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How to Become a Freelance Photographer

By

Isaac Johnston teaches how to remove the barriers to working as a full time creator. Known for his resourceful spirit and signature style, he covers tactics and strategies for how to go from a hobby creator to a full time freelancer. If you have been waiting for the right moment to start, this course provides the steps to go from your day job to your dream career.

What You'll Learn

Solve for the problems that “prevent” photographers from going freelance

Developing an audience outside of social media

Gear – what matters and what doesn’t to get started

How to deal with the mental game of being a professional creator

Shaping stories through photo and video

How to build a creative community

19 Episodes
Proven Strategies

$149

$112

Watch instantly.
One-time payment.

Ep

1

Meet Isaac Johnston

Meet Isaac: a full-time freelance photographer who specializes in adventure photography. He quit his job a couple years ago to pursue his dream, and hasn't looked back since.

Ep

2

Problems Becoming A Fulltime Freelancer

It's important to know some of the problems you'll face as a fulltime freelancer: income, scheduling, self-doubt. Isaac covers some of the problems he faced to give you a realistic expectation of what you can expect.

Ep

3

The Tools I Use To Create

Choosing gear that you can use forever. Which drone to buy? Which lens to use? Isaac looks for the gear that gets our of his way so he can focus on one thing: creating.

Ep

4

How To Know If Your Hobby Should Be Your Profession

It's important to think about whether or not your hobby should become your profession, and if you have reached that point. Isaac lays out a couple steps to help you decide if you are ready to become a full-time freelancer.

Ep

5

Showing Your Work Daily

Showing your work daily is an immensely helpful routine in the creative process. It helps craft your own story, improve your craft, and strengthens your sharing muscle.

Ep

6

Getting Support

Becoming a full-time freelancer is not an easy process. So it's imperative that you build a network of support around you: family, friends, loved ones. Isaac shares how the people surrounding him made it possible for him to make the jump to freelance.

Ep

7

Handling Fear of Failure

The fear of failure is very real, but also something you can avoid. Mindset is incredibly important as you make this journey, and Isaac lays out steps to help you keep a positive mindset as you achieve your dreams.

Ep

8

Creating Your Own Unique Value

Every creator has something unique to bring to the table. When approaching brands or clients, you need to know what your unique value is so you can harness it and win the job.

Ep

9

My Workflow

Backing up, organizing files, getting ready to edit. It's a boring part of the photography process but it's crucial to master if you want to become a professional.

Ep

10

How I Approach A Brand

To pursue a freelance career you’ll need to be able to get work. Isaac shares his approach to finding new clients and getting brands to work with him.

Ep

11

How To Build A Proposal

Once you've been talking with a brand, it's time to send them your proposal. A good proposal can make you stand out and secure the job. Isaac shows you a real-world example of a proposal he uses.

Ep

12

3 Strategies on Increasing Exposure

You don't need to have a huge social following to increase your exposure. Treat social media like its social. This is where a friendly approach meets strategic planning. Isaac shares his tips on giving your work more exposure in ways outside of follower counts.

Ep

13

How To Meet Artists You Love

Meeting other creatives is one of the best parts of the job for Isaac. He shares his philosophy about reaching out to other creatives on the internet in non-creepy ways.

Ep

14

How To Find Ideas

Creative blocks can be very real. But Isaac has created a tried-and-true method to coming up with ideas for photo shoots.

Ep

15

My Techniques To Shoot Photos

Join Isaac in the field as he shoots a spec job for motorcycle gloves.

Ep

16

My Strategies To Make Better Stories

Story is king. In this day and age it's ever so important to be able to tell a story well. Isaac shares his tips on how to make better stories. Hint: do more interesting thigns!

Ep

17

Writing Videos for the Internet

Crafting a video to tell a story is no easy feat. Isaac shares some of the things he learned along the way learning how to make YouTube videos.

Ep

18

How To Be Comfortable In Front Of The Camera

Being comfortable on-camera is an invaluable skill in todays culture. Isaac shows you some of his tips to acting comfortable and natural on camera, and how he makes his Instagram stories look so professional.

Ep

19

Final Thoughts & A Note On Obsession

Isaac recaps his final notes from the workshop and shares a few tidbits on obsession.

Ep

21

Getting Work and The Post Covid Goldrush

Isaac talks pitching, negotiating rates, and sealing deals while on a a walk with Cara Gibbs, a freelance design + lifestyle writer. Their back and forth style conversation gives insight into how brands are thinking in this post-covid world.

Just Updated

How to Become a Freelance Photographer

Isaac Johnston

By providing an email address here, you are agreeing to share your email with Wildist and Taylor Burk

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Learn how to solve for the problems that “prevent” photographers from going freelance.

‍

Meet Your New Instructor: RJ Bruni

Just Updated

How to Become a Freelance Photographer

By

19 Episodes

Proven Strategies

Isaac Johnston teaches how to remove the barriers to working as a full time creator. Known for his resourceful spirit and signature style, he covers tactics and strategies for how to go from a hobby creator to a full time freelancer. If you have been waiting for the right moment to start, this course provides the steps to go from your day job to your dream career.

How to solve for the problems that “prevent” photographers from going freelance
Developing an audience outside of social media
Gear – what matters and what doesn’t to get started
How to deal with the mental game of being a professional creator
Shaping stories through photo and video
How to build a creative community

With assignments, live Q&A’s, and feedback sessions with RJ, enroll today to maximize your learning at the best price.

$149

$112

02

:

02

:

02

:

02

Available for

A 3-Part Series

Part 01

Fundamentals & Pre-Production

Part 02

Production --

Live Now

Part 03

Editing --

Drops Mid August

Who is this made for?

Looking to make films that evoke emotion? This course can be taken by photographers who are expanding into filmmaking – or filmmakers who are ready to take their work to the next level.

Watch the Trailer

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What You'll Learn

Solve for the problems that “prevent” photographers from going freelance

Developing an audience outside of social media

Gear – what matters and what doesn’t to get started

How to deal with the mental game of being a professional creator

Shaping stories through photo and video

How to build a creative community

What You'll Learn

How to solve for the problems that “prevent” photographers from going freelance
Developing an audience outside of social media
Gear – what matters and what doesn’t to get started
How to deal with the mental game of being a professional creator
Shaping stories through photo and video
How to build a creative community

FEATURED BY

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A 3-Part Series

A New Type of Workshop

01
Stay focused and on track
Creating a film takes time - this new method allows you to focus in
02
Complete your assignments
Each assignment is designed so you can create a better film
03
Encourage one another
Share ideas, critiques, and conversation with other students in the course

Reviews

Students give our workshops an
average of 4.8 out of 5 stars

Write Your Review

Write A Review Read All Reviews

Lot's to learn

Sebastian Mittermeier

Just finished the workshop and I really enjoyed it. I recently started my photography career and ran into a lot of the same problems Isaac is talking about. Especially how to talk to brands and how to come up with ideas was really helpful.

Honest advice from an adventure photographer who went through career transition

Asieh Harati

I think a lot of us are mulling over the idea of transitioning to become a photographer. It's not easy. There are lots of fears and hesitations. It's a change that could affect our life. I'm at this decision branch for the second time in my life, and I still fear. Isaac shares with us how he overcame those very same hurdles and fears. He is genuine, practical and proves that you don't need expensive gear to start or even continue to become good enough. The pitch deck example, the starting up a conversation with a prospective client, the way to deal with blockers, all are real. I cannot wait to put them in place and start my first pitch. Thanks Isaac for sharing your journey!

Everyone should take this workshop

Kari Anderson

I have some experience as an instructor. I know bad teaching videos and annoying instructors... this is the opposite of that. Each segment is a little gem of knowledge and Isaac has a genuine enthusiasm for this subject. Best money I've spent in awhile.

Sebastian Mittermeier

June 24, 2021

Lot's to learn

Just finished the workshop and I really enjoyed it. I recently started my photography career and ran into a lot of the same problems Isaac is talking about. Especially how to talk to brands and how to come up with ideas was really helpful.

Sebastian Mittermeier

June 24, 2021

Asieh Harati

February 25, 2021

Honest advice from an adventure photographer who went through career transition

I think a lot of us are mulling over the idea of transitioning to become a photographer. It's not easy. There are lots of fears and hesitations. It's a change that could affect our life. I'm at this decision branch for the second time in my life, and I still fear. Isaac shares with us how he overcame those very same hurdles and fears. He is genuine, practical and proves that you don't need expensive gear to start or even continue to become good enough. The pitch deck example, the starting up a conversation with a prospective client, the way to deal with blockers, all are real. I cannot wait to put them in place and start my first pitch. Thanks Isaac for sharing your journey!

Asieh Harati

February 25, 2021

Kari Anderson

February 21, 2021

Everyone should take this workshop

I have some experience as an instructor. I know bad teaching videos and annoying instructors... this is the opposite of that. Each segment is a little gem of knowledge and Isaac has a genuine enthusiasm for this subject. Best money I've spent in awhile.

Kari Anderson

February 21, 2021

Matthew Wetzler

February 3, 2021

Well worth the time and investment...

Even as someone who has been using photography as my primary income source for the last several years, and prior to that being a full-time graphic designer hiring commercial photographers I've already got a good grasp on things such as workflow and approaching a given photoshoot. But there are still aspects of being a freelancer such as selling yourself and your unique approach to clients, as well as continually creating work and avoiding burnout to allow yourself to go after the work you want to be doing. And of course, the ever-present fear of failure. This workshop covers all of those topics in an extremely approachable and more importantly actionable manner.

Matthew Wetzler

February 3, 2021

Jessie Sears

January 6, 2021

SO HELPFUL

This course was extremely valuable for me and it was exactly what I needed at this time in my life!

Jessie Sears

January 6, 2021

Ryan Johnson

December 2, 2020

Practical yet fun

Great workshop and worth the time/money. Isaac is an easy to watch presenter and the various modules were each concise and practical. Time well spent!

Ryan Johnson

December 2, 2020

Matthew Franklin

October 7, 2020

Inspirational

Isaac is such an encouraging and joyful voice and personality. He was very encouraging while also providing real, helpful resources and tactics to help someone like me hopefully take my passion a step up toward making it a career. Thank you!

Matthew Franklin

October 7, 2020

Roy Mosterd

October 5, 2020

Makes you want to go for it!

Roy Mosterd

October 5, 2020

Lot's to learn

Sebastian Mittermeier

Just finished the workshop and I really enjoyed it. I recently started my photography career and ran into a lot of the same problems Isaac is talking about. Especially how to talk to brands and how to come up with ideas was really helpful.

Honest advice from an adventure photographer who went through career transition

Asieh Harati

I think a lot of us are mulling over the idea of transitioning to become a photographer. It's not easy. There are lots of fears and hesitations. It's a change that could affect our life. I'm at this decision branch for the second time in my life, and I still fear. Isaac shares with us how he overcame those very same hurdles and fears. He is genuine, practical and proves that you don't need expensive gear to start or even continue to become good enough. The pitch deck example, the starting up a conversation with a prospective client, the way to deal with blockers, all are real. I cannot wait to put them in place and start my first pitch. Thanks Isaac for sharing your journey!

Everyone should take this workshop

Kari Anderson

I have some experience as an instructor. I know bad teaching videos and annoying instructors... this is the opposite of that. Each segment is a little gem of knowledge and Isaac has a genuine enthusiasm for this subject. Best money I've spent in awhile.

Well worth the time and investment...

Matthew Wetzler

Even as someone who has been using photography as my primary income source for the last several years, and prior to that being a full-time graphic designer hiring commercial photographers I've already got a good grasp on things such as workflow and approaching a given photoshoot. But there are still aspects of being a freelancer such as selling yourself and your unique approach to clients, as well as continually creating work and avoiding burnout to allow yourself to go after the work you want to be doing. And of course, the ever-present fear of failure. This workshop covers all of those topics in an extremely approachable and more importantly actionable manner.

SO HELPFUL

Jessie Sears

This course was extremely valuable for me and it was exactly what I needed at this time in my life!

Valuable knowledge from a professional

Zach Hand

The information given throughout this workshop was tremendously helpful. The best part about this specific one was how Isaac was so straight forward with his approach, with him even showing an exact conversation he had with a brand he was approaching. It’s easy enough for someone to say how to do something, but it’s much better for me personally to be able to see how someone went about doing so. This was exactly that. I saw his approach with a company, and I now can use similar tactics to approach companies that I would like to connect with. All in all great content, and lots learned! Would highly recommend this workshop.

Practical yet fun

Ryan Johnson

Great workshop and worth the time/money. Isaac is an easy to watch presenter and the various modules were each concise and practical. Time well spent!

Inspirational

Matthew Franklin

Isaac is such an encouraging and joyful voice and personality. He was very encouraging while also providing real, helpful resources and tactics to help someone like me hopefully take my passion a step up toward making it a career. Thank you!

Makes you want to go for it!

Roy Mosterd

A practical yet valuable workshop

Drew Silvers

"How to Become a Freelance Photographer" was my first photography workshop. There were key takeaways throughout the entire course. Isaac did a great job of expanding on simple concepts that easily get overlooked. He created tangible tips and tricks for his audience to expand upon. THANK YOU for sharing your priceless insight into the world of freelancing. I can't wait to test out your "Pitch Deck Kit" with my future clients!

The Essential Outdoor Skills Workshop Giveaway

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By entering this giveaway, you are agreeing to share your email with Wildist and Isaac Johnston.

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Get To Know The Workshop

Exclusive To This Workshop

The never heard before story of Alex
An debut interview with his parents about his upbringing
The story of how his career really started
A very personal field day where Alex photographs his dad in his farm : so you can see the approach and get better at photographing your loved ones, making intimate portraits.
An interview with alpine photographer Ben Tibbets on determination and motivation
A printable book with workshop summary and exercises for growth

Workshop Episodes

3:54

Just Added

1

.

Meet Isaac Johnston

Meet Isaac: a full-time freelance photographer who specializes in adventure photography. He quit his job a couple years ago to pursue his dream, and hasn't looked back since.

2:45

Just Added

2

.

Problems Becoming A Fulltime Freelancer

It's important to know some of the problems you'll face as a fulltime freelancer: income, scheduling, self-doubt. Isaac covers some of the problems he faced to give you a realistic expectation of what you can expect.

21:29

Just Added

3

.

The Tools I Use To Create

Choosing gear that you can use forever. Which drone to buy? Which lens to use? Isaac looks for the gear that gets our of his way so he can focus on one thing: creating.

5:10

Just Added

4

.

How To Know If Your Hobby Should Be Your Profession

It's important to think about whether or not your hobby should become your profession, and if you have reached that point. Isaac lays out a couple steps to help you decide if you are ready to become a full-time freelancer.

2:55

Just Added

5

.

Showing Your Work Daily

Showing your work daily is an immensely helpful routine in the creative process. It helps craft your own story, improve your craft, and strengthens your sharing muscle.

3:05

Just Added

6

.

Getting Support

Becoming a full-time freelancer is not an easy process. So it's imperative that you build a network of support around you: family, friends, loved ones. Isaac shares how the people surrounding him made it possible for him to make the jump to freelance.

3:08

Just Added

7

.

Handling Fear of Failure

The fear of failure is very real, but also something you can avoid. Mindset is incredibly important as you make this journey, and Isaac lays out steps to help you keep a positive mindset as you achieve your dreams.

8:39

Just Added

8

.

Creating Your Own Unique Value

Every creator has something unique to bring to the table. When approaching brands or clients, you need to know what your unique value is so you can harness it and win the job.

19:24

Just Added

9

.

My Workflow

Backing up, organizing files, getting ready to edit. It's a boring part of the photography process but it's crucial to master if you want to become a professional.

7:10

Just Added

10

.

How I Approach A Brand

To pursue a freelance career you’ll need to be able to get work. Isaac shares his approach to finding new clients and getting brands to work with him.

8:46

Just Added

11

.

How To Build A Proposal

Once you've been talking with a brand, it's time to send them your proposal. A good proposal can make you stand out and secure the job. Isaac shows you a real-world example of a proposal he uses.

5:01

Just Added

12

.

3 Strategies on Increasing Exposure

You don't need to have a huge social following to increase your exposure. Treat social media like its social. This is where a friendly approach meets strategic planning. Isaac shares his tips on giving your work more exposure in ways outside of follower counts.

6:19

Just Added

13

.

How To Meet Artists You Love

Meeting other creatives is one of the best parts of the job for Isaac. He shares his philosophy about reaching out to other creatives on the internet in non-creepy ways.

7:54

Just Added

14

.

How To Find Ideas

Creative blocks can be very real. But Isaac has created a tried-and-true method to coming up with ideas for photo shoots.

5:44

Just Added

15

.

My Techniques To Shoot Photos

Join Isaac in the field as he shoots a spec job for motorcycle gloves.

8:48

Just Added

16

.

My Strategies To Make Better Stories

Story is king. In this day and age it's ever so important to be able to tell a story well. Isaac shares his tips on how to make better stories. Hint: do more interesting thigns!

7:56

Just Added

17

.

Writing Videos for the Internet

Crafting a video to tell a story is no easy feat. Isaac shares some of the things he learned along the way learning how to make YouTube videos.

6:08

Just Added

18

.

How To Be Comfortable In Front Of The Camera

Being comfortable on-camera is an invaluable skill in todays culture. Isaac shows you some of his tips to acting comfortable and natural on camera, and how he makes his Instagram stories look so professional.

1:54

Just Added

19

.

Final Thoughts & A Note On Obsession

Isaac recaps his final notes from the workshop and shares a few tidbits on obsession.

27:19

Just Added

21

.

Getting Work and The Post Covid Goldrush

Isaac talks pitching, negotiating rates, and sealing deals while on a a walk with Cara Gibbs, a freelance design + lifestyle writer. Their back and forth style conversation gives insight into how brands are thinking in this post-covid world.

19 Episodes
Proven Strategies
Workshop PDF

$149

$112

Watch instantly.
One-time payment.

Or

Workshop Episodes

Part 01

Fundamentals & Pre-Production

Live

3:54

Just Added

1

.

Meet Isaac Johnston

Meet Isaac: a full-time freelance photographer who specializes in adventure photography. He quit his job a couple years ago to pursue his dream, and hasn't looked back since.

2:45

Just Added

2

.

Problems Becoming A Fulltime Freelancer

It's important to know some of the problems you'll face as a fulltime freelancer: income, scheduling, self-doubt. Isaac covers some of the problems he faced to give you a realistic expectation of what you can expect.

21:29

Just Added

3

.

The Tools I Use To Create

Choosing gear that you can use forever. Which drone to buy? Which lens to use? Isaac looks for the gear that gets our of his way so he can focus on one thing: creating.

5:10

Just Added

4

.

How To Know If Your Hobby Should Be Your Profession

It's important to think about whether or not your hobby should become your profession, and if you have reached that point. Isaac lays out a couple steps to help you decide if you are ready to become a full-time freelancer.

2:55

Just Added

5

.

Showing Your Work Daily

Showing your work daily is an immensely helpful routine in the creative process. It helps craft your own story, improve your craft, and strengthens your sharing muscle.

3:05

Just Added

6

.

Getting Support

Becoming a full-time freelancer is not an easy process. So it's imperative that you build a network of support around you: family, friends, loved ones. Isaac shares how the people surrounding him made it possible for him to make the jump to freelance.

3:08

Just Added

7

.

Handling Fear of Failure

The fear of failure is very real, but also something you can avoid. Mindset is incredibly important as you make this journey, and Isaac lays out steps to help you keep a positive mindset as you achieve your dreams.

8:39

Just Added

8

.

Creating Your Own Unique Value

Every creator has something unique to bring to the table. When approaching brands or clients, you need to know what your unique value is so you can harness it and win the job.

19:24

Just Added

9

.

My Workflow

Backing up, organizing files, getting ready to edit. It's a boring part of the photography process but it's crucial to master if you want to become a professional.

7:10

Just Added

10

.

How I Approach A Brand

To pursue a freelance career you’ll need to be able to get work. Isaac shares his approach to finding new clients and getting brands to work with him.

8:46

Just Added

11

.

How To Build A Proposal

Once you've been talking with a brand, it's time to send them your proposal. A good proposal can make you stand out and secure the job. Isaac shows you a real-world example of a proposal he uses.

5:01

Just Added

12

.

3 Strategies on Increasing Exposure

You don't need to have a huge social following to increase your exposure. Treat social media like its social. This is where a friendly approach meets strategic planning. Isaac shares his tips on giving your work more exposure in ways outside of follower counts.

6:19

Just Added

13

.

How To Meet Artists You Love

Meeting other creatives is one of the best parts of the job for Isaac. He shares his philosophy about reaching out to other creatives on the internet in non-creepy ways.

7:54

Just Added

14

.

How To Find Ideas

Creative blocks can be very real. But Isaac has created a tried-and-true method to coming up with ideas for photo shoots.

5:44

Just Added

15

.

My Techniques To Shoot Photos

Join Isaac in the field as he shoots a spec job for motorcycle gloves.

8:48

Just Added

16

.

My Strategies To Make Better Stories

Story is king. In this day and age it's ever so important to be able to tell a story well. Isaac shares his tips on how to make better stories. Hint: do more interesting thigns!

7:56

Just Added

17

.

Writing Videos for the Internet

Crafting a video to tell a story is no easy feat. Isaac shares some of the things he learned along the way learning how to make YouTube videos.

6:08

Just Added

18

.

How To Be Comfortable In Front Of The Camera

Being comfortable on-camera is an invaluable skill in todays culture. Isaac shows you some of his tips to acting comfortable and natural on camera, and how he makes his Instagram stories look so professional.

1:54

Just Added

19

.

Final Thoughts & A Note On Obsession

Isaac recaps his final notes from the workshop and shares a few tidbits on obsession.

27:19

Just Added

21

.

Getting Work and The Post Covid Goldrush

Isaac talks pitching, negotiating rates, and sealing deals while on a a walk with Cara Gibbs, a freelance design + lifestyle writer. Their back and forth style conversation gives insight into how brands are thinking in this post-covid world.

Part 02

Production

Live

No items found.

Part 03

Editing

Dropping

Mid August

No items found.

Enroll now at the lowest price of $129

19 Episodes
Proven Strategies
Workshop PDF
Bonus
Downloadable Templates
Pre-production Check-list, Creative Brief, and Pitch Deck

$149

$112

Watch instantly.
One-time payment.

Or

Isaac grew up on a farm near Glacier National Park in Montana and from a young age worked as a stock hand and guide in the Great Bear Wilderness. He didn’t know at the time that his life was different, just that he loved the excitement of showing people the wild spaces of the world.

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