Turn your photography passion into a profitable career. Whether you’re an experienced photographer looking for a full-time job or a beginner with a side hustle, we will show you various ways to make money with photography.
Key takeaways
- Prints and merchandise: Create and sell custom photo products through an online business using a print-on-demand service like Printify.
- Commercial photography: Provide services like product, food, and corporate photography for businesses.
- Event photography: Shoot events where professional photography is in high demand, for example, capture wedding photos or community events.
- Create content: Grow your income by building a presence on blogs, YouTube, and social media, or by offering photography courses.
Can I make money with photography?
Yes! Shooting in-demand photography is a great way for many photographers to start making money. In fact, the market value for different types of photography is projected to grow:
- Print photography: The global photo printing and merchandise market is expected to reach $28.2 billion by 2032, driven by demand for personalized photo products.
- Digital photography: The global digital photography market is projected to exceed $161.82 billion by 2030, highlighting the increasing demand for digital images.
To reach more clients, most photographers should start by preparing an online portfolio.
Make it your way today!
20 ways to make money as a photographer
Photography isn’t just a hobby – it offers a wealth of opportunities to earn a substantial income. But how do photographers make money?
Below, you’ll find 20 practical strategies to turn your photography skills into a profitable business. You’ll learn everything you need to start earning by producing amazing photos.
1. Sell custom photo products
Turning your photos into custom products offers an easy and profitable way to make money. Use print-on-demand (POD) platforms like Printify to sell a wide range of items featuring your best images.
POD is a low-risk model that empowers sell custom products featuring your photos without holding any inventory. The best part? You only pay for product after a customer makes a purchase.
How to sell photo products with Printify:
- Sign up for free.
- Choose products like t-shirts, mugs, and calendars to feature your photos.
- Use Printify’s Product Creator to apply your images to the products.
- List your products on platforms like Etsy, Shopify, or your own website.
- When a customer places an order, Printify will handle the printing and shipping.
2. Sell prints
Selling prints or photo books remains one of the most rewarding ways to monetize your photography. Prints are often the start of making your own photography business.
This method lets you turn your best images into stunning, tangible art pieces that people can hang on their walls.
Where to start:
- Choose the most impactful images that represent your photography niche.
- Pick a medium, like traditional photo prints, framed prints, or canvas prints.
- Print them yourself or use a POD platform like Printify for production.
- Find a platform to sell on, like Etsy, your own site, or local art shows.
3. Sell or license your photos on stock websites
Generate passive income by selling or licensing stock photos on stock photography sites like Shutterstock.
Stock photographers upload images in high demand, such as business concepts or lifestyle shots, and earn royalties with each download.
How stock photography works:
- Upload high-quality, professional photos that can be applied to different types of conceptual needs.
- Use relevant keywords in your image listing for better visibility.
- Get paid each time your photo is downloaded or licensed.
4. Start a photography blog or YouTube channel
Transform your photography expertise into profitable content that educates, entertains, and earns you money.
With a good portfolio, a blog, or a YouTube channel, you can reach a global audience and showcase skills, tutorials, insights, or reviews to connect with aspiring photographers.
Monetization methods:
- Earn from ads or brand sponsorships.
- Promote products for commissions through affiliate marketing
- Sell digital products, like eBooks, presets, and courses.
Consistency is key. Post content regularly and engage with your followers to build a loyal audience.
5. Teach a photography class
Sharing your knowledge through teaching can be deeply rewarding.
Decide whether you want to offer online courses, in-person workshops, or one-on-one mentoring. If virtual lessons are what you’re after, use platforms like Udemy to reach students and earn money.
Course topics:
- Photography basics – help other photographers master camera skills.
- Advanced techniques – cover editing, lighting, or niches like wedding and food photography.
- Specialty workshops – focus on genres like street, landscape, or commercial photography.
6. Start doing photoshoots
Directly offering your photography services is one of the most straightforward ways to make good money. Whether as a commercial, event, or portrait photographer, there’s always a demand for professional photography.
How to get started:
- Create a portfolio online and in print to showcase your best work.
- Offer various pricing options for different client needs.
- Connect with local businesses and communities to grow your client base.
7. Become an event photographer
Event photography is about capturing the energy and atmosphere of an event. As an event photographer, your goal is to document the key moments and provide clients with a visual story of their event.
Types of events:
- Corporate events, like conferences, product launches, and company celebrations.
- Private parties, like birthdays and anniversaries.
- Public events, like concerts, festivals, and community gatherings.
8. Edit and retouch others’ photos
Photo editing and retouching are essential services in the industry and are great ways to make money with photography. Whether it’s basic corrections or advanced retouching, find clients through sites like Fiverr and Upwork or advertising via your own website.
Services to offer:
- Basic editing, like adjusting color, exposure, and cropping.
- Advanced retouching, like removing blemishes, enhancing features, and creative editing.
- Restoration – bringing old or damaged photos back to life.
9. Enter photo contests
Photography contests provide an exciting way to gain recognition, win cash prizes, and build your reputation. They offer a platform to showcase your work to a broader audience.
How to approach contests:
- Focus on contests that match your strengths or niche (street, landscape, or portrait photography).
- Submit only high-quality photos that meet the contest guidelines.
- Read the rules carefully to avoid disqualification.
10. Become a real estate photographer
Real estate photography is a specialized niche that helps properties sell faster and at better prices. Realtors and property managers rely on high-quality images to attract potential buyers and tenants.
What to capture:
- Interior shots that highlight the spaciousness, design, and lighting of rooms.
- Showcase the property’s outdoor appeal and surrounding environment.
- Use drones to provide comprehensive aerial views of the property and neighborhood.
11. Become a food photographer
Food photography is a calling for many commercial photographers. Restaurants, food bloggers, and cookbooks all need high-quality images. So if you have an eye for irresistible food, this could be a delicious niche for you.
Invest in props and styling tools to create a visually appealing setup. Small details like garnishes or complementary utensils can make a big difference.
12. Become a wedding photographer
Wedding photography is a high-stakes, high-reward niche. Wedding photographers are responsible for capturing one of the most significant days in a person’s life, creating memories that last a lifetime.
How to get started:
- Build a portfolio by shooting weddings for friends, making special photoshoots, or offering discounted rates.
- Connect with wedding planners, venues, and florists for referrals.
- Offer package options, including engagement sessions and albums.
13. Become a travel photographer
Enjoy the world around you with travel photography – shooting iconic landmarks and breathtaking landscapes.
Location shots and travel images are popular in magazines, booking agencies, travel blogs, and stock photography websites.
14. Try photojournalism
Photojournalism, similar to street photography, is about telling stories through your images. This field can be intense, but if you have a passion for documenting the world around you, it could be your calling.
Where to start:
- Begin by covering local events, protests, or cultural happenings.
- Focus on compelling stories and try shooting portraits of influential figures.
- Stay informed and ready to capture breaking news as they happen.
Build relationships with local news outlets and pitch your work regularly to get published.
15. Become a social media influencer
If you enjoy sharing your photography on platforms like Instagram or YouTube, you can monetize your influence. Social media influencers collaborate with brands, promote products, and earn money through sponsored posts.
How to grow your following:
- Post consistently to keep your audience engaged.
- Engage with followers by responding to comments and messages.
- Increase your visibility using popular hashtags related to your niche.
16. Organize photography tours
If you know the best spots for capturing images in your area, consider organizing photography tours. As a photography tour guide, you can share your knowledge and help others improve their skills while exploring beautiful locations.
How to get started:
- Choose the best location shoots and times for optimal lighting and conditions.
- Use social media, travel forums, and local networks to promote your tour.
- Collaborate with travel agencies to reach a broader audience.
17. Master fine art photography
Fine art photography is a way to sell your own art and curate it as limited-edition products or prints. This niche is perfect for photographers with a creative vision and highly expressive work.
What to offer:
- Sell limited-edition prints.
- Offer large, impactful canvas prints that make a statement in any space.
- Showcase your work at galleries, local art shows, or online platforms like Saatchi Art.
Build a brand around your art to attract serious collectors and buyers.
18. Master aerial photography with a drone
Aerial photography, especially with drones, is in high demand across various industries. Whether you’re capturing real estate, events, or stunning landscapes, aerial shots add a new dimension to your photography portfolio.
How to get started:
- Invest in a high-quality drone with the necessary features for professional photography.
- Ensure you have the proper licenses and certifications to operate a drone legally.
- Showcase your aerial work on your website and social media to attract clients.
19. Become an assistant photographer
Starting as an assistant photographer is a fantastic way to gain experience and build connections in the industry. You’ll work alongside a professional photographer, helping with everything from lighting setup to client interactions.
What you’ll learn:
- Master technical skills, such as lighting, camera settings, and post-processing techniques.
- Observe how professional photographers interact with clients.
- Gain experience in high-pressure environments like weddings and corporate events.
20. Expand into videography
Videography is a natural extension of photography and is increasingly in demand, especially for marketing campaigns. By offering video services alongside photography, you can significantly expand your client base and income.
How to start:
- Master software video editing with software like Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro.
- Purchase video-capable cameras, microphones, and lighting equipment.
- Combine photo and video packages to attract clients looking for comprehensive coverage.
FAQ: How to make money with photography
Wedding photography and commercial photography often generate the highest income due to high demand and premium rates. But since these jobs require a lot of time investment, you can start selling custom merchandise by setting your own prices, then scaling as your following grows.
Sell your photos on stock photography sites, through an online store, an online marketplace like Etsy and Fine Art America, or in-person craft fairs.
Use Printify to sell photographs as custom merchandise if you’re seeking low start-up costs and automatic order fulfillment.
Beginner photographers who have just started making money with photography can typically earn between $20,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on their niche and experience.
Summary
To understand how to make money from photography, consider your own interests, strengths, and the associated costs. Do you want to create and sell art, benefit from high commercial photography rates, or search online for something completely different?
Whether you’re curious about how to make money as a photographer with an existing portfolio or how to make money taking pictures as a beginner, there are many options to choose from.
These include creating physical merchandise with a print-on-demand service like Printify, selling stock photos, or providing photo editing services.
