If you own a camera and enjoy taking pictures, did you know that you can turn your hobby into cash? Take a look below at some fun ways to make money with your camera; putting some extra cash in your pocket while you enjoy your hobby at the same time.
Here is how to get started!
1. Photograph parties.
Let friends and family know that you are available to photograph parties and events. Many times, people want photos of family parties, birthdays, and gatherings; they just don’t have the time. For a small flat fee, you can attend the party for a few hours and take the photos for them. It frees up their time, and helps you earn a little cash. I had a photographer take pictures during my daughter’s Tea Party Birthday Party and it was a fabulous decision!
2. Try blog photography.
Blog owners are often looking for exclusive, quality photos. If you are good at photographing food or other items the blogger is in need of, you are hirable. Try some practice shots of food items and run them by various bloggers. You might even find ads online or in content buying groups on social media. I would love to hire a photographer to take pictures of my crafts.
3. Take photographs for local schools.
While they won’t hire you for class pictures, they may hire you for the yearbook, for photographing sports teams, or for other various school functions. Send some samples of your work to local schools and offer your services.
4. Photograph for online sellers.
If you know Ebay or Etsy sellers, ask them if they want their items photographed by you. A great photo can help boost their sales and make their items look more desirable. Take some sample shots of displayed items to show them as examples.
5. Sell to stock image sites.
There are hundreds of image sites on the internet that offer photographs to people for a low price. Many of these sites will purchase your photography from you. Do a basic Google search of sites that are accepting photographs at this time and then submit your work.
6. Offer to photograph homes for realtors.
Realtors need to display quality photos of the homes they are selling. Offer your photography services to real estate agents so they can showcase the properties they are selling as best as possible.
7. Be a pet photographer.
Pet owners love having their animals photographed. Buy some simple props and offer to take photos of animals for a fee. You can create fun set ups and backgrounds, or just photograph the animals in natural play.
The newest item on my photography wish list is this Canon EOS 70D Digital SLR Camera. Isn’t it dreamy? Even without a fancy semi-pro camera making extra money with your camera can be fun and easy. Give these tips a try and see how much extra cash you can make while enjoying your hobby at the same time!
Great tips and I actually have the Canon 60D in my Amazon shopping cart as we speak for my new year upgrade to me.
Thanks!
This may be a silly question but once you take the photos for any of these people, what then? Save them to a disc or memory card? I ask because I plan on (finally) getting myself a DSLR camera and would like to make a little extra cash if possible. TIA
Hi Amanda, great tips! Been meaning to start making money with my camera…I have been taking pictures for friends but never got to the point where i get people to pay me! By the way, I’m in NC if you’re still looking for someone to photograph your crafts 😉
Hi! I live in NC! Feel free to email me if you ever need anything photographed! I’ve photographed things for several boutiques and things!!!
Great advice, tips. Thanks.
Thanks for the tips.
I am looking for a person with whom I can work with.
I live in NC.
My main criteria is exchange of knowledge.
Pls browse through my Pinterest board and let mr know your review.
Thanks.
Hi, Thanks for the article. How do you figure out what to charge for these kinds of things? I know where to look to find out what portrait photographers in the area charge but no idea where to look for how much to charge for house or product photography or birthday party photography.
While I can see that this blog post is from a few years ago ….. I simply have to say…. selling photography for an income is a job that requires a business license (state, county and city) . While photography may seem like a very “fun” job, it is one that lends itself to COUNTLESS hours of work….. education, shooting, client contact at many levels, post production, accounting, advertising & promotions and many, many more hats….. if you shoot as a hobbyist please don’t charge your friends for what you do. You are taking the food off of a professionals table. Unless you do business the right way, as your state law requires, please don’t sell photography.
I understand where you’re coming from but I see the other side as well. Just as I would hire my nephew to mow my lawn and I wouldn’t expect the same quality as I would from a professional lawn team….but I wouldn’t pay as much either. I agree though, if you’re serious about making money from your camera it would be a good idea to learn about the laws in your area.
Photographer for hire! Hi I live in south fl. South of Vero beach. Please hire if in need of local places, families, kids, small events, Please think of me I need the work! 🙂 Want to see my work, I’m on facebook. Thank you.
Lindsey L Rau