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How freelance photographers are dealing with the economic effects of coronavirus

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As fears of coronavirus (COVID-19) balloon in the U.S., many freelance photographers have begun to contend with the economic impact of event cancellations and social distancing policies. Freelancers are accustomed to seasonal slowdowns or the occasional cancellation, but the uncertainty around the breadth and duration of this outbreak has resulted in anxiety, frustration, and anger.

Adweek photo editor Kacy Burdette recently asked photographers on Twitter if they had lost jobs due to coronavirus, and received responses from around the country with stories of cancellations. The engagement provides proof that the economic threat is real and affecting photographers now.

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NPPA sues state of California over new “gig economy” law that targets freelancers

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The Assembly Bill 5 (or AB 5) was recently signed into law in California. It limits the use of classifying workers as independent contractors, and “forces” companies to classify them as employees. When it takes effect, this law will also limit many freelance photographers and photojournalists. So, The National Press Photographers Association (NPPA) has decided to file a lawsuit against the California state.

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These are the signs that you’re ready to quit your day job and become a freelance photographer

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Quitting a steady job in order to become a freelancer is a huge decision to make. And it’s not easy to make it. If you’re still thinking whether to take this big leap, Matti Haapoja has some fantastic and useful guidelines to help you figure it out.

Matti shares a checklist that he used to figure out when the right time was for him to go freelance. He also shares some of the perks of being a freelancer, but also a few signs that you’re not ready to do it yet. All this could be helpful to all of you who are still trying to make the big decision, so let’s dive in.

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Photographers, don’t listen to others: go and chase your dream

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Chasing your dream sounds wonderful and romantic. But in real life, there will be plenty of people who will tell you not to do it, no matter if you want to become a freelance photographer, filmmaker, YouTuber or do any other creative job. In this video, Peter McKinnon visits Gary Vee who will tell you why you shouldn’t listen to those people, and why you should follow your dream instead.

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Interested in freelancing? Better read these tips first

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The idea of being your own boss and freeing yourself from the 9 to 5 grind sounds fantastic. After all, if photography is your passion, why not pursue it full-time? However, seasoned freelancers can tell you it can also be a tough gig, especially if you’re just starting. Not unless you’re lucky to work for a company, you’re more likely to get into the business as a freelance photographer. So pay attention to the tips below because you’re surely going to need them. 

Freelancing isn’t as simple as it seems. Sometimes, it even involves a lot more work than a regular job. So if you want to avoid the pitfalls that you might face as you begin your career, watch this video by Youtuber NicksFort right away.

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Lessons learned and tips for photographers after five years of freelancing

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Being a freelancer has plenty of perks, but there are inevitable downsides to making freelance photography your only source of income. Photographer Jeff Rojas has been a full-time freelancer for the past five years, and he has learned a lot in the process. In this video, he shares the lessons he’s learned and gives some tips to anyone thinking about switching to freelance work.

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Freelance photographers share best publications to work for, and how much they pay

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Working as a freelancer has its advantages, but also carries a lot of uncertainties. It’s not easy to plan your activities and balance all the projects you work on. CJR wanted to make it easier for the photographers to focus on publications worth working for. They talked to 30 freelance photojournalists, who revealed some of the best publications photographers can work for. They discussed the topics of pay, of course, but other important ones as well, like the relationships with editors and respect for photography. In terms of all these aspects, freelancers recommended six best outlets, as well as some honorable mentions.

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Freelance Isn’t Free Act passes in NYC to protect freelancers from non-payment

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This has been a long battle, one that freelancers throughout the world can relate to. Late and non-payment from clients. The Freelancers Union estimates that there are around 55 million Americans freelancing across the country, that’s around a fifth of the adult workforce. New York City presents an even higher ratio. It is said that 38% of NYC workers are freelance with each losing $6,000 a year on average to delinquent clients. That adds up to a whole lot of money. As much as $4.7 billion.

Today, the first major victory in this battle has been won. the Freelance Isn’t Free Act has passed in NYC with a unanimous 51-0 votes. In short, what this means is tougher penalties for clients who pay late or don’t pay at all. There’s also more legal recourse for freelancers trying to recover payment. This is huge news, not just for NYC, but the whole country as other locations push for similar laws.

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The 28 Photojournalists Unexpectedly Laid Off By the Chicago Sun-Times: One Year Later

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Last year, the Chicago Sun-Times made the controversial decision to let go twenty-right of its photojournalists while making changes to their staff. Now that one year has passed, Poynter went out and got in contact with the photographers affected to see what’s happened since then.

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