Best Side Hustles For Photographers

I’ve been taking photos since 2011, and I’ve often wondered what the best side hustles for photographers are. I’ve finally decided to curate a list, and even test some of these side hustles out to finally find the very best ones.

Freelance Wedding Photography

Jumping into the world of wedding photography can be both rewarding and lucrative. Begin by building a strong portfolio showcasing your style, and then reach out to couples or wedding planners. Depending on your experience and location, you could earn anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000 per wedding.

Senior Pictures

High school seniors are always on the lookout for photographers to capture their final year memories. Market yourself on social media platforms and through local schools. Depending on your package offerings and location, you can charge between $100 to $500 per session.

Start a Print on Demand Shop

Capitalizing on the print-on-demand trend can turn your photographs into custom products like t-shirts, mugs, or posters. Platforms like Printful or Redbubble make it easy to get started. You set your price above the base cost, and when a sale occurs, you earn the difference. It’s passive income with potential, and while individual profits might be modest per item, a popular design can net you a steady stream of income.

Sell Photo Prints

Turn your best snaps into physical or digital prints to sell on platforms like Etsy or at local art fairs. To get started, select your best work, find a quality printing service, and set competitive prices. Depending on the quality and rarity, prints can go for $10 to several hundred dollars each.

Sell Stock Images

Stock photography is in demand by businesses and content creators. Websites like Shutterstock and Adobe Stock are great platforms to start selling. Although individual earnings per photo might be small (often less than a dollar), having a vast collection can result in steady income over time.

Start a Photography YouTube Channel

Share your photography tips, tutorials, and behind-the-scenes looks on YouTube. Monetize through ads, sponsorships, and affiliate links. While income varies widely, some popular channels can make thousands per month once they’ve built a substantial subscriber base.

Sell Your Lightroom Presets

If you’ve developed a unique editing style, consider selling your custom Lightroom presets. Websites like Gumroad or your personal platform can be great for this. Prices can range from $5 to $50 per preset pack, depending on the complexity and uniqueness.

Offer Photography Editing on Upwork

Not all photographers are wizards in post-processing. If you’ve got mad editing skills, offer them on platforms like Upwork. Rates can vary based on complexity, but editors can earn anywhere from $10 to $100 per hour.

Launch An Online Photography Course

Leverage your expertise by creating an online course. Platforms like Udemy or Teachable can host your content. Pricing varies, but creators often charge anywhere from $50 to $500 for comprehensive courses.

Start a Photography Blog

Share your journey, tips, and tutorials through a blog. Monetize through ads, affiliate marketing, or selling your own products. While income can start slow, consistent bloggers can earn several hundred to thousands of dollars per month.

Offer Drone Photography

If you have a drone and the skills to capture breathtaking aerial shots, there are a ton of ways to make money with your drone. Ideal for real estate or event photography. Depending on the project’s scope, drone photographers can charge between $100 to $1,000 per session.

Wrapping Up

Starting a photography side hustle is totally possible, it just takes time, consistency, and determination. My good friend made photography his full-time job now as he works for himself and sells wedding packages and photography books.

How can I make extra money from photography?

To make extra money from photography, consider diversifying your offerings such as taking on freelance gigs for events like weddings or senior pictures, selling prints or digital copies of your best work, or offering photography-related services online like editing or courses.

How do photographers make passive income?

Photographers can generate passive income by selling their images on stock photo websites, creating and selling Lightroom presets or editing templates, and launching online photography courses that can be sold repeatedly without additional effort.

Which photography style pays the most?

Commercial and advertising photography tends to pay the most due to the high-value nature of the content, which is used for brand campaigns and promotions. Other lucrative styles include wedding and fashion photography, depending on the market and level of expertise.