CAPTURED - Weekly Newsletter

Clients, Cameras & Freelancer Life - You Asked, I Answered

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Hey Reader,

This week I’m doing something a bit different.

You sent in questions and I’ve picked some of my favourites to answer.

Think of this as a casual Q&A.

No big lessons, just what I’ve learned so far and how I’m figuring things out right now.

Let’s dive in!

Part One: Photography Career & Style

How did you get into photography?

I was always the person on trips with a GoPro, filming everything. My first real camera was a Sony A6300 in 2017. I didn’t buy it thinking I’d be a photographer. I just liked documenting stuff. Travel played a big part in it. Over time, I started shooting more photos than video and that’s how it all began.

How do you know when your work is good enough to charge?

You’ll never feel completely ready. If your photos are sharp, in focus and better than what someone could take on their phone, you can charge for your work. Start with a price you feel confident about. It might be $50 or $500. Over time, your skills and your rates will grow together. What matters most is that you can deliver what you’re promising.

How do you create your own look when editing?

It takes time. I’ve spent years playing around in Lightroom and Premiere, trying different presets, figuring out which colours I like muted, how much contrast feels right and what tones feel like me. There’s no secret trick. It’s editing a lot, paying attention to what you like and slowly shaping a style that feels yours.

Do you ever look back at your old work?

Yes, most of the time it makes me nostalgic and I try to look at it with kind eyes. If you’re improving, your older work will always feel different. That’s how it should be.

When did photography start to feel serious for you?

The first time someone paid me. My first wedding video was the turning point. I came home with a $900 cheque and showed my dad. He couldn’t believe it. That was the moment I realised this could actually be a job.

Part Two: Gear & Process

Will you replace your XE4 with the XE5?

Yeah, probably. I’ve been waiting for an upgrade that feels right. The XE4 is still amazing, but the XE5 ticks a lot of boxes for me. I don’t think upgrading gear is always necessary though. Most of the time, the camera you already have is enough.

Do you use other cameras for pro work?

Yes. I shoot with the Sony A7IV and a mix of lenses for client work. I’ve used Sony for years and trust it on bigger jobs. Fuji is what I reach for when I want to enjoy shooting.

Best lenses for travel (one prime, one zoom)?

For a prime, I love the Fuji 23mm f2 (around 35mm full-frame). It’s small and light. For a zoom, a 24–70mm equivalent will cover pretty much everything while travelling.

Do you share your Lightroom presets?

I don’t give them out for free, but they’re available on my site. Since you’re reading this, you can get 20% off with the code CAPTURED this weekend.

Part Three: Freelance Life & Workflow

How do you organise your week as a freelancer?

I’m not a super structured person, but here’s what I aim for. Mondays and Tuesdays are for edits and admin. Wednesday is YouTube filming day. Thursday is editing that video. Friday is newsletter day. Client work, meetings and networking fit around that. Being in Barcelona, I’m trying to get to at least one or two creative events each week.

How do you find new clients?

Most of my paid work comes from referrals. I aim to reach out to at least one new client every day. Some days it’s more. And I’m making myself go to more networking events. Sometimes it can be uncomfortable, but that’s where opportunities come from.

Is it hard to stay creative when you’re doing it for money?

Yes. When your income depends on creativity, it can start to feel heavy. That’s why I make time for personal projects. YouTube and spec shoots give me space to create for myself. It keeps things fun.