What do photographers have a lot of? Photos!
What could we (well, most of us) use a little more of? Money!
Kara Hubbard
Whether you need extra cash to pay the bills, or to purchase that new lens for your camera, selling your photos online is a great way to make money as a photographer. Financial anxiety can set in during the winter months. Hopefully, this article can help ease a little of that stress. Here are a few ways you can make money selling your photos online:
Stock photo sites
Fine art prints
If you dabble in fine art photography, then selling your prints online would be a great money-making opportunity for you. You could easily offer prints through your personal website. Set up a separate page with an online store featuring your best fine art prints. If that sounds daunting, set up a contact form so clients can reach out to you if they’re interested in prints. Either way, make it clear that your fine art photos are for sale.
Etsy
Etsy is another fantastic option for making money online as a photographer, and it can boost your exposure! If selling on Etsy sounds good to you, there are several ways to make your photos available to customers. You can offer physical framed prints (which would require a reliable high-quality printing location), or digital prints.
Prints to past clients
Let’s face it, sometimes sharing your wedding photos on social media takes precedence over actually framing them and hanging them in your home. Some clients may take FOREVER to actually print out their favorites, so, what better way to nudge them then to offer a sale on prints through your print store! Send out a well-crafted email to your past clients (especially if they got married within the last year) and let them know you’re offering high-quality prints that would look spectacular on their walls. Prints also make great gifts!
Selling your photos online can be a profitable option for photographers who need a little extra cash. Who knows, if things take off, it may be a new source of solid income! If things don’t work out how you hoped, which happens, don’t be discouraged. Change course and try something else. If you’re dedicated enough, there is always a solution. Want other ideas on how to make money during your slow season? Check out my other articles, “How to Generate Income During Your Slow Season” and “How to Generate Income During Your Slow Season Part 2” Holiday edition!