Many people who are good at shooting pictures wonder – can photography be more than just a creative outlet? Can it actually pay some bills? Well, if you wonder that as well, then this article is for you. In it, we’ll be tackling a handful of ways you can actually make money as a photographer. So, without further ado, let’s get rolling.
- Sell Your Pics to Stocks
This works if your portfolio is somewhat bloated. You can sell your images to photo stocks that would later pay you a small commission whenever your photo is downloaded. Your pics will be used by businesses, ad agencies, and media. The subject of your shots doesn’t really matter, as there’s always going to be someone interested in what you have to sell. The downside to this method is that the commission you’ll get is somewhat modest, which means to reach a decent level of income, you need to submit tons and tons of images.
- Start an ID Photo Business
This one is almost a surefire way to make a few bucks without much hassle. People will always need ID photos, which means you won’t run out of clients. To start your own small ID photo business, you only need a few things. First off, it’s your trusty camera with a few additional lenses, a place to set up your studio (it can even be your own house), and passport photo software. With the right program, you’ll be able to make perfectly approvable photos for passports, visas, and whatnot with just a few clicks.
- Teach Photography
If you possess profound knowledge on the matter, why not share it with other people? Teach the basics, share valuable tips and hacks that work for you and encourage people to become the best photographers they could be. And you don’t even have to have an actual place to teach aspiring photographers since more and more people nowadays prefer to do everything online.
- Submit Your Work for Contests
There are tons of competitions running throughout the year. Some can only grant you recognition, others deal in money and even equipment. Surf the net for the latter and apply. Despite how tempting, this way to make money with a camera isn’t as surefire as some of the rest. After all, there is no way to predict if you are going to win.
- Become an Assistant Photographer
If some photographer has been booked for a big event, they won’t be able to do it all by themselves. This is where you can step in. Get a gig as an assistant photographer without the trouble of actually negotiating with the clients. Moreover, should it happen that you work with an accomplished photographer, you’ll have an excellent opportunity to learn a new trick or two.
- Retouch Pictures
This might not be as thrilling as actually shooting photos, but in the age of digitally enhanced images, this can be quite a profitable job. First off, you can work from home. Besides, the more photos you edit, the better you’ll be at it (which can be beneficial for your own portfolio).
- Shoot Portraits Outdoors
If you don’t have a studio, that is. However, many people just love outdoor mini photoshoots that only take half an hour but can result in a few stellar shots for their Instagram page. Shoot couples, singles, families with kids, heck, even pets! An unexpected benefit of this way of income is that you’ll learn how to deal with all kinds of personalities.
- Start a Photography Blog
Want to combine your two passions – photography and writing? Then get yourself a little blog. The more interesting and more educational your blog is, the more people will read it. And more visitors mean more ads. And more ads mean, well, you guessed it – more cash in your pocket.
- Review Photo Products on YouTube
If you have a YouTube channel and know a thing or two about proper photography gear, consider creating this kind of content. By reviewing products (actually, both hardware and software will do), you help other people to make the right choice, get more recognition as a pro, while simultaneously making a few extra bucks.
- Make Use of Freelance Platforms
If you aren’t actually picky about what to shoot, get registered on one of the freelance platforms. They will help you easily find clients and earn a quick buck in a short time.
Well, now you know how to make money from photography without actually overstraining yourself. Whatever way you choose, you will not only end up with extra money but will definitely become a better photographer.
