Andrew Duke is a UK-based photographer with work published internationally. He holds a BA in journalism from Edinburgh Napier and a master’s degree in Documentary Photography from University of Wales, Newport. Andrew has been a Lecturer on the Photography BA (Hons) course at Oxford Brookes since 2021 and kindly answered our Freelancer Five questions below.
1. Introduce yourself and what you do
My name is Andrew Duke. I freelance for clients in the editorial field as well as working on documentary photographic and film projects. I have a particular interest in identity, heritage and heterotopia.
2. How and why did you start freelancing?
After working for many years as a staff photographer in the newspaper industry, I started freelancing in 2005, initially working for agencies and magazines. Alongside this I worked on self-funded projects I really cared about, many of them overseas on topics I felt were under-reported.
3. Where do you find your clients and new projects?
I have been fortunate to be recommended to some new clients while others have come by pitching ideas directly to editors and agencies.
4. How do you know what to charge?
This can be tricky; helpfully, some areas of the photographic industry have set fees, but most of the time I quote an hour, half-day or full day fee when pitching or am approached. This varies on the type of job, where and how the work will be used, and the type of expenses to be included in the fee. Check out trade bodies for guidance and if you’re on friendly terms with any established photographers, politely ask them what they charged when starting out. Some useful resources for photographers include:
The Association of Photographers: www.the-aop.org
The British Institute of Professional Photography: www.bipp.com
Royal Photographic Society: www.rps.org
UK Trade Association for Picture Libraries and Agencies: www.bapla.org.uk
5. What important pieces of advice would you give as a creative freelancer?
Be determined, don’t give up. Take as much advice as possible. And take as much responsibility as you can for the things you have control over.
To see Andrew’s work and learn more about his photographic practice visit the links below:
www.andrewduke.co.uk
Twitter: @andrewduke1