From employee to photographer: 5 tips for a successful transition

Last January, the wind shifted. After more than 10 years as an employee in the marketing world, I finally had the courage to take action and realize my dream of making photography/videography my profession. 

This transition was neither perfect nor linear. But it was carefully thought out over several years. Here are my five key lessons to guide you in your transition from employee to self-employed.

Images taken from a video produced by Untold Storytelling

I started photography as a teenager. This hobby stayed with me, on and off, until the pandemic hit. That's when I reconnected with this art form in a much deeper way: photography took center stage in my life. It was my way of escaping and connecting with other enthusiasts online.

In 2021, the idea of turning this passion into a business began to take shape. I worked on my online presence and read everything I could to continue deepening my knowledge. I literally spent the last few years with my nose buried in books, learning and studying my favorite photographers. Whenever I had a free moment, I worked on my project. 

All of this allowed me to lay the foundations for my offering and my style before launching. I took on assignments on weekends and outside of working hours. 

Exploring different types of projects, dealing with vague requests, tight deadlines, etc., not only allows you to gain experience, but also to validate your appetite for the reality of the job. It's best to know all the ins and outs before taking the plunge.

Oh, and one last important detail: it's a wise decision to build up a savings fund for purchasing equipment or for slower periods before leaving your job! 

Maggie Parisé

Nikon D90

One of the very first photos I took with a DSLR, in 2012. Even today, it's the first image that appears every time I open my Lightroom catalog. It reminds me of what goes on behind the scenes, and that there are always two sides to everything.

Photography isn't just about creativity. It's about entrepreneurship. I believe that to make a living from photography, you have to treat it like a small business. That includes invoicing, writing quotes, time management, follow-ups, deliverables, taxes, canvassing, marketing, etc. 

Laying the administrative groundwork saves a lot of time. Creating document templates, tracking income and expenses, setting rates, creating an optimized website, managing social media... These are all habits that should be adopted quickly and that make a difference in the long run. When I started out, this entire ecosystem was already in place, which saved me a lot of time!

Here are some apps I use every day :

• Task management, reminders: Asana
• Notes, client briefs:  Milanote
• Website: : Squarespace
• Document templates  (invoices, quotes, etc.): Canva
• Royalty-free music: Artlist.io
• Financial management: Quickbooks

So don't hesitate to take training courses or seek assistance if necessary: a good accountant or tax advisor can save us a lot of time and money!

In my opinion, networking within the industry is essential. Whether it's with other photographers/videographers or with people in related fields (sound, production, art direction, etc.), you're bound to cross paths with them sooner or later. These encounters can lead to collaborations... or even jobs. You never know where a connection might lead!

There are several ways to meet other people. Instagram is a great place to start: I've been chatting with photographers and videographers who have inspired me for years, and many of these conversations have turned into coffee dates. It's a chance to talk about taboo subjects (like prices!), equipment, share recommendations, and more. 

But networking isn't limited to screens. Attending workshops organized by brands (Fujifilm, Sony, Canon, etc.) allows you to test equipment, attend training sessions led by other photographers, and meet other enthusiasts. Gosselin also organizes photo outings. All of these are great opportunities to improve your skills and meet new people.

Description : In November 2024, I had the opportunity to present for Fujifilm at the Profusion conference in Toronto. It was a pivotal moment that pushed me to take the plunge for good. 

Ah, the power of contacts! I think that's one of the key points that has struck me most during this year of transition. Building your client base doesn't happen overnight. That's why I started well before taking the leap to full-time: 

• I started by making a list of companies I wanted to work with in different fields. I worked on my portfolio: I sorted through my images, chose the best ones for different niches, and updated my website. I then started contacting them one by one, either through their websites or social media. It's a long process, but it pays off! 
• Secondly, just before I really got started, I combed through my network of contacts: former colleagues, friends, contacts in the creative world... I sent my portfolio to all of them. 

Honestly, I realize that many contracts come through word of mouth. Someone talks about you to a colleague, a satisfied customer refers you, a casual encounter turns into an opportunity. That's why it's important to always be prepared: I always carry business cards with me. Because you never know who you're going to meet and where it might lead.

Prospecting isn't just about sending emails. It's about staying alert and seizing even the most unexpected opportunities. No risk, no reward. That's a phrase I constantly repeat to myself!

Description : Image bank for Patagonia Camp, during our stay in Chile. Before leaving, I took the chance to contact them and offer my services. They accepted! 

There will never be a moment when everything is perfectly aligned. The journey is made up of cycles, questioning, quiet periods followed by intense moments. I am gradually learning to appreciate this reality, which is a far cry from that of an employee! 

No matter how clear your initial vision may be, it will probably change along the way. I've been there. I thought I was going to focus solely on photography... but in the end, video now takes up a large part of my work. And even with photography, I've turned to niches I hadn't imagined at the outset! I used to shoot mostly landscapes and wildlife, but I've realized that I really love interior photography and lifestyle photography for brands. It's important not to close any doors and to allow yourself to explore. Don't be afraid to adapt, again and again. A creative career is constantly evolving. And that's what makes it so beautiful.

 Maggie Parisé

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV+ EF 24-70mm f/2.8 II USM
1/160 | f/4.5 | ISO 200

Making the leap from employee to full-time photographer is a process that can happen quickly, or over several years. For me, it took four years. I don't mean to discourage you: I am a very rational, organized person who doesn't like change. Others will jump in with both feet. It's different for everyone! 

But I think that for most people, the transition isn't a straight line. It's a project that requires as much rigor as it does boldness, as much organization as it does intuition.

For those who feel this calling—this need to create—please, listen to yourself!