How it feels to be a freelance photographer in India

The number of freelancers has been growing in India. The workforce of Indian freelancers ranks as the second-largest in the world. A career as a freelancer has many advantages, it is flexible and has many options to choose from within.


Photography is also such a field in freelancing. Currently, there are thousands of freelance photographers in India. It is a growing field. Photography has several subdomains like landscape photography, product photography, wedding photography, fashion photography.


If you are passionate about photography and want to earn revenue also then freelance photography is a good option for you. Freelance photography makes you your own boss. 


But Freelancing is not for you if you are not passionate enough. What makes you a good freelance photographer?


To answer such questions I interviewed Sarvjeet Kumar.


Sarvjeet is himself a photographer. Even though he is a student he has been passionately following this field for more than half a decade but became professional and serious about this two years ago.

Sarvjeet

He is a professional product photographer and recommends this to others also.

Sarvjeet says that product photography has huge scope due to emerging startups and e-commerce businesses.


He is also a web developer and interested in cybersecurity and game development.


He has chosen this niche of photography after testing and trying many other niches like landscape and microphotography. He also conducts free workshops on photography.


Image courtesy: Sarvjeet

What is Product photography?


In simple terms, product photography is clicking the pictures of products that you can see on e-commerce sites. It is like describing the product with pictures. You can find several clients on several freelancing sites like Fiverr, Upwork, etc.


Create your account on such platforms and list the services you will provide. Be careful enough to follow the clients’ requirements strictly in this.


Product photography generates good revenue and has bright scope nowadays. This field is also attracting lots of freelance photographers.


Q&A session with Sarvjeet Kumar


Q: How to be a photographer?

-The first thing you should know is about the types of photos like portraits, Landscapes, etc. Then learn camera settings and then go for the manual mode.

An expensive camera is not required for the beginning even a phone camera can work.


Q: What is the one thing you wish you knew when you started taking photos?


-Use of manual mode. This should be the first thing to teach a photographer. Control of ISO, brightness, depth of field should be taught first.


Q: How do you learn more about photography?

-I learn from the works of others.

Brands like Sony, Nikon have good content on their websites. I read the pictures and try to understand camera settings from them. Photo bloggers are also a good source to gain information and knowledge. 

Q: Do you think photography is a good career?


-It is a growing field and has scope for many. Many are pursuing it as a full-time career and earning a stable income from this. 


Q:Which gadget or tool a photographer should never use?

-Always avoid predefined filters.

If you are a professional then edit your work from scratch. Don’t use predefined filter apps or software. It decreases the credibility of your work and also leaves a bad impression on the clients and hampers your personal branding.

Use your own presets and don't copy from others.

Q: From picture clicking to processing how much time you invest in a pic?

-Good things always take time. Creating a good picture from scratch takes a minimum of 2 hours.

Q: Is mobile photography as good as cameras?

-Mobile photography is also good, but the reason cameras still exist in the market is because of the features they provide that mobile cameras lack.

Another reason a mobile camera is not equivalent to a camera is that people are not fully aware of the settings and the features needed for mobile photography.

For beginners, the Phone’s camera is also good enough. 

Q: What are the three necessary things for a good photo?

  • Depth of field
  • Negligible disturbance in the image
  • Follow the grid lines

Q: Who is the best photographer according to you?

-Rathika Ramasamy, a wildlife photographer is the source of my inspiration