How To Make Money With Photography

Photography often starts as a hobby, a passion that helps us capture the beauty of the world we experience daily. As we delve deeper into this art form, we may yearn to turn our passion into a profession - that way we can do it full-time! The exciting news is that there are many different types of photography, each with unique opportunities. So, whether you're drawn to still life, portraiture, or even landscape, let's wander down some paths that lead to you turning your love for photography into a lucrative career.

If you are keen to compile the best photographic gear and embark on a new business journey, here are some popular ideas that you can explore.

Real estate photography: Real estate photography involves using your mirrorless camera and wide-angle lens to capture stunning interior and exterior images of homes that are available for sale or lease. While some sellers or agents are comfortable taking their own real estate photographs, sometimes a more professional photographic eye is required - this is your chance to generate some business.

Wedding Photography: Wedding photography is one of the most tricky but rewarding forms of professional photography. It is a competitive field but there is always plenty of new work on the horizon. If you want to be successful, you not only need reliable gear and adequate skills but also stay informed of the latest wedding photography trends.

Product Photography: Product photography is a little less action-packed than some of the other types of professional photography on our list, but it is a great way to make money with photography. You can capture great product photography in the comfort of your own home, by setting up a studio with high-quality studio lighting and photography backdrops.

Perhaps you have an extensive collection of great photographs that span various genres. Apart from using your images to win photo competitions and hopefully pick up some awesome prizes, you can start using these images to generate income. Here's how!

Stock Photography:

To use your images as stock photography, you'll need to submit them to a stock photo agency. These agencies act as intermediaries between photographers and clients. Once your images are approved, they'll be available for purchase by businesses and individuals. When someone licenses your image, you'll earn a royalty fee. To maximise your earnings, ensure your photos are high-quality, well-composed, and relevant to current trends.

Art Photography:

Selling your photographs as fine art allows you to showcase your unique artistic vision. You can sell limited edition prints, framed pieces, or even digital downloads of your work. Consider exhibiting your work in galleries, art fairs, or online platforms. Building a strong online presence and engaging with your audience through social media can help you attract potential buyers and collectors. Remember, pricing your artwork fairly and effectively is crucial to both your artistic integrity and financial success.

Once you have decided what type of professional photography you want to investigate further, the following tips will hold you in good stead.

Develop a consistent workflow: A consistent photography workflow that you maintain through all stages of your practice, from capture to editing and sharing, is essential for running a good Photography business. Photographers put this in play to make sure work is of a consistent level, and the process is as smooth and quick to follow as possible.

Use professional photography equipment: Professional photography isn't all about the gear, it requires skill, practice and discipline too. That said, clients expect a certain level of image quality, which comes from using high-quality camera gear.

Use your camera like a professional: The best professional photographers have a good handle on how to use their camera gear, as you would expect. To make sure they can maximise every opportunity before you and capture moments before they pass you by, learn how to quickly and accurately adjust the manual settings of your camera, and always shoot in RAW, so you can fine-tune your photographs to perfection.

Remember, work doesn't have to feel like work! You can make a living doing what you love. For more photography tips and tricks, be sure to follow Ted's Photography Blog.