Making Money in Amateur Photography

Photography is just a hobby for some people, but a growing number of amateur photographers have learned to turn their skills into profitable side businesses.  It doesn’t take a genius or a lot of capital to build a nice revenue stream with your photography skills.  In fact, many times it is more about being creative as opposed to having deep pockets.  Here are just some of the simple ways you can make money as an amateur photographer.

- Make a book or downloadable file of niche photography (ex. pictures of Pittsburg), and sell it directly from your blog or website.

- Get paid by groups to take pictures at corporate or social events.

- Build relationships with realtors or house-flippers to take pictures of their current and prospective properties.

- Spend some time learning how to list items on eBay and then help people take photographs of their items and list them.

- Sell your own stock photography on eBay.

- Search the internet for photo websites and forums that are running photography contests.  Submit your best pictures for a chance to win equipment or cash prizes.

- Offer a keepsake photography service at tourist destinations or other major landmarks.

- Upload your portfolio of pictures to all of the revenue-sharing stock photography websites.

- Create PowerPoint slide shows for weddings, corporate and social events.

- Use your knowledge of digital editing programs and photo scanners to help people edit their pictures and preserve their old prints.

- Make screensavers and desktop backgrounds of your best shots and sell them online at one of the many screensaver marketplaces.

- Become a freelance photo journalist or paparazzi photographer.

- Work with private investigators or directly with customers who need photographic evidence for their legal endeavors.

- Use websites like CafePress to turn pictures into t-shirts or other keepsake items.  Sell these items for a profit.

- Offer digital photography classes or tutoring sessions by advertising for free on Craigslist.

- Create custom greeting cards, announcements, and invitations for your customers by utilizing an online print service and building in your own production fee.

With a little bit of research and marketing, you can turn your love of photography into a revenue stream.  There will always be a need for affordable stock photography, picture taking and editing services.  If you can develop a profitable business model that fits customer demand, then you may just stumble across a gold mine.