Whether it’s a side gig or a full time job, photography is a great career with many marketing opportunities. To grow your audience, it’s a smart idea to expand your skillset and broaden what you offer with your photos! Here is a list of some creative ways to turn your passion into profit!

 

Photography for Other Businesses

1. Collaborating with Brands

Try reaching out to small businesses near you who are trying to build a brand! You can share your styles and resources that you have to help them reach their goals with advertising. Remember, a sure way to make money is by helping others make money!

 

2. Drone Mapping and Surveying for Construction

Many construction companies outsource their photography for large projects. This helps them monitor progress and conduct safe inspections after harsh weather conditions. If you enjoy drone photography and being outdoors, this one might be for you!

 

3. Custom Photo-Based Textures for 3D Artists

This niche field coincides with digital artistry and can be a great opportunity if you prefer a technological route! When CGI artists and video game designers need help achieving desired textured surfaces, they reach out to photographers like you! This is perfect if you prefer macro photography and are attentive to detail.

 

4. Stock Photos

The perfect way to start out with photography is by uploading your images to websites that provide stock photos, which are used by a plethora of other businesses and money sources. Depending on the website, you may even receive recurring payments for other people using your pictures in their work!

5. Real Estate Documentation

This idea is simple and always in demand! Try reaching out to real estate agents or agencies about taking care of their property photos. From virtual tours to online listings, photographers are always needed to capture the personality of the building whether it's the interior or exterior!

6. Scientific or Technical Imaging

If you are skilled in precision with your work, this might be a good one to consider! From photomicrography (microscopic) to astrophotography (celestial objects), scientists are always looking for a photographer to highlight certain aspects of their studies! These can later be used for news or posting on their websites.

7. Candid Shopping Photography

Brands or agencies utilize photographers for photographing candid consumer experiences, staff behavior, or store layouts. Sometimes it's for investigative work, though usually more for commercial shooting. This is perfect for you if you are good at being discreet while you work, and if you have a good eye for capturing the right moment!

8. Off-Grid or Extreme-Environment Documentation

Are you seeking adventure with your photography? Try specializing in photography of remote locations, wildlife expeditions, or scientific fieldwork! This one is perfect for those who love spending time outdoors, camping, or hiking!

Expanding Your Services

9. Selling Physical Products

One of the simplest ways you can supplement your photography is by selling prints of your work. From wooden plaques to tumblers and t-shirts, there are so many materials to choose from for printing your photos! A reliable and affordable option is printing your images out on canvas! This product is lightweight, versatile, and is perfect for photographers looking to sell printed copies of their work, without the hassle!

10. Personalized Pet Adventure Sessions

This is a unique way of selling pet portraits and is fun for everyone! Take your customers and their pets on an outdoor "adventure day" and photograph the experience! Bring toys and treats and capture the smiles! Don't forget to offer prints!

11. Packaging Services

Packaging services are especially ideal if you are an event photographer. A package deal is a fantastic way to advertise any extra services you offer like digital touchups, an online gallery, or a photo album! With this method, you can convince customers to hire you for a longer session for the perk of discounted bonus services.

12. Travel Companion Photography

If you're looking for a job that'll take you places, this one's for you! Join your clients on vacations or micro-adventures and document the experience for them! This is especially great if you're outgoing and can take pictures swiftly. Happy snapping!

13. Upselling

After a photoshoot, it's convenient to offer something other than an online photo album to your customers! Encourage them to select their favorite pictures and provide them with printing options. To maximize your profit, consider partnering with Art Inlight, where you'll receive high quality canvas at half price! Click here for more!

14. Subscriptions

You can get really creative with this idea. From monthly fees for digital touchups, to taking year round family holiday photos for an annual fee, try to keep those regular customers regular! This helps you on your off seasons, and promotes customers to come back for your services!

15. Photography-Based Puzzle or Game Creation

Are you looking for a creative way of utilizing your photography? Try turning your images into jigsaw puzzles, board game assets, or downloadable mystery games! Great for images of nature and landscapes.

The Technical Route

16. Photo Editing or Retouch

This is a very fine skill to have as a photographer, not only to edit and refine your own images, but to help customers with digital services. They might have raw images or old photos in need of restoration that can be fixed up with ease!

17. Camera Sensor and Lens Calibration Services

If you're fond of equipment maintenance on your off seasons, offer technical calibration for photographers who need accurate colors and sharpness. This is a great way to help your community and to possibly network with other photographers!

18. Photography Gear Rental Business

If you happen to find yourself low on time to be doing your own shoots, try renting out your gear to small freelancers! Not every photographer is fortunate enough to own every lens or the lighting they need for every shoot. This approach encourages other people to continue their photography journey regardless of having the essential tools!

Summary

 

The opportunities are truly endless, just don’t be shy, get out there, and remember to have fun with it! Any photography field will need you to take initiative, but with the right support your work can be notably unique. 

The easiest way to add more profit with minimal effort is by offering prints of your work! By partnering with Art Inlight, you’ll receive lightweight, high quality canvas prints of your photos that you can sell to your customers. Any picture, any size, at affordable prices, and, for a limited time, with free shipping! Send us your photos, and we’ll take care of the rest!