Beginning from nothing.
WHAT YOU ALREADY HAVE
A phone with a capable camera Daylight Free editing software Somewhere to publish
WHAT THAT IS SUFFICIENT FOR
Product photography Social video Interviews Screen recordings Simple graphic design
WHAT TO BUY FIRST, WHEN YOU CAN
A clip-on microphone.
WHY
It removes the largest weakness in phone video for very little money.
WHAT TO BUY SECOND
A tripod or phone holder.
WHAT TO BUY THIRD
A reflector, which can be white card.
WHAT TO IMPROVISE
Diffusion, from thin white fabric Backgrounds, from painted board or cloth A light tent, from a box and paper Sound treatment, from blankets
WHAT TO PRACTISE WITH NO BUDGET
Seeing light Composing carefully Editing tightly
WHAT TO PRODUCE
Finished pieces, published.
WHY PUBLISHED
It creates evidence of capability, which is what attracts paid work.
WHAT TO OFFER FIRST
Something specific and small: product photographs for one shop, a short video for one business.
WHY SPECIFIC
It is easier to sell and easier to deliver well.
WHAT TO CHARGE INITIALLY
Something, rather than nothing.
WHY
Free work is valued accordingly, and it is difficult to raise from zero.
