From an officer to a gentleman's go-to-freelance photographer. Andy left the army and soon found he had enough orders for capturing images of bespoke, tailor-made products, lifestyle and more. He shares his story on making a name for himself, making face-to-face connections and even making his own magazine to create his dream work.

Key Takeaway Points

• When you start freelancing make the most of your existing contacts
• If you're not using social/online techniques to promote yourself and make connections you're cutting off a potentially lucrative source of work, however...
• Press the flesh: don't hide behind email, actually meet people, pop in and make a real connection as you show an interest in them and their business
• Re-evaluate your freelance site every 12-18 months: what's working? what isn't? does your portfolio reflect what you're doing now or want to do?
• Andy started his own magazine - he could create the work he wanted to, keep his portfolio fresh and make new contacts that evolved into leads for paid work
• Is there anything else you can offer your clients? Andy joined forces with a videographer in order to offer a stills/video package
• From Andy's experience in the military: planning is key, but no plan ever survives 'contact' - the reality; also take time to debrief yourself after a project, what lessons can be learned?
• When it feels things are going bad in your freelance day, take time out, literally leave the house, go for a walk, grab a coffee, get a fresher view and you'll see they're not as bad as they seem

More from Andy

Andy on Twitter

Andy's portfolio site

Riddle Magazine

Who the hell is Steve Folland?

You know how everyone bangs on about how powerful video and audio content can be? Yeah, well Steve helps businesses make it and make the most of it. Find out more at www.stevefolland.com Track him down on Twitter @sfolland or lay a trail of cake and he'll eventually catch you up.