This post is for those of you already starting to earn from your photography. Maybe you have done a couple of paid jobs and you may be starting to see that this photography thing is a great way to make money. However, you’re not quite making the income you want just yet. Don’t stress. I’m going to give you some tips on how to make more money as a photographer.
Ways to Make More Money as a Photographer
Now I don’t know what you’ve already been doing but I will suggest a few things here.
1. Network With Other Photographers
Get to know some photographers in your field, or close to you geographically. Not every photographer is going to be willing to help you out or give you their secrets, but most will. The more people you know, the more chance you have of building a successful photography business.
Networking is a great way to increase your income. You can suggest other photographers you know to clients whose jobs you just don’t have time for, or are maybe not in your field of photography. Likewise, they will do the same for you.
Talking to other people that do what you do is invaluable. I always say that we learn and grow together. Working with others instead of against them will benefit both you and them.
2. Approach Local Businesses
Another thing you can do is reach out to local businesses.
You can offer to do headshots, take photos of their workplace or shop, or get together a portfolio of product shots and approach businesses that sell products and may need photos.
A lot of small businesses might not be able to do their own photography and you can get your foot in the door here. Once you do one good job, you will be recommended to others and the work will increase.
Naturally, you need to be quite good at talking to people and selling yourself to make this work. Being good at product photography might not hurt either! Try this great Tabletop Product Photography course from Creative Live. This will teach you so much about how to bring products to life in your photos.
3. Teach
No matter where you are in your photography journey, you know something that someone else doesn’t. This means you have something to give; something to teach.
Try giving some photography classes in your local town/city. You can run them indoors by finding a community hall or something to hire for very little money. Or do it in your home if you’re comfortable with this.
Photography walks are a great way to get people interested in classes too. Organise a walk-about at a local garden, park, beach, anywhere you can take great shots. You can charge people a small fee and spend an hour or two with them, walking around taking photos and imparting your knowledge.
Always give much more than your students expect to. Maybe do up a photography settings cheat sheet or some kind of learning tool they can take home for free. If you don’t advertise the giveaway, they will be blown away by your generosity and will come back for more. They will also sing your praises to others and your class will steadily grow.
Go Make More Money as a Photographer
There you have 3 simple ideas that you implement to make more money as a photographer.
It’s always a great idea to have multiple streams of income when you are trying to earn a living from photography. For example, you might be doing pet photography shoots, running classes once or twice a week, and selling prints online.
Find the methods that work well for you and stick to them. Good luck with your photography business. If you want to connect with me, please use the Contact page here at Photographer’s Freedom.
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