How to Make Money as a Novice Photographer

How to Make Money as a Novice Photographer

Making money as a photographer is not really “hard,” but it does take time and dedication. If you are a beginner, it can be hard at first to keep your motivation. However, there are some steps that can help you on your path to earning money as a photographer.

Step 1: Have some money put aside and ready to spend on equipment. Unfortunately, photography is usually a job that takes money to make money. Ideally, an SLR digital camera should be first on your list. It may be expensive, but SLR cameras are top-notch and will produce top quality photos for you to sell later on. I highly recommend something that is 9 Megapixel or higher. If you really want to go all out, and have the money to burn, you can also get the separate lenses. However, I strongly suggest you wait until you have the money. Lenses can cost as much, if not more, than the camera itself! Don't worry, If you really stick with making money as a photographer, you will break even eventually.

Step 2: Take pictures! Now, this doesn't really mean take pictures of your cat at home. Although, they can be cute to look at, a lot of people wouldn't buy them from an art gallery. Ideal things to take pictures of are flowers, landscapes, sunsets, architecture, wild animals (please be safe), and people. Be careful, though, of what you take pictures of. For example, if you take pictures of your friend, have them sign a model release before putting your images online or trying to sell them. A model release is a form that, in a nutshell, states that you have permission to upload or sell photos of the model. You don't have to go to a legal building to get one, just simply Google “Model Release Form” and there are tons to choose from. Read whichever model release form sounds best to you, print a few copies, and carry them with you. Be sure to keep the signed model release forms in a safe area. I, myself, put them in a fire-proof safe that has other important documents in them. Although, you probably don't have to go that far, I suggest you at least keep them in sheet covers in a binder. Remember where you place that binder, in case you have to retrieve them later on.

Step 3: Earn money! This is the part where all your efforts will be rewarded. Keep in mind it will take time before you seea real income, but if you put a lot of time and effort into it, this could even be a full-time job for you in the future! There are many ways to make money as a photographer.

3.1: Sell your photography online. There are a lot of websites where you can sell your photography for free. You simply upload your photography and wait for people to buy them! Usually, the commission you receive will be rather small. That may sound disappointing, but think of it this way-- the hosting, printing, and shipping is done by the website. You just upload the photos and wait for the income. Really, that's a fair trade. You can upload your photos on more than one website, but be careful. Some websites ask that you be an exclusive photographer, which means that you only upload your photos on there website. If you have the option, I suggest that you don't be exclusive, simply because the more websites you have your photography on, the more viewers and potential buyers you may have.

3.2: Get a job or internship that is photography related. This can be anything from working at a photo print, to being an intern at a local studio. You may get little or no money, depending on the job and hours, but the experience will be something you won't be able to put a price on.

3.3: Sell your photography at art fairs and farmer markets. It can be hard to find the dates and details for these fairs, but your best bet is to go to your local Chamber of Commerce. Usually, they have details on local events and how you can participate.

3.4: Sell your photography prints in an art gallery. Most galleries will be willing to at least hear you out and look at your portfolio. Don't let it get to you if you're declined. Photography, and art as a whole, is a very competitive field. Hearing a “No, thank you” is a simple reminder that you need to improve your skills as a photographer. It could also mean that they have no room, in which case, give them your contact information so they can contact you once they do have room. Keep in mind, your photographs should be top quality before you consider this step. I would recommend that you ask someone that is experienced in photography to critique, as well. If you don't have access to an experienced photographer, you can post your photos on art sites such as DeviantArt. Artists there will be willing to critique your work for you for free.

Other Tips:

• Attend as many classes as possible, whether it be on a college campus, vocational school, or online.

• Build your portfolio (both online and hand-held). This will come in handy when you apply for jobs in the photography industry.

• Read books, E-zines, tutorials, how-to articles, whatever you can to help you learn more about photography. Knowledge is power.