Freelance Photography Unpredictable? …..Hell yeah!

Four weeks ago, I was planning a steady couple of weeks of administration and marketing.  Every self-employed person needs this; none more so than solo freelance photographers.  Then it all went wrong (err…I suppose it all went right).  Three great commissions came in rapidly, and then the horrific earthquake in Nepal happened and I was asked at short notice to go out to the epicentre villages to record the effect on the old Gurkhas living up there.  A huge honour to be at the centre of things at that point.  So, my marketing plan was getting pushed to the right.  Of course, a marketing plan is there to ensure work comes in.  Whilst in Nepal, I missed a great short-notice commission, but on return I had two more waiting.  In the following two weeks, I have done two brilliant portrait sessions, a major book launch, a cocktail party at Fortnum’s, and I have just finished teaching a one-to-one course…..so my marketing has moved even further to the right.

In the margins, however, I have received 12 further commissions and some other sniffs coming in.  Oh, and my two weddings for the year are also booked.  So where does this leave my marketing?….well, I certainly don’t know how to market, because commissions are coming in from every angle.  And then I think, well, do I need to market?  It seems to be doing itself – although I feel a little like a passenger.

One problem has been that I have booked a family holiday in June.  I have so far turned down 3 great gigs over that period – that can feel a little depressing, but I have some good friends who have taken that up (you owe me guys!)

So….it is quite unpredictable.  My wife, Blou, told me this two years ago, and last year.  I still haven’t got used to it – and would love to hear from other photographers who might be in the same situation to see how they deal with it.

Fun though!  I think!