Six Tips To Be Successful Freelance Photo and Prop Stylist

The road to success is not a path you find ~ but a trail you blaze, right!?  Sometimes, It seems in business you are either blazen that trail OR you’re out there worrying about those Potholes & Bumps in the road.  Ohhhhhh . . .  the freelance life! 

There are 6 Factors that will lead to your success as a Freelance (or Studio Staff) Photo and Prop Stylist. Here are 6 P's to master in your career and the questions to ask yourself.

1.  POSITION.

You will need to position yourself with intent in the Market. What is your Niche’? Are you clear on your styling and (making it clear) to prospective clients on what kind of styling you do?  They are so many niches you can choose from OR you could do what I do, I position myself as a "Lifestyle Stylist" and under that umbrella is food, wardrobe and interior/home styling.  You can style more than one niche if you position yourself in that way.

2.  PORTFOLIO.

Is your Portfolio filled with images directly for the jobs you want? Always style, shoot and show the images for the jobs you want.  You direct your portfolio and work to what you want to be hired to do.

3.  PEOPLE.

Are you out meeting new people, networking, connecting? I have always liked to use a media mix when meeting new people.  Are you just using one method to promote yourself?  Are you doing social media HOPING your clients will find you?  You HAVE to be proactive as well.  Make that Beeline to the clients YOU want to work for.  (Like we said with your portfolio ~ you have to direct your career.)  So, meet with and connect with those who have a similar style as you.  For example, when I approach Photographers to work with, I approached those who have a similar photographic style that I style.  (I have a bright, airy, colorful styling style ~ so I would not approach (for styling) a photographer who shoot in a dark, moody style of photography.  Styling aside, I love to meet with all kinds of people and style preferences in the business ~ I just hone my (pitching/approaches for work) to a specific style.  In terms of meeting and connecting, it's great to meet all people in the industry including:  photographers, fellow stylists, make up artists, production assistants, photo art directors, creative directors, producers ~ everyone!

4.  PRICE

Price for Profit. Are you asking your clients what their budget is? Their Budget has NOTHING to do with your Price! Give thought on what pricing model you want for your business and what to charge for on your photo shoots.  Know what you do (styling) and your talents are valuable.  YOU, as a Stylist, is the one who captures the attention of your clients customers through your talent of styling.  Have confidence in your talent!

5.  PERSISTENCE.

Are you bold in approaching prospective clients and don’t give up? We talk about why and how to be persistent alot round' here. You want to persist in your styling career pursuit and not let what I call the When I Syndrome effect you.  Don't wait until you have . . .

▪︎  More Clients
▪︎  Better Website (or a Website!)
▪︎  More Experience
▪︎  More Social Media Followers, etc.

Don't wait.  Be persistent in getting the work, contacts, experience ~ without worrying about what you "don't have".

6.  PATIENCE.

Are you patient (but determined and tenacious) to sign that client?  It takes time to build a styling business.  Be patience, but also commit to your goals and have a plan.

Thinking I should add another “P” lol . . . . . 

POTHOLE.

There will be some bumps and potholes along the way.  That’s how I feel with this NOW client. There were definitely potholes in the process.  But, with putting all these “P” in progress, you will find your road to success.

Bonnie ~

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