Moving to Bruges: Not as Easy as It Sounds for a Photographer in Bruges
So, I made the big move – from bustling Brussels to the charming, picture-perfect Bruges. You’d think that, as a photographer in Bruges, business would just flow like Belgian chocolate, right? Well, not exactly.
One of my biggest challenges? Language. My French and Dutch are, let’s say, works in progress. I mean, I did study both, but between verbs, accents, and trying to remember which preposition goes where, I feel like my brain is doing cartwheels. Oh, and let’s not forget – English isn’t my first language either! So yeah, it’s like a linguistic circus up in here. But hey, who doesn’t love a good challenge, right?
The Perks (and Pains) of Freelance Photography in Bruges
Now, don’t get me wrong, being a freelance photographer in Bruges has its perks. This city is literally a postcard waiting to happen. The canals, the medieval buildings, the cobblestone streets – every corner is Instagram-worthy. But here’s the kicker: finding clients isn’t as easy as I thought.
I set up a Google Ads campaign, focusing on Bruges and the Belgian coast. Why? Because I’m offering my services as a hotel photographer. Makes sense, right? Tourists come to stay, hotels need great photos, and voilà – potential clients! Except… there’s one small issue.
The Endless Stream of Unwanted Photo Editing Offers
Every time I run an ad – whether it’s on Facebook, Instagram, or Google – I get bombarded with emails and messages. No, not from potential clients (I wish!). Instead, it’s people offering me photo editing services. Some of these messages are so persistent that I’ve had to add an automated note saying, “Please do not offer me photo editing services.”
I mean, come on! I’ve got over 20 years of experience in photo editing. It’s like offering cooking lessons to a chef. Sure, I’d love to have so many photo shoots that I’d need help with editing, but right now, that’s not the case. A girl can dream, though!
Switching Gears: From Interiors to Vacation Photography in Bruges
Recently, I’ve been thinking about switching things up. Bruges is a massive tourist magnet – over 8 million visitors a year. Yes, 8 million. That’s a lot of selfies, folks! And with all these tourists looking to capture their picture-perfect vacation moments, there’s a growing demand for vacation photographers.
So, I’m seriously considering transitioning from real estate and interior photography to vacation photography. But here’s the catch: my portfolio is currently filled with cozy interiors, and sleek real estate shots – not exactly what vacationers are looking for. Before I can make the switch, I’ll need to do some free sessions to build up my portfolio. Because, let’s face it, no one’s going to hire me for vacation photos if I don’t have any to show them!
The Next Steps: Building My Vacation Photography Portfolio
So, what’s the plan? Well, first, I’ll be offering a few free vacation photo sessions in Bruges. I mean, who wouldn’t want to be photographed in front of those perfect little houses or along the picturesque canals? I’ll probably post about it on my Instagram and maybe even run a little promotion to get the word out. It’s all about building that portfolio, right?
Once I’ve got a solid collection of vacation photos, I can start pitching my services to tourists and families visiting Bruges. My goal is to capture the magical moments they’ll remember forever – the kind of photos that end up framed on walls or saved as their favorite memories.
A Quick Side Note: Life Beyond Photography
While I’m hustling as a photographer in Bruges, I’ve got a few other projects on the go. Have you checked out my CatPrints by Bsilvia Shop yet? It’s filled with quirky, fun cat-themed art prints that will make any space pop with personality. You can find it at catprints.bsilvia.shop. And if cats aren’t your thing (but why wouldn’t they be?), take a look at my Graphics Illustrations website, where I offer all sorts of creative designs. Oh, and don’t forget about my FiveCatsGraphics Etsy shop ! It’s a one-stop shop for unique and adorable designs.
A Bright Future as a Photographer in Bruges
In the end, I’m excited about what the future holds for me as a photographer in Bruges. Sure, there are challenges – hello, language barriers! – but there’s also a world of opportunity. From interior photography to vacation shoots, I’m ready to make my mark in this charming little city. Plus, I get to enjoy life in Bruges while doing what I love. And honestly, what could be better than that?
So, if you’re planning a trip to Bruges and want some amazing vacation photos (or just want to chat about life in this gorgeous city), feel free to reach out. And remember – please, no photo editing offers! 😊