Snap happy

Some professions just lend themselves more naturally to the freelance arena, particularly creative jobs, where the product made is rarely needed constantly by any one company. Of course, there are always exceptions to this, like in-house designers or artists, but there are a raft of careers where you’ll find almost everyone pursing it is freelance. Within this falls photography, as Paul Louis Archer illustrates.

“I'm a photographer and multimedia storyteller,” he says. “A cross-disciplinary worker, who endeavors to encompass the mediums of photography, sound design and writing. While working in photography for seven years, my many different assignments have included reportage, documentary, travel, lifestyle and portraiture. My passion is portraiture – capturing the character of a scene and the story behind a face is of great importance.

“I have an avid interest in creating audio slide shows featuring my photography and interviews, alongside background sounds recorded while on assignment. Writing the stories for these slide shows gives me a flexible range of skills. Hence, I attempt to stretch my skills beyond the general photographer's parameters.

What are his thoughts on being freelance?

“The percentage of freelancers within the photography business is high. It's the nature of the beast.

“Due to prevailing trends, the onus on marketing, networking – to build up client-based contacts and new clients – can be difficult as well as time consuming. Furthermore, due to the popularity of digital photography, everyone and their mother thinks that they're a semi-professional photographer and can undercut the more discerning professional.

“Although (contrary to popular belief) the freelancer still has people to answer to, prioritising my own time and flexible working are the best aspects of being freelance.”

To see Paul Louis’ work or to contact him, please visit

Paul Louis Archer Photography at http://paullouisarcherphotography.pullfolio.com