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Pursuing photography as a hobby is common, which is usually something you merely do to pass your time. Not only is it entertaining, but it also requires a certain degree of creativity. If you are creative with your pictures, you might have even been the designated photographer at a friend’s wedding or birthday party.
While it is okay to keep photography as a side hobby, capitalizing on your interests is not a bad idea either. You can earn while doing something you wholeheartedly love!
However, if you are clueless about how to make money as a photographer, here are a few tips you need to help you get started:
License your pictures online
If you have a folder of your best photos, do not hesitate to sell them online. You can also license your photos to online sites and create a passive income without too much effort. All you have to do is sign up as a contributor, build an eye-catching portfolio, and upload your photos. What are you waiting for, then? Submit your pictures as stock photos and earn from home. Check out Creative Fabrica to obtain incredible stockphotos!
Participate in photo contests
Photography competitions are one of the easiest ways to promote your work and make yourself known in the market. Even if you do not win a cash prize, you will go home with some exposure and new contacts. These are the two most important aspects of any profession, of course.
Competing with other photographers makes you more likely to learn a lot too. From different styles of photography to editing, learning new stuff will only do you good. Hence, do not shy away from putting yourself out there.
Assist a top-notch photographer
What better way to make your resume shine than to land work as an assistant for a top-notch photographer? Not only will you learn various techniques and skills, but you will also network with other photographers and potential clients. Moreover, you will likely be immediately hired if a reputable photographer refers you to a client. Of course, you do not have to be an assistant photographer for the rest of your life. But if you want to kick start your career, what better way to do so?
Blogging or vlogging
Although both options are viable, it depends on what you can do better. For instance, blogging may be your forte if you are a great writer, especially if you are more comfortable with being behind the camera and not in front. To earn through blogging, you can add advertisements so that every time a visitor clicks on the link, you get paid for it. Or you can receive a commission if you add referrals to your blog.
However, promoting a company’s product or services is the best way to make yourself known and earn money through blogging. Approach businesses and review their products to make yourself known in the market. For instance, you can review different types of cameras and the photography gear that comes with them.
Starting a YouTube channel is quite similar to blogging. You can earn through advertisements and providing tutorials to your following. Moreover, the combination can make earning easier if you love traveling and photography. Sharing travel photographer stories on your YouTube channel will increase your following, and travel agencies are more likely to hire you for their marketing. What more exposure could you want?
Teach
Teaching is not everyone’s cup of tea. You need to have team-leading skills and the ability to make yourself stand out. You can be an excellent teacher if you are both of these things. Start by offering classes to beginners who have just learned to hold a camera. Offering online courses is a fantastic idea.
The money-making opportunities do not end here; you can conduct workshops and photography tours. You can make the most of it, especially if you live in a city famous for its tourist spots. Tag along with the tourist guides, and by teaching them how to photograph, make sure the tourists leave with splendid memories of the trip on their phones.
Sell digital or printed copies
Anyone who loves and appreciates art is likely to pay full price for the high-quality shots you are selling. Make your art available online in digital copies, and ensure that printed copies are also available.
To sell your work, introducing your art through an Instagram store is an excellent idea. From tapestries to framed copies, your art will most likely be farmed on the bedroom and lounge walls. Because obviously, who wouldn’t love an aesthetic-looking room?
Photograph events
From bridal showers, weddings, birthday parties, bar mitzvahs, and various corporate events, being hired to cover events is an excellent way of making quick money. All you need is an attractive portfolio, reliable references, and being mildly famous on Instagram. Rest assured, the gigs will come your way.
Although the work is physically exhausting, it is suitable for exposure and networking. For all you know, your next client is probably a guest in the event you are covering and have you hired for their event!
Freelancing
Many sites, like Upwork, freelancer.com, and Fiverr, offer job opportunities to earn while sitting at home. The opportunities are endless, from editing pictures of an Instagram model, creating logos for a startup, and creating digital artwork. You only need to sign up, create a portfolio, and bid on the projects. The jobs will come your way!
Forensic photography
Now if you are not light-hearted and do not immediately empty your stomach at the sight of blood, this might just be your forte. Although forensic photography is not as fancy a job as a commercial photographer, it might be a thrilling experience for you. Something different than taking pictures of a blue-eyed baby in an ice cream stall or a random German shepherd in the park.
Conclusion
Not many people do what they love and make a career out of it. If you are presented with a chance to take up photography as a profession, do not hesitate. There are multiple ways of earning through shooting portraits. All you need to do is know where to look for those job opportunities!
Featured Image Credit: Image Source
