Considering the outburst of modern technologies and the fact that pretty much everyone carries a mobile camera in his pocket or even owns a ‘fancier’ one, professional photographers experience certain difficulties when it comes to making money and earning enough for their living. However, photographing people at different events or special photo shoots are not the only ways to make money from your favorite hobby in the world – photography. If you have a camera and a laptop in your backpack, you shouldn’t be limited by the standard photography career paths like wedding or family photography.
How to make money as a photographer
1. Exclusive photo shoots
You won’t surprise anyone with family pictures in a beautiful, sunny location or newborn photography. That’s something everyone does. But if you want to make money as a photographer and gain more clients, you need to find your micro niche and offer exclusive services like underwater maternity shoots. Offer something only a few people in your local area do. People are naturally drawn to uniqueness. If you struggle with finding clients, set up your professional profile on HireRush.com so that our team matches you up with people looking for photography services as soon as they post a request.
2. Online photo stocks
Photography is a rather expensive hobby not to try to make money from every good picture you take and edit. Posting your pictures on global online photo stocks like Shutterstock, Depositphotos, StockAdobe, iStock and others will help you make money as a photographer without putting too much effort toward it. Even the shots that can’t be sold in real life are purchased by the photo stock users. Therefore, you’ll be able to make money on photography you do as a hobby (like wildlife, street life, nature, etc.), but not as your main profession.
3. Photography contests
A lot of organizations, foundations and magazines carry out annual photography contests (World Press Photo, International Photography Award, National Geographic contests, Travel Photographer of the year, PND Photo Annual etc.). Even if you work for a certain institution, newspaper or magazine, you may still submit your photos taken for them to these contests.
Some of these competitions are completely free to enter, some of them charge from $5 to$50 dollars. Most importantly, the prizes range from $2,000 to $15,000 with additional prizes for 2nd and 3rd places, creativity awards, and winners announced in different categories, which increases the chances to win. Additionally, it’s a great way not just to make money, but also gain exposure and promote your photography.
4. Selling prints of your pictures and wall art
A lot of people make money as a photographer this way. They either print out their finest shots to sell them as artwork online (may Etsy help you) or post them as high-quality printables and charge for downloads.
5. Working as a second shooter
If you’re a beginning photographer or even an experienced person, who’s just starting working with clients, you may gain more practical experience, find new clients and make money by assisting other professional photographers at different events (most commonly weddings). A lot of pros need a second view on the event to have ‘eyes everywhere’. If you have your own set of equipment, you’re good to go.
6. Freelance photography for magazines, newspapers and online platforms
Photographers make money taking pictures for different magazines, websites and newspapers when:
- those don’t have photographers at all
- their photographers can’t possibly cover the event and need extra help
- their photographers couldn’t capture the event or cover the story that happened somewhere else, but a freelance photographer did
So, search online and contact the editing teams to pitch your ideas. But before that, make sure that the shots you offer fit into the general style and theme of pictures those platforms publish.
7. Selling pictures of local events
To make money from photography, you may attend local events of various kinds (celebrations, concerts, protests, marches, election rallies) and sell them to the interested magazines/online platforms. Or, you may work as an event photographer taking pictures of people with their kids, friends, etc. and sell those shots to them.
8. Photo editing
Maybe, it’s not the most pleasurable part of photography, but it’s definitely the way to make money. If you’re great at editing photos, search for this kind of jobs online, reach out to different publications and contact advertising agencies to make money from your skills.
9. Setting up a photography blog
If your writing skills are on point and you have a bit of professional advice to share, you should set up your own blog for sure. Use free blogging platforms for that matter and make money through advertising, affiliate linking, cooperating with other bloggers, brands, etc.
10. Club photography
If you’ve ever attended a night club, you’ve probably seen a young photographer or two running around the place and taking pictures of people while they’re having fun. Additionally, nightclubs often host different events and concerts, which need a photographer to be captured. Clubs’ managers pay for such pictures as they use them to promote their place. It’s a great way to gain work experience and make money as a young, socially active photographer.
11. Real estate photography
The owners of larger properties and real estate agents cooperate with professional photographers as high-quality pictures of the property draw the attention of the prospective buyers and make them visit the place (at least). Cooperate with an agency or independent agents and make money as a photographer by taking pictures of homes and apartments for sale.
