How to Make Money With Photography
What if I told you that making money with your photography is easier than you think? In fact, there are a number of ways to do it. See how to make money with photography with these tips.
You don't have to be a professional photographer to have photography as a great side gig! From selling prints and stock photos to working as a freelance photographer, there are plenty of opportunities out there for those with a sharp eye and a love for taking pictures.
I am not going to lie, the photography industry can be very crowded so you are going to need to find ways to stand out. You are going to need to work at your skills and decide what type of photography you are best out before you create your side hustle. Some of the best ways to stand out are to have a niche! What does this mean? Well, basically you need something unique to offer to your customers. We have some specific ideas below to get you started.
You also need to figure out how much time you have to devote to your photography business. Will it be your full-time job where you will need to make a lot of money or a steady income stream? Or will it be a part time job to just make some extra cash on the side while enjoying your hobby. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the different ways you can make money with photography. Who knows, maybe one of them will be the perfect fit for you!
Selling prints and stock photos
One of the most common ways to make money with photography is by selling prints and stock photos on stock photography websites. Shutterstock, iStockPhoto, Getty Images and Fotolia are all popular stock photography sites that pay photographers for their work. If you have a good eye for composition and lighting, this could be a great way to make some extra cash.
A word of wisdom – always make sure your photography subjects are aware that their images are going to go on stock sites. This is especially important if working with kids and families. Drawing up a release or permission statement to have your clients sign is something to research if you plan to make photos that will go to advertisers or stock photo sites. Research model releases and photography permission agreements for more.
Working as a wedding photographer
Wedding photography can be a lucrative business venture, especially if you're able to book multiple weddings per month. Weddings provide ample opportunity for posed and candid shots, so it's important to have a strong portfolio of work to show potential clients. You can advertise in your local newspapers as well as your social media account.
While wedding photography may be a good idea and the best option to make good money, keep in mind event photography can have its challenges, too. A bride and her wedding party want you to capture all of the exciting moments– and of course most of those will be just so the bride and groom can later see what happened on their big day! So you have to work fast and keep moving. If you love weddings and have an eye for wedding photography, try apprenticing with a local wedding photographer. Some will even hire non-experienced photographers as a second shooter to get multiple picture angles. Investing in some photography training will pay off for this important aspect of photography.
Travel photography
Travel photography is another popular genre that can be lucrative if done correctly. Some things to keep in mind when shooting travel photography is to include finding unique angles and capturing interesting light. You could even sell your travel photos to travel agencies in your local area. People love creative work when it comes to travel photography. As a travel photographer, if you can capture the city lights at night at a gorgeous angle, reflections in lakes and rivers, and light– you can offer images that the average traveler won't be able to capture.
Landscape photography
Landscape photography can be a great way to make money if you're able to capture beautiful scenes that people want to hang on their walls. To improve your chances of making money with landscape photography, consider entering photo contests and creating photo books. You could also start an etsy shop where you can sell your own prints or offer digital products for people to print.
Create Photo books
Creating photo books is a great way to show off your work and make some money at the same time. You can either create them yourself or use a service like blurb.com. Once your book is complete, you can sell it on places like amazon.com or ebay.com.
Enter Photo Contests
Entering photo contests is a great way to get your work seen by a wider audience. There are contests for all types of photography, so find one that fits your style and submit your best shots. If you’re lucky, you could win some cash prizes and even get your work published in a magazine or online. It's a fun way to earn with out putting in much money up front.
Many photo contests are actually advertising campaigns. If you read the fine print, you will notice that often you're actually agreeing that your photography will become theirs to use as an advertisement. This is a huge no from some photographers– however if you're just starting out or trying to get your name out there, it may be a great thing for you!
Take Photos for Local Businesses
Many businesses are always looking for good quality photos to use on their websites and in their marketing materials. If you have a good eye for composition and lighting, offer your services to local businesses. They’ll be happy to pay you for your work, and you’ll get some great shots for your portfolio. Don't forget to order some business cards to pass out with all of your contact information.
Digital Content- How to make money with photography without a lot of time spent:
Do you have a skill for Photoshop or Lightroom? Why not create some digital products to sell online? There are all sorts of tutorials, eBooks, and preset packs that people are willing to pay for. If you’re good at what you do, you can easily make some extra cash by selling your products on sites like Etsy by creating an online store. there are a lot of small businesses who purchase digital downloads.
You can also create svg images to sell for other crafters. Many Etsy sellers make t-shirts, tumblers, mugs and more. You might even have a church or ball team that needs a t shirt design! This is an excellent way to use your creative skills while also making some extra cash. Digital content may sell for only a few dollars, but over time it can add up to be a nice small income that does not require a lot of active time spent.
Start a Photography Blog or YouTube Channel
If you’re passionate about photography, why not share your knowledge with the world? Start a blog or YouTube channel and offer tips, tricks, and tutorials to your audience via YouTube videos. You can even make money from ads and affiliate links. You could even write blog posts on your own website to helps other people become a skilled photographer. Having a good online platform is vital for your photography business. I would also encourage you to create your own social media platforms such as an Instagram account where you can showcase your best photos.
Shoot Family Photography
One great way to make money with photography is to offer your services as a family photographer. This can be a great steady income, if you advertise the right way. You could also offer your services as a portrait photographer. Many people are looking for new headshots or family portraits. You could even offer graduation and prom photos.
Family photography is in high demand around the holidays. Research some great places around your area, or set up a photo backdrop at home to host family and friends. Remember, if you start out by not charging– or charging a small base price– you can increase your prices as you gain experience. There are many families with a tight budget but who also want creative family photos. You can advertise around your neighborhood on Facebook and the Nextdoor app, and of course at local bulletin boards. The best thing about being a good family photographer is that your business can spread by word of mouth. Families will recommend you to others if your prices are good and the photos are quality!
Host a Photography Tour
If you live in a beautiful area, you could offer photography tours. This is a great way to show off your skills while also making some extra money. You can charge per person or per group, and most people will be happy to pay for a guided tour.
Sign Up to Sell at Local Events
Another great way to make money with photography is to sell your photos at local events. This could be anything from a farmers market, art shows to a music festival. You can set up a booth and sell prints of your best work. Be sure to have a variety of sizes and prices available so that everyone can find something they like.
Sharpen Your Photography Skills
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned photographer, it’s always important to keep your skills sharp. There are many ways to do this, but one great way is to take online courses. Fine Art America offers an array of online courses that can help you improve your photography skills that many successful photographers use.
A good way to sharpen skills is to stay current on the latest cameras, equipment and photo prints options. Technology changes quickly!
How to Make Money With Photography: Use a Good Photo Editing Software
If you want to make money with your photography, it’s important to have a good photo editing software. There are several great free photo editing apps. This will help you make your photos look their best before you sell them. Adobe Photoshop is a popular option, but there are many other great options out there as well. DepositPhotos.com is also a great background remover and it's easy to use. You could even make big bucks as a photo editor.
We hope this article on how to make money with photography has helped you learn how to make money with photography. If you’re just starting out, it can be tough to know where to begin, but we believe that with a little effort and the right tools, you can start generating income from your photos. Stay patient, experiment often, and keep learning about your craft – before long, you’ll be able to turn your passion into a profitable business venture. What have been your experiences making money with photography? Do you have any additional tips to share? Let us know in the comments below!