There are many ways to make money from your photography. In this guide we’ve compiled every way we can think of to get you thinking of how to make money from your photography.
There’s an eclectic mix of ideas that will suit different types of photographers, with a few alternatives for those who want to do something a little less orthodox.
Of course, you don’t need to restrict yourself to one revenue stream. Many photographers make good money by various means, so you can mix it up to some extent as you like. Whether it’s your full-time job or a side hustle, there will be something here for you.
45 ways to make money from photography
1. Stock photography
Stock photography can be a good way to top up your income. But be warned, big companies like Getty, Adobe Stock, Dreamstime and Shutterstock are not as profitable as they once were due to the large competition. Consider smaller agencies such as Envato and Yay Images or look at James Abbott’s alternative guide to Stock Photography for further tips.
2. Sell your work on online
There are many online marketplaces where you can sell your work: from Ebay, Fine Art America to Etsy. They all attract large audiences and could be considered by any artistic photographer looking to sell their photographic products. These products could be anything from cards, fine art prints to gift type items such as calendars and mugs.
3. Sell your work from your own platform
If you’re keen on the thought of selling your work online but want to keep 100% of your profits, then do it yourself. This can be achieved through most website providers. For something bespoke, though, you’ll need either the skills or to pay someone to build it. You’ll have a much smaller target audience compared with the likes of Etsy and other online marketplaces but, if you have a platform to find that audience, then you will benefit from having full control.
4. Wedding photographer
If you’re a people person and enjoy capturing the moment, a career in the wedding industry might be the perfect job for you. Photographers make good money from this sector as there is a large target audience that is willing to pay good money to record their special day. See our latest wedding photography tips and technique guides to learn more about this genre.
5. Sell your images and stories
If you have a set of inspiring images that tell an interesting story, a publishing company somewhere will be interested in featuring it. As a start there are many different types of magazines out there from Amateur Photographer to those like National Geographic that you could try. If you’re unsuccessful pitching to one, don’t be disheartened as it is a competitive industry that demands perseverance. Making sure your pitch is clear goes a long way to getting results. See our guide on how to get involved with AP.
6. Event photographer
There is money to be made from event photography. Routes to go down range from corporate events to black tie dinners. There are two ways to shoot an event – the first is to simply document what is happening, and the second is to set up an area where clients can have formal portraits taken. You could offer one or both of these services.
7. Sell your fine art prints
If you are creatively minded and have an artistic approach to the photographic medium, becoming an artist and selling your fine art prints is a great career. There are many outlets where you can sell your work; like galleries or retailers in the home decor industry. In the right location, you could have a shop gallery: although overheads are pricey and few get to sustain themselves like this.
8. NFTs
Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are a unique digital file. Many collectors are now buying original digital photographic artworks through this online system. You can only buy and sell an NFT using cryptocurrency so before you begin you need to set yourself up. But be warned, the NFT market can be extremely volatile, and nobody should enter it uninformed.
9. Music Photographer
Although many people are willing to shoot gigs and festivals for free (especially if it’s a well-known band), those who are good at it can get paid for the work. See our guide for more tips on how to shoot a music event.
10. Start a blog
Blogging is a great way to get people to notice you and to see what you do, as well as share your stories as a photographer. Starting a blog in itself won’t make you money it is a platform from which other opportunities can be launched; so play the long game and build a following.
11. Lifestyle photographer
There are many ways to make money from lifestyle route to snapping portraits out on location, new-born images to formal family shots in the studio. Develop your own style and offer unique packages that distinguish you and your work from others.
12. Portrait photographer
If you’re keen on shooting portraits but unsure about the lifestyle route, there are other opportunities in the field. Headshots for actors or business owners are a couple of avenues that spring to mind. Read our best portrait advice from the Pros for more inspiration.
13. Fashion photographer
From the catwalks of Paris to product shots on retailers’ websites, there are many ways the fashion industry and photographers can work together. See Amanda Thomas’ guide where she shares her top tips with us.
14. Enter photography competitions
What better way to get your name out there than by winning a prestigious photography competition! Ok, it’s a long shot but can really boost your confidence and get your name out there, even as a runner-up. Simply trying is likely to motivate and improve you, and teach you something new in the process. We have some top insights into this.
15. Landscape photographer
From the sprawling seascapes to the rolling hills, landscape photography for many is a hobby but can turn into a career for those at the top of their game. If you want to take landscape photography seriously, here’s our guide to the best cameras for landscape photographers and some fantastic books of landscape photography.
16. Edit and retouch images
Some photographers hate being stuck on the computer, especially those that have too much work and would benefit from help in editing and retouching images. Earn money by offering your services to those in need of a good photo editor. Here are our top software picks for editing.
17. Paparazzi photographer
If taking pictures of celebrities looking their best or worst excites you, then a job as a paparazzi photographer could be worth exploring. The work is intrusive though, and requires a certain type of character to fulfil it; so won’t be everyone’s cup of tea.
18. Pet photographer
People love their pets, and are willing to spend money on them. It’s not an easy genre to shoot and requires much patience plus a few tricks in the bag! See our pet photography guide for more tips.
19. Film set photographer
A film set photographer or unit set still photographer (as they are often referred to) takes photographs during filming that can be used to market and publicise the film. What a great job!
20. Commercial photographer
Many businesses out there need professional looking images. As a branding photographer you cover many different genres and it is the perfect career for anyone who enjoys mixing it up!
21. Write about photography
If you have a way with words, then you can make a living writing about photography. There are many businesses and publishing houses that are looking for talented writers. Articles range in content from conducting interviewing, writing technique guides to compiling definitive lists like this one!
22. Architectural Photographer
From big buildings in the centre of the city, estate agents to holiday lets on Airbnb, there are many opportunities to shoot properties both inside and out. A wide-angle lens is a must if you go down this route! Check out these pro tips for some inspiration.
23. Self publish a book
From Blurb, Amazon KDP to Reedsy there are many established platforms out there that allow you to self-publish and sell your own book. Think about how you can make your book unique and how to present the content, so you stand out above your competition.
24. Self publish an eBook
If publishing a physical book doesn’t appeal, creating an eBook could be more accessible. Lulu, Tradebit, NOOK Press and Smashwords are all viable channels through which to create and host your eBook.
25. Studio photographer
A studio photographer shoots all sorts of genres from products to portraits. Becoming a studio photographer is a big investment but once you have the kit there is plenty of opportunity to earn a decent living.
26. Assist other photographers
Assisting is an excellent way to learn from those who have been in the industry for a while. You can get assisting jobs on a freelance or permanent employee basis.
27. Press photographer
Press photographers take all sorts of images that cover current news events, including travelling to war torn countries. The latter isn’t an easy job and one that takes courage and difficult decision making. See our interview with Nick Ut to get a better understanding behind one of the most iconic war images ever taken.
28. Sports photographer
If you love sports, what better way to make a living than to photograph them! Most sports photographers have a long telephoto lens in their kit bag. If you’re unsure where to begin, start local. Build up a portfolio, make contacts and see where it takes you.
29. Wildlife photographer
For those who love nature, a career as a wildlife photographer could be an amazing undertaking. There are many different ways to make money from this genre from running workshops to capturing the story of an unusual animal and pitching your story to a magazine. See our guide to the best wildlife lenses for some kit inspiration.
30. Travel photographer
If you love to travel with your photography, considersharing your top tips and locations with others. From blogging, creating maps and guides to running travel photo tours, travel photography has many opportunities. Get some inspiration from our Photo Tours to see the different possibilities.
31. School Portraits
There’s lots of money to be made from taking children’s school portraits of both individuals and groups. If you want to go into this line of work in the UK you’ll need to be DBS checked to work around children.
32. Go for a grant
There are many different photography grants out there for various genres and for photographers of all different ages and abilities. In the UK, Arts Council is a good place to start to see what is available. you are more likely to receive a grant for your work if it benefits the community: so think on.
33. Teach photography
If you are a people person and enjoy sharing your knowledge with others, then a career in teaching could be an excellent path to undertake. You would need the right qualifications to teach photography in the formal educational system, of course. But if you are good and can prove it, or have a reputation locally, then you could teach adults privately.
34. Food & drink photographer
Food glorious food! Many restaurants and food manufacturers seek professional food photographers to capture delicious looking images. Food photography is a lovely genre to shoot and once the job has finished you can eat!
35. Product photographer
Products come in all shapes and sizes from clothes to gifts. Product photographers predominately work in the studio but can also shoot out on location depending on the subject. Jewellery photography is one area that is in high demand.
36. Start a YouTube channel
YouTube is an excellent resource for those who are good in front of the camera. Many photography YouTube stars make their money by reviewing kit, unboxing new cameras and sharing behind the scenes videos from their photo shoots.
37. Become a social media superstar!
Although social media doesn’t pay out directly, if you gather a large following on popular platforms such as Instagram and TikTok then you may find many exciting opportunities coming your way. These could be anything from the big camera and tech companies asking you to be an ambassador to interview opportunities in magazines. See our guide for using social media as a photographer to get you started.
38. Create and sell presets and profiles
If you’re a Lightroom guru who enjoys styling your images, a great way to bring in some extra money is to sell your Profiles and Presets. Presets and Profiles can be sold to a large target audience however it does help if you have a good social media following where you can market these products. See our guide on how to use Lightroom Presets & Profiles for some tips.
39. Workshops and photography tours
If sharing your love of photography is something you enjoy, running your own photography workshops or tours is a great way to bring in some extra income. To do this well you need to be a people person, and it greatly helps if you have an established and well-respected reputation in the industry.
40. Career in the forces
Did you know in the UK the RAF, Navy and Army all have their own photographers? If you love adventure, travelling and being on the go this could be a great career.
41. Forensic photographer
This job is not for the faint-hearted! A forensic photographer takes photographs of crime scenes to capture evidence and document whatever they can find.
42. Astrophotographer
If you have an interest in space, then a career as an astrophotographer could take you to a galaxy far far away! Improve your night photography with our guide.
43. Review photography kit
There are many photographers and journalists out there that make a living from reviewing photographic equipment. Just look at our experienced team at AP! You’ll need to enjoy writing and understand the camera market inside and out.
44. Share your images and get paid
ClickASnap allows users to share images whilst getting paid at the same time! Though it’s not a get rich quick scheme and it won’t pay the mortgage. Think of it like a small bonus on the side of your other profession.
45. Exhibit your work
What better way to get your images out there than by putting on an exhibition! This could be a solo or group exhibition if you find the right photographer/s to exhibit with. Think carefully about framing, costs, and marketing to ensure it is viable.
Also have cheaper items for sale such as prints and cards for those with smaller budgets as these sales will add up. For more tips follow our guide to exhibiting your work.
46. Sell used camera gear
If you’ve an old camera, old lenses, or other old camera gear you don’t use, why not free up some spare cash to buy new kit, or the extra bits and pieces you’ve been wanting? Or just keep some extra dough in the bank for a rainy day. The easiest way to sell old camera gear is to MPB.com, but to squeeze out every penny, check our guide to taking product photos for eBay and try your luck there.
Featured image: There are many different ways to make money from your photography. Copyright: Ben Eaton on Unsplash
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