Contract / Work regularity over time.

[tom_nixon]

Hello there!

I am still relatively fresh to the Upwork platform and still in the process of finding my way through writing my own style of proposals etc.

So after just over month of working on the platform I was wondering how my performance has been relative to other people's initial impressions. I so far have applied for a good number of contracts and succeeded in securing 7, I have spent most of my time in the rising talent group and working toward top rated status well. However I was hoping securing a JSS I may see an increase in my success securing contracts but that has not been the case.

Has anybody seen the regularity of work increase over time? If so how long before you found things on an upward trajectory? If anyone would like to have a look at my profile and maybe give me a few pointers for areas to improve it would be much appreciated!

Thank you in advance of a reply!

Best wishes,

Tom

[madison-russell · Accepted solution]

Hi Tom!

I honestly think you are doing significantly better than most new Upwork freelancers. I've been freelancing for two years and I have just started securing regular work in the last couple months. Things pick up slowly, in most cases, but the more successful contracts you have, the more likely you are to receive another contract. Just keep working like you are, and I know you're going to be very successful on this platform.

[tom_nixon]

Madison,

Thank you so much for your reply, I appreciate your feedback! It's reassuring to hear that you think I am doing well, so thank you for that.

I felt a bit lost in trying to determine how I was doing realtive to other freelancers, I hope things will become more regular down the line.

Thanks again!

Tom

[madison-russell]

I just took a quick look at your profile and your portfolio is incredible, your reviews are great, and you have a good JSS score. If I was a client, and I definitely wouldn't hesitate to hire you.

It seems like you aren't taking many hourly jobs, and that may be on purpose or it may not, but I would consider taking another look at your hourly rate. I know personally I have a really tough time with my rate, and it takes a lot of courage on my part to actually raise it, but photo retouching is an amazing skill that definitely deserves the right compensation. Just something to think about.

[tom_nixon]

Thank you again Madison, very kind! I hoped I was doing the right thing and coming across well demonstrating my skills.

I see what you are saying about hourly contracts and the hourly rate. I will definitely look more into this in the future.

Thanks again, and.all the best with your freelancing!

Tom

[petra_r]

Tom, just keep at it, you'll be fine!

Unfortunately there is a glut of so-called photo editors with a pirated version of Photoshop Elements 11 they hardly know how to use happy to "edit" mess up photos for $ 10 for 1000 or remove a million backgrounds from product shots at $ 20...

The clients who want quality ARE there, they just take a bit (or more) effort to find.

That Richmond Icicle shot... Would love to know how you got that. (It's lovely) - ND filter? Shutter speed?

[tom_nixon]

Hi Petra,

Thanks for your comment, I was confused seeing some very low bids on some extensive contracts! Here's to hoping I can find a decent ongoing hourly contract in that case. I'll keep persevering and see where I get to!

And thank you so much! Ordinarily I would have used an ND, however I was on my way from a different shoot and didnt have it with me. I stopped off on my home to find the iced over waterfall. So I was forced to be all the way out to f/32, iso 64 and 15 seconds. Would have preferred to be around f11, but the opportunity wasn't there when I returned with an ND as the icicles had fallen off.

Best wishes,

Tom

[petra_r]

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@Tom N wrote:
So I was forced to be all the way out to f/32, iso 64 and 15 seconds. Would have preferred to be around f11, but the opportunity wasn't there when I returned with an ND as the icicles had fallen off.

Best wishes,

Tom

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 15 seconds. Wow! Even with a very good tripod it's amazing you retained the sharpness. I am officially jealous. The water is pure silk. Lovely!