Freelance Writing and Photography

Wanting to be a freelance writer means that sooner or later you will have to travel. The lucky ones get their expenses paid up-front, but most have to get their expenses reimbursed from the client.

As a freelance writer you will get paid a lot more if you include original photographs from your travel assignment. Be sure that your client is willing to pay extra for any photographs attached to your assignment, you don't want to go to the added expense and risk of carrying an expensive and heavy camera with you if you aren’t going to be paid for the photos.

With a digital camera and a quality memory stick, anyone can take a reasonable photo. Why not add photography to your repertoire, you will be adding to your value to you client.

Rule number 1 of freelance writing is “Get It In Writing” and get a signature. The days are gone when you could do a deal with a handshake and then be sure that it will be honored. You need to have the offer in writing, better still, in an email, detailing everything.

If you have agreed to be reimbursed for your travel expenses you must be absolutely sure that you are giving your client what he wants. It is no good going to Spain and writing and taking photographs of the most wonderful things that Spain has to offer if your client wants an article on Portugal.

No matter how good your article on Spain is, you won't get paid for it if your client wants and article on Portugal or photos of portugal. Along the same lines, if you are writing an article about Oranges no one is going to pay you for photographs of Apples, are they.

You may be lucky enough to get a pic of something that may have historical significance. If you give away the copyright, you give away any potential future income from that photograph. So my advice is never give or sell the copyright of any photo you take.

When photographing your subject, be sure to take lots of snaps, this may seem to be a waste of time and effort, but believe me, when you get back home and you are choosing the pics that will embellish your article, the better your pic the more you will be paid.

Digital cameras are a wonderful invention, gone are the days of expensive film. Now you can take as many photos as time permits rather than as finances permit. Digital photos can be stored or discarded as you see fit.