Hobby as a possible freelance venture?

[LollipopViolet]

OK, so I'm about to graduate university, with a degree (hopefully) in film production. Due to various reasons, I've been struggling to get work in this industry.

I'm a keen photographer, and (I think) quite a good one. I realize photography is going to be just as bad as film to get work in, but, I've had an idea.

I love music, I was thinking of photographing some gigs in the local area. For free at first, but if I could even get expenses covered, I could do the gig thing in the evenings and have a proper job. Is this legal? And doable?

I've been brainstorming with friends, who have suggested, to get started I need:

Twitter feed totally dedicated to the photography "business" as it were
Facebook page in the same sort of style, possibly linked to Twitter account
Flickr page (already got that one)
Put business cards in local music shops
Possibly contact local paper and offer to do some free work for them, covering gigs (don't think this one will bear fruit, but it's a suggestion)
A proper, professional portfolio
Website (got that already - needs some more photography stuff on though)

Am I missing anything? Am I mad for considering this? Will it actually lead anywhere?

Not quite sure what you mean about doing gigs in the evening and having a proper job - do you mean an ordinary salaried daytime job e.g. in a shop or bank, and then gradually establish your photography business, starting in the evenings? Yes it is do-able and possible, and building on something that you are passionate about is always the best place to start.

Other things for your list - network like mad - with groups who would be playing the gigs, with their managers / pr people, with the venues and events staff, with publications that might use your photos. Blog, so that you have something solid to refer people to when you network with them. Find any relevant forums (for music groups, photographers etc) and become a respected poster.

I'd avoid doing 'free' work - it is really difficult to get out of, and I think it devalues what you do. If you want to do something with the local paper then perhaps establish your blog / website / portfolio, then ask them if you can do some work experience for an agreed period to achieve something specific for your blog / portfolio.

My advice is to not ask here but to ask several photographers who are in the business. In many areas the market is increasingly saturated and even if it is possible to make a living from it now it might be that you would put a fantastic amount of time and effort into it only to find that the returns are less year on year.... Of course they may disagree but they are best placed to know.

Thank you both, good advice there that I'll take on board. I think the problem I have, is I've no idea how much I should charge. Think I'll do some more research and networking to start with.