S03 E03 - Freelance vs. Full-Time: The Creative’s Ultimate Dilemma with Sam Cousins

Sam Cousins is a Portrait & Family Studio Photographer who went from high-volume studio work to burnout, pivoted into sales, and is now rebuilding his creative career on his own terms. As the highest-billing photographer at a national studio, he mastered both the art and business of photography, developing innovative lighting techniques that were eventually adopted company-wide. He then went on to start his own children and family photography business, transforming a garage into a working studio and using Facebook ads to attract clients. He’s photographed everything from weddings to corporate headshots and even a full soccer club, but after stepping away from photography, he rediscovered his passion through creative collaborations and personal projects. In this episode, Sam shares his journey of balancing creativity with financial stability, the lessons he’s learned about sales, why free work still has value, and how to avoid burnout in a creative career. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or just starting out, this conversation is packed with insights on growth, reinvention, and pursuing the kind of work that truly inspires you.

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Editing & Post Production by Mossy Heart Media. Check out their Website & Instagram.

Music Created by JWPATON. Check out his work on Instagram.