Is photography your true passion? Do you want to turn it into a successful career? Use these tips to earn more money as a professional photographer and make everyone else’s dream of turning a hobby into a job.
If photography is one of those true passions you can’t imagine your life without, turning into a highly paid job is the only way for you. Ok, maybe not the only one, but definitely one that will make providing for your life by doing something you really love is absolutely possible.
With the significant costs of equipment, transportation, and editing software, as well as the time photographers put into editing their images and making them truly beautiful, photographers (especially beginners) often note that they barely manage to make enough money to cover those costs and get the something worthy of it.
Artistic people struggle with it the most, as they tend to gravitate toward photography that is more non-commercial or not average market-oriented.
However, to survive in the fiercely competitive modern photography industry and be able to engage in more artistic shooting activities, you will need to learn some tips and tricks to find more clients and orders and, consequently, increase your bottom line.
Tips to help you earn more money as a photographer
Understand the difference between photography as an art / hobby and photography as a job. Try not to be too stubborn and concentrate on all your efforts in, say, landscape or wildlife photography when you can clearly see that it’s not bringing you money. Turn your passion into your hobby and use your photography skills to earn money in other fields.
Get involved in a variety of areas of photography which will give you a consistent amount of work throughout the year. Try not to be too stubborn and concentrate on all your efforts in, say, landscape or wildlife photography when you can clearly see that it’s not bringing you money. For example, wedding photography can be very lucrative, but newborn, family, and pet photography will keep you busy all year round.
It is everywhere. Promote your photography on your social media pages (the more of them – the better), feature your work on various photography websites. Turn into a real freelancer – create your profile on various websites (Like Angie’s List, HireRush.com, Thumbtack, etc.) that connect service providers with clients who need a certain type of work done, including photography to not miss any job opportunities. Create your own online platform – a personal photography website with your portfolio, price lists of your services and DIY photography tips.
Remember that your time is money. And your client must respect that. Don’t underestimate your hourly rates and set them up to the average local photography rates. Don’t forget to include your editing time, the time it took you to get to your destination and return home, and travel costs in the total project price.
Brand yourself by volunteering during charities and social events, freelancing for local newspapers and magazines, create an online portfolio to become better known among professionals and let potential clients experience your skills before they have a chance to work with you. The more ‘popular’ you get, the higher the price you can charge.
Try to offer unique services and special bundles. Not every photographer will agree to do nativity photography, as it requires an extraordinary sensibility, respect and an artistic approach to what is happening. Not every pro is capable of flying a drone and taking great pictures during an aerial photo session. Improve your skills, dive a little deeper into newer, less congested by other photographers, ball photography and become one of the most sought after local pros in it.
Are you a beginner?
Don’t miss the opportunity to learn from more experienced photographers and earn money at the same time. Watch for local advertisements and contact local photographers to see if anyone needs helpers for their upcoming event photography. Many pros need a second cameraman when they are hired to shoot big events. And that’s where you’ll come in handy.
Take full advantage of your rights to the photos you create. Try to avoid contracts that require you to sign those rights. Instead, save those rights for