15 Lucrative Photography Side Hustles To Turn Your Passion Into Profit!

Photography as a side hustle is a fantastic gig!

Many photographers make full time cash working just 2-3 days a week, some even go on to earn multi 6 figures and quit their day job for good!

Whether you’re an amateur with a passion for taking pictures or a seasoned photographer looking to diversify your income, there are numerous ways to monetize your photography skills!

In this blog post, we’ll explore the best photography side hustles that can help you make good money, offering insights, tips, and inspiration to get started!

Lucrative Photography Side Hustles 

1) Event Photography

If you’re looking to make serious money, this is it!

Event photography involves capturing moments at weddings, parties, corporate events, and other gatherings. 

a) Wedding photography

Is particularly lucrative, with potential earnings ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 per event, depending on your experience and reputation.

Offering all in one packages that include pre-wedding shoots, ceremony coverage, and post-wedding albums attracts more clients. 

b) Corporate event photography

Another steady income source, covering conferences, seminars, and product launches.

These gigs can pay between $500 and $2,500 per event.

The beauty of this idea? It has the potential to turn into repeat income, especially if you do a great job on the first event! 

c) Party and celebration photography

Rates are typically lower, around $200 to $1,000 per event, but these can be great for building a diverse portfolio.

Networking with event planners and venues, providing excellent customer service, and creating a strong portfolio on social media are key to succeeding in this field!

Related: 20+ Best Side Hustles To Start With Little Or No Money

2) Developing and Selling Presets

Creating and selling Lightroom or Photoshop presets is another lucrative side hustle for photographers.

Presets are pre-configured settings that help streamline the editing process, making it easier for other photographers and enthusiasts to achieve a specific look or style. 

This side hustle is particularly appealing because it leverages your editing skills and allows you to generate passive income. 

You can sell presets individually or in bundles on platforms like Etsy, Creative Market, and your personal website.

Pricing can range from $10 to $50 per preset, with bundles often fetching higher prices. 

Tips for Success:

• To succeed, ensure your presets are high-quality, easy to use, and accompanied by clear instructions.
• Marketing your presets through social media, photography blogs, and tutorial videos can help attract a steady stream of customers.

3) Portrait Photography

Portrait photography focuses on capturing the personality and essence of individuals or groups.

Family and baby photography in particular are in high demand, offering the potential for repeat business. Not to mention this is an emotionally rewarding role!  

Rates can range from $150 to $500 per session – if you have lots of experience or offer a specific style, this can even span into the $1,000 per session range. 

Professional headshots for business professionals, actors, and models are also popular, with photographers typically charging between $100 and $300 per session. 

4) Pet Photography

Pet photography is a rapidly growing market and surprisingly profitable, too!

Depending on the complexity and number of photos, you can charge between $150 and $600 per session.

To get started, build a portfolio showcasing your ability to handle and photograph pets in various settings.

Marketing your services through pet stores, groomers, and veterinarians can help you reach potential clients. 

Tips for Success:

• Offer packages that include prints and digital files.
• Use props and treats to capture pets’ attention.
• Create a comfortable environment for both pets and owners is a key strategy for success in pet photography.

Related: 23 Hobbies That Make Money: Build Your 6 Figure Business!

5) Real Estate Photography

Real estate photography is in high demand, especially in booming housing markets, and is another profitable avenue.

It involves taking high-quality images of properties to help sell homes and commercial spaces.

Photographers can charge between $100 and $400 per shoot, depending on the property’s size and location. 

Commercial real estate photography tends to offer higher pay, ranging from $200 to $1,000 per shoot.

This type of photography requires specialized equipment like wide-angle lenses and sometimes drones for aerial shots. 

Tips for Success:

• Build relationships with local real estate agents.
• Invest in quality equipment.
• Offering additional services like virtual tours can set you apart in this competitive field.

6) Product Photography

Thanks to more businesses moving online, product photography is a rapidly growing market.

The best thing? Unlike weddings or events when you can be there all day, rates for this type of photography typically range from $25 to $150 per product. 

Food photography is another lucrative niche, especially for restaurants, cookbooks, and food blogs. You can charge between $50 and $500 per dish. 

Handmade and craft photography, often for platforms like Etsy, offers opportunities to work with local artisans, and is often heavily underlooked as a niche!

Rates for this type of photography range from $20 to $100 per item. 

Tips for Success:

• Master lighting techniques.
• Invest in good styling props.
• Offering fast turnaround times are crucial for success in product photography.

7) Teaching and Workshops

If you have a wealth of knowledge and experience, teaching photography can be a rewarding and seriously profitable side hustle – we’re talking at least multi 6 figures here. 

Creating online courses on platforms like Udemy, Skillshare, or Teachable can generate passive income, with top instructors earning thousands of dollars per month.

Offering in-person workshops and classes in your community allows for personal interaction and can be priced between $50 and $200 per participant. 

One-on-one coaching sessions are another option, typically charging between $50 and $150 per hour. 

Tips for Success:

• Tailor your sessions to individual needs.
• Partner with local art centers or community colleges.
• Promoting your courses through social media and your website are effective ways to attract students.

Related: 23 Best Jobs to Make $30/Hour Without College Education

8) Freelance Photography for Media

Photojournalism can be exciting and dynamic, with earnings ranging from $150 to $500 per published photo, though this is a very competitive field.

Magazine photography, covering topics like fashion, travel, and lifestyle, can pay between $200 and $1,000 per assignment. 

Blogging and content creation for online publications can provide a steady income, with rates varying widely based on the publication’s size and reach.

You can expect to make around $3,000+ a month on average, with lower rates being around $1,500 a month (this is usually per project).

Tips for Success:

• Build relationships with editors.
• Staying informed about local and global events.
• Consistently submitting high-quality work are essential for success in freelance photography for media.

Related: 25 Epic Jobs That Pay You to Travel the World ($5,000+ a Month)

9) Stock Photography

Stock photography involves taking and selling photos to online platforms where businesses, designers, and individuals purchase images for their projects.

Popular websites like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, iStock, and Getty Images allow photographers to upload their images and earn commissions every time a photo is licensed.

This can be a great way to generate passive income, as once your photos are uploaded, they can keep earning money with little additional effort.

However, the competition is high, and building a substantial portfolio is essential to increase your chances of sales.

Focus on popular categories such as business, lifestyle, and travel, and use relevant keywords to improve the discoverability of your photos.

Earnings can vary widely, with some photographers making a few dollars per month while top contributors can earn several thousand dollars monthly.

Related: 18 Best Side Hustles for Introverts

10) Selling Prints and Digital Copies Online

Selling prints and digital copies of your photographs online is an excellent way to monetize your existing work!

Despite what people say, people buy copies of prints on platforms such as Etsy, Fine Art America, and Society6 all the time. 

This side hustle can provide a steady stream of income, especially if you have a strong portfolio of high-quality images.

You can expect to earn between $20 and $200 per print, depending on the size and quality of the print. 

Tips for Success:

• To maximize your sales, focus on creating visually appealing images that resonate with buyers.
• Use high-quality printing materials.
• Provide exceptional customer service.
• Promoting your work through social media and creating a personal website can also help increase your visibility and sales.

Related: Top 10 Websites to Sell Photos Online and Make Money

11) Collaborating with Brands

Brand collaborations can be highly lucrative, with rates ranging from $500 to several thousand dollars per project, depending on the brand and scope of work.

To attract brand collaborations, build a strong online presence and portfolio that showcases your unique style and capabilities.

Networking with industry professionals, attending photography and marketing events, and reaching out to brands directly with a proposal can help you secure collaborations. 

Tips for Success:

• When working with brands, ensure you understand their vision.
• Deliver high-quality content that aligns with their goals.

Related: 30+ Small Business Ideas to Become Your Own Boss (& Take Back Your Time)

12) Hosting a Photography Podcast

Starting a photography podcast is a creative way to share your knowledge, experiences, and insights with a broader audience while generating income through sponsorships and listener support. 

Podcasts have become increasingly popular, and if you can carve out a niche or provide unique content, you can attract a dedicated audience. 

Potential earnings from a podcast can vary widely, from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per month, depending on your audience size and sponsorship deals. 

To launch a successful podcast, you’ll want to invest in good quality audio equipment, plan engaging content, and establish a consistent posting schedule. 

Tips for Success:

• Promote your podcast through social media, photography forums, and collaborations with other photographers and influencers.
• Monetization strategies can include sponsorships, affiliate marketing, and premium content subscriptions.

How to Kickstart Your Side Hustle as a Photographer

Transforming your passion for photography into a profitable side hustle can be both exciting and fulfilling.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you begin this journey:

1) Identify Your Niche

• Determine Your Focus: What types of photography do you enjoy most? (Portraits, weddings, events, product, nature, etc.).
• Identify Your Ideal Client: Who are you aiming to work with? (Families, businesses, influencers, specific industries).
• Define Your Unique Style: What sets your photography apart? (Lighting, composition, editing, themes).

2) Build Your Portfolio

• Showcase Your Best Work: Start with your top photos, even if they aren’t professional gigs.
• Demonstrate Your Range: Include diverse examples to highlight your skills.
• Create an Online Presence: Set up a website or online gallery to display your portfolio.
• Engage on Social Media: Share your work on social platforms and join photography communities.

3) Invest in Essential Equipment

• Start Simple: Get a good camera and basic lenses without overspending.
• Specialized Equipment: Purchase lighting equipment if needed for your niche (e.g., portraits, product shots).
• Learn Editing Tools: Familiarize yourself with basic photo editing software.

4) Establish Your Pricing

• Research Market Rates: Look up average fees for photographers in your area and specialty.
• Offer Packages: Create different packages to suit various budgets.
• Value Your Work: Be confident in your pricing and ready to negotiate.

5) Market Your Services

• Network Actively: Connect with other photographers and potential clients.
• Build a Professional Presence: Use social media strategically and consider running targeted ads.
• Utilize Online Platforms: List your services on directories and marketplaces.
• Attract Clients with Promotions: Offer discounts or special deals to new customers.
• Collaborate for Exposure: Partner with businesses or influencers for mutual promotion.

6) Deliver Exceptional Customer Service

• Communicate Effectively: Be responsive and professional in all interactions.
• Ensure Quality: Provide high-quality photos and timely edits.
• Exceed Expectations: Strive to go above and beyond to satisfy your clients.
• Seek Feedback: Use client feedback to continuously improve your services.

By following these steps, you can turn your love for photography into a successful side hustle, creating a rewarding and profitable venture.

Related: Top 10 Free Courses to Help You Make More Money Online & in Your Career