How to Go Full-Time as a Photographer or Video Creator

So, you're a creative—camera in hand, passion burning—and you're wondering how to make this your full-time gig. You're not alone.

The good news? There are multiple ways to turn your creativity into a career. The not-so-good news? Each path comes with its own pros, cons, and real-world demands.

From my experience, there are four main ways to go full-time as a photographer or video creator:

Here’s the short version, then I’ll go into more detail with each after.

How to Go Full-Time as a Photographer or Video Creator (4 Paths):

1. Freelancing
   Get hired as a contractor on shoots—work with production companies, friends, or second shoot. You're not dealing with clients directly.

2. Company Employment
   Work for an agency, brand, or creator. Get a steady paycheck while still doing creative work.

3. Start Your Own Business
   Find your own clients, set your prices, and build a brand. You’re fully in control—and fully responsible.

4. Online & Remote Opportunities
   Sell digital products, offer remote services, or build an audience through content creation and monetize it.

1. Freelancing

Freelancing is where most of us start. It’s also where much of the film and TV industry lives.

You’re hired as a contractor to work on someone else’s shoot—maybe with a production company, helping a friend on a wedding gig, or jumping in as a second shooter on a big (or small) set.

Your role can vary:

• Drone operator

• Camera operator

• Gimbal tech

• Lighting assistant

• Photographer

• Assistant director

• Or pretty much anything else creative-related

The key here? You're hired by someone else. You’re not dealing directly with the end client—you’re part of someone else’s project.

Pros:

• Flexible work

• Variety of experiences

• Great networking

Cons:

• Unpredictable income

• Limited creative control

• You're not the one calling the shots

You can freelance under a legal business entity like an LLC or S-corp, or just pay self-employment tax. Either way, it’s a great way to get paid to hone your craft.

2. Company Employment

Going full-time doesn’t always mean starting your own thing.

You can get hired by someone else as a creative and still love what you do every day. You could:

• Work for a video marketing agency

• Join a YouTuber’s team

• Manage social media content for brands

• Shoot for a photography studio

• Even teach or create in-house at a major company

This path provides stability—a salary, benefits, regular hours—and still lets you flex your creative muscles.

Pros:

• Reliable income

• Opportunities for mentorship

• Skill development in a structured environment

Cons:

• Less freedom

• Someone else sets the creative direction

• Limited scalability for your own brand

But for many creatives, the trade-off is worth it—especially if you're just getting started or craving structure.

3. Starting Your Own Business

This is where the rubber meets the road. You’re the boss.

You find the clients, set the prices, and build the systems. It’s not just creative work—it’s sales, branding, marketing, accounting, networking... all of it.

Unlike freelancing where you’re brought in to support someone else’s vision, running your own business puts you in the driver’s seat.

Pros:

• Full creative control

• Unlimited income potential

• Ability to scale and build a team

Cons:

• High pressure

• Requires business savvy

• If you don’t sell, you don’t eat

This path isn’t for everyone—but if you want to build something that’s truly yours, it can be the most rewarding option out there.

4. Online Opportunities & Remote Work

This is technically another form of running your own business—but it deserves its own spotlight.

The internet changed the game.
You can:

• Sell digital products (eBooks, courses, LUTs, presets)

• Offer remote editing or content services

• Teach through 1:1 coaching or group programs

• Create content on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok and monetize through ads, sponsors, subscriptions, and more

If you’re into social media marketing or want to build an audience around your personal brand—this space is massive.

Pros:

• Passive income potential

• Global reach

• Endless creative possibilities

Cons:

• Requires audience building

• Can take time to grow

• Saturated market—so differentiation is key

This model can also be paired with any of the others for a hybrid income strategy.

Which One Is Right for You?

Honestly? There’s no one-size-fits-all. Most successful creatives I know mix and match.

Personally, I’ve done freelance work (and still do), I run my own business, and now I’m creating and selling products and services online.

The truth is:
I’d rather be broke working for myself than rich working for someone else.
But hey—that’s me. I’m a die-hard entrepreneur who’s hit rock bottom more than once. And I’ve always bounced back.

The point is this:
Try different paths. Test what works. Learn who you are along the way.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a photographer or video creator dreaming of going full-time, there are multiple doors in front of you. You don’t have to pick just one right away—and you’re allowed to pivot.

What matters most is that you start.
Experiment.
Fail fast.
Grow forward.

Thanks for reading. I’m Dan Kathman, and I’m here to help creatives like you build a full-time life doing what you love.

📩 Want more resources and insights like this? Email us at DanKathmanStudios@gmail.com Follow us anywhere @dankathmanstudios.