13 ways to make money with photography

There is a lot of money to be made with photography today. Fortunately for us, this is a career choice that works well for the location independent home business owner. It’s a work-from-home concept that has plenty of opportunities for self-paced learning. If you don’t have the skills today, that doesn’t mean you can’t learn.

In today’s post, we look at how to make money with photography.

Event Photographer

The opportunity is most obvious when it comes to cashing in as a photographer. Everyone wants to remember special moments in time.

• marriage
• Family portrait
• Senior picture
• Sweet Sixteen Party
• the children

Christian of The Click Cartel says, “If you want to make money in photography, but don’t have a lot of technical skills, you can totally do it. The trick is to find a niche you like and then learn a few key setups really well.”

Sell ​​stock photos

But you don’t have to be a professional. Many people today are making money online by selling stock photos to website owners and news organizations. Check out this post for 13 places to start.

Sell ​​smartphone photos

You don’t even need a fancy camera to make money from your photos There are several sites that offer smartphone apps for capturing photo content on the go.

• Scoopshot
• Snapware
• fop
• Finder

Sloane Levine had this to say Scoopshot, “Using ScoopShot fills my time. I’ve always really enjoyed taking pictures and being able to make some money from them as well was really cool. This app has encouraged me to get out and see my new surroundings. I’m originally from the Chicago area. came, and I recently moved to Greensboro, NC. When I see interesting assignments posted, I want to explore my new area and see what interesting things I can find and shoot. I’m an amateur photographer, so I never Never expected to make money doing something I’m passionate about, but having a few extra dollars in my pocket while I explore is ideal for me. My photo gallery has grown a lot in just a few months, and my skills have grown as well. Scoopshot is great and I One of the most used apps on my phone.”

And Brett Unger says, “Scoopshot is one of my favorite apps! Ever since I downloaded Instagram a few years ago, I’ve learned that I’m good at taking pictures. As that account got more use, the likes and comments started to increase, and my friends started following me. Encouraged me to try to sell photos of the scene I took. I didn’t know how to go about it, so I felt like my work was going to waste. When Facebook bought Instagram, and there were rumors about people selling personal photos without compensation going to the photographer. took off, I knew I had to find a different platform to make money from photos I knew were good. Scoopshot not only paid me, but it allowed me to get professional recognition for photos that would otherwise have been taken without me knowing and by another party. may be withdrawn without profit.”

Selling unique photo items

You can sell your photos as prints and gift items. There is a large consumer market for landscape and object prints on canvas, wood and metal.

Local business photographer

No business website is complete without great photos of the venue. Many photographers have specialized in staging and photographing restaurants, event venues, entertainment venues, and more. If you want to make it big, consider becoming a Google Trusted Photographer as we discussed in this recent post.

Real estate photographer

Regardless of industry, pictures sell – or break them. Many experienced professionals have partnered with real estate agents or FSBO (for sale by owner) sellers to capture the shots that can sell a home. While those new to this niche usually charge by the hour or by the job, a shutterbug may be able to earn a commission on rental sales.

Photo tour

If you like to teach others, consider giving photo tours of local attractions. We recently spoke with a man who supplements his retirement income by showing amateur photographers around Yosemite. Not a bad way to spend your work day if you ask me! Watch Pat’s interview here.

Photo editing service

Maybe you prefer the more technical side of things. Photo editing is big business today. Almost no pictures are touched. There is cropping, manipulation and enhancement. You’ll need above-board Photoshop skills, but services can be offered online and locally to customers.

Social media photographer

This opportunity is in the business client category. This person may be responsible for attending events and locations to capture moments to post on business social media profiles This is a great opportunity to work with not only brands, but nonprofits.

The second shooter is the photographer

If you don’t yet have a portfolio to hire as a wedding photographer, offer your services as a “second shooter” to get some testimonials. Since you’re not working as a primary photographer you’ll have to offer a lower rate, but it can be a great way to earn some extra cash in your spare time.

Little League Photographer

Most children’s sports organizations have already established relationships with professional photographers. But, many parents today are not only interested in those staff posing photos, they also want action shots.

Ask your local leagues if you can take some action shots during the game. (Please ask first so you don’t look like a creep.) You might even pay the league a few hundred bucks for the opportunity. Hand out flyers to parents and let them know they can buy their kids’ shots on your Smugmug site. Some people can earn up to $1,000 per game this way!

Photo album design

We all have tons of photos in our drawers, boxes, and on our phones. Someday we’re going to make a picture book… Nope.

Most of us do not have the time, patience or skills required for such tasks. This is where you can earn money by making photo albums. as a service Zoobinder Can make your work much easier.

Profit from Instagram

We recently talked about Stylinity as a way to make money from Instagram selfies. but, Check out this guy Who made more than $15,000 in 24 hours by offering his Instagram photos for sale He offered signed prints of any photo for just $150. Sure, it will work best if you have a large following and a specific niche. He primarily photographed interesting people on the subway and around the city.