Born and raised in Salzburg, Germany, located within the European Union, Phillip Entzminger has had a rich and inspired life. While he was still young, his parents helped him cultivate a love for all things nature and traveling. While he has always enjoyed sports, he has maintained that passion for the great outdoors. To further cultivate their children’s life experiences, Phillip’s parents brought their children to the United States of America. Once there, Phillip attended college in New York City.
While in New York City, in New York State, he thrived. The fast pace, rich cultural center, and immense opportunity to encounter a global society further encouraged his love of traveling. Once he completed his academics, he joined his family in Davenport, Florida. It was here that he began his journey as a writer, content curator, and freelance photographer. Over the years he has developed multiple client relationships that built the foundation for his creative career.
As he continues to build his career, he has not forgotten to make time for the things he enjoys. After spending college in New York, he found himself at many baseball games, developing a respect and appreciation for the New York Mets. He became a big fan of catcher and longtime Met’s player, Mike Piazza, following his career until retirement. Phillip Entzinger continues to travel, play sports, and savors a few moments listening to Jazz music whenever possible. His personal goal includes being able to work from all over the globe, producing quality content and unique images for clients while fueling his love of travel.
Where did the idea to become a Freelance Photographer come from?
I found myself longing to see the world. It was something my parents encouraged while we were children. Being in the European Union, travel around Europe was made easier. Since moving to the United States, I have made it a point to know the country better whenever possible. I am looking forward to visiting more of South Africa as well. All of these unique and vibrant locations provide opportunities to view the world through the lens of a camera, recording that beauty in a way that can be shared with the world. My love of traveling blended well with my desire to share the same with everyone I possibly could.
What do you love about your job?
I love being able to share the unique cultures, local beauty, and challenging terrain with anyone who wants to see it. I have found that visiting unique places around the world opens many doors for the photographer’s lens. Becoming immersed in all areas of this wonderful world of ours adds to everyday experiences. Also, a positive part of traveling so often is that I get to play on some of the most unique golf courses in the world!
What do you find most challenging about your job?
It can be challenging to narrow down the best shot. Sometimes I can be in an area taking pictures all day long and have to return to finally find the picture that really captures the emotions I’m feeling when I take it. When that does happen, I just know it. It is like an overwhelming feeling of bliss that really can’t be put into words.
Do you take assignments or create your own?
That depends on the client. Some clients are requesting specific pictures and I do my best to make those happen. Much of the time I am able to produce unique pictures for given situations and offer them for sale to my standing clients. This method has facilitated many of the best results both for myself and those who are purchasing the images from me.
It is amazing to be able to work creatively and get paid to do so.
When you are not taking pictures do you do other things for work?
Yes. I have a portfolio of writing and content creation for my clients. I have worked both as a ghostwriter and with a byline when possible. This has enabled me to build my reputation, increase my client base, and more importantly work with and for some of the most incredible people in the world. My clients come back to me time and again because I am able to produce quality work in an effective manner no matter what we agree is needed. I couldn’t imagine doing anything else with my life.
Do you get photographer’s block like writer’s can get writer’s block? If so, how do you overcome it?
I can honestly say that I have not encountered either one of those. Inspiration comes in many forms and being aware of that has allowed me to capture some of the most amazing images, thoughts, and productions in my world. I have traveled to many places and each one of them brings their own flavor and uniqueness which is inspiring and unmatched in other areas of the world, or often even the same town.
Being creative can be fueled from anything. As long as I am awake, the creativity will flow.
What books would you suggest to someone seeking to become a freelancer?
That is a very good question. Reading is essential for anyone getting into freelancing. You need to know about business and you need to have effective self-discipline. One of the books I’ve read for writing advice came from Bryan Cohen. He is a fantastic copywriter and can really help you hone your skills.
I like the Photographer’s Playbook as well. That is a good book for practicing and getting used to taking a picture for a purpose. Freelance to Freedom is also a good place to start. There is quality information with the essentials inside one book which provides a good foundation for understanding the freelance lifestyle.
For fun, I really enjoy the Xarrok series and I’ve been following the author for some time now. It’s a fun sci-fi series with some really deep characters.
Could you provide five tips for someone getting started as either a freelance writer or freelance photographer?
It is essential to keep in mind that being a freelancer is not the same as getting a paycheck at a traditional store. There is no health insurance plan, retirement planning, or other mandated benefits. You have to do that yourself.
Taxes are an important factor. Track everything you spend and earn for your freelance career. If you’re taking pictures, that includes your equipment, tools, and computer for processing the files.
Keep your client’s needs at the forefront of any project. Take the initiative to talk to them if you have questions about what their goals are and then strive to fulfill those goals to the best of your ability.
Develop a routine for your work. If you find you’re able to be your most productive between five and eight in the evening, then stick to it always. If you’re able to work best between eight and four in the afternoon, then work in that time but stick to whatever you need to do to ensure that you are able to complete your work.
Don’t let a deadline fly by you. Every deadline is important to your client and therefore to you. Take the time to do what needs to be done to meet your client’s needs on their timetable. If something needs to change, you must make sure to contact your client at the earliest possible moment so they can adjust what needs to be adjusted.