How to Make Extra Money as a Photographer
- How to Make Extra Money: Sell Prints Online
- How to Make Extra Money: Start a Blog or YouTube Channel
- How to Make Extra Money: Do Freelance Work
- How to Make Extra Money: Create an Online Photography Course
- How to Make Extra Money: Offer a Wide Range of Physical Products People Want to Buy
- Final Thoughts on Earning Money as a Photographer
- Recommended Photography Gear
- Selling stock photography
- Rent your photography gear
- Create and sell Lightroom presets
- Affiliate marketing
- Social media
- Email marketing
- Sell the gear you aren’t using anymore
- 5 Tips for Starting a Photography Side Hustle
- Tips for Building a Strong Client Relationship and Generating Repeat Business
Photo by Andrii Zastrozhnov via iStock
For people passionate about photography, the dream of turning that passion into a lucrative side hustle or even a full-fledged career has never been more attainable. Affordable, high-end camera equipment and the rise of the internet have been two major catalysts making it easier to earn money as a photographer. However, don’t be fooled. You still have to put in the hard work!
In this article, we’ll share various ways we make extra money as photographers that you can start doing today. From selling prints online and starting a blog/YouTube channel to shooting freelance photography and creating online courses, the list of ways to make extra money is endless.
Moreover, whether you're a hobbyist looking to start earning money from your photos or a professional already running your own photography business, we aim to help you monetize your skills effectively. With that in mind, keep reading if you are ready to discover how to start generating consistent income as a photographer today!
Check out the video above by Joris Hermans to learn seven photography side hustle ideas that can generate from $100 to $1,000 (or more!) per month.
Table of Contents
How to Make Extra Money: Sell Prints Online
Photo by SeventyFour via iStock
If you already have a large catalog of high-quality images on your computer, an easy way to make extra money from them is to start selling prints online. More people than ever before are buying prints online to decorate their homes and offices, so make sure you get in on the fun! Popular prints include traditional framed prints, metal prints, canvas prints, acrylic prints, etc.
The best way to sell prints online is to create your own photography website and install an online store. Thanks to tools like WordPress, Squarespace, and Shopify, it’s incredibly easy to build a website. Alternatively, you can sell your prints on platforms like Pinterest, Etsy, and even Instagram.
How to Make Extra Money: Start a Blog or YouTube Channel
Photo by itsskin via iStock
Once you have a website for selling prints, why not take it a step further and start a blog? Blogs are a great way to bring people to your website, teach people about your niche, and market your photos. You can also make extra money from a blog through brand partnerships, affiliate marketing, and ads.
Do you prefer creating videos instead of writing? Starting a YouTube Channel is also a fantastic way to make extra money. The more people watch your videos, the more passive photography income you earn. Furthermore, if you have a strong social media following, you can earn a lot of money by becoming a social media influencer on Instagram, TikTok, etc.
How to Make Extra Money: Do Freelance Work
Photo by CasarsaGuru via iStock
We are in the golden age of the gig economy, and there is tons of work out there if you know where to look. Currently, the websites providing the most freelance photography opportunities are Upwork and Fiverr. They usually have many regional job opportunities and 100% remote projects posted.
While it can be difficult to land that first job, it becomes much easier once you have a few gigs under your belt. Wedding photography is one of the most widespread freelance photography jobs because it pays well and there is consistent demand. Another reason we love freelance work is that it gives you the flexibility to set your schedule and pay rate.
Learn More:
How to Make Extra Money: Create an Online Photography Course
Photo by Prostock-Studio via iStock
Suppose you have a lot of experience in a specific genre of photography (landscapes, travel, portraits, etc.). In that case, creating an online course is an amazing way to make extra money and generate passive photography income. It takes a lot of upfront work, but then you can sit back and watch the money flow in!
If you have a website that generates a decent amount of traffic, we recommend selling your online courses there because you will retain 100% of the money. Otherwise, you can publish them on well-known platforms like Udemy, Skillshare, Teachable, etc., for a small commission.
How to Make Extra Money: Offer a Wide Range of Physical Products People Want to Buy
Photo by Andrey Sayfutdinov via iStock
Finally, updating your online store product offerings is a must. As much as we love traditional prints (they make up a large portion of our photography business), many people seek more creative options like custom calendars, photobooks, and wall art. Photo Book Press is one of our go-to resources for physical products like those mentioned above.
They are a trustworthy and reliable online print shop that has been making customers happy with their high-quality products for nearly forty years. On top of that, their prices are some of the lowest in the business, leaving you plenty of room to upsell your products and make a good profit.
Our two favorite products of theirs are the signature sewn photo books and hardcover photo books. The sewn books have a luxurious look and feel, making them ideal for showcasing wedding photos and other special events. At the same time, the hardcover books are perfect for travel photography and make great gifts for friends and family.
Final Thoughts on Earning Money as a Photographer
Photo by SIphotography via iStock
As you can see, there are so many new ways to make extra money as a photographer than there used to be. And while I wouldn’t quit your day job right away, we know plenty of people who turned their photography side hustle into a full-time job over the years. So, what are you waiting for? The time for you to start making extra money as a photographer is long overdue!
Lastly, as a bonus, here is a list of a few more ways to make extra money as a photographer in 2023:
Recommended Photography Gear
Disclaimer: Our articles might have affiliate links and the occasional sponsored content, but don't sweat it – if you buy something, we get a little kickback at no extra cost to you, and we only hype products we truly believe in!
