Introduction
I am going to write a series on how to make money with your photography skills. This is the part 1 of the series.
If you got into photography to make a quick buck, you’re doing it for the wrong reasons. But there are lots of ways to earn a little on the side.
Unless you’re fortunate enough to be flooded with offers after one of your pictures becomes an overnight hit on social media, it’s unlikely that you’re going to be pulling in the big bucks a day or two after going semi-pro. That’s not to say you can’t spend a few days putting the ground work in, and one of the easiest things you can do is make use of the photos you already have.
What To Do?
Submitting your pictures to a magazine or entering a competition is something that you can do in the evening or two. It might take longer for you to supply additional information and high-res images, but as long as you’ve organised your images correctly, it won’t take you that long.
Rather than approaching a large national or international publication, have you thought about emailing a small selection of seasonal views you have on file to local interest magazines? Choose images that are for an upcoming season – so, send If you got into photography to make a quick buck, you’re doing it for the wrong reasons. But there are lots of ways to earn a little on the cold side shots at the end of summer, for example – as magazine editors like to plan quite a way in advance.
Why Not Monetise Your Hobby?
If you enjoy a hobby alongside photography, whether it’s fixing up motorbikes, home brewing or fish-keeping, then the chances are you’ll have some pictures in your collection that are connected with that hobby. Why not get in touch with a book publisher or specialist magazine that focuses on that hobby to see whether they’d be interested in printing them? You can also submit your images to the readers’ pictures or showcase section of a photography magazine. Again, you probably won’t be retiring on any earnings you make, but it can be a stepping stone to bigger things. The better your photography is known, the more likely it is you’ll get published. Once you’ve had some initial work accepted you could move on to submitting article ideas, especially if you’re able to write to a decent standard.
Once a magazine knows your work they’re more likely to use your images, and ultimately they may contact you if they’re looking for particular shots. This is one of the reasons why it’s important to make sure your website or online portfolio is up together and that your contact details are easy to find.
Conclusion
Okay, let me not skip this - there are photography competitions. I might be stretching the idea of making a quick buck with this one, as an entry deadline may be a year away, but at least you can fire off your entry over a weekend and then forget about it. Not all competitions offer money as a main prize either, and those that do typically charge an entry fee. Even if you don’t win, being shortlisted in a popular, prestigious contest, such as Wildlife Photographer of the Year or International Garden Photographer of the Year, is a great marketing opportunity. Naturally, there’s no guarantee that you will be shortlisted – but if you don’t enter then you have no chance at all.
Image Credits: Giphy