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11 ways of how to Make Money as a Photographer

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Introduction

Like many new photographers you might be asking yourself how to make money as a photographer. Photography is not just about capturing beautiful moments; it can also be a source of income. If you’re a beginner or an amateur photographer looking to improve your understanding of photography fundamentals and make money as a photographer through your passion, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll explore various opportunities that will allow you to turn your hobby into a potential source of income.

11 Ways to Make Money as a photographer. 

  • Photography Small Business
  • Sell Your Photos on Stock Websites
  • Create a Photography Blog
  • Shoot Events
  • Become a Second Shooter
  • Sell Prints of Your Work
  • Sell Photos to Magazines
  • Shoot Portraits
  • Edit or Retouch Other People’s Photos
  • Enter Photo Contests
  • Real Estate Photography

Now, let’s dive into these opportunities and learn how to make money as a photographer.

taking brand photos

brand photography, showing how a photographer makes money
brand photos! showing how make money as a photographer and how photographer make money
a cosmotologist, who got her phots taken for her instagram showing how to make money as a photographer and making money as a photpgrapher

You might be asking yourself, How can I find brands to let me take some photos? Ive found the easiest way to go to a nearby hair and cosmetology school and offer 3-4 people a free photoshoot. From this you’ll build a portfolio and when they spread the word to other cosmetologist you start getting bookings!

They all need a business website, instagram product photos! Their websites and social medias stand out from the competition when they’re filled with beautiful images. Hair salons, plumbers, yoga instructors – they all need images showcasing their offerings or staff members. This is where you come in.

Want to learn more? Have any more questions? Check out this Blog Post: How to become a Freelancer Photographer

Sell Your Photos on Stock Websites


Free Crop person taking photo of seaside scenery on mobile Stock Photo

Depending on how many photos you’ve taken, you can consider selling them on websites like iStock, Shutterstock, and BigStock. While this might not be a full-time job, it can be a fun way to make some extra income. These websites allow you to upload your photos so that other people or companies can buy or use them for various purposes. The amount of income you make can vary depending on how often people download your photos and how much they like them. It’s a cool way to turn your hobby of taking pictures into a way to earn some cash on the side, making this a great way to make money as a photographer.

Create a Photography Blog

Starting your own photography blog can be an exciting way to share your passion and knowledge about photography. When you create a blog, it’s like having your very own space on the internet where you can talk about your favorite photography techniques, camera gear, and share your photography experiences. It’s not only fun but can also be a way to make money as a photographer.

Here’s how it works: Once your blog gains some followers and readers who enjoy your content, you can make income as a photographer in a couple of ways. You can put ads on your blog, like the ones you see on websites, and when people visit your blog and click on those ads, you earn a small amount of income. Another way is by using referral links. These are special links that you can include in your blog posts. If someone clicks on these links and makes a purchase, you can earn a small commission from the sale.

However, it’s important to understand that making a lot of money from your blog takes time and hard work. To make substantial income, you’ll need to regularly publish high-quality content that your readers find interesting and valuable. This will help you attract more readers, and as your blog becomes more popular, you’ll have a better chance of earning money from ads and referrals. So, starting a photography blog is not only a great way to share your love for photography but also a way to potentially earn some income from your passion. You you like to travel your travel photography could be popular!!

Here are some of my examples! What is contrast in photography & What does format SD card mean

Shoot Events to make money

Event photography is a super cool way for high schoolers who love taking photos to earn some cash. And it most peoples answer It’s all about capturing those special moments at events like weddings and corporate parties. When people have something to celebrate, they want awesome photos to remember it.

Let’s talk about corporate parties. Companies sometimes throw big bashes to celebrate their success or milestones. They might rent a fancy venue, have great food, and invite their employees and clients. Now, these companies want fantastic photos to show off how amazing their party was.

That’s where you, the event photographer, come in. You get to attend these awesome corporate events, snap pictures of people having a blast, and capture the party’s energy. Businesses pay you for these photos, and they might use them on their websites, in brochures, or on social media to show everyone how awesome their party was. You’re the one who makes them look good!

So, event photography isn’t just about taking pictures; it’s about being part of the fun and making money by helping businesses look their best. It’s a fantastic way for high school photography enthusiasts to turn their passion into a cool job, thus resulting in another way to make income as a photographer.

Not set on photography? Learn more about videography here: Small Business Video Marketing: Why does it work so well?

Become a Second Shooter

an camera showing, how to make money with photography and how to make money as a photographer

Assisting experienced photographers is a valuable way to kickstart your photography journey, especially if your looking into wedding photography. It’s like getting a backstage pass to the photography world. These seasoned pros have a treasure trove of knowledge and skills, and when you join them, you become their right-hand person. You’ll be there to help them during exciting gigs, like capturing beautiful weddings or stylish fashion shoots. While you’re learning the ropes, you also get to build your own collection of awesome photos, which is a bit like creating your own art gallery.

But it’s not just about learning. By working closely with these experienced photographers, you’re also expanding your network in the photography community. You meet other aspiring photographers, and these connections can open doors to new opportunities in the future.

So, being an assistant to experienced photographers is like stepping into a world of creativity, where you’re both a student and a contributor. You gain knowledge, create fantastic photos, and make friends in the photography industry, setting the stage for your own success in the future. It’s a terrific way for any high schooler with a passion for photography to start their journey toward becoming a pro.

Sell Prints of Your Work

To be successful in selling your photo prints, it’s essential to pick out your best, high-quality pictures and make sure they look amazing. This means they should be super clear and impressive to anyone who sees them.

Then, find a trustworthy printing service, like a company that can make copies of your photos with all the right colors and details. They’ll help ensure your prints look just as awesome as your digital photos.

After that, you can set up an online store to sell your prints on the internet. This way, people from all over can see and buy your pictures.

Tip: You can also consider selling your prints at local art events and exhibitions, which are like art shows in your town. This will give people a chance to see and buy your prints in person. By using both the internet and in-person events, you can reach more people and have a better chance of selling your photo prints.

pictures on a wall! Showing you how you can be making money as a photographer!
a printed photo on a dresser showing how make money as a photographer
a huge printed photo hanging on the wall above a desk. displaying how photographers make money!

Sell Photos to Magazines

Creating connections and getting recognized in the photography world is an important step, and it’s a bit like building up your social circle. You can begin by focusing on smaller, local magazines and newspapers, kind of like your hometown or nearby city newspapers. This way, you get some experience and people get to know your work. As you become more confident and well-known, you can aim higher and reach out to bigger magazines and well-known brands. It’s like starting with making friends in your town before trying to be friends with famous people. This helps you grow your photography career step by step and get your name out there.

Shoot Portraits as a photographer

someone typing on a computer. Showing her making money as a photographer, and how to make money as a photographer

Photographing seniors in high school is not only a wonderful way to capture a significant moment in their lives but also a fantastic opportunity for photographers to make money as a photographer. High school seniors often want professional photos to commemorate their graduation, celebrate their achievements, and capture their unique personalities.

These sessions can include various locations, outfits, and styles, making them a creative and personalized experience. In addition to individual senior sessions, offering group photos with friends or family can also be appealing. Seniors and their families are willing to invest in quality photos that capture memories, and this can be a lucrative niche for photographers. It’s a win-win situation: seniors get cherished keepsakes, and photographers build their portfolio!!

Before you take pictures for a shoot make sure you format your SD card. Dont know how? Click here! Format SD card mean

Edit or Retouch Other People’s Photos

a cute family, showing how by editing photos you can make money as a photographer, and how photographers make money

If you’re a whiz with editing tools like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom, here’s a cool way to make some extra bucks. You can lend your talents to fellow photographers who are juggling a bunch of tasks and can’t find the time to edit their pictures. It’s like being the assistant photographer behind the scenes who makes photos look their best, helping take off the work load from the main photographer.

A pro of this is you can do this from the comfort of your home, and it’s a perfect side gig for anyone into photography, especially interested in the editing side of it. Whether you’re helping a wedding photographer or making product shots shine, your editing can be a win-win for you and the photographer!

If this interests you, start by first figuring out what you editing style or aesthetic you have. You can find this out by taking a few of your own photos that you have edited and see if they are more warm toned or cool toned. If you need some more guidance check out this blog post! ” photography editing styles “

Enter Photo Contests to make money

Getting involved in photography contests is like entering competitions where you can win cool prizes or recognition for your photos. It’s kind of like winning a trophy for your sports team or getting a medal for your achievements. Besides the prizes, these contests help you meet new people in the photography world. Think of it as making more friends who are also into photography. Plus, it’s like showing off your skills, just like when you share your gaming achievements with your friends. The more contests you join, the more you improve your photography skills and become well-known in the photography community.

REal Estate Photographer

Real estate photography is a job that’s always in demand. You can think of it as taking pictures of cool houses and apartments that are up for sale. To get into this field, you need to make friends with local real estate agents. You can also connect with brokers and property developers. So, by building these friendships, you can get more opportunities to take awesome photos of homes and buildings.

Start this off by going to real estate websites and finding realtors and offering your service! After 2-3 Shoots you should be able to start charging!

Conclusion on how to make money as a photographer

As a beginner or amateur photographer, you have numerous opportunities to turn your passion into profit. By assisting seasoned professionals, and selling prints, you can embark on a rewarding journey of making money with photography. Keep refining your skills, and your camera can become a powerful tool for your financial success.

So, grab your camera and start exploring these avenues. Your photography journey has just begun.

2 thoughts on “11 ways of how to Make Money as a Photographer”

  1. Pingback: how to format sd card: A Quick Guide - Starlie Media

  2. Pingback: How to Become a Freelance Photographer - Mdox Media

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