They say turning your passion into profit is the key to success. While this proves true to some cases, some photography businesses find it challenging to make sustainable earnings.
The good thing is that you don’t need to confine yourself to your niche. In fact, you can earn extra while still managing your business. To help you strategize, we’re sharing tips on how to boost your income and make your photography business as profitable as possible.
Whether you have no bookings or you have some extra time, here are some lucrative ways to make the best out of your photography business.
Sell Prints
Selling prints or other photo-related products is one of the most profitable ways to boost your photography business income. After a photo session, you have an opportunity to make additional profits by allowing clients to buy prints through an online gallery you provide them with.
As a photographer, you know how fulfilling it can be to see your images printed on quality paper and even canvasses. Having printed copies of your work also exposes your skills to potential clients.
Shoot Videos
While photography is your strongest niche, expanding to videography services will also bring money to your business. There are even customers who will opt for a team that can take photos and videos of their special events.
Consider Stock Photography
If you have a sizeable collection of high-quality images, another way to increase earnings is to venture into the world of stock photography. Selling licensed photos can serve as a long-lasting passive income.
Make sure to read and familiarize yourself with the submission guidelines because some websites take commissions. Upload your images, think of photo descriptions, and add relevant keywords.
Get Gigs as a Second Shooter
Most photographers often need assistants during photo shoots. If you still have some free time on your calendar, you can become a second shooter. Doing so is a great way to earn extra money while gaining more experience.
This is your chance to connect with other photographers, as well as expand your connections and clientele. While being compensated for your time, you learn how other photographers shoot and interact with clients. Remember, mingling with other professionals is also free marketing.
Offer Freelance Work
Photographers typically have an extensive skill set, including photo editing, image manipulation, and styling. In freelancing, the more skills you have, the more services you can offer.
If you are good with Photoshop, you can try touch-ups and airbrushing services. Likewise, you can reach out to foreign studios and do the culling of photos for them.
Perhaps your studio can develop and print negatives, so why not add this to your services? Maybe your studio is available, and you can take in some Amazon product photography requests.
Join Photo Contests
Some contests offer cash or even camera accessories as prizes. Photography contents nowadays also involve online voting, which means several people will likely see your work online. Don’t be afraid to try your luck and use this opportunity to also boost your confidence.
Work With Local Publications
There are magazines, newsletters, and journals that outsource creative teams from time to time, and this includes photographers and photo editors. For this situation, make sure you have a strong portfolio and the ability to work with various style guides.
Once you’ve established credibility and relationship with a local publication, you can expect them to hire you for covering events and studio shoots.
Another way is to cover local events and upload your images online. You’d be surprised how local publications or press tend to overlook certain events, but if there’s a hype about it and you have the materials, they will most certainly contact you to include your pictures in their story.
Teach Classes
Maybe some of your friends are always asking for tips on how to ramp up their Instagram photos game. Why not arrange a workshop and teach them the fundamentals of photography?
Some communities organize activities to get their citizens involved. If you are entering the slow months and you would love to share your skills, you can develop a simple module or lead a photo walk.
In the same way, colleges with art courses usually hire professionals as instructors. Polish your CV, check your portfolio and teach as a sideline. With that said, you can expose your expertise to a wide range of audiences while earning money.
Start a Photography Blog or YouTube Channel
If you love making videos, you can monetize a YouTube channel where you can upload reviews and tutorial videos. Meanwhile, you can bring out the inner writer in you and develop a blog where you can publish buying guides and how-to articles.
On the downside, you’ll need to have a strong following before you can place ads on your platforms.
Conclusion
From selling prints to offering freelance work to teaching classes, there’s something for you to level up your earnings. Find a side hustle and your photography business will help you make more money.
