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By Lindsey Rudy
Published on 6 Jun 2023 Updated on 21 Aug 2024 9 min read Updated on 21 Aug 2024
Are you a photographer looking for ways to make extra money? Side hustles are an excellent way to supplement your income and explore new opportunities.
As a photographer, there are many lucrative side hustles you can pursue. From selling photographs to freelance writing, this article will provide you with some ideas and tips on how to get started.
With the right combination of creativity and hard work, these side hustles can be a great way to make extra money while doing something you love.
And remember, if you’re starting your entrepreneurial journey, doola’s business formation package is here to help.
We’ll handle the paperwork so you can focus on building your empire.
26 Best Side Hustles for Photographers
Here are some additional photography opportunities you can pursue while maintaining a full-time job or business:
Sell Stock Photos
Selling stock photos is one of the most popular ways for photographers to make money on the side. There are now many online platforms where you can upload and sell your photographs to buyers from around the world.
All you need is a good portfolio and some quality photos to get started.
Become a Freelance Photographer
Another way to make money as a photographer is to become a freelance photographer. You can offer services such as wedding photography, portrait photography, event photography, and more. This side hustle allows you to set your own hours and work with different clients.
A 1099 form is normally given to you if a client pays you $600 or more. You might want to think about forming an LLC if you’re trying to cut costs.
For more information, reach out to a specialist like doola.
Teach Photography
If you have the knowledge and experience in photography, then teaching classes can be a great way to make money on the side. You can offer online classes or teach in-person workshops.
This is a great way to share your knowledge and skills with others while also earning some extra income.
Sell Photo Prints
Selling prints of your photos is another way to make money as a photographer. You can sell prints at art markets, craft fairs, or even online.
You can also create your website to showcase and sell your prints.
Start a Photography Blog
Starting a photography blog is another great way for photographers to make money on the side. You can share tips and tutorials with your readers as well as showcase some of your best work.
This will help you build an audience and potentially monetize it in the future.
Write a Photography eBook
If you have a lot of knowledge and experience in photography, consider writing an eBook with tips and tutorials. You can then sell it on your website or through online platforms such as Amazon. This is a great way to make money without having to do much work.
Sell Your Services on Fiverr
Fiverr is an online marketplace where you can sell your services.
As a photographer, you can offer services such as photo editing, retouching, and more. This is an easy way to make money on the side without having to commit to any long-term contracts.
Provide Photography Consultations
If you have a lot of experience as a photographer, consider offering photography consultations.
People are always looking for advice on how to improve their photography skills or start a business in the industry. You can set your own rates and meet with clients either in person or online.
Promote Your Work on Instagram
Instagram is one of the best platforms for photographers to showcase their work. You can also earn money through sponsored posts and partnerships with brands.
This is a great way to get your work seen by a wider audience and potentially make some extra money in the process.
Open a Photography Studio
If you have the space available, consider opening a photography studio.
You can offer services such as portrait sessions, product photography, and more. This is a great way to make money while also controlling your work and environment.
Start an Affiliate Marketing Program
Affiliate marketing is a great way for photographers to make money on the side.
You can create a website or blog and start promoting products related to photography. When someone buys something using your link, you will earn a commission from the sale.
Start an Online Photography Course
If you have a lot of knowledge to share, consider starting an online photography course. You can create video tutorials or even provide one-on-one coaching sessions.
This is a good alternative to making money while helping others improve their photography skills.
Create a Photography Website
By creating your photography website, you can showcase your work and attract potential clients. You can also offer services such as prints, photo books, and more.
This is a great way to make money while connecting with people who appreciate your work.
Participate in Photo Contests
Entering photo contests is an excellent way to get your work seen by a wider audience.
You can also win cash prizes or even get your photos published in magazines. This is a good option to make money while networking with other photographers and gaining exposure to your work.
Launch a Photo Print Shop
If you want to take things a step further, consider launching your photo print shop. You can sell prints, cards, and other products featuring your photos.
This is a great way to make money while getting the chance to showcase your work in a unique way.
Offer Photography Workshops
Hosting photography workshops is a great way to make money while also teaching others the craft.
You can invite local photographers and provide hands-on instruction. This is a great way to make money while also building connections with other photographers in your area.
Create Photo Apps
If you’re tech-savvy, consider creating an app related to photography. You can make money from the sale of the app and also through in-app purchases.
Become a Photo Agent
If you have connections in the photography industry, consider becoming a photo agent. You can help photographers get their work published and even negotiate better rates for them.
This is an excellent way to make money while also helping other photographers further their careers.
Organize Photography Tours
If you love to travel, consider organizing photography tours in different parts of the world.
People will pay to join your travel plans and you can teach them about photography while they explore. It sounds exciting to make money while also experiencing different cultures.
Offer Photo Editing Services
You can offer photo editing services to amateurs as well as professional photographers. This is a great way to make money while also honing your skills as an editor.
You can also offer retouching services such as removing blemishes, smoothing skin tones, and more.
Become a Drone Photographer
If you’re looking for an exciting new way to make money with photography, consider becoming a drone photographer. With the right drone, you can capture stunning aerial shots that are in high demand from filmmakers and even real estate agents.
This is an excellent way to make money while also exploring a new area of photography.
Sell Photos on Print Sites
Consider selling your photos on print sites like Society6 and Redbubble.
You can upload your work on these sites and get paid for each sale. This is an easy way to make money while also sharing your work with a wider audience.
Become a Photojournalist
If you’re comfortable working in fast-paced environments, consider becoming a photojournalist.
You can work for local newspapers and magazines or even join a news team to capture images of breaking news stories. This is an exciting way to make money while also being on the frontline of current events.
If you earn $600 or more from a client, you will usually be sent a 1099 form. If you wish to reduce your expenses, you would want to consider forming an LLC.
Set up a Photography Booth
If you’re looking for an easy way to make money with photography, consider setting up a photography booth. You can set up the booth at festivals, markets, and other special events and make money from taking photos on-site.
Just be sure to check local regulations before setting up the booth.
Design Albums for Clients
You can create custom photo albums for your clients. This is an excellent way to make money while also providing a unique and personalized service. You can design the albums with your clients’ photos and have them printed to be sent directly to them or mailed.
Start a Photography YouTube Channel
A photography YouTube channel can be a great way to share your knowledge and experience with fellow photographers and reach new potential clients.
Before getting started, it’s important to have a plan in place for what type of content you’ll be creating on your channel and how often you’ll be uploading.
Once you have content ideas and a schedule, you can start vlogging and connecting with other photographers in the YouTube community.
How to Start Your Side Hustle as a Photographer in 5 Steps?
Starting a side hustle as a photographer can be an exciting and rewarding endeavor. Here are five steps to help you get started:
1. Define Your Niche and Target Market
Determine the type of photography you want to specialize in and identify your target market. Consider areas such as portrait photography, event photography, product photography, or any other specific genre that aligns with your interests and skills.
Understanding your niche will help you focus on your marketing efforts and attract the right clients.
2. Build Your Portfolio
A strong portfolio is crucial for showcasing your skills and attracting potential clients. Start by organizing and selecting the best photographs that represent your chosen niche.
Aim for a variety of high-quality images that highlight your style, technical expertise, and creativity.
Consider creating a dedicated website or using online platforms such as Instagram or Behance to showcase your portfolio.
3. Establish Your Pricing and Packages
Determine your pricing structure based on factors such as your level of experience, the complexity of the project, and the local market rates. Research the pricing of other photographers in your area to ensure you remain competitive.
Additionally, consider creating different packages or services that cater to various client needs, such as offering different session durations or including additional products like prints or albums.
4. Promote Your Services
Marketing and promoting your photography services are essential for attracting clients. Utilize both online and offline channels to reach your target audience.
Create a professional website or portfolio that showcases your work, optimize it for search engines, and share it on social media platforms.Engage with potential clients through online communities, photography forums, and local networking events.
Additionally, consider collaborating with local businesses or offering your services for discounted rates initially to build your reputation.
5. Provide Exceptional Customer Service
Delivering a positive experience to your clients is key to building a successful photography side hustle.
Communicate clearly and promptly with potential clients, understand their requirements, and establish a professional working relationship.
Ensure you have contracts or agreements in place to outline expectations, deliverables, and pricing terms. Provide a high level of customer service, deliver images on time, and go above and beyond to exceed client expectations.
Satisfied clients are more likely to recommend you to others and become repeat customers.
Turn Your Dream Side Hustle Into Reality with doola
There are numerous side hustles for photographers at all skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, you can find ways to make extra money with your photography skills.
From taking stock photos to selling prints online, there are plenty of options out there. By exploring the possibilities, you can start your side hustle and begin making money on the side.
With doola’s Total Compliance package, you can rest assured that your business is handled efficiently and effectively, leaving you with less to worry about as a business owner.
That’s not all! We also manage your critical business requirements, such as annual reports, tax filings, bookkeeping, or any other official correspondence, freeing up your time to focus on different aspects of your business.
Book a free consultation to understand how we can handle your administrative tasks while you handle your business.
FAQs
Is it hard to balance a side hustle with a full-time photography business?
It can be challenging to balance both, but it’s all about time management and prioritization. You can set specific days or hours for your side hustle and make sure it doesn’t interfere with your main photography business.
Do I need special equipment for my side hustle as a photographer?
The equipment you need depends on the type of side hustle you’re doing. For example, if you’re doing product photography, you might need a light tent and props. If you’re doing event photography, you might need to have multiple lenses and a tripod.
How much can I expect to earn from a side hustle as a photographer?
The earning potential varies depending on the type of side hustle and the amount of time and effort you put into it. Some side hustles like stock photography can earn you a small but steady income, while others like event photography can bring you more money per job.
Can I turn my side hustle into my main photography business eventually?
It’s possible to turn your side hustle into your main business if it proves successful and sustainable. However, it’s important to have a solid plan and strategy before making any big decisions.
What are some tips for balancing my side hustle and main photography business?
Some tips include setting clear boundaries, establishing a schedule, prioritizing tasks, outsourcing tasks if needed, and taking breaks to avoid burnout. It’s all about finding what works best for you.
