I still remember the moment I got the email—an opportunity to shoot for a major brand. I was excited, but it was the result of years of refining my craft, building a portfolio, and putting myself out there—mostly for free work or exchanges. Breaking into travel photography is no easy feat, but if you approach it the right way, landing that first major brand gig is absolutely possible.
Introduction
When I first started in photography, I was shooting everything—aerial, landscapes, surf, and street photography. Over time, I realized that my passion was in travel photography, capturing the intersection of culture, adventure, and environment. It took many years of trial and error to discover this and refine my style.
If you want to attract brands, you need to have a clear niche and a strong body of work that reflects the kind of jobs you want to get. Brands want to see consistency in style, quality, and storytelling. For me, that meant:
- Shooting consistently while traveling, even when I wasn’t getting paid for it (which was a lot of the time).
- Creating personal projects to develop my style and storytelling ability.
- Sharing my work regularly on Instagram, my website, and photography communities.
The Moment That Changed Everything
My first major brand job came through a combination of persistence and being in the right place at the right time. In 2018, I was heading to Iceland, the Lofoten Islands, and Greenland on a content trip to shoot for smaller brands. I had pitched Manfrotto that I was traveling to East Greenland on a 10-day trip where I could create a video and images for them with their new tripods and bags. They said they needed photos of their new Befree tripod, as well as landscapes of the area. The rest is history!
Since that project, I've shot 10 different projects for them in 10 countries and met their team at their Italy headquarters to test products. That first trip was when I realized the importance of consistently putting out high-quality content—even when you think no one is watching.
Pitching Yourself and Standing Out
Proactively pitching yourself to brands is the name of the game in freelance photography. Here’s what has helped me stand out:
- A polished portfolio: My Instagram, website, and previous work clearly show what I can offer. I have tried to maintain a cohesive aesthetic across all platforms.
- Engagement: I actively engage with brands I want to work with, commenting on their content and showcasing work that aligns with their campaigns.
- A strong pitch (when needed): I'm not afraid to send professional pitches explaining how I can help brands tell their story through photography.
For photographers trying to land their first big gig, don’t wait for brands to find you—start reaching out and showing them why you’re the right fit. You are guaranteed to get 99 no's for every one yes. Keep pushing, and that one yes may change everything.
The Execution: Lessons From the First Big Gig
Once I landed the Manfrotto job, the real work began. The assignment required me to travel, shoot in various locations, and deliver a set number of high-quality images and a cinematic video. Here’s what I learned from that experience:
- Logistics matter: Planning ahead for flights, accommodations, and gear backups was essential. I loaded up on external hard drives, memory cards, and a long lens.
- Communication with the brand is key: Understanding their expectations, preferred shots, and style made the job smoother. Luckily, Manfrotto gave me a lot of creative freedom on this shoot, which made the job easier.
- Adaptability is crucial: Weather, unexpected changes, and last-minute adjustments are all part of travel photography. You have to thrive in these environments to succeed. I personally love the type of places where you have to adapt to the conditions.
While the job was exciting, it also came with challenges. But by staying professional and delivering strong images, I was able to exceed the brand’s expectations.
How That Job Led to More Opportunities
After successfully shooting my Greenland job, I used it as a stepping stone to more opportunities. Here’s how I leveraged it:
- Adding it to my portfolio: Having a recognizable brand in my portfolio instantly made me more credible to other potential clients.
- Using it in pitches: When reaching out to new brands, I referenced my experience to show I could handle high-profile projects.
- Building long-term relationships: Instead of treating it as a one-time job, I stayed in touch with Manfrotto, leading to more jobs in the future.
Conclusion
Breaking into travel photography and landing your first big brand gig isn’t about luck—it’s about preparation, persistence, and putting yourself out there.
- Build a portfolio that aligns with the kind of work you want. This definitely means free work or exchanges in the beginning.
- Stay consistent and showcase your best work online.
- Engage with brands and don’t be afraid to pitch yourself.
- Deliver high-quality work and nurture relationships for future opportunities.
- Have fun! There is nothing better than shooting in beautiful landscapes. There will be highs and lows in this type of work, but that's all part of the journey!
If you’re looking to land your first big gig, what’s holding you back?
Image used with permission of Francesco Ferrovecchio.
