How to Make Money with Photography

Photography is among the few art disciplines that require more than just talent and effort. To become a respected photographer and make it your career, you need to invest in the proper equipment. This includes a good camera, a few lenses, as well as a good lighting system.

The thing is, you can’t make a profit out of photography unless you have invested in it. We understand that you might not have a big budget to get top-notch equipment at the start, but with some research, you should be able to find great quality pieces for an affordable price.

Once you have your setup going, you should look up some tips on getting the most out of it by using the ideal lighting and backgrounds that suits the type of photos you are taking. Today, most photographers make money selling through online websites, which is why you have to be ready to cater to specific customer needs.

Among the best sources for beginners is the Photography Masterclass website, which will introduce you to the concept as well as things you need to be successful. We want to help you by providing a couple of tips on how to make money with photography. Read on to find out more about all the places where you can sell your work.

Become a Better Photographer

The No.1 tip on how to make money out of something is to become better at what you do. Bearing this in mind, we have prepared a couple of points that might be of use.

The first step is not to focus on getting expensive gear. While we did say that you need adequate equipment, a good smartphone camera will work for almost any beginner. The main idea is to learn the basics. This includes things like where to put the focus of your image, etc., before moving on to professional gear.

As you might expect, the time of the day at which you shoot your photo plays a considerable role in the final result. We suggest that you try to take as many photos just before sunset. This creates a superb lighting and intriguing sky effects.

One of the best tips we have heard is to start by shooting things that aren’t as attractive. For example, take a bunch of plastic bags or used knives and try to make a beautiful scene out of it. If you manage to do this, the sky will be the limit.

Apart from limiting yourself with specific image subjects, we suggest you take an art class. Whether it is drawing or painting, you might get a couple of ideas here, as well as learn why background, focus, and composition, are so important.

Additionally, you should spend a good part of your free time looking at the photos that others took. Whether we are talking about popular images or some that you find on online websites, you will not only get ideas but understand the mindset behind it, which might help you in the future.

Also, we think that shooting with a classic film camera might help improve the quality of your photos in the long term. Because this camera is limited to only a certain number of photos, you will be more invested in making each count.

Be careful when it comes to deleting photos. While at first you might not like something, as you develop as a photographer, you can find a positive side in it, and make an even better photo with some editing.

Last but not least, don’t be afraid to get dirty and experiment. What this means is that you shouldn’t shoot from only one position. Try different angles from lying on the floor, looking upwards, or while in a sitting on a ladder. Additionally, become familiar with the blurring effect that significantly contributes to the main focus of your photo.

Ways to Profit from Photography

While the first thing that comes to your mind when talking about photography profit is selling your photos, there are a couple of other methods that may be even easier:

Start a small business

There are so many people looking for a good photographer, and you don’t even know it. While having a website that features your photography portfolio, showing the basic info on what kind of work you do is good, taking a walk around your neighborhood is even better.

Whether you specialize in shooting interiors (where you can help people renting apartments), or you enjoy photographing weddings, we’re sure finding your target group will be quite easy.

Don’t forget to take a couple of photo examples everywhere you go, and voila, within a short time, you will have a number of clients waiting for your service. The best thing about this? This type of marketing doesn’t require a financial investment.

Become a teacher

While being a professional photographer is profitable and fun, you can also share your knowledge and skill, thus earning money and helping others in the process. You can rent a studio apartment in your neighborhood, letting people know that they can come and take a photography class there.

On the other hand, many related websites such as Wix include several features such as Wix Video and Bookings that will help you hold classes online. This is probably a better option given the fact that it requires less time, and will allow you to work at a flexible schedule.

Become a blogger

While most people that write blogs either focus on trending subjects or their travel experience, photography has huge blogging potential. Not only can you use your articles to promote your photos and mindset behind them, but you can also earn money via ads and referrals.

Additionally, with hundreds of different cameras on the market, you can get sponsored by certain brands, and write an SEO-friendly review for them. The key is to focus on quality content, accompanied by examples of your photo work.

Invest in your skill

As we mentioned above, you can’t make anything profitable unless you have previously invested in it. We are not talking only gear, but also reading books as well as taking lectures that might help you widen your perspective. Along with this, using social media to promote your work by paying for ads can work out well.

Sell digital photos

When it comes to selling your digital or printed photos, it all comes down to promoting and exposing your work. Whether the specific customer wants you to send him/her a high-quality digital copy, or the same print on canvas, with the right marketing, you can make a considerable profit.

Don’t forget stock websites

While this may not be as profitable as the option mentioned above, it still works, especially if you are a beginner. The thing is if you decide to sell on stock websites, you should focus on quantity rather than quality. This is because most photos are bought by clients and then sold to other businesses and agencies for promotional content.

What this means is that your photo doesn’t have to be perfect in terms of concept, composition, and image focus. On the other hand, the resolution should be high quality.

Still, cameras from good smartphones will do just fine. The more photos of yours that are downloaded, the better your commission will be in the long term. Don’t forget to follow the strict guidelines of the specific stock community to make your effort count.

Become a tour guide

By pairing with tourist-guide and booking agencies, you will not only get to meet a lot of new people but also earn money in the process. Offering to take them through the city and showing them the best places to take photos will also allow you to promote your business and meet potential clients. All tourists enjoy taking pictures at new places — you are there to show them how and where to do it.

Make social media your priority

As the Photography Masterclass website suggests, by becoming a social guru, you will be able to do more than just promote your work. The more followers, the higher your chances are of getting sponsored by a trusted brand such as Sony, Canon, or Nikon. Additionally, being a part of the Instagram/Facebook community, you might also get invited to specific events where you can meet influencers that could very soon become your own clients.

Become a portrait freelancer

While landscape photos are beautiful, many people are willing to pay for a good portrait. No, not the one you see on the ID cards or passports, but an attractive photo that may help them get a Tinder/Badoo date. The best thing about this? You don’t need a professional studio.

The main thing that you should invest in is a good portfolio. Don’t forget to have a few examples of pet portraits, as many cat/dog owners would love to have their friends on a big canvas photo.

Become an event photographer

As already mentioned, one of the best options for a small business is to start photographing certain events. Whether you are thinking about weddings, birthdays, or company celebrations, you will not only make a profit but get to meet a lot of potential clients. Once again, it all comes down to a good online portfolio that will promote your work, and let people know they can rely on you.

Help local magazines

As an option for a side profit, you can contact a local magazine that publishes articles about real estate, or other promotional stuff. Ask them if they need a professional photographer and make your name in the industry. Chances are most magazines that have a lot of commissioned work that is waiting for you.

Try out contests

While it may sound like a consolation, being a part of a photo contest truly is more important than winning one. Of course, getting first place will go a long way toward your overall success, but simply promoting yourself through it and getting new connections will work as well.

Not only that, but this will contribute to your SEO and online portfolio. If you are not sure where to look for we suggest websites such as Wix or iStock as these feature several contests in different genres.

Make your editing skills count

As a professional photographer, you surely are good at editing. Send a few inquiries to relevant subjects asking if they want you to improve their promotional content by retouching and removing the imperfections.

Best Websites to Sell Your Work

Out of all of the aforementioned lucrative methods, the one that has the most potential for a beginner certainly is selling your work online. Not only because concepts like composition and lighting are not crucial, but also because the quantity is more important than quality. Additionally, those on a tight budget with nothing but a good smartphone camera could also turn a profit.

The No. 1 place to sell your work is on your own website. We know that this sounds like it asks for a lot of effort, but it doesn’t. Creating a WordPress website and adding an Envira Gallery plugin is no more than a few hours work. You will get to set your own prices, without anyone taking a commission from you. Additionally, such a website can also work as an online portfolio in case you meet clients in real life, and you want to promote yourself.

As for the best online marketplaces apart from your website, we would like to name Adobe Stock and Shutterstock. The first comes with a few advantages. You can get a good commission ranging from 30-60%, depending on the quality and consistency of your work. Additionally, this website doesn’t ask for the exclusive rights of your photos like many stock sites do.

When it comes to Shutterstock, it probably is the best place to sell your photos if you are a beginner, and you are still working with a smartphone camera because people at this marketplace value quantity over quality.

Not only that, but you still get to keep all the copyrights and have your name featured as the photographer. The commission is somewhat lower at around 20-30%, which is still enough if you sell a lot of photos monthly.

Conclusion

It is safe to say that turning a profit from photography is not something that requires expensive gear and years of effort. As long as you make your online portfolio count, and be sure to be as socially present as possible, you will be working with a number of clients in no time. Don’t forget to think outside of the box, and make sure that every shot counts.