Comprehensive Guide To 2019 Photography Freebies Resources For Professional Development

Photography enthusiasts and professionals seeking to enhance their skills without financial investment can find numerous valuable free resources available in 2019. These freebies span various photography niches including landscape, portrait, street, and night photography, along with business development tools for photographers looking to grow their client base and improve their workflow. The following compilation presents verified free resources that can help photographers at all levels develop their craft, improve their business practices, and engage with their audience more effectively.

Landscape Photography Resources

For photographers interested in capturing the natural world, several free resources provide expert guidance from established professionals. The Best Landscape Photographers Collective stands out as a comprehensive collection featuring interviews with renowned landscape photographers. This resource includes insights from Eirik Johnson of the New York Times and Alexandre Buisse, a mountain photographer who has received critical acclaim for his work.

The collective offers valuable advice on various aspects of landscape photography: - Techniques for capturing "brooding" landscapes - Finding beauty in common places - Methods to capture exhilarating high-speed adventure photography - Utilizing nature's elements to enhance photographic compositions - Incorporating professional methods into personal techniques

Photographers interested in specific natural subjects can also access a Free Ebook on Wildflowers Photography. This resource focuses specifically on techniques for capturing wildflowers, which presents unique challenges due to their delicate nature and often small size.

Portrait Photography Resources

Portrait photographers have access to several specialized free resources designed to improve their craft and client interactions. The Professional Portrait Photographers Collective features interviews with ten professional photographers who share their expertise on capturing meaningful portraits that reveal "the history of a person's life."

Notable contributors to this collection include: - Brian Higbee, who teaches techniques for creating creative, eye-catching images - Anna Wolf, who provides guidance on dealing effectively with clients - Erik Heck, who offers insights into art history as it relates to portraiture - Jaime Diamond, who shares practical tips for capturing compelling portraits

For photographers focusing on specific technical aspects, the Portrait Guide to Posing Women's Hands addresses a common challenge in portrait photography. Hand positioning can significantly impact the overall composition and message of a portrait, making this specialized guide valuable for improving this particular skill.

The Guide To Learning Flash Portrait Photography offers another technical resource for photographers looking to master artificial lighting in portrait settings. This resource helps photographers understand how to use flash equipment effectively to create professional-looking portraits in various lighting conditions.

Specialized Photography Techniques

Several free resources address specialized photography techniques and niche areas:

Street Photography Presets are available to help photographers prepare for the fast-paced nature of street photography. These presets ensure photographers are ready to capture great images that may pass in "the blink of an eye," addressing the spontaneous nature of street photography.

For those interested in night photography, Alister Benn's Introduction To Night Photography Ideas provides guidance on capturing compelling images after dark. This resource helps photographers overcome challenges associated with low-light conditions and embrace the unique opportunities nighttime photography offers.

The Los Angeles Collective offers specialized guidance for photographers working in urban environments. This resource focuses on capturing the fast-paced, diverse nature of Los Angeles, providing tips on navigating the challenges and opportunities presented by this dynamic city.

Business Development Resources

Photographers looking to grow their business can access several free resources designed to improve their professional practices and client acquisition:

The 3 Secrets to $2K+ Senior Sessions provides insights into increasing average sales from $300 to $1500+ for senior photography sessions. This resource outlines strategies for premium pricing without burnout, particularly valuable for photographers in smaller markets looking to elevate their business.

The Style Guide Sampler offers a preview of best-selling client style guides. These resources are designed for photographers seeking to deliver higher-end galleries and improve in-person sales (IPS) techniques.

For photographers planning to attend trade shows and expos, specific strategies can help maximize their return on investment. These include: - Identifying genuinely interested prospects and separating them from those merely seeking freebies - Maintaining a positive attitude despite rejection - Efficiently breaking down displays following event instructions - Preserving contact information from interested leads - Preparing for departure by organizing equipment and moving vehicles closer to loading zones when appropriate

Social Media and Engagement Resources

In the digital age, social media presence significantly impacts a photographer's success. A Fall Freebie resource provides 28 Daily Story Ideas specifically designed for photographers to enhance their Instagram engagement. This PDF includes various suggestions for sharing work and processes, such as: - Featuring favorite photographs - Sharing behind-the-scenes content - Posting interactive polls - Maintaining consistent story views - Increasing audience engagement

The resource emphasizes the importance of regular, engaging content to keep followers interested and attract potential clients through social media platforms.

Photographers are also encouraged to invest in a well-designed website or portfolio to showcase their work comprehensively. This serves as a central hub where potential clients can explore the full range of a photographer's capabilities, potentially leading to bookings. Additionally, Instagram is noted as an increasingly important client acquisition channel, with many photographers discovering new clients through direct messages.

Collaborative Opportunities

The photography community offers numerous opportunities for collaboration that can enhance skills and expand professional networks. Photographers are encouraged to find models or influencers in their area who require minimal direction, allowing photographers to focus on their craft rather than extensive coaching.

Collaborative projects with other photographers present valuable learning opportunities. One suggested initiative is a "Photographers Shoot The Same Model" challenge, where multiple photographers capture images of the same subject, then compare results. This approach can provide diverse perspectives on lighting, posing, and composition.

Educational Resources

Photographers seeking to improve their technical knowledge and business acumen can access several educational resources. While some premium courses are available, free samples and samplers provide valuable insights without financial commitment.

A coming soon education course for senior photographers is mentioned, with an option to join a waitlist for early access, exclusive updates, and sneak peeks. This indicates that additional educational resources may become available in the future.

Implementation Strategies

To maximize the benefits of these free resources, photographers should implement them systematically: 1. Focus on specific areas of improvement rather than trying to utilize all resources simultaneously 2. Set aside dedicated time for learning and practicing new techniques 3. Apply new concepts in actual photoshoots to reinforce learning 4. Track results to measure improvement and identify areas needing further development 5. Share experiences with other photographers to gain additional insights

Conclusion

The landscape of photography freebies in 2019 offers diverse resources for photographers at all experience levels and specializations. From technical guides for specific photography genres to business development resources and social media strategies, these free materials provide valuable opportunities for professional growth without financial investment. Landscape photographers can benefit from expert interviews and specialized guides on wildflower photography, while portrait photographers can access collections featuring insights from industry professionals. Technical resources covering flash photography, night photography, and street photography presets help photographers master challenging conditions. Business development resources provide strategies for increasing session values and improving client interactions. Social media resources offer guidance on maintaining engagement through consistent, creative content. By strategically implementing these free resources, photographers can enhance their skills, improve their business practices, and expand their professional presence.

Sources

1. Top 10 Awesome Photography Freebies You Need To Try!
2. Free Photography Resources to Elevate Your Skills
3. Fall Freebie - 28 Daily Story Ideas for All Photographers
4. Free Resources for Photographers
5. Trade Show and Expo Strategies for Photographers