How to Make Money As A Photographer | 40 Ways To Earn Money With Photography

Last updated: January 6, 2025

You love taking photos. Maybe it’s your friends, sunsets, or even your pet doing something funny. But did you know your camera (or even your phone) can do more than just capture cool moments? It can actually help you make real money.

Whether you dream of selling your photos online, booking shoots with clients, or teaching others how to take amazing pictures, there’s a way for you to get paid for doing what you love. And the best part? You don’t need fancy equipment or years of experience to start, just creativity, some effort, and a plan.

In this blog, I’m going to share 40 ways to make money as a photographer. From selling digital photos to shooting epic events, these ideas will show you exactly how to turn your passion into income. Ready to learn how to make money as a photographer? Let’s dive in!

Remote Money-Making Opportunities for Photographers:

1. Sell stock photos
2. Sell digital photos on your own website
3. Teach photography and sell online courses
4. Offer coaching services or tutoring for other photographers
5. Sell prints via print-on-demand
6. Launch a membership
7. Become a social media influencer or content creator
8. Write a photography blog
9. Sell Lightroom presets
10. Sell Photoshop brushes or actions
11. Sell LUTs
12. Offer retouching, editing, and restoration services
13. Photo licensing
14. Write an ebook
15. Create NFTs from your photos
16. Teach mobile phone photography
17. Sell backgrounds or templates
18. Become an affiliate marketer
19. Become a brand ambassador

In-Person Money-Making Opportunities for Photographers

1. Photograph catalogs for small fashion businesses
2. Teach a photography class
3. Rent out photography gear
4. Offer studio portrait sessions
5. Event photography
6. Real estate photography
7. Food photography
8. Product photography
9. Celebrity photography
10. Pet photography
11. Sports photographer
12. Street photography
13. Offer drone photography services
14. Become a freelance photojournalist for magazines
15. Become an assistant photographer
16. Sell photos at art fairs and farmer’s markets
17. Submit to photography contests with cash prizes
18. Work with influencers for content creation
19. Offer time-lapse or stop-motion photography
20. Host a photography retreat or tour
21. Work as a freelance photographer for nonprofits

40 Ways to Make Money as A Photographer

1. Sell Stock Photos

Selling stock photography is a great way to earn passive income by licensing your images for use in ads, websites, and publications. Websites like Shutterstock, iStock, and Adobe Stock let you upload your images, and every time someone downloads one, you get paid. Sure, each sale might only earn you a few bucks (or sometimes more!), but the more photos you upload, the more money you can make. Stock is especially good for photographers who sell nature photos or lifestyle shots, as these are always in demand for marketing and creative projects.

To stand out, focus on trendy or unique photos people actually need, like lifestyle shots, seasonal themes, or cool, authentic moments. Add keywords to make your images easy to find, and upload regularly to stay visible. If you stick with it, you can grow a gallery that pays you consistently over time.

2. Sell Digital Photos on Your Own Website

Why let stock photo websites take a big chunk of your money when you can keep most of it yourself? Selling digital photos on your own website puts you in charge of everything, your prices, your photos, and your profits.

You can use free platforms like Payhip to sell any kinds of digital products such as digital photos, photography courses, memberships, or even consulting services for other photographers. Payhip only takes a small 5% fee from every sale, and there are no annoying monthly fees. You’ll get to keep way more of your money in comparison to stock photo marketplaces.

Digital artists like David Edwards sell artist-reference materials that help other artists create stunning CG environments.

As a bonus, you can use Payhip to create a stunning professional website – no technical skills needed. The website builder is free to use, so you can showcase your portfolio to attract more customers.

3. Teach Photography and Sell Online Courses for Photographers

If you’ve been snapping photos for a while, chances are you’ve gained valuable skills and techniques that others would love to master. Instead of keeping that knowledge to yourself, why not share it by creating an online course or masterclass? You can teach anything from mastering manual settings and editing techniques to advanced skills like studio lighting, drone photography, or even storytelling through images to students worldwide. Plus, since you might already own a camera and lighting equipment, you have the added advantage of being able to create high-quality videos for your course.

Photographer Callum Snape launched his photography course with Payhip, offering tutorials for other photographers on how they can get paid to travel the world and photograph projects for tourism boards and more. There’s a detailed course description that outlines what students will learn, highlighting specific benefits and targeted skills, which builds trust and sets clear expectations. The pricing is transparent, the design is professional and easy to navigate, and the prominent call-to-action encourages quick purchases. Best of all, you’ll never have to worry about breaking the bank when you sell courses with Payhip because there are no monthly fees or upfront costs!

4. Offer Coaching Services or Tutoring for Other Photographers

If you’re an experienced photographer, your insights could be incredibly valuable to someone just starting out. Offering one-on-one coaching services is a fantastic way to share your expertise while earning money. Unlike online courses, coaching services are personalized and done as a 1:1 session with other photographers. The benefit? You can tailor your advice to meet their specific needs – whether it’s improving technical skills, reviewing their portfolio, or navigating the business side of photography.

You can use Payhip to easily set up and sell coaching packages. Whether you’re hosting Zoom calls or offering in-depth mentorship programs, Payhip allows you to accept payments and manage all of your clients in one platform without any monthly fees.

5. Sell Prints via Print-on-Demand

One great tip for how to earn money as a photographer is to turn your photos into wall art and sell them as prints. If you don’t want to deal with shipping logistics or inventory management, you can use print-on-demand services like Printful or Gelato. When you receive an order, they will print your photo and ship them directly to your customers. Typically, these services use blind packaging, so your customers won’t know the item was shipped by a third party. You can offer a variety of print options, such as posters, framed art, or canvas prints, allowing customers to choose what best fits their budget and home decor style.

6. Launch a Membership

Starting a photography membership is a fantastic way to earn consistent income while building a community of loyal fans and fellow photographers. With a membership, people pay a monthly or yearly fee to access exclusive content like advanced tutorials, editing tips, live Q&A sessions, behind-the-scenes snapshots at your creative process, or downloadable resources like presets and stock photos.

If you’re wondering how to launch a membership website, platforms like Payhip make it easy and free to get started. You can customize your membership tiers, offer unique perks, and manage everything in one place. It’s a great way to share your expertise while creating a steady, long-term income stream.

7. Become a Social Media Influencer or Content Creator

Social media isn’t just for sharing your favorite shots with friends, it can be a powerful tool to turn your photography skills into a thriving business. Your social media profiles allow you to showcase your work, connect with your audience, and attract opportunities to monetize your passion. Whether you’re teaching, entertaining, or inspiring, the key is to consistently provide value through your content.

Think of the video-based social media platforms likeTikTok, YouTube, and Instagram as your second portfolio. Post your best work, share the stories behind your photos, and use features like Reels and Stories to engage with your followers. As your audience grows, so will the opportunities. Brands might reach out for sponsored posts, gear reviews, or affiliate partnerships. You can also promote your own products, like presets, prints, or online courses. It takes time and effort to grow a following, but once you do, your audience can turn into a source of steady income and support. Always remember to link your website in every social media bio so followers can easily explore your full portfolio, shop your products, or book your services.

8. Write a Photography Blog

Just like becoming a social media influencer, writing a photography blog can help you share your passion and knowledge while creating income opportunities. A blog allows you to dive deeper into topics that your audience cares about, such as photography tips, gear reviews, editing tutorials, or behind-the-scenes insights into your shoots.

You can monetize your blog through display ads, affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, or by promoting your own products. For example, you could write a guide on choosing the best cameras for beginners and include affiliate links to earn a commission on sales. Combine this with your social media effort to drive more traffic to your blog. With consistent posting and quality content, your blog can become a powerful tool for building your brand and generating income. Learn how to launch your blog for free with this helpful guide.

9. Sell Lightroom Presets

If you have a unique editing style, selling Lightroom presets is a fantastic way to earn passive income. Presets are pre-saved editing adjustments that let others quickly apply your signature look to their photos with just one click. They’re highly popular among photographers and influencers who want professional-level results without spending hours on edits.

To get started, create a collection of presets tailored to different styles, like bright and airy, cinematic tones, or moody landscapes. Show before-and-after examples to demonstrate their impact, and use free platforms like Payhip to upload and sell them. If you’re wondering how to sell Lightroom presets effectively, focus on promoting them through your social media, blog, and website.

10. Sell Photoshop Brushes or Actions

If you want to learn more about how to make money with Photoshop, selling brushes or actions is a great place to start. Photoshop brushes let users create unique textures or effects, while actions automate repetitive editing tasks like color grading or skin retouching. These digital products are in high demand among photographers, designers, and content creators who want to streamline their workflow. If you’ve created unique Photoshop tools for your own work, upload them to Payhip to start selling them online.

11. Sell LUTs

LUTs (Lookup Tables) are a fantastic digital product to sell if you’re into color grading and filmmaking. They are preset color adjustments that help photographers and videographers achieve specific looks in their work quickly. Whether it’s creating cinematic tones, moody aesthetics, or vibrant color schemes, LUTs are a must-have for creatives looking to enhance their projects.

If you’re wondering how to sell LUTs, filmmaker Matthew Dangyou shared some valuable marketing insights on how he sold his LUTs and made a full-time income in his first year of filmmaking. You can check out his inspiring success story here.

12. Offer Retouching, Editing, and Restoration Services

Not every photographer enjoys post-production work, and many lack the skills to enhance their photos. This is where you come in. If you love tinkering around with editing software like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom, you can offer retouching services for portraits, product images, or event photos, and focus on high-demand edits like skin smoothing, color correction, or background removal. If you’re skilled in restoration, you can bring old, damaged photos back to life, a valuable service for families and historians.

To attract clients, showcase your editing skills with clear before-and-after examples in your portfolio. Use freelancing sites like Fiverr to advertise your services. Set yourself apart by offering quick turnaround times and consistent communication. This can set you apart in this competitive market.

13. Photo Licensing

Photo licensing allows you to earn money by letting brands, publishers, or agencies use your photos for ads, websites, or print materials while you retain the copyright. To get started, focus on creating versatile images that businesses need – think lifestyle shots, scenic landscapes, or conceptual visuals. Upload your photos to licensing platforms like Getty Images or Shutterstock, or you can use Payhip work directly with clients to negotiate exclusive rights.

14. Write an Ebook

In a world dominated by video content, you might think eBooks are outdated, but that’s far from the truth. Ebooks still hold significant value because they’re accessible, portable, and easy to update with new information as trends and techniques evolve. For many readers, written publications are a go-to resource they can revisit anytime, making eBooks a great way to share your expertise with lasting impact.

Write an eBook on topics like beginner photography tips, editing techniques, or niche-specific advice such as food photography or astrophotography. Focus on providing clear, actionable steps with examples and visuals that make the learning process engaging. Once your eBook is ready, sell it on platforms like Amazon or your own website via Payhip. Promote it through social media, email lists, or your blog.

15. Create NFTs from Your Photos

NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) are a growing trend in the digital art world, allowing you to sell your photos as one-of-a-kind digital assets. Unique, conceptual, or surreal images often perform well in this space. To start, choose a platform like OpenSea or Rarible to mint your photos as NFTs.

16. Teach Mobile Phone Photography

Smartphones today have powerful cameras capable of producing stunning, high-quality images, making photography more accessible than ever. Everyday people can now explore their photography hobbies without needing expensive gear. Plus, with the rise of social media, everyone’s eager to create eye-catching content for their Instagram or TikTok profiles.

You can teach skills like composition, lighting, and editing using apps like Lightroom Mobile or Snapseed. Focus on relatable topics, such as taking great selfies, capturing travel moments, or editing photos for social media. Offer online workshops, create short video tutorials, or write beginner-friendly guides.

17. Sell Backgrounds or Templates

If you’re creative with photo editing, consider making digital backgrounds or templates for other photographers and designers. These can include textured backdrops, overlay effects, or customizable templates for social media graphics. Market your products to portrait photographers, content creators, or businesses running virtual events. Offer them as downloadable files on platforms like Etsy, your own website via Payhip.

18. Become an Affiliate Marketer

Affiliate marketing is a great way to earn commissions by recommending photography gear and any other tools that you already use. Join affiliate programs from camera brands, editing software companies, or photography retailers. When someone makes a purchase through your unique link, you earn a percentage of the sale.

Share your recommendations through blog posts, YouTube videos, or social media captions. Be honest about your experiences with the products to build trust with your audience. Consistent content and authentic reviews will help you grow your affiliate income over time.

19. Become a Brand Ambassador

Becoming a brand ambassador allows you to form direct partnerships with photography or tech companies, promoting their products in exchange for payment, free gear, or exclusive opportunities. Unlike affiliate marketing, which earns you commissions on sales through referral links, brand ambassadorships typically involve a deeper relationship. You represent the brand itself, often collaborating on campaigns, attending events, or creating custom content.

To catch a brand’s attention, build a strong online presence that highlights your skills, unique style, and passion for photography. Once established, brands might approach you to showcase their products in ways that feel authentic to your audience. Focus on partnerships that align with your personal brand and values to keep your content genuine and relatable. Beyond financial perks, ambassadorships can help you expand your network, gain credibility, and open doors to new opportunities in the photography industry.

20. Photograph Catalogs for Small Fashion Businesses

Many small fashion brands struggle to afford the high costs of creating professional catalogs. The process can be overwhelming, like finding a studio, hiring a photographer, a model, and a makeup artist, and coordinating everything is especially challenging for brands just starting out.

You can make this process easier by offering a fashion catalogue photography package. Start by securing a studio space with proper equipment and building relationships with models or modeling agencies. Then, invite small businesses to come into your studio with their products, or send you their products from anywhere in the world.

Bundling these services allows you to take advantage of economies of scale, cutting costs while offering more affordable rates for your clients. It’s a win-win: small brands save money by avoiding the hassle of organizing everything themselves, and you can efficiently reuse your equipment, especially since catalog photos typically feature plain, simple backgrounds that work across multiple projects.

21. Teach a Photography Class In-Person

If you enjoy sharing your knowledge, hosting in-person photography classes can be both rewarding and lucrative. Focus on beginner-friendly topics like mastering manual settings or niche subjects such as studio lighting or outdoor portraits. You can hold these classes in local community centers, parks, or even your studio.

22. Rent Out Photography Gear

If you own high-quality photography equipment, consider renting it out to other photographers or hobbyists. This is a great way to earn passive income while your gear isn’t in use. Create clear rental agreements and charge competitive rates to attract customers. Advertise your rental services locally or on specialized platforms. Offering add-ons like tutorials on using the equipment can make your service stand out.

23. Offer Studio Portrait Sessions

Studio portrait photography is always in demand for occasions like pre-weddings, maternity shoots, newborn photos, graduations, or professional headshots. Invest in lighting equipment, backdrops, and props to offer a variety of creative options. To attract a wide range of clients, offer tiered packages that cater to different budgets. Highlight your ability to create timeless, high-quality images that clients will cherish for years.

24. Event Photography

Covering events like weddings, corporate gatherings, and birthday parties is a great way to build your portfolio and earn steady income. Event photography provides opportunities for repeat business and referrals, as satisfied clients often recommend skilled photographers to friends and family.

If you’re learning how to start a photography business, event photography is a great place to begin. Start by shadowing an experienced photographer as a second shooter to build your portfolio. Make sure your website is optimized for local search and includes testimonials from happy clients to attract leads. To stand out, capture a mix of candid moments and posed shots that truly reflect the event’s atmosphere. Deliver high-quality, edited images quickly to impress your clients and encourage referrals.

25. Real Estate Photography

Real estate agents and property managers need eye-catching photos to attract buyers. Specialize in capturing homes and commercial spaces with flattering angles, proper lighting, and clean compositions. Consider adding drone photography to your offerings for breathtaking aerial shots of properties. This can set you apart from competitors and attract higher-paying clients.

26. Food Photography

Work with restaurants, cafes, and food brands to create delicious visuals for menus, websites, and social media. Food photography requires a keen eye for composition and lighting to make dishes look mouthwatering. Mastering food styling is essential, as it’s an art form in itself – perfectly plated dishes can make all the difference. Getting started is simple: visit local eateries and offer your services. Build a strong portfolio with precision-focused shots that demonstrate your ability to make dishes stand out. Share your work on social media to attract more clients and let word-of-mouth referrals bring in additional opportunities.

27. Product Photography

Product photography is essential for businesses selling online. Help companies showcase their products with clean, professional images for eCommerce stores, advertisements, or catalogs. Focus on creating sharp, well-lit shots that highlight the features of each product. Offering lifestyle images that show the product in use can add extra value for your clients.

28. Celebrity Photography

If you live in an area with access to celebrities, specializing in celebrity photography can be a lucrative niche. This could include capturing candid paparazzi-style shots, event coverage, promotional images, or professional headshots for actors, musicians, and influencers. Success in this field requires a combination of technical skill, discretion, and the ability to work under pressure while delivering high-quality results quickly. To break into this niche, focus on building strong relationships within the entertainment industry. Networking with publicists, event organizers, and talent agencies can help you secure gigs and establish trust.

29. Pet Photography

Pet photography is a growing niche that allows you to create cherished memories for pet owners. Use creative props, playful settings, and patient techniques to capture the personality of each pet. Advertise your services to local pet owners, shelters, or businesses, and share your work on social media to attract a loyal following.

30. Sports Photographer

Sports photography offers exciting opportunities to capture action-packed moments for teams, publications, or fans. Start small with local leagues or school sports and grow your client base as you gain experience. This niche can evolve into a highly profitable business, especially as you build relationships with teams and leagues. Offering team photos, event coverage, and even competition photography can open doors to bigger opportunities.

31. Street Photography

Street photography focuses on candid, artistic captures of everyday life. Sell your work as prints or pitch it to magazines and online publications. Engage with your audience by sharing the stories behind your images, and consider compiling your best work into a photo book for sale.

32. Offer Drone Photography Services

Drone photography is in high demand for real estate, events, and construction projects. Invest in a drone and get licensed if required in your area. Aerial shots can provide unique perspectives that set your work apart from traditional photography. Market your services to industries that rely on visuals for storytelling or documentation. Always follow safety regulations and deliver high-resolution, stunning images.

33. Become a Freelance Photojournalist for Magazines

If you love storytelling, freelance photojournalism could be a perfect fit. Work with magazines or newspapers to cover events, document stories, or create feature pieces. This role combines photography with journalism, offering a chance to highlight important issues or unique perspectives. Pitch your work to publications and build a portfolio of compelling, authentic images that capture the essence of each story.

34. Become an Assistant Photographer

Working as an assistant photographer is an excellent way to gain experience and build industry connections. You’ll learn from established photographers while contributing to shoots by setting up equipment, assisting with lighting, or capturing secondary shots. Many photographers start their careers this way, gaining the skills and confidence needed to launch their own business.

35. Sell Photos at Art Fairs and Farmer’s Markets

Selling your photos at art fairs and farmer’s markets might be a traditional approach, but it offers a unique charm you don’t get online. These venues let you showcase your work in person, allowing people to see the quality and details of your prints, framed photos, or canvases up close. Farmer’s markets, in particular, can be great for reaching a broad audience looking for unique, handmade items to decorate their homes or give as gifts. Share the stories behind your images with visitors to create a personal connection that often inspires purchases. It’s a wonderful way to interact with potential buyers, gather feedback, and build a local fan base for your photography. While it’s a more hands-on approach, the connections and sales you make can be incredibly rewarding.

36. Submit to Photography Contests with Cash Prizes

Photography contests are a great way to earn money and gain recognition. Look for competitions that align with your style or niche, and submit your best work. Winning can boost your credibility, attract new clients, and even lead to sponsorships or partnerships. Start with a simple online search using keywords like “photography contests this year,” “free photography competitions,” or “best photography contests for beginners.” Websites like Photocrowd, World Photography Organisation, and ViewBug often list contests.

37. Work with Influencers for Content Creation

Collaborate with influencers to create high-quality visuals for their social media campaigns. Help them stand out with professional images that match their brand aesthetic. This partnership can also help you reach new audiences and gain valuable experience in lifestyle or portrait photography.

38. Offer Time-Lapse or Stop-Motion Photography

Time-lapse and stop-motion photography are captivating techniques that transform the ordinary into something extraordinary. Time-lapse condenses hours, days, or even months into short, visually stunning videos – perfect for marketing campaigns, construction documentation, or creative projects like capturing a city’s movement or a plant’s growth. Stop-motion, on the other hand, uses individual frames to create playful, animated sequences, making it ideal for commercials or artistic endeavors.

To get started with time-lapse, you’ll need a decent camera, a sturdy tripod, and an intervalometer to measure precise intervals between shots. Both techniques require patience, attention to detail, and advanced technical skills, but the effort pays off. Showcase your work on platforms like YouTube or Instagram to attract clients looking for unique visual content that stands out. These creative styles can set you apart in a competitive photography market.

39. Host a Photography Retreat or Tour

Combine travel and teaching by organizing photography retreats or guided tours in beautiful locations. Offer workshops, hands-on practice, and expert guidance to attendees. These experiences can be a great way to connect with photography enthusiasts while exploring new places and earning money.

40. Work as a Freelance Photographer for Nonprofits

Use your photography skills to support nonprofits by documenting their work and telling compelling visual stories. This role allows you to make a difference while gaining experience and exposure. Reach out to charities or organizations whose missions align with your values, and offer your services to help them communicate their impact.

How to Get Started on Making Money as a Photographer

Turning your photography skills into a source of income can feel overwhelming, but it’s more achievable than you think. Whether you’re just starting out or refining your craft, building a photography business takes practice, planning, and persistence. The key is to focus on how your work can provide value-whether that’s capturing memories, enhancing a brand, or creating impactful visuals. Here are 5 tips to get you started:

1. Start Shooting-Even for Free

Begin by practicing as much as possible. Take photos for friends, family, or local businesses at little to no cost. This helps you build your portfolio and refine your style. The goal isn’t just to create good photos but to showcase the kind of work you want to be hired for. Use this time to experiment and find your strengths.

2. Identify Your Perfect Niche

Exploring different photography niches – like portraits, weddings, real estate, or product photography – can help you find what you enjoy most and where your skills shine. Photographer Evan Ranft suggests focusing on how your work can contribute to happiness, social standing, money, or health, as these are key areas that drive value for clients. For instance, wedding photography brings happiness, while real estate photography helps clients sell properties (money). Your perfect niche will be a blend between what drives value for clients and what’s unique about you as a photographer.

3. Assess Your Niche’s Purchasing Power

Different niches have different earning potentials. Wedding photography often commands higher rates, while other niches, like event or college photography, might offer lower budgets. Research your chosen niche and align it with your financial goals. Knowing the demand and purchasing power within your niche can guide your pricing and marketing strategies.

4. Build Your Website and Portfolio

Your portfolio is your most important tool for attracting clients. Create a professional website to showcase your best work, with examples that reflect your niche and unique style. If you’re just starting out, include a variety of shots, but as you gain experience, focus your portfolio on your specialty. A strong online presence not only builds trust but also makes it easier for clients to find and book you.

Payhip is the best website builder for photographers as you can build a stunning photography portfolio or online store in minutes – no coding needed, 100% free, and customizable to showcase your unique style and work.

5. Grind for Traffic, Leads, and Connections

Getting noticed is crucial. Share your work consistently on social media, engage with photography communities, and collaborate with other creatives like stylists or event planners. Networking opens doors to opportunities and referrals, so don’t shy away from connecting with local businesses or photographers. Clients won’t find you unless you’re visible-so keep putting yourself and your work out there.

How Much Money Do Photographers Make?

Photographer incomes vary by niche, experience, and marketing efforts. Beginners earn $15-$50/hour ($20K-$40K/year), while intermediate photographers make $50-$150/hour ($40K-$75K/year). Specialists, like wedding photographers, earn $75K-$150K+ annually, charging $2K-$10K per project. High-end photographers command $10K+ per shoot, earning $200K+ yearly. Building a strong portfolio, marketing effectively, and focusing on high-demand niches are key to maximizing income.

Making Money with Photography Skills

If you’ve been exploring how to make money as a photographer, know that photography is more than just capturing beautiful moments, it’s about creating a business that reflects your passion and creativity. From selling digital products to teaching others or offering one-on-one sessions, there are endless ways to turn your skills into a sustainable income. Success takes persistence, learning, and the right tools to support your growth.

Choosing tools that simplify your workflow and help you showcase your work is key to building a strong foundation for your photography business. Platforms like Payhip make it easy to sell photos, courses, or prints while focusing on what you love most-creating. Start small, stay consistent, and let your talent shine through. With dedication and the right setup, your camera can open doors to incredible opportunities.