Can’t decide between Upwork vs Freelancer? That’s okay. With the freelancing community thriving, more and more freelancer platforms are popping up. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages and the best one for you might not be the best for everybody. That’s one thing you need to understand from the get-go—not all platforms may offer the same rewards for you as they would with your fellow freelancers.

As of today, there are dozens of freelancer platforms that you can check out. But two platforms that stand out are upwork.com and freelancer.com. If you are having trouble deciding between the two, know that you are not alone. For starters, you can compare Upwork vs Freelancer by the number of users on it—Freelancer has 25 million while Upwork has 14 million. Both platforms are open worldwide so if you get on them, it is possible to score a gig from a client in a different country from you.

To find out which platform is right for you, we need to take a closer look at the two freelancing platforms. Check out the details below:

Upwork

A marketplace for freelancers, Upwork allows freelancers to sign up for free. This US company is a result of a merger between two other companies, Elance and oDesk. There are two ways you can start finding jobs on Upwork, either you submit a proposal to a potential client or clients will find you through your profile.

Upwork Connects

Now, you can’t just apply for every job you find on Upwork. What sets Upwork apart from other freelancing platforms is it has its own currency known as “Connects”. Connects are then used for you to bid on jobs and also to highlight your profile so more clients can see you and your work.

Free Connects are provided every month for free users. However, if you run out, it is possible to purchase these. Connects can also be earned (for example, by registering your account). If you want to receive more Connects per month, then you will have to subscribe to a Freelancer Plus account, which costs US$14.99 per month.

You have to weigh in the worth of subscribing or buying Connects or simply relying on a free account.

Upwork Badges

Another way you can differentiate Upwork vs Freelancer is the former has a freelancer hierarchy. This platform recognizes the skill level and experience of freelancers. As you can see below there are 4 badges for freelancers: Rising Talent, Top Rated, Top Rated Plus, and Expert Vetted.

The higher up you are on the Upwork pyramid, the more chances you get of being hired. Think of these badges as a blue checkmark on an Instagram profile. There are also certain perks you get as you move up the ranks of freelancing on Upwork, this may include reduced fees and additional Connects.

Freelancer

Between Upwork vs Freelancer, the latter is a little more straightforward. It also has memberships, which will be discussed below, but it is not as complicated as Upwork. Freelancer.com is also a marketplace for freelancers, it is based in Australia but has offices in other countries, like Canada, Indonesia, the Philippines, and the UK.

Freelancer Contests

One thing that makes Freelancer.com unique is it isn’t reduced to bidding on projects. This freelancer market also has “contests”. As a freelancer, you don’t have to bid in a contest, but you need to submit an entry. Contests are simpler projects and there can be multiple winners. However, take note that there is also a limit to the number of entries you make for different contests depending on your membership.

Freelancer Membership Plans

When it comes to membership options, Upwork vs Freelancer, Freelancer.com comes out on top as it offers 4 membership types. You don’t have to be a member to be able to sign up, create a profile, and try to get a job but the membership helps.

Depending on the membership of your choice, you will be able to find out how many bids you can make in a month. The more bids you have, the more chances you can get hired. Also, the level of your membership can also determine how many skills you can put down on your profile. Again, each membership plan has its own perks but they all come with a price.

Fee Comparison: Upwork vs Freelancer

Yes, both Upwork and Freelancer platforms take fees from freelancers. However, there is a difference between the two. Upwork has a tiered fee that will depend on the amount of money you will get from a client. For example, if you earn $500, they get a 20% service fee. However, if you earn more than that they get subsequent fees of 10% for $500.01-$10,000 earnings and 5% for $10,000.01 and above earnings.

For Freelancer, the fees are a little easier to understand. $5 for each project (or contest) or 10%, whichever is higher. If you are working at an hourly rate, the fee is also 10%.

For both Upwork and Freelancer, fees are subject to change, depending on a couple of factors, like memberships, referral programs, etc.

Freelancing Platform Alternatives

Maybe you really can’t decide between Upwork vs Freelancer or you just want more options. Yes, the service fees can be really steep that’s why you are looking for some alternatives to freelancer.com. That’s alright because there is a way to get hired and work a freelancing job with you taking home all of the pay. Check them out below:

1. Hubstaff Talent

Initially, a time-tracking site, Hubstaff also offers employee monitoring, workforce management, and more. Under the site is Hubstaff Talent, where you can search for jobs. It’s pretty straightforward and more importantly, there is no fee for getting started or making a profile. Since they don’t take commissions, you’ll get to take home 100% of all of your earnings.

2. Facebook Groups

Not exactly a freelancer platform but Facebook Groups can be more helpful than you think. You might be surprised but there are dozens and hundreds of Facebook groups that are dedicated entirely to freelancing. There are even freelancing groups that are specific to certain industries, such as writers, UX designers, artists, and more.

Now, it may be a bit harder to find a job here, but it’s free. Also, you have to do your own diligence when it comes to vetting clients. That’s the good thing about sites like Upwork and Freelancer, there’s less risk and lower chances of getting scammed.

3. Professional Accounts or Pages

Another unorthodox way of finding work is by letting the clients come to you. Use the power of social media and create relevant professional accounts for your work. For example, if you are a graphic designer, why not make a TikTok account where you can highlight or showcase your skills? Think of it as a portfolio. Who knows if your post goes viral, you may attract potential clients.

4. Referrals

If you can’t find work in a marketplace full of strangers, then maybe you have to start with a network that you know. Now, this can be tough if you are just starting out as a freelancer or you are fresh out of school. But, if you want people to hire you, you really need to start somewhere. It can be with family members, friends, friends of friends, or former classmates. Pretty much anywhere, but you really have to start somewhere to kick off your career.

How to Choose the Right Platform For You

It can definitely be hard to decide which platform is right for you, Upwork vs Freelancer, or maybe something else. If you need to know which is right for you, do consider the following factors to help you out:

1. Fees

Fees are very much a huge factor for freelancers. You really have to do the math to make sure that you are not operating at a loss. Remember, as a freelancer, you are working to sustain your lifestyle or to keep running your business. It’s not enough to break even when you are working as a freelancer, you have to make sure that you are making a profit.

This can b fairly difficult, especially when you are just starting out and these freelance marketplace platforms are eating up your hard-earned money with fees. But, you have to remember the reason why these fees are here. Upwork and Freelancer are attracting the right type of clients, you don’t have to be afraid of scammers as these platforms offer support. They also do their own vetting process for clients. You just have to weigh if the fee justifies all of the advantages that you get from them.

2. Competitiveness

The freelancing world in general is very competitive. However, you get to see this up close when you are on freelancer marketplaces. You’ll be able to see your competitors and other freelancers bidding on the same projects as you are. This can both be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on you.

If you are a competitive person, then this freelancing lifestyle might just work for you. It can help motivate you to become a better freelancer and hone your skills or offer competitive hourly or per project rates. If you aren’t too competitive, then you might want to skip the platforms that show other people’s bids so as not to make you feel conscious about your own pitches.

3. Skills and Experience

Do consider the level of experience that you have as well as your skills. You will not stand out on freelancer marketplaces if you have a blank resume or a resume that looks just like everyone else’s. If you have excellent skills or good experiences (that can be backed up with references), then by all means, do join the arena of Upwork or Freelancer.

But, if you are still starting out, you might want to consider less competitive freelance platforms. You may also consider getting memberships if you think this will be able to help you jumpstart your freelancing career.

Conclusion

When it comes to Upwork vs Freelancer, there is no clear winner if you don’t factor in your own situation. Remember that these freelancing platforms differ from one another and it is up to you to find out which one to use to your advantage.

One thing you can do is try out different platforms, maybe at the same time, or one at a time. Depending on how much you can handle. Once you have tried both, then you may have a clearer answer on which one comes out on top between Upwork vs Freelancer.

Post written by:

kosmo on November 2, 2022

If you have decided to call it quits as an employee and want to know how to become a freelance engineer, read on.

The constant growth of the gig economy has proven that freelancing is at its peak. And with the many advantages and perks of freelancing, people are shifting from being employed to joining the global gig industry.

If you are wondering if a person with a professional degree in engineering can do freelancing, the answer is yes. Of course! In fact, engineers have been transitioning to freelance status because of the many benefits and freedom it presents.

Benefits of Freelancing

A freelancer provides contracted work without being bound to any company or corporation. Freelancing is a business in itself, with the freelancer acting as the owner or self-employed worker. Usually hired for temporary and short-term projects, a freelancer may deliver an entire project or a fraction of it. It all depends on the job requirements presented to them by their client.

• Autonomy. As a freelancer, you have the freedom to direct your own business. In other words, you are the boss. So you get to decide on what projects you will work on and which ones you will decline. You will design your own systems. Basically, you are self-governing and self-directing your business. No more office politics and toxic superiors!
• Flexibility. Because you own the business, you get total control of your time. Say goodbye to your 8-5 office hours! Everybody’s body clock is different. Some work best in the early mornings, while some are more productive in the afternoon. Now, you get to pick the best working schedule and say hello to a healthy work-life balance!
• Workplace. You do not necessarily need to rent out an office space or studio to do your work. Given that you are going solo, you can work wherever you want as long as it is convenient for your business. You can choose to work from home or in a coffee shop. You can even work while on vacation!
• Workload. And finally, because you have the autonomy to decide for your entire business, you get control over the amount of work you are willing and able to do. You can have multiple projects going on simultaneously or focus on a single client at a given time. It is now all up to you.

How to Become a Freelance Engineer

So, you have decided that you want to become a freelance engineer? Great! It is time to set you up for success. Your technical skills as an engineer should go hand-in-hand with good business management skills. Begin with the basics of starting up a business and work your way up to your launch. Start right and strong.

Keep Your Finances in Check

Understand that it may take some time before you can have a good revolving business fund. You may not see your profit right after the first month. So, before starting your business, check your finances. Do you have appropriate funding for your business?

While you may not be shelling out money for office rentals and employee salaries, you still have to consider your operational expenses. Estimate your daily or monthly expenses. As an engineer, you probably need subscriptions to certain software or an ample amount of office supplies, right? You will also need to set aside a transportation budget because you may need to visit sites and meet clients to present your reports and updates.

It is always, always wise to ensure your financial stability, especially in the first few months while you are still building your business.

Credentials Are Important

Having your degree as an engineer will absolutely define your skill set and which industry you will focus on. However, do not underestimate the importance of having the appropriate certifications and licenses you need for your practice. To meet the standards and have proof of competence, you can check the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying website. Licenses may vary depending on the city, state, or country you are residing in and will work on. Remember this when accepting jobs outside your city of residence. There may be different requirements and regulations you need to know in that location before you can start working.

Define the Industry

One good thing about being an engineer is that you already have a specific skill set that defines your industry. You may be a mechanical, agricultural, or data engineer. The industry is already a given. All you have to do now is dig deep and understand how the business side of it works.

In establishing how to become a freelance engineer, you must understand that you will no longer be dictated by a superior on what, when, and how to do your job. Everything now will be up to you. So understand everything there is to know about the latest trends, an entry of a new big player in the market, or any shift in industry-standard policies or rates. Always be updated with what is happening.

Get Your Systems Ready

Before you start selling your business in the market, make sure that you are properly settled. This relates to all aspects of your business. Simply put, ensure you are a well-oiled machine before you start the ignition.

1. Office and Supplies

You do not need an actual office to run your business. You can work at home, in your garage, or room. It all depends on much space you would need to comfortably and efficiently work. Some engineers need a large flat table for their blueprints, while some won’t need one. But, again, it depends on your specialization. But whatever it may be, make sure that you are in a safe and distraction-free workspace.

Make a list of the supplies you need and see to it that you have enough materials for at least two projects. You do not want to stop mid-way through finishing a project because you ran out of ink. Surely, you can anticipate the supplies you will need, so be smart and make sure you have enough stocks.

2. Equipment

For sure, you will need a high-functioning computer and printer to do your job efficiently. Maybe, you will need some hard disk drives to save large files to. Find out which equipment is best for your practice. Do not buy the most expensive or the newest one just yet! While it is good that technology is continuously advancing, some of these new computers and equipment may not be suitable for you. You’ll just be wasting money. Research and determine the most fitting equipment for you.

3. Legal Documents

Verify with your local government unit if you will need any permits or licenses. These requirements vary depending on the location of your business, so to be on the safe side, know the legal requirements in your city and state.

Knowing how to become a freelance engineer includes being aware of the legalities involved in your business. Aside from the city requirements, know your tax obligations too. Take note of the schedule on when you should renew, if needed, any license or permit, may it be for your business or as a licensed professional. Do the same with the schedule of when you should pay your taxes.

4. Design Your Workflow

As an engineer, this will be an easy task for you. Create your process map. Having a workflow ensures that you are not mismanaging your project. This will determine how many projects you can accept at any given time, especially if you know how long each task will take to finish. Your workflow will also help you see if you would need any other resources aside from what you already have.

5. Software

In addition to your primary software like word processing and spreadsheet programs, you obviously need engineering software and apps. Familiarize yourself with the software that you will be using before you start doing projects. This will see to it that there are minimal errors as you do your work.

Empower your business by using productivity software too. If you carefully study your workflow, you will notice that there will be phases in a project lifespan where administrative tasks are required. These include drafting proposals and contracts, invoicing and billing, and payment management. Do not panic. Project management tools are available online to help you with these tasks.

A complete project management platform like Kosmo has features that not only offer these document creations but also track and manage the entire project. From client directory creation to time tracking to payment management, productivity tools guarantee that you manage your business efficiently.

6. Pricing Scheme

Bear in mind that one of the first questions your clients will ask you is how much you charge for your work. Now, do not get caught not knowing the answer to that!

Part of getting your systems ready is determining your rates. You will have to decide whether you will be charging on a project fee or hourly rate basis. Understand the difference between these two and decide on which scheme you will go for. You may also provide rates based on a retainer agreement, especially for clients who wish to hire you for multiple projects.

Have an Effective Marketing Strategy

To create a buzz about you and your business, you need a good and effective marketing strategy. Remember, you are not the only freelance engineer in the market. So how can you stand out? Here are a few tips:

• Create an amazing portfolio. Showcase your work. Highlight your strengths, skills, and specialties. Choose the best projects you have done and put a spotlight on those.
• Have a website. As an engineer, you do need a good website. A professional website is a testament to your skills as well, for it will vouch for your keen attention to design and details.
• Be on social media. The world somehow revolves around what’s new and in on social media platforms. Everybody uses their social media accounts not only for connecting with people but also for business purposes. Create a professional profile and regularly update your pages.
• Use job boards. There are many job boards and freelance management systems online where you can post your availability. But expect that many other freelancers post their profiles on these sites, so make sure you have a scroll-stopping, eye-catching profile.
• Explore partnerships. There are instances when an opportunity for collaboration is possible. Why not explore this option? You can gain more clients through your partner as well.
• Know your network. You may know some people who can refer you to potential clients. Or, you may have developed a positive relationship with previous clients. Let them know that you are now accepting projects as a freelance engineer. You can also join clubs or organizations like the National Society of Professional Engineers. Who knows, maybe your next partner or client is sitting right next to you!

Continuous Learning

Never stop improving. As a freelancer, one of your worst nightmares would be lagging far behind the rest of your colleagues. You can take some courses to improve your craft. You can also know the latest news and trends through various online groups and get additional references through forums and discussions.

As an engineer, you know your work should always be exceptional. To be able to deliver top-notch work, you should always keep on improving yourself. This is, after all, for the success of your business too.

Hello There, Freelancer

It is time to launch your business! You are now ready to be a freelance engineer. It will take a lot of dedication and time, but with the right conviction of the heart, you can definitely do it. And you know what? Learning how to become a freelance engineer is easy; with the right mindset and tools, you definitely are ready.

Post written by:

kosmo on October 31, 2022

Translation jobs are at their peak, and if you want to know how to become a freelance translator, you are in luck! Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you start right.

Freelance translating careers have become appealing, especially to those who are already fluent in at least two languages. Or are into linguistics. Translating can be a complex task because of the accuracy it requires, and naturally, not all languages have a word-for-word translation. So, if you are really interested in translation and aspire to become a freelance translator, you must be ready to learn and adapt continuously.

After all, even if you only have an entry-level skill in translation, the business can be exciting and rewarding. Imagine bridging the gap between two cultures, two people or companies, and literally two different languages. Plus, it is an easy income-generating job with a unique skill that you already have. This can be a potential game-changing career for you!

How to Become a Freelance Translator

According to Forbes.com, a translator is a person trained to convert written text from one language to another. But it is not that simple. Your translation should be precise because you want to deliver the exact message in the same tone but in a different language. When doing translations, you must keep in mind that you have to keep any cultural implications, if any, intact.

Step 1: Understand the Profession

You have to understand how the translation industry works. Aside from the linguistics aspect, you need to have a grasp of the industry you are writing for. Yes, there are several industries that require translation (not only movies and TV programs). Here are some of the industries and examples that usually require translation:

• Literary. Textbooks, articles, poems, novels, and songs.
• Sciences. Scientific documents like medical journals and research; medical documents like clinical records and medicine brochures.
• Legal. Court documents, ordinances, and other legal documents.
• Technical. User guides and product manuals.
• Financial. Income statements, financial documents, and insurance policies.
• Diplomatic. Documents and correspondences from expatriates.

Know that as a translator, you are not just an “app” that converts written documents. There is a science to your profession which ensures you translate as accurately as possible while retaining the document’s structure, style, and tone. So, expect that clients can be more particular and meticulous when vetting translators. It is best that you focus on a specific industry and get well-versed in its terminologies and culture. This way, you can quickly progress and become one of the experts in that field.

Step 2: Assess Your Credentials

While a translating job may sound simple, clients tend to look for highly qualified translators. So, assess your credentials.

• Education. Some take foreign language subjects as early as high school, while some have a bachelor’s degree in linguistics. While these formal educations are not necessarily a prerequisite to the job, some clients prefer to hire translators with these backgrounds. There are short courses for particular languages (e.g. German online courses, Korean courses…) that offer certifications as well. If you lack these requirements, you might want to look for a translation project management course. It will definitely give you an edge over others.
• Experience. Yes, you do speak and write in Spanish, but how good is it when it comes to having the proper cultural references? Having actual experience, either in translation or interpretation, is a plus. Have you visited or lived in a Spanish-speaking country or city? Did you teach Spanish to kids? Or maybe, you have been an interpreter for an office or event. These will add points to your profile and show competence to your name.
• Certifications. Some countries have official certifications for translation skills. In the U.S., for example, the American Translators Association provides certification exams to professionalize the translation industry.

Again, these are not really requirements for most clients, but these are good to have so you can stand out from the rest. If you do not have any experiences to add to your credentials yet, like an actual translation job experience, you can always start with some small gigs. Ask around your community if there are any translation jobs required. Maybe, the local school needs a translator.

Step 3: Know the Skills Needed

In knowing how to become a freelance translator, you must understand that aside from your technical ability to translate correctly, you must also possess some skills to deliver a successful job. It is a profession and a business, after all.

• Writing. To be a good translator, you must have excellent writing skills. This includes correct grammar, spelling, and use of punctuation for the languages of your specialty.
• People skills. Remember that you may be working for a client of a different race. They may have different cultures and insights. Know the best approach to your client, especially when interacting with them. Have good communication skills and practice professionalism at all times.
• Meticulousness. Attention to detail is important in a translation job. Do not miss out on words or phrases that may cause your translation to go wrong. A single missed out punctuation can cause errors too. Go over your translation twice if you must.
• Time management. Because you need to have a keen eye on every word, phrase, and sentence, translation jobs will take time to complete. You have to track and manage your time well to avoid conflicts in your schedule or missing out on deadlines, especially if you have accepted multiple projects.
• Enterprising spirit. As a freelancer, you must have the right business mindset. Remember, as a freelancer, you are a business entity. You are running a business. So, you have to ensure that you are managing your business efficiently.
• Expertise. It may be wise to start slow with the best language you can be an expert on. Yes, you can read, speak, and write with your B language (second most fluent language), but it will be better if you know more than the basics.

Step 4: Setup Your Office

As a freelance translator, you do not necessarily need an actual office space. You may work in a dedicated space in your apartment or a corner of your room. The important thing here is that you have a distraction-free workspace. Remember that when doing your translation job, you must be completely focused to avoid mistakes. Also, you may be working on some confidential projects, so you really need a safe space.

During this stage, it is also best to develop your project workflow. Determine how you will process your projects efficiently so that when you finally start accepting projects, you already have a system in place. Don’t worry; you can establish a workflow system that you are most comfortable with because, in this business, you are the boss.

Make sure you have all the equipment and supplies you need. Once you have a workflow, you will see this clearly. Invest in a good keyboard because there will definitely be a lot of typing. Will you need noise-canceling headphones? Will you need good desklamps? Do you need to upgrade your computer? Will you need a printer? Determine all these at this stage so you can work uninterrupted once you start on a project.

Set up your website and professional social media accounts. Bear in mind that clients check out your online profiles too for reference and screening. So, make sure you have set up a professional website and social media pages. Create a client pool list, especially now that you have chosen a specialty. If you have decided that you will do best in the medical field, then start listing down clinics, hospitals, and other health facilities. Or, if you really love reading, look for international publishers and list them down.

Pro tip: Before you start posting your services in the market, take note of your tax obligations and whether your local government or state will require you to secure a business license.

Step 5: Get the Right Tools

Take advantage of what technology has to offer.

Some translators are comfortable using Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) and Translation Memories (TMs) software and apps. Explore these software so you will know which one fits your style best. That being said, you should also invest in other business tools like good project management software.

You know you will be handling more than the translation job itself. A freelancer juggles the actual job with admin duties and marketing strategies. Administrative work could be pretty intimidating if you are going to manage it by yourself. But have no fear because there are project management tools that can help you run your business efficiently.

A complete project management tool like Kosmo will definitely make your life easier. Imagine having a clients and projects database all in one software. You can create your client’s directory and a project folder for each client (or more if you have a repeating client). For each project, you get to draft proposals and contracts, track your tasking timelines, generate invoices and send them to clients for payment. It is all there in one software, with all features integrated from the start of the project until completion. Now, that is convenience!

Step 6: Time to Find Your Clients

Everything is online now. Clients looking for translators will search the internet. So make sure you build a strong online presence.

Create an impressive portfolio or resume, and post them on your website and social media accounts. Creating accounts on job boards and other job marketplace platforms is also a good marketing strategy. Make sure that you create profiles that are scroll-stopping, something that will stand out.

Do not underestimate the power of referrals. Ask your family and friends for referrals. Know the people support that you have and maximize your opportunities. Look around your local communities; maybe your local high school is looking for a translator.

One secret to knowing how to become a freelance translator is knowing how to sell yourself too.

Bonus Steps!

Step 7: Connect with Experts

There will always be someone more experienced than you. And you know what they say, “Experience is the best teacher.” Connect with them and have good relationships with them. It is not bad to have a mentor anyway, right? There will always be something new for you to learn.

You can also join groups and organizations to broaden your network. Join in forums and discussions, so you are updated with the news and trends on translation jobs.

Step 8: Continuous Learning

Language is continuously evolving. There may be new expressions or slang that you need to know about. Continue practicing your skills. Maybe you can also start learning a third language if you have enough time. The more languages you know, the more you can expand your business. But remember to always, always take your time. Do not rush things. It is better that you be a master one than master none.

Conclusion

As you can see, being a translator all depends on your specific set of language skills. Setting up the business with the right tools and support system is easy. So focus on enhancing and expanding your skill set so you can stand out from the rest. Now that you know how to become a freelance translator, you can start your business with success!

Post written by:

kosmo on October 31, 2022

There are many types of photographers and photography styles, especially in the freelance workforce. The variety of styles and categories can be based on the camera used, interest, and of course, purpose. If you are into photography and are thinking of being a freelance photographer, it is best that you explore the different styles of photography so you can decide on what type of photographer you will be.

Camera Types Photographers Use

The fundamentals of photography are pretty simple—your subject and your camera. With the advancement of technology, there are now different types of cameras a photographer can use. In choosing which of the different types of photographers you want to become, you also have to consider the equipment or camera you have or want to use.

1. Digital Camera

Digital Photography is the most common style of photography because of the many conveniences of a digital camera. Most, if not all, photographers, whether professional or hobbyist, use this type of camera. If you are a newbie, the digital camera will assist you in taking photos with its automatic focus function. But if you want to manipulate the shot, simply put it in manual mode.

The technology behind the digital camera has taken photography to a new level. First, you are no longer bound by a certain number of shots depending on your roll of film. The photos save on memory cards and if it becomes full (it usually takes hundreds of photos to fill up a card, depending on the storage size), simply change the card. No more risk of exposing the film! Second, it is adaptable to different tools you can attach or link to, like flashes and lenses. Some photographers even connect their cameras to their laptops; whatever the camera captures, the computer displays it within seconds! No need to wait hours just to see the result of your shot.

Third, digital cameras are so universal that you can buy parts wherever you are. Simply go to a camera shop, and they will probably have a tripod or lens cover that fits your specs. And lastly, digital photography has more post-processing options. Editing photos are easy if you have the right software.

2. Film Camera

Analog cameras or those that use rolls of film to capture the shot, are still popular. Actually, the trend is coming back again. Photographers are finding the waiting game (in developing the film) exciting. Because photography is an art, these analog photographers consider their once-in-a-lifetime shot their true work of art. Without any manipulation, whatever they capture is final. And that, for them, is their art.

3. Drones

Indeed, technology is incredible. Now, with drones, you can easily capture photos from way above the ground. Need a picture of the mouth of a volcano? Use a drone! Want to capture a stampede from a safe space? Use a drone. It does take a lot of practice though before you can get a perfect shot, but still, you can produce really incredible photos using drones.

4. Smartphones

And, yes, of course, the smartphones. Who would have thought that the camera specifications of a phone would be a huge selling point? Smartphone innovators have incorporated camera features that are almost identical to professional digital cameras. Social media content creators mostly use these smartphone cameras because of their convenience. Just browse through photo-sharing apps, and you’ll see how professional smartphone-captured photos look.

Types of Photographers

If a picture paints a thousand words, then make it your goal to always make sure your photographs are speaking to your audience. It is a visual art, after all.

There are different types of photographers, mainly categorized according to their subject. In choosing which one you want to specialize in, you must also master your subject. While it is true that there are certain rules in photography, such as the rule of thirds, as an artist, you can always break away from this. The important thing is that you have communicated the message you want to impart to your audience through your subject and the overall composition of the photograph. Determine the subject you are most interested in and see what type of photographer you can be.

Portraiture Photographer

There are almost 8 billion people in the world. And with different cultures, races, and ages, people are probably one of the most fascinating subjects for photography.

Portraiture or portrait photography is one of the oldest and most common types of photography. As a portrait photographer, your aim is to capture the personality and emotions of your subject, using lighting direction and backgrounds. You may want to have a more specialized genre so you can be easily identifiable to clients looking for that particular style.

1. Headshot Photographer

Headshot photographers focus on the human face and how their personality will be communicated with few to almost no props or backgrounds. Usually used as profile pictures, as a headshot photographer, you must naturally bring out the character of their subject.

2. Boudoir Photographer

Boudoir photography involves women wearing lingerie or sexy outfits. It gives an intimate and sensual feel, so you should emphasize the curves and shape of your subject’s body. As a boudoir photographer, you should always be sensitive to how your subject may be feeling towards the photoshoot. Make sure your subject feels comfortable and safe.

3. Glamor Photographer

As a glamor photographer, your aim is to highlight your subject’s beauty and charm. This time, your subject may appear alluring and sexy even with full clothes. The secret is in posing your subject. In a glamor photo shoot, your subject is usually in full make-up and an outfit they feel brings out their most beautiful features. Your aim is for your subject to see themselves in their most beautiful and charming moment. Your subject might be thinking: This is how I will look if I am on a magazine cover.

4. Baby and Child Photographer

Many parents want to capture each and every milestone of their children. So they hire photographers to take photos of their babies or young kids. This is a very challenging profession as children are usually tricky to instruct into a pose and babies have a schedule of their own. Imagine doing a photoshoot of a sleeping newborn, then suddenly, she wakes up. The photo shoot will be delayed until the baby sleeps soundly again. As a photographer for babies and children, you should always consider time, location, and props to make the shoot easier to manage.

5. Family Photographer

A Family portrait is very important to your client. These usually are framed and shown to every visitor in the house. So you should know how to bring out their best smiles. Know the family dynamics so you can suggest how they will be positioned and what the tone of the photo will be. Is this a fun or formal shoot? You have to be extra patient too, because these may take several shots, as group photos are pretty tricky. Do not miss out on a family member not smiling or who has looked away the second you clicked your camera.

Events Photographer

People will always want to remember the most special occasions in their lives. As an events photographer, you must capture these milestones and events in their lives. A good events photographer must have an eye for the most unique and special moments during an event.

6. Wedding Photographer

Every couple wants a good wedding photographer. As a wedding photographer, your photos should show how special and romantic the event is. You also have to capture the guests’ reactions and emotions. In documenting this event, you will not only focus on the couple but also on the wedding itself—the bridal dress, the venue, the flowers, and even the cake!

7. Concert Photographer

Probably one of the most challenging events to cover is a concert. The audience area is dark, the stage is full of bright lights, and there is movement everywhere. If you want to pursue being a concert photographer, make sure you have the right equipment, especially camera lenses, so the lighting will not be a problem for you.

8. Sports Photographer

As a sports photographer, first and foremost, you must understand the sport itself. The actions are quick, and you should anticipate what will happen. Once a punch has landed, and you missed it, you cannot recreate it again. Sports photography shows both winning and losing moments. The triumph, the heartbreak, and the actions on the court or ring.

Nature Photographer

Nothing can compare to the adrenaline rush of capturing wildlife, right? Being able to take a clear and perfect photo of a jumping whale or a dog catching a frisbee is pretty mind-blowing.

9. Wildlife Photographer

Capturing wildlife in their natural habitat takes a lot of patience and skill. Well, it also needs expensive equipment. You see how those National Geographic photographers do it, right? You will patiently wait, camouflaged in your corner, with just seconds to take that shot.

10. Pet Photographer

Pets are considered family. So pet owners expect the photo of their pets to be as good as a human portrait. If you love taking pictures of animals, then this could be for you.

11. Landscape Photographer

Your goal as a landscape photographer is to have jaw-dropping photos. Whether you use a digital camera or a drone, you should show the beauty of your subject in its grandest form. In landscape photography, you feature nature at its finest, the sun setting, the great mountains, or waves hitting the rocks.

12. Underwater Photographer

Underwater photography may be for you if you are in for an adventure and love the ocean. You just need to have the right camera and equipment to capture amazing underwater photos. Oh, and of course, you must be a good swimmer.

13. Astro Photographer

Capturing astronomical events and objects is impressive. However, this is a highly technical type of photography. Your camera specifications and settings should be perfect in order to create that marvelous photo of the night sky.

Cityscapes and Structures Photographer

If you are fascinated with buildings, architectural structures, bridges, and even abandoned houses, this could be for you.

14. Architecture Photographer

Highlighting architectural wonders takes skill and a good eye for detail. The angles should be right, and the perspectives should leave your audience in awe.

15. Cityscape Photographer

City folks are always busy. They do not have time to stop and appreciate their surrounding. A cityscape photographer captures the image of the city in full view, like how the city looks at night with its bright lights or an aerial shot showing the rooftops of buildings.

Commercial/Advertising Photographer

Being a commercial photographer is a very profitable profession. A commercial photographer is always in demand. The downside is, you have a lot of competition. So, make sure you have the right resources for freelance photographers to help you.

16. Product Photographer

A product photographer ensures that the product is greatly emphasized. A product photographer should be skilled in plotting layouts for the items needed to be highlighted. Product photography may include food or automotive products, so you must also know how to take great photos of these. Your photo itself should sell the product!

17. Fashion Photographer

Clothes, shoes, bags. As a fashion photographer, you should know how to pose your model to highlight these items.

Lifestyle & Reportage Photographer

Lifestyle and reportage photographers capture real-life events that highlight everyday situations on the streets or anywhere else.

18. Documentary Photographer

Documentary photographers narrate the events through their photos. It may be for travel, history, or anything that basically serves to record a phenomenon or situation like wars or pandemics.

19. Photojournalist

A photojournalist tells the news through photos. It captures what is happening now and is usually published in newspapers and magazines.

Take that shot!

Being a photographer is a gratifying profession. Capturing the world through your lenses and being a part of history is truly thrilling. With the many styles of photography, you may be confused about what genre you will focus on. Understanding the purpose, subjects, and aspects of how the different types of photographers translate photographs into art will help you decide.

Post written by:

kosmo on October 29, 2022