The pathway to creative fulfilment and financial freedom in today’s fast-paced gig economy could present itself directly from a side hustle – which is being utilized to make more than just extra cash.
Whether you’re capturing candid moments or scenic landscapes, a popular avenue gaining traction is photography. It offers a flexible and rewarding way to build a secondary income stream; here’s how you can turn your shutter skills into a successful side gig.
Finding Your Niche
The first step to building a photography side hustle is identifying your niche. Photography is a broad field, and specializing in a particular area can help you stand out. It is important to consider your interests and strengths – whether it’s capturing the perfect sunset or creating artistic headshots. Hone in on what excites you most.
Some popular niches in the photography side hustle scene include:
Portrait Photography
Whether it’s family portraits, senior photos, or professional headshots, this is a great niche for those looking to work with people.
Event Photography
Parties, weddings, and corporate events often need talented photographers to capture the moment.
Stock Photography
If you prefer working independently, selling photos on stock platforms like Shutterstock, iStock, or Adobe Stock can provide passive income.
Real Estate Photography
High-quality photos of homes are in demand with the boom in real estate. Real estate agents will often pay for professional photography to showcase properties.
Product Photography
As e-commerce continues to grow, so does the need for high-quality product photography. Small businesses and online sellers always look for good photographers to take product photos.
Equipment: Camera Vs. Smartphone
While professional photographers often have an arsenal of expensive cameras and lenses, you don’t need to break the bank to start a side hustle in photography. Many successful photographers today started with nothing more than a smartphone.
If you’re working with a smartphone, the quality of your camera matters, but even entry-level phones these days come equipped with impressive cameras that can capture high-quality images. For example, the latest iPhone models offer excellent photo capabilities with various shooting modes, portrait options, and editing features. Android phones, especially higher-end models like the Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy, also offer incredible camera quality.
For those looking to work with a traditional camera, investing in a quality DSLR or mirrorless camera is important. Good entry-level models include the Canon EOS Rebel or Sony Alpha series. Prices can range from $500 to $1,500, depending on the features and lenses you choose. A basic lens kit (18-55mm) typically comes included, but additional lenses, such as a 50mm or wide-angle lens, might cost an extra $100 to $300 each.
Building A Portfolio
A strong portfolio is essential to showcase your skills and attract clients. If you’re just starting, one of the best ways to build a portfolio is by offering free or discounted shoots to friends and family. This will help you gain experience, experiment with different styles, and have various works to show. If you’re interested in stock photography, venturing out to scenic areas and capturing a variety of shots will serve as good practice to build upon.
Once you have solid photos, build a portfolio highlighting your best shots. You can create a simple website via hosting programmes like WordPress or Wix or use platforms like Instagram, Flickr, or 500px to display your work. These platforms are perfect for photography, allowing you to share images and connect with potential clients easily.
Additionally, don’t underestimate the power of word-of-mouth. Many photographers rely on referrals and repeat clients. By delivering high-quality work and establishing good relationships with clients, your business can grow through positive recommendations.
Pricing Your Photography Services
When starting out, pricing your services can be tricky. You want to remain competitive while ensuring you’re compensated fairly for your time and skills.
Here are some general price ranges for different types of photography services:
Portrait Photography
Sessions typically range from $100 to $400 for a 1-2 hour shoot, depending on location, experience, and the number of edited photos included.
Event Photography
Event rates vary based on the length and complexity, but expect to charge between $500 to $2,000 for a full day’s coverage. Weddings, in particular, can command higher rates, typically $1,500 to $5,000, depending on experience and package offerings.
Stock Photography
If you’re selling on stock platforms, you’ll earn between $0.25 and $2 per photo, depending on the platform and the licensing agreement. While the return per image might be low, uploading many high-quality images can lead to passive income over time.
Real Estate Photography
Real estate photography rates typically range from $150 to $500 per shoot. Offering virtual tours and drone photography can increase your rates significantly.
Product Photography
For small businesses and e-commerce sites, product photography typically ranges from $25 to $150 per product, depending on the complexity of the shoot and the number of images required.
For smartphone photographers, charging lower rates initially can help you build your portfolio and attract clients. You can raise your prices accordingly as your reputation grows and your skills improve.
Marketing Your Photography Side Hustle
Once you have a portfolio and a pricing structure in place, marketing will be required to help expand the reach of your services. As mentioned, word of mouth is powerful in the photography industry, but a strong online presence is a must to support it.
Here are a few tips to help you gain further exposure:
Social Media
Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest are goldmines for photographers. Instagram is especially effective due to its visual nature. Regularly post your best work, engage with followers, and use relevant hashtags to increase your visibility.
Local Networking
Attend local events, join community groups, and collaborate with other businesses to gain exposure. Real estate agents, event planners, and small businesses can be great sources of referrals.
Collaborate with Influencers
Influencers and bloggers often need professional photos for their websites and social media. Partnering with them for discounted or barter-based services can be a great way to gain exposure.
Listing Sites and Directories
Sites like Thumbtack, Upwork, and Fiverr are platforms where you can list your services and get matched with potential clients looking for photographers.
Diversifying Income Streams
Photography offers numerous ways to diversify your income beyond traditional client work once building a strong repertoire. One potential lucrative option is creating and selling online courses or tutorials, especially if you’ve honed specific skills or techniques in photography. This allows you to share your expertise with aspiring photographers while generating passive income.
Another effective way to diversify is through photography licensing. You can create a stream of recurring income by licensing your images to businesses, magazines, or marketing agencies for commercial use. Once the images are licensed, you’ll continue to earn revenue with minimal ongoing effort, making it an efficient way to generate income from your existing work.
Summary
Starting a photography side hustle is an exciting and profitable way to explore your passion while building an income stream. Whether using a smartphone or a professional camera, there’s room for creativity and growth. By focusing on a niche, building a portfolio, setting competitive pricing, and marketing your services, you can transform your love for photography into a sustainable and fulfilling income stream.
