15 how to profit from photography

There are several ways for photographers to earn money. We've included every single method we can think of in this article to get you thinking about how you can monetize your photography.

There is a diverse selection of suggestions that will work for many sorts of photographers, as well as a few non-traditional alternatives.

Keep in mind that you don't have to choose just one route! It's common for photographers to earn several incomes through a variety of methods, so you can change it up a bit whatever you like!

First, stock photos

The sale of stock photos can help you supplement your income. But beware—due to intense competition, major corporations like Getty, Adobe Stock, Dreamstime, and Shutterstock are no longer as successful as they once were. For more advice, look at James Abbott's alternative approach to stock photography or smaller providers like Envato and Yay Images.

2. Market your products online

You can sell your art on a variety of internet stores, including Etsy, Fine Art America, and Ebay. All of them have sizable audiences, so any creative photographer looking to market their photography should take them into consideration. Products like calendars and mugs can be included, as well as greeting cards and fine art prints.

3. Market your products using your own platform.

You can do it yourself if you're excited about the idea of selling your work online but want to keep 100% of the revenues. Most website builders can help you with this, or if you want something custom, you'll need to hire a builder or have the necessary abilities. Remember that your target market will be far smaller than it is for sites like Etsy and other online marketplaces, but on the bright side, you have complete control.

4. Photographer during weddings

A career in the wedding industry may be ideal for you if you enjoy working with people and capturing the moment. This industry offers good financial opportunities for photographers because there is a sizable target market that is willing to pay high prices to have their special day captured. If you want to learn more about this genre, check out our most recent tutorials on wedding photography tips and techniques.

5. Sell your writings and photos

The likelihood that a publishing business will be interested in presenting your inspiring collection of photos that convey an intriguing tale is high. Start by reading some of the many different kinds of magazines that are available, from Amateur Photographer to publications like National Geographic. Don't give up if you don't get a response from one because it's a competitive market and you need to keep trying.

6. Photographer of events

Event photography is a lucrative industry. Black tie dinners and corporate gatherings are two possible directions. There are two ways to photograph an event: one is to just record what is happening, and the other is to set up a location where customers can have formal photos done. You might want to provide either one of these services, or both.

7. Market your original art prints

A excellent career for someone with a creative mindset and an artistic approach to photography is being an artist and selling their fine art prints. You can sell your art in a variety of places, from galleries to merchants in the home decor sector. Even setting up your own shop gallery is an option, but the overhead costs might be high, so do the numbers first.

8. NFTs

Non-fungible tokens, or NFTs, produce one-of-a-kind digital files. Through this internet method, many collectors are already purchasing unique digital photography artworks. You must first set yourself up because you can only purchase and sell NFTs using cryptocurrencies.

9. A photographer of music

Despite the fact that many individuals are ready to cover concerts and festivals for free (especially if it's a well-known band), if you are skilled in your field, you may be able to charge a fee for your services. For further advice on how to photograph a music event, see our guide.

10. Launch a blog

Blogging is a fantastic method to draw attention to yourself and the work you perform. Even if beginning a blog won't bring in money on its own, it might open up a lot of chances, so keep going.

11.The eleventh lifestyle photographer

There are many different ways to make money, including the lifestyle approach, doing photographs on location, photographing newborns, and taking traditional family photos in a studio. Create your own look and provide special bundles to set yourself out from the competitors.

12. Photographer of portraits

There are alternative opportunities in the industry if you're interested in shooting photographs but unsure about the lifestyle option. A few options that come to mind are headshots for actors or business owners. Check out our top portrait advice.

13. Fashion photographer

There are various opportunities for collaboration between the fashion industry and photographers, from the Paris catwalks to product images on retailer websites. Check out Amanda Thomas' guide as she gives us her best advice.

14. Take part in photographic contests

What better way to gain recognition than to place first in a prestigious photography contest? Okay, that's a long shot, but if you succeed in winning or even just receiving some notoriety as a runner up, it may tremendously boost your ego and publicise your name. Not sure where to begin? Check out our list of the top photography contests.

15. Photographer of landscapes

Landscape photography, which encompasses anything from expansive seascapes to undulating hills, is frequently a hobby but, for those at the top of their game, may become a profession. Here is our list of the top cameras for landscape photographers if you intend to pursue your hobby seriously.