Navigating Finding and Hiring a Freelance Photographer for Your Brand

Trying to find the best freelance photographer for your brand can make you feel like you’re caught in a riptide of talent. Everywhere you look, there’s another pro luring you in with a portfolio chock full of stunning images.

Feeling a bit seasick from the sheer number of options out there? Then this guide to finding a freelance photographer should come as a lifesaver. Here’s how to navigate the choppy waters of professional visual storytellers to find someone who will help your brand’s images make a splash.

How to find a freelance photographer

Finding a freelance photographer who aligns with your brand’s vision requires a lot of upfront homework before you ever flip through a portfolio.

Publishing a generic freelance photographer job description on your brand’s website will cast too wide of a net. Instead, you’ll want to hone in on exactly what type of photography you’re looking for and the specifics of the project before you invite anyone to submit their portfolios.

Figure out your needs

Before you can find a freelance photographer, you’ll need to provide a clear understanding of the project you want them to help with. This typically includes five elements:

• Project description: What type of photography are you looking for? Do you want artistic product shots that set a particular mood on your website? Portraits of your staff that instill confidence in your customers? Candid shots of participants at an upcoming event? Freelance photographers specialize in different types of photography, so be clear about what you’re looking for.
• Location of the shoot: Will it be at your office or in your city? At an inspiring destination? In a studio? At an event space? Specifying the location can help you find the right photographer for the job — whether that’s a local pro or someone who’s willing to travel.
• Timing of the photo shoot: It’s frustrating to find the perfect photographer for your project only to discover that they’re already booked up. Figure out when you need the shoot to happen, whether that’s a specific date or a more flexible time frame, such as within the next two months.
• Your budget: Freelance photographers set their own rates. Being transparent about your budget can help you find the right match and avoid wasting time vetting photographers who charge more than you can afford.
• Any other production needs: Need lighting, art direction, professional make-up, or wardrobe help? Note that in your request. Some freelance photographers have additional skills that go beyond camera work. They may also know other pros who can help during the shoot.

While this might feel like a lot of legwork, figuring out these details can help you find someone who can get the job done well the first time — and avoid costly reshoots down the road.

Search for freelance photographers

Once you’ve compiled the information about what you need, you’ll need to find some candidates to consider. Many organizations search online or go through word of mouth, but if you’re a Contently client, you just need to submit a custom photography talent request.

Vetting freelance photographers

Freelance photographers have started letting you know they’re ready and willing to help with your project. How do you narrow your options down to the one you want to hire?

Review their portfolios

Start by taking a close look at their portfolios. Keep your eyes peeled for images that align not only with the type of photography you need (such as candid event shots or lifestyle images), but also the style. A freelance photographer who has a portfolio loaded with bold and vibrant images might not be the right fit if your brand has earthy, grounded aesthetics.

Look for a photographer whose portfolio showcases consistently high-quality images across diverse projects. If you’ve got a hunch about someone, but you’re not seeing exactly what you’re looking for in their portfolio, ask them to send specific work samples for review.

Create a list of the top three to five freelance photographers whose work resonates with you.

Schedule a consultation

For a shoot to be successful, a photographer needs to do more than capture beautiful images. They also need to be professional, reliable, attentive, and collaborative. Meeting with a freelance photographer over the phone or a video call can give you a better feel for how well you’ll mesh with them.

Here are some questions you can ask a freelance photographer during your consultation:

• Can you tell me about your photography background and experience?
• What type of photography do you specialize in or enjoy shooting the most?
• How would you describe your style?
• How do you approach planning and executing a photo shoot?
• How do you make people feel comfortable during a shoot?
• What equipment do you use, and do you have backup equipment available?
• How do you handle unforeseen circumstances or challenges during a shoot?
• What is your availability for my project timeline?
• What is your process for editing and retouching photos?
• How does your fee structure work?

Investing 20 minutes in this meeting can give you a sense of who you might be most comfortable working with.

Check their references

Many freelance photographers post testimonials from their happy clients on their site. If they have lots of raving reviews, there’s a better likelihood they’re great to work with and deliver on their promises. You can also ask them to send references from past clients to get feedback on their experience working together.

How to hire a freelance photographer

After careful consideration, you’ve finally found a freelance photographer who seems like they’re easy to work with, has a history of creating eye-catching images, and gets your brand’s aesthetics. What’s next?

Sign a contract

Before scheduling a shoot with a freelance photographer, you’ll need to have a signed agreement in place. If you’re assigning through the Contently platform, you can skip this step since the terms are already outlined in the contributor agreement. Contracts help ensure everyone is on the same page for a successful collaboration and should include things like:

• Payment terms, including deposits, total fees, reimbursable expenses, and remittance timelines
• Cancellation policy
• Deliverables, such as the number and format of images and the timeframe for completion
• Usage rights
• Copyrights and ownership

This is also a good time to clarify logistics and build out a scope of work. Contently’s guide to creating a brief for a photo shoot spells out what you should include. While you might not know every detail at this stage, ironing out the basics can set a solid foundation for the project and your collaboration.

Help them get to know your brand

Getting a freelance photographer acquainted with your brand can help them capture its identity in images. The more familiar they are, the more easily they can create photos that complement your brand’s style and tone. Send them your brand guidelines, previous marketing materials, social media feeds, information on your customer personas, and other documents.

Set up a cadence for communication

As you finalize your photo shoot brief and get ready for the big day, you’ll want to be in regular communication with the freelance photographer. Setting up a clear cadence for staying in touch can ensure smooth communication. You may want to build out a schedule of video chat or phone check-ins on the calendar.

You should also establish expectations around response time to emails, but keep it reasonable. Freelance photographers work with many clients at once and may not be able to provide immediate responses to your message. However, it’s fair to request that they respond within a business day to keep the project moving forward.

Building long-term relationships with freelance photographers

It’s hard to overestimate just how important images are for a brand. Photos help your brand stand out in customers’ minds, get shared on social media, and tell the story of your mission. So once you find a freelance photographer who knows how to weave your brand’s narrative into captivating images, you’ll want to nurture that relationship like a prized garden.

Here are some tips on building a long-term relationship with a freelance photographer:

• Agree to timelines — and stick to them. This is especially important for deposits and final payments. Nothing drives a freelance photographer away more quickly than a client who delays their payment. It’s just as important to keep your schedule for shoots. The best freelance photographers get booked quickly, and they may not be able to push photo shoots back.
• Respect their boundaries and process. A freelance photographer is not just a creative — they’re a business owner who’s juggling many clients at once. Respect their boundaries and try not to be overly demanding of their time beyond the scope of a project. If the freelance photographer promised retouched images in two weeks, don’t ask them to send them two days after your shoot.
• Provide feedback as you go. If the plans for a photo shoot seem to be going awry, speak up! Regular (yet kind) feedback gives a freelance photographer the chance to adjust their approach and deliver what you’re looking for. Don’t forget about praise, too. A simple “Thank you!” or “Great idea!” can help them feel appreciated.
• Give them repeat business if you can. Once you have one successful shoot with a freelance photographer, keep them top of mind for your next project. Freelancing can be volatile, so professionals value repeat business. Bonus points if you can give them plenty of notice before the next shoot. If you’re not sure about the next time you can hire them, you could also write them a testimonial they can share with other prospective clients.

Remember, hiring a freelance photographer is a two-way street! You’re not just recruiting them to help with a project — they’re also agreeing to take you on as a client. Like the ebb and flow of the tide, nurturing this relationship ensures a steady stream of captivating imagery that helps your brand stand out in the ocean of visuals that wash over your customers every day.

Ask the Content Strategist: FAQs about working with freelance photographers

What is a freelance photographer?

A freelance photographer is a self-employed professional who provides photography services on a project basis, often working independently and contracting with multiple clients. They offer expertise in capturing images for various purposes, such as editorial content, events, portraits, and product photography, catering to the specific needs and preferences of their clients.

Can I request revisions or modifications to the final photographs if needed?

Yes, most freelance photographers are open to revisions within reasonable limits. Discuss revision policies and expectations upfront to avoid misunderstandings and ensure that the final deliverables meet your standards.

How do I ensure that the freelance photographer respects my brand’s confidentiality and privacy?

Before hiring, discuss confidentiality agreements or nondisclosure clauses to protect sensitive information or proprietary assets shared during the project. Choose a photographer who demonstrates professionalism and integrity in handling confidential materials.

Need unforgettable visuals for your brand? Learn how Contently can help you find a freelance photographer and scale content production.