Remember these 10 tips if you want to be a professional freelance photographer.

Are you your own boss? That’s the best feeling in the world. We know that! But then seeps in the worries and insecurities of being on your own and no one to give you advice. Free yourself from such worries.

Here are 10 tips that successful freelance photographers from all over the world swear upon.

• Keep Working No Matter What: You may not have a lot of paying clients everyday but don’t fret about it! Keep working. Take shots of your city, your surroundings and anything that you find inspiring. It gives you a happy feeling and self satisfaction for the time being and will generate sales later.
• Social Media: Use the power of social media to achieve more than you have already achieved! Post about your services on a weekly basis and let clients reach you organically.
• Passive Income: Remember we asked you to keep clicking good pictures no matter what? Here’s why! Everyone needs stock images often. Use your extra pictures to create a stock photography portfolio that gets you passive income.
• Networking: Interact with more people and get both online and offline contacts. You never know when someone might want professional photos.
• Stay Up-to-date: Be it news, updates or any other topic, stay on top of every thing going on in the world.
• Update Your Gadgets: You’re your own boss! Keep your gear updated to stay on top of the game.
• Legalities: Keep yourself legally clean and sound to start up your own thing. Read every clause in an agreement with your client very carefully.
• Don’t Stalk Just Talk: Don’t try to sell your services to every customer you meet. A client will have faith in your skills only if they want to. The more you push, the more they get annoyed. Let them know what you do in a subtle manner.
• Understand Your Client: Think straight from a customer point of view. Imagine what your needs would be if you were in their situation. Present your services to them after you know what they need.
• Stay Cool: Ever seen a serious photographer? Being cool is your forte! Just know that you need to stay focused yet have a happy-go-lucky attitude. It works like a charm!
• Start Today: There’s no tomorrow if you don’t begin today. Plan your work and worry less! You are sure to succeed soon. Just be happy and enjoy!

Did you know that Photostop is into Fine Art Printing where Photographers get their Photos printed, Framed and sell them to their clients ? Want to get your Photographs Printed ? Contact us on 9901273816 or mail us at sreekumar@honeycombindia.net

Soumabrata Moulick

Passionate Wildlife Photographer

About Him:

Soumabrata Moulick is a passionate wildlife photographer, trainer and nature enthusiast. Primarily interested in behavioural and conservation photography, he believes that knowledge and awareness is the key to conserve our natural heritage. Devoting most of his time to the observation, study, and documentation of nature, he loves to share knowledge through his writings and workshops. Through his works, he aspires to contribute towards the conservation of fast vanishing natural wonders. He is associated with DCP Expeditions as a Panel Expert and Consultant Strategy Team.

On a Quest to find the Phantom

Clouds kiss the tree-line and rhododendron blooms

Moss covers the ghostly trees is where the phantom looms…

My journey into to the fascinating world of wildlife photography started with photographing birds many years back, it was a very natural choice as l had been watching them for sometime and they were rather easy to find. As time went by, diversifying my subject portfolio became a priority and I moved on to photograph mammals, insects, reptiles and amphibians.

It is generally said that tracking down a cat in the wild is one of the most difficult feats to perform, which in my humble opinion is only partially true. Any animal in the wild depends heavily on it’s ability to blend-in with its surroundings and is equally difficult to track down. Try finding an elephant in a pristine grassland or dense woodland habitat and you will realise that it is no less than a magic trick how wonderfully it vanishes behind the veil of vegetation when it wants to.

Although all of them are excellent in the art of blending-in, yet some have acquired a legendary status; which can be attributed to their small population size, terrain they inhabit and behavioural traits. One such bird I longed to see and photograph in the wild is the Ward’s trogon (Harpactes wardi), which is venerably called the “phantom of the jungle”.

The opportunity presented itself very recently when the photography groups I was leading in North-East India left after their successful trips and I had a few days in hand before I was to return to Mumbai. Discussing the options of visiting lesser known habitats with a friend over brunch, Eaglenest wildlife sanctuary in the district of West Kameng, Arunachal Pradesh was decided. Even though the sanctuary is famous as the home of Bugun liocichla, it offers extraordinary diversity in terms of flora and fauna and can be termed as a heaven for photographers looking to go off the beaten track. It was an easy choice and by late afternoon arrangements were made and I set off on my quest to find the phantom.

Over the next couple of days we drove through Tezpur and entered Arunachal Pradesh through the small town of Bhalukpong after obtaining the Inner Line Permit for the visit. The drive ahead through Tippi, Elephant Flats, Sessa and Zero point to the town of Tenga is an extremely enjoyable one as the roads passes through the lush mountains of the region. After reaching Tenga, I met my local friend, who is currently involved in various research projects in the area and we planned on targeting specific spots where trogon habitats exist in and around the sanctuary. Taking the stock of the situation, I realised that the phantom was not sighted easily, no wonder it was seen by few, and it was going to be a real challenge to obtain decent images.

Next morning, we started when it was still dark and reached the forest check-post at day break, after obtaining a permit to enter the sanctuary, we visited the nearest trogon habitat called Alubari. Although we didn’t see any success in terms of our target species, I was able to make images of the rhododendron against a backdrop of the rising sun and species including the green-tailed and Mrs. Gould’s sunbird, red-tailed minla, rufous-headed parrotbill, spot-winged grosbeak, white-tailed nuthatch, beautiful sibia etc. were sighted and photographed. At this spot I had an unpleasant experience getting stung by a stinging nettle while chasing a bugun liocichla for an image; the burning sensation subdued in sometime but my hand and leg remain swollen for the rest of the trip…well, a small price to pay for such diversity encountered.

After a satisfying birding and photography session I moved on to visit another trogon habitat called Bhoot Golai, the spot has dense vegetative cover and almost all the trees were laden with moss, we found fresh elephant tracks there, most probably from before daybreak. The deafening silence at the spot justified it’s name; I’ve seldom encountered such a silent zone in a forest with no sound of insects or birds to be heard. After about two hours of searching, we gave up and decided it was time for lunch. We drove down to Lama Camp which is a basic tented accommodation camp nearby to the spot and though we hadn’t informed in advance, we were welcomed with a hot cup of tea and some super-delicious lunch at the camp. At this elevation the temperatures were cold and it was obvious why the pet cat at Lama camp was so possessive about her favourite spot near the earth oven in the kitchen 🙂

Thanking the kind staff profusely we started on our journey ahead towards the Eaglenest pass, stopping and checking intermittently for the presence of the bird at various spots. The view at Eaglenest pass was breathtaking; it was late afternoon, and there was no sign of the sun anywhere, the forest around was shrouded in mist as if trying to hide the secrets it holds. After spending some time here, we started back towards Lama camp to visit our last spot of the day called the Tragopanda trail, the trail is named so as it is frequented by the two species of tragopans found here and the red panda. Moving some distance into the forested trail we heard some movement in the bush, it was a hoary-throated barwing inside a thicket, we stayed still and it came so close that I was not able to focus with my super-telephoto lens, we moved back a little and were able to make some good close-up images of the bird. While we were busy photographing the barwing, I heard a faint, haunting call from deep within the trail….Phantom??!! I exclaimed inquisitively and my friend nodded confirming that it was not a hallucination. We left everything else and started walking towards the direction of the call and after sometime heard another one from not very far away, we could figure as this time the call was much louder but we were confused about the direction as it echoed. Looking around and moving cautiously, after about walking for 10mins, I spotted what looked like a streak of bright red to our right which settled on the first row of trees next to the trail, I put a hand on my friend’s shoulder and he immediately sat down knowing that I’ve spotted our grand prize. I slowly raised my lens as the bird sat immobile, observing us. After making some images it flew off and sat on a mossy perch at some distance. I took a good look and the colours were magnificent to say the least, it was a male.

I kept clicking, while it cleaned it’s beak by rubbing against the moss and kept flying from one perch to another, sometimes diving close to the forest floor maybe to catch insects and after sometime perched high up a branch where getting good images were not possible anymore; light was getting low by the minute and we stood there observing the fabled “phantom of the forest” in all its glory. Satisfied with the sighting and images made, we left the spot wishing the phantom a good luck for the upcoming breeding season. Back to the vehicle, my driver asked me if I got the bird? I asked him back, what do you think? And he replied, “from the smile on your face, I think your mission is over!” 🙂

Few of his works:

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Krishna Bhat

AFIAP, AFIP

Fineart travel photographer & trekker

Services:

Outdoor Photography Workshops | Digital Post Processing | Talks and Slideshows | Fine Art Prints | Photography Salons & Contests
Contact: +91 9945 336 316 | dinaabaa@gmail.com
Facebook: @chithra.santhe | Instagram: @krishna.bhat3

1) Would you tell us more about you and your interest in Photography?

Well, I can converse for hours on photography but have yet to figure out “Who am I”! I am a scientist/engineer in the field of aeronautical research and development with 16+ years of experience. In addition, I am an avid trekker and a self taught photographer. The Himalayas and the Western Ghats are my favourite outdoors. I, being born and brought up amid western ghats and coastal regions of Karnataka, am fortunate to stay connected to nature since beginning. By seeing my childhood interests, when I was in 5th standard, my father gifted me a basic film camera! I did try out and wasted a few film rolls but the passion soon went into hibernation mainly due to lack of guidance and high cost involved in developing the films. Meanwhile, my thirst with nature pushed me to trek extensively in the Western Ghats. My interest in photography was rekindled in the year 2006 when my brother & family gifted me a bridge camera! Blog and social media became my platform to showcase my works with art lovers. A few years later, inspired by eminent fine art photographers like Digwas Bellemane, I ventured into international fine art photography salons and contests. It was a real turning point in the sense, so far I used to photograph whenever I travel but now I am traveling to make photographs. Meanwhile, my treks in the Himalayas including the famous Zanskar Frozen River Trek (Chadar Trek) gave me immense opportunities to make competitive images.

2) Can you please tell us about the types of Photography you indulge with?

Travel and photography go together for me and hence I mainly concentrate on travel photography. Travel photography is a vast area in itself. I mainly focus on landscapes, long exposure shots, people and their culture/lifestyle. I also enjoy macro photography.

3) What is the inspiration that keeps you going?

Curiosity and longing to be with nature/people. Nature always turns me curious towards it. It has plenty of surprises to offer. I keep visiting the same place again and again and I find something new every time! Apart from these, I get motivated by awards from national and international contests, encouragement from family, kith and kin and off course from social media.

4) How do you feel when your work is exhibited and viewed by tons of people?

No doubt, I get thrilled. That’s the minimum what an artist can expect but “tons of people” itself is an exaggeration in this digital era unless you include online art galleries. Just viewing may not be enough. The real happiness will be when art photographers get equal treatment on par with photojournalists as we play a greater role in documenting biodiversity and promoting tourism. Government could make maximum use of us by providing ample opportunities, granting special permissions to document the state and treating us on par with other artists. Forgot to mention, I get really thrilled when my works find buyers… ha.. ha.. as photography is a costly hobby!

5) Can you tell us something about Photography and its inception?

This is a well documented and is available on the world wide web. Photography is a science of capturing lights and shadows which is based on the principle of pinhole effect wherein light passes through a small hole (aperture) forming an inverted image on the opposite side. I would like to highlight here that our ancestors were very well aware of this pinhole effect. Classic example of this effect still exists at the Virupaksha Temple, Hampi which is at least 700 years old. Here one can see inverted shadow of 160ft high raja gopura falls on the western wall of the temple through a small opening behind the sanctum. In the recent years, the science has evolved by leaps and bounds into digital photography.

6) To you, what is Photography?

People are now pursuing photography for various reasons including passion, art, commercial, forensics, journalism etc. For me, I cherish to the core the various stages involved in making an image including reaching the location (travel, trek, waiting), studying the location, composing different POVs, organising and record keeping, post processing, entering competitions, sharing on social media, photo club activities and interactions with the like minded, regardless of the resulting image which may be of fine art, travel/culture, nature, photojournalism type. I am sure, this excitement can’t be replaced with pure digital creation. Each time I see my images, I recollect the events which led to its creation. Therefore, photography is an emotion to me rather than mere documentary evidence.

7) Please share us some of your achievements in Photography Profession?

Below is the summary of my achievements in the world of photography.
The FIAP (Fédération Internationale de l’Art Photographique), Belgium conferred the Artist FIAP (AFIAP) in 2017
The FIP (Federation of Indian Photography) conferred Artist FIP (AFIP) in 2017
Awarded “Honorable Mention” for my work “Misty Mountains” in Landscape category at the international Monochrome Awards 2017
Awarded “Highly Commended” for my work “Porters on Frozen River” in Man in the Mountain/Nature category at the 28 MML- Photo an International Mountain, Nature and Adventure Photo Contest, Spain.
Fifteen international awards, 250+ exhibition acceptances across 20+ countries with 75+ unique works
First award (Best Landscape) at The Confluence 2016 by Landscape Wizards
Picture of the Month award (First award) at Karnataka Tourism Photo Contest Feb 2017, theme: Karnataka Beaches
Picture of the Month award (First award) at Karnataka Tourism Photo Contest May 2017, theme: Karnataka Arts and Culture
Certificate of Merit award (2nd award) at Karnataka Tourism Photo Contest Jul 2017, theme: Karnataka Waterfalls
First award in travel section at SKPA Contest 2017 organised by South Kanara Photographers Association, Udupi zone
First award in Unusual category at Alva’s Chaayaachithra Siri 2017

8) Can you tell us something about your Photography community?

Membership of Youth Photographic Society, one of the oldest photography clubs in India gives me huge opportunity to mingle with learned masters, peers, budding photographers and art lovers. Every Saturday, we meet and discuss various aspects of photography. I take part actively in organising salons and events. Apart from this, I often travel with a group of like minded photographers and trekkers who understand each others needs well. I get a good appreciation in social media too. I even try to answer their genuine queries.

9) Can you tell us about the general response you receive in exhibitions?

Though my works have been exhibited in more than 20 countries, I could not take part in those exhibitions. I got few opportunities to exhibit my works at Karnataka Chithrakala Parishat as well. Though the crowd was limited in numbers, there was no dearth of appreciation. I answered many queries regarding my works. Happy to claim, my works attracted their attention. But in my opinion, overall response is low. May be the present materialistic world controlled by time is one of the reasons! It is known for snatching away the opportunities to enjoy diverse fields like art, music etc!

10) What do you think about the scope of Photography in the modern Digital world?

With the advent of digital photography came the powerful processing applications. These have given wings to one’s imagination/perception/artistic mind, resulting in surrealistic and creative outputs. Many effects were guarded secrets in the era of dark rooms, not any more. Possibilities have widened and so the expectations! One needs to put extra effort to meet these expectations. Going back is not an option. Any technology has pros and cons. We have to make use of the technology for common good like social awareness generation, humanity, peace, conservation, drug abuse etc. These messages can be conveyed to society more effectively through creative photography. Photographer is inching close to painter! Photography societies the world over have defined various categories of photography like “Open”, “Nature”, “Photo Travel”, “Photojournalism” and so on with clearcut processing/manipulation restrictions and penalties for violations which are helpful in managing the contests/salons. As I said earlier, digital technology cannot replace the excitement behind making a photograph. Traveling has its own advantages which can’t be replaced either. So, photography will remain relevant.

11) How do you feel about your association with Honeycomb creative support?

It is very interesting and pleasant. When I visited Honeycomb for the first time, along with exhibits, I appreciated the pencil sketches too especially that of my spiritual Guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar ji. To my delight, that pencil sketch was delivered home as a gift. Second special moment was in the year 2016 at the award ceremony of “The Confluence 2016” at IISc. I won the first award there in the form of large printed frame of my award winning picture. Do you know who had sponsored the awards? M/s Honeycomb Creative! Even today it is decorating my wall. No one else could have promoted photographic art the way you did. I have come across your contributions on numerous occasions. I am extremely happy with the kind of encouragement, service, quality and warmth you provide to photography and to photographers.

12) Can you share us your future plans and dreams?

I will continue my hobby as it gives me a deep sense of satisfaction. Dream is to write a few picture stories to magazines and newspapers but only time will decide when it will happen. I am open to share my knowledge with serious photography aspirants in the form of workshops, talks, slideshows etc. One more goal is to achieve few more international distinctions in the world of art photography.

Shikha Sood

Travel & Street Photographer

https://www.instagram.com/shikhasoodphotography 

https://www.facebook.com/shikhasoodphotography

1) Would you tell us more about you and your interest in Photography?

I am Mumbai based self taught photographer. Born and brought up in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh. Almost 4 years back I moved to Mumbai and my stint with photography started. With a great inclination towards art and creativity, I believe pictures are photographer’s way of expression.

2) Can you please tell us about the types of Photography you indulge with?

I love street and travel photography and take inspiration from daily life and its decisive moments. Photography allows me to think differently and create a unique piece of art. Photography teaches you lessons that cannot be learned in any class room.

3) What is the inspiration that keeps you going?

I love capturing people and portraying their daily lives, stories evolving around them. I consider photography is a very strong and powerful tool for convey social messages and creating awareness among people. Each and every time I step out with my camera, I learn something new. There can’t be a saturation point in photography.

4) How do you feel when your work is exhibited and viewed by tons of people?

It feels amazing, when people appreciate your work. It keeps me motivated. I am thankful to my audience to understand my work and for their kind comments and feedbacks. It really means a lot.

5) To you, what is Photography?

Photography to me is a divine journey, which has changed my perspective towards life. Photography is an art of visual story telling. The images should speak for themselves & you should know what you want to convey with them.

6) Please share us some of your achievements in Photography Profession?

• “Mumbai Redefined” a solo exhibition at The Photographic Society of India, Mumbai.

• My Photo story  on Kullu Dusshera published in a prestigious magazine named  “Chiiz”

• Among the winners for the Gionee initiative in association with Creative Image magazine. Judged by Mr. Raghu Rai

• Street & Beyond: Presented my work at Kala Bhavan, organised by Foto Circle Society, Mumbai

• Exhibited my images at institute on advanced research, Ahmedabad

• Work got published in Lonely Planet magazine & Mumbai Mirror, Newspaper

7) Can you tell us something about your Photography community?

I am associated with few photography groups. It is always great to meet like minded people and learn and share ideas with them.  At the same time I am very much active on social media. I want my stories to be reaching out to maximum number of people.

8) Can you tell us about the general response you receive in exhibitions?

It is great to see how people react while looking at your work. You receive instant responses. It’s an incredible feeling all together.

9) What do you think about the scope of Photography in the modern Digital world?

I think it is very important to document events, different stories, culture, lifestyle, day to day activities and social changes happening in the society. Of course the scope of photography has widened with digital transformation. It has given people opportunity to share their work worldwide. The presence of social media provides more exposure and opens new prospects for photographers. It has a wider reach and more impact.

10) How do you feel about your association with Honeycomb creative support?

I am very thankful to Honeycomb for their support. Your team was always there whenever I need them. When you showcasing your work, presentation plays very important role. High quality prints done by Honeycomb gave new dimension to my images. I would definitely recommend this to everyone.

11) Can you share us your future plans and dreams?

I want to travel as much as I can. Bring out stories which exist but go unnoticed. It is very interesting to explore new places, meet new people and learn about their lifestyle & culture.

Anantha Murthy

Wildlife & Nature Photographer

1) Would you tell us more about you and your interest in Photography?

I am an Insurance professional, in marketing for more than thirty years.Working with LIC of India in Bangalore, spent most of my life in Bangalore itself.I developed an interest in photography quite late in life after I turned 50 years!, as I was bored with doing the same thing in life, like going to the office, selling life insurance, reaching targets etc.I was lucky to find the right kind of people who inspired me to take up photography in 2012. Started with a basic camera and lens, to begin with, and graduated to professional grade equipment.

2) Can you please tell us about the types of Photography you indulge with?

Basically, I started into bird photography, but now I do wildlife and landscapes too.

 3) What is the inspiration that keeps you going?

Just being in forest and nature gives me immense satisfaction, peace of mind. When I see beautiful birds and when I capture it in my camera I feel elated and that inspires me to go back to forest again and again.

 4) How do you feel when your work is exhibited and viewed by tons of people?

Feel very happy when my work is appreciated at the exhibitions, and when I can inspire some other people to enjoy the nature the way it is and preserve it for the future generations to come.

 5) To you, what is Photography?

Photography is a passion to me.

 6) Please share us some of your achievements in Photography Profession?

I have not participated in any photography competitions so far. Some of my bird images have been published in BNHS, Birds of India and other books and magazines.

7) Can you tell us about the general response you receive in exhibitions?

It’s really very good, feel very happy with all the appreciations and many ask for tips about photography and equipment.

8) How do you feel about your association with Honeycomb creative support?

It’s really very convenient and one stop shop for all needs of photographers. Very professionally managed and friendly organization. Am very happy to be associated to be with Honeycomb.

 9) Can you share us your future plans and dreams?

My dream is to visit North and South America! Would love to photograph Bald Eagle and BrownBears in USA, and Hummingbirds of Costa Rica. Hope I will be able to realize before I hang my boots.

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Introduction:

DCP Expedition is a Wildlife and Travel Photography Academies in India comprised of highly skilled and experienced photographers. They take the pride of being the first in the country to have created a nationwide community platform involving wildlife, nature and travel photographers ranging from amateurs to experts. Their vision is to make Wildlife and Travel Photography a full-time career opportunity for wildlife and travel enthusiast of the country.

Recent Event:

Recently they organized an Annual Wildlife, Nature & Travel Photography Exhibition, it was India’s one of the biggest photography exhibitions with 370 prints.

About the Event:

The Annual Wildlife, Nature & Travel Photography Exhibition was held in Kalabhavan, Thane, Mumbai.
The Exhibition was inaugurated by Rohinton Jal Mehta, Technical Editor, Smart Photography magazine, where he shared his encyclopedic knowledge of the history and development of photography and cameras. The enriching conversation left the audience spellbound as he spoke in his inimitable style about film cameras, birth of SLRs, the advent of digital cameras and the revolutionary changes in technology which have ushered us into an era where even a humble mobile phone camera packs a punch when it comes to image quality it is capable of delivering.

Honeycomb is proud to be the Print partner for India’s one of the biggest Photography Exhibition organized by DCP Photo Expeditions. We ensured that the print should be of the best quality as we know a picture is worth a thousand words, and it is the beauty of these pictures that light up an empty wall. Honeycomb is specialized in Fine art printing on archival medias from Hahnemuhle, Canson, Felix Schoeller, Epson, In Honeycomb we use Epson 9900 an eleven color printer which can produce a wide gamut of colors.

The exhibition was a huge success, with around 4000 visitors and 370 magnificent images of amateur as well as professional photographers from across India which was displayed in all three galleries.

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