I decided to truly attempt the freelance path in October of this year, oh last year. As described, almost to exhaustion, in my other posts this path requires time, a high degree of effort, and constant consideration. Among the most challenging aspects is determining whether the direction pursued will yield any semblance of success. While it's undeniable that any movement in a particular direction will inevitably offer lesson, hopefully contributing value to broader contemplation, when your primary goal is simply to put food on the table, the repeated lesson of "don't do that again" can become wearisome. It reaches a point where you must contemplate whether your internal compass might be somewhat impaired in guiding you forward.
Amidst the DM frenzy of Dec '23 I got lucky. Sometimes it's important to realize that luck might just be where preparation meets opportunity. I was at my desk messaging two industries: Gyms and Salons. While my ultimate aspiration lies in music and artist photography, the income from these pursuits can be sporadic. Thus, I MUST seek alternative avenues to generate revenue while continuing to refine my craft. I offered my services geared toward venue marketing and creating engaging social media and website content. Initially, my pitch fell short, prompting me to rework my approach and add legitimacy by presenting a pricing sheet. It wasn't extravagant, but it was essential to define my services and frame my pitch in a coherent structure that could be readily comprehended, requiring minimal effort to envision its value. If you don't have the portfolio pieces like I didn't, what you are looking for is someone with an artistic eye willing to understand and see your photography for the technical aspects of what it is, not just the subject matter. This is a difficult ask in the digital age that we live in, but trust me they are out there.
So I got lucky. Thrilled and excited. A local hair salon was interested. I read elated "We just stopped working with our photographer and are looking for a new one." I was perfectly positioned to fill the void as their old photographer priced themselves out the partnership, which is an eventual inevitability for any creative profession, but I am far from this reality. It all felt surreal, triggering that familiar, nagging sensation - imposter syndrome, an accurate label indeed. My brain flooded with doubt: "you are going to fuck this up," "there's no way this is real," "you are being pranked." Despite all of this wonderful self talk that I frequent, I embraced the opportunity and went in confident. I was asked to come to their salon in 3 days.
With eager anticipation, I delved into a whirlwind exploration of salon photography, immersing myself in diverse shoots and analyzing the trends reigning in neighboring salons. These sanctuaries of style exuded an unparalleled fusion of fashion, artistry, street and raw beauty captured within portrait photography. You want to capture the essence of the place, which is very street, all the while highlighting the technical skills of the stylists and the interactions between customer and stylist.
Although a far cry from the raucous energy of a basement punk show in the night hours, I felt an undeniable allure toward this challenge, a magnetic pull to breathe life into the owner's vision. We went for coffee and discussed. Buzzing from the 4th cup or the idea of actually receiving money from this craft, with fervor, I conveyed my passion, striving to convince them that I was the missing piece to manifest their dreams. Then, the leap of faith - their decision to take a chance on me. They were very similar to me and saw the potential for a haven spotlighting technical prowess and abstract stylistic marvels. The prospect was enthralling, the canvas vast and brimming with possibilities. The idea of creating a realm where videos and avant-garde fashion shoots would coalesce seamlessly.
That was all for the future though. This first shoot was just a trial. A come in, shoot around, lets see what you get type of thing. Little direction, almost intentionally. This will happen. perspective clients will not know what they want and will go for your creative image while others aim to test your innate perception - the unspoken language of an artist's eye.
In every industry there is the lingo and language. A lexicon shared among seasoned professionals. Hairdressing, too, possesses its own cryptic dialect. Certain nuances within a haircut warrant highlighting owing to their intricacy. Recognizing these subtleties demands exposure and practice. Admittedly, my knowledge of hair was a blank canvas awaiting enlightenment. The owners, understanding my naivety, extended a patient hand, eager to educate and nurture my understanding. Thank you.
The day of the shoot was nothing short of thrilling. I woke from a restless night sleep, a familiar companion in this anxious journey I have chosen. I checked my batteries that charged over night, formatted my SD cards and packed my lenses and cameras into my bag. Headphones in, danced around my apt for 15 minutes, and then hit the road pulsating from the beat. Pulled up and walked in. Greeted by smiling faces at reception and the owner of the salon. It was time to work.
Awkwardness falls, a byproduct of unfamiliarity. My haircut appointments were sporadic at best, often relying on friends or budget cuts that barely grazed $20. As I roamed amidst clients receiving their routine bi-weekly trims from their trusted stylists, I, an outsider wielding a camera, approached with an awkward plea: "Can I take your picture?" Some consented, others declined. My lens oscillated between photo and video, attempting to weave a narrative amid this unfamiliar terrain.
I chatted with the receptionists before loops around the studio, staging funny shots endeavoring to find a semblance of comfort amidst the unfamiliarity that enveloped me. A few hours pass by and I am content with the content. I find the owner say thank you and confirm when he would like the images and we part ways. I am feeling confident, envisioning grandiose studio shots, opulent productions, multiple cameras, luminous lights, billowing smoke machines, models effortlessly posing to the rhythm of pulsating music—the realm of possibilities unfurled before my eyes. I open the door to my 15 year old car and don't have enough money for lunch. Ouch.
Despite exceeding the agreed-upon deliverables and crafting an unrequested one-minute promotional video, I fell short of capturing the technical nuances of the stylists' work. Nonetheless, the salon owners appreciated my efforts and expressed interest in future collaborations with clearer direction - a prospect I gratefully anticipate. This opportunity validated my work and holds promise for a more intentional partnership ahead. Thank you again.
Now armed with a portfolio showcasing my editorial and video skills, I've begun reaching out to more salons. The appeal of my competitive pricing has attracted some interest, leading to new business opportunities. Yet, in these meetings, I sense the silent evaluation - I'm questioned about past clients and future collaborations. It's the paradox of needing credibility to get hired but struggling to gain it without opportunities. No one wants to be made a fool. Hiring the person that no one else will hire. A funny catch22 that you MUST find your way out.
This predicament underlines the necessity of confidence, proactive marketing, and seizing the chances we desire in life. Success rarely comes effortlessly. Sometimes, it'll seem surreal - reaching out, getting a positive response, scheduling a meeting, and suddenly landing the gig. It might feel like a setup, a prank waiting to unfold. But what we achieve is a reflection of our efforts and aspirations, shaped by our own design and determination.
It's CRUCIAL to remember that our success is ours to define, NOT dictated by others. To my fellow freelancers navigating these early challenges, I stand in solidarity. Let's support each other, valuing each other's styles, efforts, and creativity, without judgment or envy. Together, we can lift each other up, acknowledging the dedication and sacrifices made to chase our dreams. In this shared journey, unity and appreciation for one another's journeys will be our greatest strength.
I guess in the end its important to realize there is no right way to find your direction, opportunities will come and go and the onus is on the individual to decide what to do with it.
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