How To Get Paid to Take Pictures
Smartphone Photography
Thanks to advancements in smartphone camera technology, becoming a photographer is more accessible than ever before, simply by using your phone. In light of this, there are numerous apps available that allow you to sell your photos, whether they're stock images or related to specific photography projects.
Nonetheless, it's essential to have a basic understanding of photography to get started. If this is not an issue, consider exploring apps such as Foap, EyeEm, and Agora Images for potential opportunities.
Sell stock photos
Stock photography is a popular income stream for photographers where they license their photos to be used by businesses, websites, or individuals. To succeed in the competitive world of stock photography, it's essential to select marketable subjects, maintain high-quality standards, and optimize your photos with relevant keywords.
Sell your photos as art
For photographers with a distinct artistic vision, selling photos as art prints or digital downloads can be a lucrative avenue. Online marketplaces, galleries, and exhibitions provide platforms for artists to showcase and sell their work. Building a brand, networking with other artists, and understanding the market are crucial factors for success in this field.
Get Paid to Take Pictures as a Freelancer
Freelancing as a photographer allows for greater creative freedom and the potential to earn higher rates. Building a strong portfolio, adopting effective marketing strategies, acquiring clients, and setting fair pricing are vital steps in establishing a successful freelance photography business. Nurturing relationships with clients and continuously improving your skills will help you thrive in the competitive freelance market.
Start a Photography Blog
Starting a photography blog can provide multiple income streams while allowing you to share your passion and expertise. By creating engaging content, attracting an audience, and leveraging advertisements, sponsored content, or selling digital products, you can monetize your blog effectively. Consistency, authenticity, and a unique perspective are key elements in building a successful photography blog.
Best Platforms for Selling Pictures
Stock Photography Websites
Alamy
Alamy is a platform that hosts a vast collection of over 300 million stock images, vectors, videos, and more, offering photographers the opportunity to sell their pictures. Depending on factors like the type of license and the popularity of the image, photographers can earn a commission ranging from 17% to 50% of the sales. Alamy also provides a dedicated app called Stockimo, enabling photographers to conveniently sell their pictures directly from their smartphones.
Shutterstock
Shutterstock is undoubtedly the most well-known stock photography website, but this popularity can make it challenging for beginners to compete. It operates as a micro-stock platform, where individual picture prices are relatively low, averaging around $0.48 per image. However, if you decide to become a Shutterstock contributor, you can earn a commission starting at 25% for each image sold.
Adobe Stock
Adobe Stock, one of the original stock photography platforms, offers seamless integration with Adobe Cloud, enabling photographers to upload and sell their pictures from Lightroom directly. Photographers receive a 33% royalty share for their images, and the platform does not impose exclusivity, allowing photographers to sell the same images simultaneously on other platforms. This integration provides convenience and flexibility for photographers to manage their portfolio and maximize their earnings.
Getty Images
Getty Images distinguishes itself from other stock photography platforms by offering a wide range of editorial pictures capturing events and celebrities, in addition to stock images. However, it is important to note that you cannot directly upload your pictures to Getty Images. Instead, you must upload them on Flickr, and if selected by editors, you will receive an invitation to join Getty Images. This curated process ensures that only high-quality images are featured on the platform. And lastly, photographers can get 20% for royalty-free pictures.
Mobile Apps for Selling Pictures
Foap
Foap is a widely-used app available for iOS and Android devices that allows users to sell their photographs. With Foap, you can conveniently upload pictures directly through the app, as long as they meet the minimum resolution requirement of 1280 x 960.
The app operates on a system where members rate each other's pictures, so before you can upload your own picture, you'll need to rate at least five pictures from other users. Once you upload your picture, it will also be rated by others, and you can start earning money from it. It's important to note that the app takes a 50% commission for each photo sold.
EyeEm
Unlike typical stock photography apps, EyeEm stands out as it offers more than just a platform to sell your photos. It includes additional features such as a forum where users can share helpful tips and information, free tutorials, an in-app magazine, and various filters and tools. With EyeEm, you can upload pictures without any specific requirements. If your photos are sold, you will earn 50% of the original price.
Agora
Agora is an exceptional app for selling pictures because it lets you upload all your photos without any fees, or commissions, and best of all, you keep 100% of your earnings. Moreover, this app doesn't require exclusive rights to your pictures, so you can sell them elsewhere simultaneously. However, to find success on Agora, it's important to upload high-quality photos, promote yourself, and even participate in photo contests.
Opportunities for Advanced Photographers
Advanced photographers have unique opportunities to diversify their income and establish themselves as industry experts:
- Teach photography workshops to share your knowledge and skills with aspiring photographers.
- Offer one-on-one coaching or mentorship programs to provide personalized guidance for enthusiasts or professionals.
- Collaborate with brands or publications on special projects, advertising campaigns, or editorial assignments.
