Photutorial rounded up 30 real ways to make money with photography. While most people want to make money fast, don’t discount the “slow” gigs.
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Sell Photos:
- Sell your photos on stock photography websites such as Shutterstock and Adobe Stock.
- Sell photos as prints or products, turn them into a photo book, or sell them on stock websites.
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Expertise and Education:
- Sell your expertise, create online courses, or teach at local schools.
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Diversified Opportunities:
- Specialized photography services
- Cutting-edge technologies
- Strategic partnerships
Earning Potential and Growth
The photography industry made $10.7 billion in 2023 with a 1.6% annual predicted growth through 2028. Making money from photography takes skill, creativity, composition, and technical expertise. Full-timers earn $30,000-$75,000 yearly.
Tips for Beginners
Here are answers to frequently asked questions about making money as a photographer:
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Starting Out:
- Hobbyist: Free (or under $100).
- Amateur: $30 to $90 per hour.
- Student: $50 to $100 per hour or $25 to $100 per image.
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Networking and Selling:
- The more you are better at networking, the better it gets.
- Contributing to stock photography websites like Shutterstock is an easy way to start.
Career Development
Here are 15 proven ways to make money as a photographer:
- Photograph small businesses
- Teach photography
- Sell digital or printed copies of your work
- Write a photography blog
Additional Opportunities
- Becoming a photography tour guide
- Assisting other photographers with their shoots