Turning My Passion Into A Side Hustle

Probably the most useful/personal post I’m putting out here just yet, this is my helpful #MyGoTo guide for anyone trying to get into Freelance Photography/Videography/Ad Creation/Marketing or just Freelance Life in general … 🎥 📸

I broke it down into 4 of #MyGoTo Bite Sized Lessons so all of our brains can process it easier 👍🏻

Lesson 1: Create Your Own Opportunities

I got into freelance content creation/photography/videography for the money, obviously. But just like how you’re expected to have 25 years of experience at age 20 in the workplace to land a high paying gig, it’s not always easy getting your first opportunity! So I created my own; while on a walk, I saw a couple having their wedding photoshoot & decided to ask if I could politely snap pictures for them while promising to not intrude on the photographer they hired! Took some courage to approach total strangers & then take photos while trying not to piss off the main photographer, but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do (always with respect, permission/consent) And if you want to use the shots in your own portfolio, always ask the couple for permission first! But anyways that’s how I got started… and to date, I’ve done 4 weddings & 4 pre wedding photoshoots 🧍🏻🙏🏻

Lesson 2: Form Genuine Connections

No man is an island; You could be really talented but we all need a helping hand at some point! It’s key to form connections everywhere you go, always be ready to engage & listen, and really hear what people are saying for what it is. When you listen, you’ll understand what people need & from there you can decide if you can be of any help & genuinely offer to help for a fee! And of course, the cliche of forming connections to reach more people applies but I hope this gives you a better perspective of the phrase “form genuine connections”!

Lesson 3: Be Bold…

Be so bold; be scared at times, let the projects you take on always excite you & even keep you up at night. Your endeavours have to scare you for you to have room to improve outside of your comfort zone. Here’s the non cliche version: If it doesn’t scare you, then I doubt the sum of money you’re getting is impressing you either! Do something you wouldn’t have dared to do to get a result you would’ve never gotten otherwise 😌 and in practical terms; there’s always a first time, a first billboard commercial, a first magazine feature, a first $4000 solo project, a first … You get it 😉

Lesson 4: Friends!

Grow with friends; trust & opportunities go both ways, always look for ways to grow with the people around you. I always remind myself that everyone needs to eat, when you’re looking to get better at your craft, remember people around you are too! Help like-minded individuals in whatever capacity & don’t expect anything in return. Give opportunities like you would want them to be given to you; what comes around goes around in miraculous ways 🙌🏻

#Adulting101 #freelance #photography #MyGoTo