Top 10 Ways to Earn Side Income as a Photographer

Business  •  Photography Tips

Photography isn’t just a passion—it can be a helpful side income stream, too. Whether you’re looking to monetize your weekends or build a creative business over time, there are many ways to make money with your camera. Here are 10 strategies that photographers of all levels can use to supplement their income.

Also thanks to our friends at finance-tips.ai with their Side Income Cheat Sheets who helped us with the list!

1. Sell Stock Photography

Stock sites like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, Getty, and Alamy allow you to upload and license your images for commercial use. Every time someone downloads your photo, you get paid. While competition is high, the key is volume and relevance—focus on universally useful subjects like business environments, holidays, healthcare, and lifestyle imagery.

Pro Tip: Use keywords effectively, upload consistently, and think like a marketer. What kind of images would a website or company want to use?

2. Offer Mini Sessions

Mini sessions are short (15–30 minute) photo shoots offered at a reduced price and booked back-to-back in one location. They’re perfect for busy clients and for photographers who want to earn more per hour.

Example: You can book 8 sessions in one day at $150 each—earning $1,200 in a single afternoon. Ideal for seasonal shoots like fall leaves, holiday cards, or back-to-school.

Pro Tip: Use limited slots and urgency in your marketing to fill spots quickly.

3. Shoot for Airbnb Hosts

Airbnb listings with professional photos tend to perform better and get more bookings. Reach out to hosts in your area and offer a flat rate for a well-lit, stylized set of photos that showcase their space.

Pro Tip: Offer upsells like twilight shots, drone exteriors, or styled lifestyle images with people using the space. Hosts are often willing to invest if it means more bookings.

4. Sell Prints or Wall Art

Turn your scenic, abstract, or emotional images into art people can hang on their walls. Print-on-demand services like Fine Art America, Society6, or even Etsy make it easy to sell without managing inventory.

Pro Tip: Create themed collections (e.g., coastal landscapes, vintage cars, black-and-white street scenes) to appeal to specific décor tastes. Add mockups so buyers can visualize the prints in real spaces.

5. Teach Photography Workshops

If you’re confident behind the camera and enjoy teaching, workshops can be incredibly rewarding—and profitable. Offer beginner DSLR classes, smartphone photography tutorials, or genre-specific workshops like night or portrait photography.

• In Person: Great for hands-on learning and photo walks
• Online: Reach more students through platforms like Teachable, Skillshare, or Zoom

Pro Tip: Bundle your workshop with takeaway materials like a PDF guide or cheat sheet.

6. License Images to Brands or Bloggers

Smaller brands, bloggers, and websites often need unique imagery that doesn’t feel like generic stock. You can license your work directly by reaching out to them or by uploading to niche platforms like EyeEm or Wirestock.

Pro Tip: Build a small library of “brandable” content—think flat lays, lifestyle portraits, workspace setups, or health & wellness themes. Offer exclusive rights for higher fees.

7. Second Shoot for Events

Weddings, corporate functions, and concerts often require more than one photographer. Second shooters support the main photographer by covering alternate angles or moments. It’s less pressure but still pays well—typically $25–$75/hour.

Pro Tip: Connect with established photographers through local Facebook groups or wedding industry meetups. Be dependable, punctual, and professional—it can lead to more gigs.

8. Start a Photo Editing Side Hustle

Not every photographer enjoys post-processing. If you’re great at editing in Lightroom, Photoshop, or Capture One, you can offer services like culling, color correction, skin retouching, and album design.

• Who Needs This? Wedding photographers, portrait studios, and influencers
• Where to Offer: Fiverr, Upwork, Facebook groups, or your own site

Pro Tip: Offer sample edits or before/after comparisons to showcase your skill.

9. Create Digital Products

Think beyond the lens. Sell downloadable Lightroom presets, posing guides, photography business templates, or even eBooks. These products can earn passive income once created.

Pro Tip: Use Gumroad, Etsy, or your own website to sell, and promote them through Instagram, YouTube, or your email list. Give away a freebie to build your audience.

10. Offer Headshots and Branding Sessions

From corporate employees to small business owners and realtors—everyone needs a professional image. Headshot sessions are quick and repeatable, and brand sessions (which tell the story of a person or business visually) are in high demand.

Package Ideas:

• $150 for a basic headshot session (15 minutes, 1 outfit)
• $500+ for a brand shoot including location variety, props, and styled images

Pro Tip: Partner with local coworking spaces or networking groups to offer exclusive rates or shoot days.

Final Thoughts

Side income as a photographer isn’t just about snapping photos—it’s about identifying needs and solving problems with creativity. You don’t have to do everything at once. Start with the ideas that fit your style, schedule, and strengths—and scale from there.

For More Side Income Ideas:

Nearly half of working adults are exploring ways to earn extra income—and for good reason. Whether you’re saving, tackling debt, or seeking more freedom, side hustles can help. These Side Income Cheat Sheets show you how to turn your time and skills into real income—with clear steps and smart ideas to get started.

They’re designed to give you a clear overview of what’s involved, what you can realistically expect to earn, and how to get started quickly.

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