Career Profile: Freelance Photographer

Photography has always been a popular career. And why not? You get to see the world, meet lots of interesting people and if you get noticed, then the pay can be great. There are so many different fields of photography, which is appealing because your work and specialty can adapt if your interests change. For Bowen Island resident Cindy May, a career as a freelance photographer has provided her the opportunity to focus her talents in a variety of fields, which include travel, commercial and exhibitions.

Lucky for all of you aspiring photographers, Cindy was able to take some time out from behind the camera to share her experiences in photography.

Q: Why did you choose Photography as your career?
A: Actually it chose me. I was a model and an agent for three photographers in London, England. I also ran my fiancé's photography studio. A non-profit group named Lynx that fights for the rights of animals and the end to the fur trade asked me if my fiancé would do some photos for their catalogue. They knew me because I had modeled in an ad campaign that they did - Linda MacCartney was the photographer. Anyway, my fiancé was not available so I borrowed a Hasselblad medium format camera and shot the images for them. Art directors knew me by name as a photographer agent and Lynx had a very high profile, so when the art directors saw my name with the new photos I had done for Lynx, they encouraged me to work professionally instead of being an agent, and my career was born.

Q: What did you need to do to make this your career?
A: It kind of just happened. I am completely self-taught, darkroom, lighting, everything. Most photographers are trained or go to school.

Q: What personality would you say fits this career?
A: I love my work so much that I feel like sometimes I should pay the clients, instead of them paying me. I think when you are working with people who are demanding, it is good to be relaxed but in control. Knowing how to read people and make people feel very comfortable is extremely important. Photographing someone is a very intimate thing.

Q: Why did you choose to work as a freelance photographer?
A: I need to be free to move easily and suddenly. I did straight commission sales in my jobs before being a photographer, so I was used to working hard and getting paid only when I produced. So living on the edge as freelancers do is okay for me.

Q: What other job opportunities are available for photographers?
A: Well, I am working at the moment with SharedVISION magazine, in marketing and ad sales. I have the developed eye from the years of being a photographer and I can conceive ideas easily for potential customers. Photographers also can get into film and the movie industry, which does not appeal to me, but many photographers make that transition.

Q: Where has photography taken you?
A: Travel wise, all over the world, as I am compiling a black-and-white collection of photographs of children to publish in a book. I have met the most amazing people; many have become close friends or long-term clients.

Q: What is your salary range?
A: I charge $500.00 for a private session and people order their photos; most orders range from $2,000 to $8,000, but I have had people spend $10,000 or even $20,000 for their pictures. For a wedding, I charge $10,000. Commercial work depends, but $8,000 a day is the usual. I did a commercial shoot for Palm Pilot and was paid $40,000. And I shot for about six hours. Saying all of that, I do make deals with people. I do trade with some clients and I do a lot of charity/donated sessions. I am a fine arts photographer, which means film and paper. I do not really shoot digital, … so I have been somewhat left behind in that regard as most ad agencies want digital. But it is okay, because I love the darkroom. Also, photo/image libraries have changed everything in the last 10 years or so - where people used to have to hire me to create everything and take the photos, they can now go on- line and buy images very cheaply.

Q: What is some advice you can give to high-school students hoping too get into photography?
A: I say GO FOR IT! It is the most amazing career, but do it because it moves you, not for the money. Take lots and lots of photos and do it from your heart. I have been very lucky to make a great living, most of the time, but I know it is a very competitive profession so maybe having a second job while starting out is a good idea. I know many photographers who have a back up job.