If you’re passionate about photography and film, then you probably know that they are competitive fields that reward hard work and innovation. If you want to be successful in these creative career fields, then you need to be strategic about how you approach your career.
There are two main options for working in these industries: getting a job with a studio or striking out on your own as a freelancer. As with anything in life, there are pros and cons to each option. Although the landscape of photography and film careers is always changing, it’s important to think about where you see yourself within this ecosystem.
So, how to choose which path is right for you? Consider the ups and downs before making a decision.
Freelancing in Photography and Film
Freelancers are self-employed individuals who are responsible for acquiring their own projects, ensuring that the work gets done, and billing for their services. They run their own businesses and work for clients or get financing to produce their own projects.
There are many advantages of being a freelancer. There’s more flexibility in terms of work schedule and freelancers get the option to pursue projects that interest them and pass on work that doesn’t. There’s also a lot more creative freedom that can come with being a freelancer because independent workers don’t have to worry about an employer’s preferences and mandates.
Freelancing can mean higher earnings overall for people who are successful in running their freelance business. However, it can also be a “feast or famine” lifestyle, since income can be inconsistent, especially in the beginning.
The biggest downside of freelancing is the lack of stability and the added administrative work that goes along with independence. Freelancers have to do all their own self-promotion, marketing, and administrative tasks unless they pay to outsource these activities. They also do not get paid time off and must pay for their own equipment.
Working in a Studio
Working as an employee in a film or photography studio is the simplest way to get started in the industry. Those who choose this route do not have to worry about the administrative side of running a business and are not responsible for finding projects and/or clients.
Benefits of studio work include a steady paycheck and less risk overall. There can also be less mental stress since there is less pressure on the individual. Many people also enjoy the collaborative nature of studio work— there are always colleagues to bounce ideas off of.
Another benefit of studio work is that the company owns and maintains the equipment that the employees use. The paycheck earned at a studio job doesn’t need to be used to purchase equipment for business use.
Additionally, the studio will own more sophisticated equipment than a freelancer might be able to afford. A company also has to maintain a certain level of industrial hygiene and is responsible for workplace safety.
The drawbacks of studio work mostly have to do with a lack of autonomy. There are fixed hours and expectations. Employees have limited creative control and they don’t get to choose their own projects. There can also be issues with the bureaucracy, management, and other internal organizational complaints.
Qualities of Successful Freelancers
There are certain qualities that can make someone a good candidate for being a freelancer. Those who are interested in this path should be proactive— able to self-motivate and self-promote in order to land jobs and complete them according to the specified budget or timeframe. Time management and financial management are key.
People skills are important for freelancers. If an independent filmmaker wants to make a documentary, for example, they need to be able to impress investors. Or, if they are trying to get more client work, they need to be able to prove that they are the best person for the job. Some business acumen and the ability to network are extremely important for those who go solo.
Freelancers also have to be talented, of course. As a freelancer, one’s portfolio and reliability are top concerns for potential clients and investors.
Studio Career Path: Education and Preparation
Those who want to work full-time in a studio will need to prepare through education and training. Getting a degree can be a good leg up, but it’s not the be-all and end-all for creative professions. Building a strong portfolio and getting on-the-job training can be far more important for potential employers.
Internships can be a good way to break into the industry. In addition to providing hands-on experience, these positions also provide opportunities for networking and building credibility within the field. Internship experience, combined with a stellar portfolio, can be the easiest way to get hired by a studio.
Choosing Your Path: Which Option is Right for You?
There is no quick and easy path to success in the film industry. Whether you choose to build your career as a freelancer, while working for a studio, or through a combination approach, you will need to constantly enhance your skills and get in front of the right people. If you’re not sure whether you’d enjoy freelancing or working for a studio more, then it can be a good idea to network through professional organizations and ask questions from people who have been in the industry for a long time.
When thinking about your career, it’s important to consider what is most important to you. Do you want to have more creative freedom and autonomy but less stability, or do you prefer a more predictable and stable work environment? There’s no wrong answer, but it is important to listen to your inner voice and choose the option that suits you best.
