Back to Freelance: Lessons from My Time in the Ad Agency World

After two and a half years working as an in-house photographer for an ad agency, I’m officially back in the freelance world. Transitioning back to running my own business has been exciting, a little nerve-wracking, but ultimately, the right move. My time at the agency was a huge learning experience—one that sharpened my skills, expanded my industry knowledge, and left me with a stronger portfolio than ever before.

What I Learned from Working at an Ad Agency

Before stepping into the agency world, I already had experience as a freelance photographer. But working on the inside gave me a whole new perspective on how the industry operates. Here are some of the biggest takeaways from my time there:

1. The Art of Client Interaction

At an agency, you’re constantly working with different brands, marketing teams, and creative directors. I learned how to better communicate ideas, manage expectations, and navigate the back-and-forth that comes with professional shoots. Understanding a client’s vision and executing it seamlessly is just as important as having a strong technical skillset.

But beyond that, I also learned how crucial it is to make the client feel both comfortable and confident in me and my skills. A great shoot isn’t just about delivering strong visuals—it’s about creating an experience where the client trusts you to bring their vision to life.

2. Lighting is Everything

Lighting has always been a huge part of my work, but at the agency, I was constantly pushing myself to improve. Whether it was fine-tuning studio lighting for product photography or mastering natural light for lifestyle shoots, I gained a deeper understanding of how to manipulate light for the best possible outcome.

At the end of the day, lighting can make or break a shoot. You can have the best composition, styling, and concept, but if your lighting isn’t on point, the final product won’t be strong. I refined my ability to shape and control light in ways that elevate an image rather than just illuminate a subject.

3. The Power of Pre-Production

One of the biggest game-changers was seeing just how crucial pre-production is. The most successful shoots were always the ones with meticulous planning—storyboards, shot lists, set designs, lighting tests, you name it. I realized that a well-prepared shoot saves time, reduces stress, and leads to better images.

This is something I’m carrying into my freelance work moving forward. The more I invest in preparing before the shoot, the smoother things run, and the better the final results.

4. Efficiency in Shooting & Editing

Time is money, and in an agency setting, you have to be fast. I learned how to work more efficiently, from capturing content quickly without sacrificing quality to streamlining my editing process for faster turnaround times.

This experience gave me a huge advantage now that I’m freelancing again. I can take on more work, deliver final images faster, and focus more on the creative aspects without feeling overwhelmed by deadlines.

5. Career Milestones: Winning a Gold ADDY & a Southeastern Emmy

One of the biggest highlights of my time at the agency was being part of award-winning creative projects.

• In 2023, I was honored to receive a Southeastern Emmy

• In 2024, I won a Gold ADDY Award

These were huge career milestones that validated the hard work, creativity, and passion I put into every project. But beyond the awards themselves, they serve as reminders of what’s possible when you push yourself, collaborate with talented teams, and stay committed to producing the best work possible.

A Stronger Portfolio & A Fresh Start

If there’s one thing I’m most grateful for, it’s the sheer volume of content I was able to create at the agency. The constant flow of projects gave me the chance to refine my style, experiment with different types of photography, and build a portfolio that I’m truly proud of. Having that experience under my belt gives me confidence as I step back into freelancing.

Looking Ahead

Now, it’s time for the next chapter. I’m excited to apply everything I’ve learned, take on new creative challenges, and continue growing as a photographer.

If you’re a brand, agency, or business looking for high-quality product and lifestyle photography, let’s connect—I’d love to bring your vision to life.

Here’s to no excuses and making things happen. 📸