Freelancer Spotlight: Chelsea Nawanga – Photographer
Next up in our ‘Freelancer Spotlight’ series is Chelsea Nawanga, a talented and inspirational freelance photographer who enjoys the freedom and flexibility of being self-employed.
Our Freelancer Spotlight series is designed to help promote the great work that creative freelancers do and provide a platform for them to share their insights and experiences in the sector.
If you would like to feature in our ‘Freelancer Spotlight’ series, click the button below to answer our 'Spotlight' questions.
What inspired you to become self-employed?
To be honest, this wasn’t something I originally planned on doing right away—I wanted to give myself at least another year. But recently I was made redundant at work and suddenly I had to reevaluate things. I told myself, ‘It’s now or never,’ so I decided to take the leap. And here I am, self-employed, ready to see where this journey takes me.
Who would be your ‘dream client’, and why?
This is a tough choice because it’s always changing, but if I had to pick, I’d say SZA. The reason is that she’s such a creative force, and I feel like if I had the chance to do a shoot with her, it would be incredible.
She’s so open to different concepts and ideas, which would make collaborating with her a dream. When you put two creative minds in the same room, the possibilities are endless - you can brainstorm for hours and keep coming up with new ideas.
What I admire most about her is how she embraces her quirky, fun side as an ‘awkward black girl,’ while still representing and empowering black women. I feel like she would really help bring my out-of-the-box vision to life.
What advice would you give to others who wanted to become self-employed?
I would advise anyone thinking about becoming self-employed to carefully consider their financial situation first. It’s essential to understand that the freelancing business operates differently than a full-time job, where you have a consistent income. Many people don’t fully understand how unpredictable it can be.
If self-employment is your goal, make sure to plan ahead. Create a financial strategy that ensures you’ll remain stable for the next few months. Having a solid plan will give you the confidence to take the leap and pursue your passion.
What part of your work do you feel most proud of?
It’s hard to choose just one aspect of my work to feel proud of because I truly take pride in all of it. Each piece I create reflects a journey within myself and showcases how far I’ve come in my photography skills.
What means the most to me is when people reach out and tell me they love my work, that it inspires them, or that they can relate to what I’ve created. Hearing comments like, ‘Keep doing what you’re doing; you’re a wonderful person,’ reminds me that my work resonates with others. Even if we’ve never met, it’s gratifying to know that my art speaks volumes.
What do you enjoy most about being self-employed?
What I enjoy most about being self-employed is the freedom and flexibility it offers. I love being able to set my own schedule and choose the projects that truly inspire me. This autonomy allows me to be more creative and explore new ideas without the constraints of a traditional job.
Additionally, I find it incredibly rewarding to build something from the ground up and see the direct impact of my efforts on my work and my clients. Being self-employed also pushes me to continuously grow and learn, which keeps my passion alive. I also enjoy meeting new people with each project I take on, as collaborating and bouncing ideas off one another enhances the creative process and brings fresh perspectives to my work.
What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a freelancer, and how did you overcome it?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced as a freelancer is chasing down payments. Ensuring that I get paid on time can be a significant hurdle.
When you become a freelancer, you often work with a 30-day payment notice, but it can sometimes extend to a month or even two. This experience has taught me to be my own financial advisor and accountant, actively following up on invoices and managing my cash flow.
Another challenge is securing jobs. You might have everything lined up perfectly, only to find that the project falls through at the last minute. This uncertainty can be tough, but I’ve learned that not every opportunity is meant for me. When one door closes, it often means another will open. Staying resilient and adaptable in the face of these challenges has been key to my growth as a freelancer.
What tools or resources are absolutely essential for you to do your work?
Several tools and resources are absolutely essential for my work. First and foremost, securing a studio space is crucial, along with having the right camera equipment and lighting.
I also rely on a laptop with tethering capabilities, allowing me to connect to the camera during shoots. This way, both the client and the model can see the images in real time, which enhances the collaborative process.
Additionally, I always make sure to have backup batteries, chargers and even extra cameras on hand. Technology can be unpredictable, so having these backups is essential in case something goes wrong.
Lastly, having a team with me - whether it’s for a big shoot or a smaller one - makes the experience more enjoyable and allows for better collaboration and creativity.
How do you keep up with industry trends and continue learning and improving your skills?
I keep up with industry trends and continuously improve my skills in a few unique ways. Social media is a major resource for me; platforms like Instagram and TikTok are great for spotting emerging trends in photography. I also browse through magazines for the latest inspirations from both big and small shoots.
In addition to that, I watch a lot of photography documentaries and films. Many people might overlook movies as sources of inspiration, but I find them incredibly valuable. Whether it’s a recent release or a classic, studying cinematography from past generations provides me with fresh perspectives on visual storytelling.
I also explore the work of established photographers to understand how they evolved their skills. I analyse their techniques and consider how those methods can be adapted to fit the current landscape of photography and where it’s heading.
Where can people find out more about you and your work?
People can find out more about me on Instagram, where I regularly share my work and updates. Additionally, I was featured in a BBC program called The Great British Photography Challenge, which spotlighted six up-and-coming photographers tackling various challenges.
If you would like to feature in our ‘Freelancer Spotlight’ series, click the button below to answer our 'Spotlight' questions.
Written by
Luke Glassford
Marketing Director
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