Both a camera and a computer are in your possession, but money is one thing you lack. With the right skills, You can make money doing what you love — taking pictures. But there’s more than just the traditional career paths like wedding photography.
Thanks to the internet, there are more options available to you than ever ahead, some are good for a few spending money whilst others can pave careers. We’ve done all the brainstorming for you. Then are some ways to earn money as a photographer online.
1. Sell Stock Photos
In the digital age, stock photography expanded swiftly and is still a feasible option to make some spending money.
Indeed, photography can be quite a costly hobby. Stock photos are used by advertising agencies, websites, bloggers, publications, and more. You can sell stock photos of pretty much any genre — to really gain some ground, try to shoot photos on subjects that aren’t yet well covered.
2. Sell an eBook
An alternative method to generate income online and share your photography expertise is by creating and selling an eBook.
Look to see what’s already out there before deciding on a subject.
Getting your book in well-known online stores is easy thanks to platforms through Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
‘How to’ guides often do well, but you’re only limited by your imagination.
3. Create a travel guide
Not into the ‘how to’s? If you’ve got a lot of photos of one location, from either your travels or because you live there, you can put together a travel guide to sell as an eBook. Include photographs of all the must-see locations along with a few travel tips.
4. Take pictures at local events and sell them online
Parents love pictures of their kid’s t-ball games. Offer more than a cellphone snapshot, and you’ll likely have quite a few people wanting to buy your shots online. Various opportunities await, from capturing images at games, fairs, and festivals to other potential avenues.
By uploading your images to a website like Pixieset.com, you can delegate the printing and shipping tasks, allowing you to focus on showcasing and selling your photography with ease.
5. Sell photojournalism prints to news publications
If you’re in the right place at the right time, your image could be worth quite a bit for the right publication. Publications’ interest in a shot is frequently influenced by the location or the newsworthiness of events captured in the image.
6. Edit photos
No, it’s not taking pictures, but if you’re good at photography there’s a good chance you’ve also picked up some Photoshop skills, either through hands-on training or by completing an online Photoshop course. Search job boards for people looking for some photo editing, or reach out to publications.
7. Build a following on social media;
Building a following on social media is a powerful strategy for photographers. By regularly participating in your stunning images, engaging with your followership, and using applicable hashtags, you can attract a larger and further devoted group of followers.
As your social media presence grows, it opens up openings for collaboration with brands, implicit guests, and fellow shutterbugs. A strong social media following can elevate your visibility and credibility as a shooter, eventually leading to further openings and broader followership for your work.
8. Share affiliate links
If you do build a photography blog or popular social media page, sign up for your favorite photography store’s affiliate program. If you need additional guidance on how to start a blog for professional photography, check out our online blogging course.
When you share a link to recommend a particular item, you’ll receive a small percentage. Amazon has a popular affiliate program.
9. Join online job boards
Photography-related jobs are sometimes posted on job boards like Upwork and Freelancer. Make sure to join relevant platforms or communities and stay vigilant for potential opportunities. Some positions are local, though there are often some that can be done from anywhere on the globe.
10. Generate potential job leads with Flickr and 500px
By building a big following on photo-sharing websites, many photographers have generated paid leads. Sure, posting to Flickr won’t make you any money, but you might start to gain a following that could eventually land you a job.
11. Sell canvas and other wall art on Etsy
Photography is an art—so why not sell on the arts and crafts-focused platform, Etsy? It’s a popular option for wall art, but you could sell anything you can create with your images here, including greeting cards.
12. Snap photos for local businesses websites
Capture the power of visuals, as even poor photos can communicate a message. Spread the word by leaving your business cards at nearby establishments and inform them about your ability to take magazine-worthy photographs for their websites.
13. Create and sell a calendar
You can market a calendar showcasing your own images by collaborating with an established company or taking the initiative to create and sell it yourself. If you decide to go solo, select a captivating theme for the calendar, such as a specific location or a particular type of image.
14. Offer consultation and image critiques
Aspiring photographers might sense that their pictures are not top-notch, yet they may struggle to pinpoint the exact reasons why. You can propose a photo review service, providing valuable tips for enhancing their images, all for a reasonable fee.
15. Sell images on eBay
Indeed, do not overlook one of the most well-known online commerce — eBay. It’s a great platform where you can auction your images, offering colorful options similar to paints, oils, and more. Take advantage of the vast opportunities available to showcase and sell your photography to a broader audience.
16. Sell fine art shots on online galleries
It can be hard to vend fine art prints without a following. Online galleries can help introduce people to your work, and do the selling work for you too. Some of the popular options are Fine Art America and Image Kind.
conclusion
There are numerous ways to make plutocrats through photography. You can vend prints, offer photography or retouching services, or educate. It depends on your personality and what you’re interested in. But you can monetize your chops in photography.
