bisschen berichten, wie du an die Fotojobs so kommst? Ich bin Freelancerin und würde gerne auch allein von meiner Fotografie leben können oder zumindest mehr Kunden generieren. Finde deine Tipps auch super, aber ich habe das Gefühl, trotzdem zu wenig nach außen zu gehen. Ich habe in der Vergangenheit Etsy, Shutterstock etc. ausprobiert, aber viel kam da nicht bei rum. Im Grunde genommen nichts.
Mich würde total interessieren, wie du an deine Jobs gekommen bist. Hast du die Leute besucht, hast du sie angeschrieben oder durch Hörensagen? Finde, das ist der schwierigste Teil... würd mich freuen über eine Antwort!
Hey Marge, ja darüber will ich auch noch ein Video machen mit Tipps.
Ich persönlich gewinne viele Kunden über Instagram oder auch Weiterempfehlung. Ich würde wie folgt vorgehen:
1. Nische deiner Fotografie festlegen (z.b Hochzeiten, Architektur, Events, Produkt, Corporate etc).
2. Portfolio in dieser Nische erstellen
3. Klares Angebot für dich selbst erstellen (1 Shooting Tag kostet xyz und beinhaltet xyz)
4. Mit deinem Portfolio und Angebot sichtbar werden (die Strategie hängt hier von der Nische ab…Wo genau erreichst du deine Kunden? Social Media: insta, linked in, Facebook? Mappentermin in Redaktion? Oder in der Werbeagentur? Etc.)
5. Dir darüber klar werden, dass wenn du Fotografie als Dienstleistung oder Produkt anbietest, es eine unendliche Kette (forever!) aus Punkt 2,3 und 4 sein wird. Du bekommst Kunden, indem du dein Portfolio und dein Angebot immer und immer wieder kommunizierst und immer mehr Leute damit erreichst. Je mehr Leute du erreichst und je öfter die dein Angebot wahrnehmen, desto höher wird die Wahrscheinlichkeit, dass sie dich früher oder später buchen. Denk an Coca Cola. Die machen immer und überall für sich Werbung, damit Leute weiter ihre Cola kaufen. Ihr Marketing hört nie auf. Du bist quasi Coca Cola nur in Mini als Einzelunternehmerin. :)
Hoffe das hilft dir weiter ❤️
@@katjafeldmeier liebe Katja, das war wirklich super hilfreich, vielen lieben Dank!! ❤️
Ich hab dich abonniert und freue mich auf weitere Videos von dir.
I don't care how much money you make... I only care how much you dance!
how did you sell the prints, online?
One in person to someone who asked me for one and the other on Instagram.
It is important and necessary to have photographers speaking the truth. Interestingly, I had just watched Yvonne Hanson's video talking about the same topic.
Yvonne Hanson's video: ruclips.net/video/SsHOH5QPwDE/видео.html
yeah, I think I will be making more like this in the future. And yes, she is absolutely right about the privilege involved. The more we say the truth, the easier it becomes to navigate this industry.