Setting up a photography side gig is more challenging than simply taking out your phone to capture a beautiful sunset and subsequently selling the image on the internet.
In order to begin earning money from your iPhone or Android photos, it is necessary to have certain equipment, software, and essential knowledge. You do not have to be an expert; by grasping these fundamental aspects, you will be prepared to commence.
- Smartphone with a high-quality camera: With technology constantly advancing, a good smartphone camera is essential if you want your images to sell. Even if your images are properly framed and well-lit, they’ll be tough to sell if they’re shot with an outdated lens or in low resolution. Here’s a post that outlines some good quality smartphone cameras that will serve you well.
- Photo editing software: You can do basic edits on your phone, but if you’re optimizing photos for print (think wall art and merch), you’re better off editing your images on a computer. Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom have been the industry leaders in photo editing software for decades, but if the price tag is too steep, GIMP (desktop) and A Color Story (mobile) are cheaper alternatives for editing your photos.
Ways to Get Paid to Take Pictures
Here are a few excellent methods for generating income by selling your photographs:
Apps that Pay You To Take Pictures
There are various apps available that allow you to earn money from your smartphone photographs if you possess a talent for capturing high-quality images and are reluctant to spend money on a good camera.
Getting paid for taking pictures has never been quicker and easier than these methods.
1. Foap
Foap is an online platform for photographers to connect with buyers interested in business-oriented photography. By selling a photo on Foap, you can earn a 50% commission. Additionally, whenever you take part in a Foap Mission and make a sale, you receive $50, which is quite delightful. Your payment is securely transferred through PayPal, granting you speedy access to your funds.
2. EyeEm
EyeEm is a platform that enables individuals to sell their images for commercial purposes and earn royalties. There are four payout tiers at EyeEm, offering commissions ranging from 25% to 55%. To obtain complete information regarding payment details and application procedures, please refer to this resource.
3. Snapwire
Snapwire is a platform for visual production that enables creators to sell their photos and videos to both brands and small businesses. One interesting aspect is Snapwire’s leveling system, which grants incentives to creators who achieve exceptional performance.
4. Snappr
Almost every corner of the globe is currently eligible to apply for Snappr, an uncomplicated photography app that allows customers to conveniently book photography services at predetermined rates. You can retain anywhere between 65% to 80% of the booking price, depending on the shoot type, without the obligation of a subscription or membership fee.
Stock Photo Websites
If you browse through most business websites, it is highly probable that you will come across images of various buildings, landscapes, customers, and objects (such as phones, computers, and office equipment). A significant portion of these images are sourced from regular photographers who possess the skills to capture stock images and generate income from them on the internet.
If you possess a compelling image idea and basic skills in Photoshop or photo editing, you can begin capturing photos and earning income from stock photo websites. Additionally, you do not require an advanced camera; your Android device or iPhone will be sufficient.
Keeping that in consideration, here are the leading websites to explore for stock photos.
5. Shutterstock
Shutterstock, a worldwide photography community, provides a commission ranging from 25 to 38 cents for each download of your work. Additionally, commissions are given for referring new contributors and customers.
6. iStock by Getty Images
Just like Shutterstock, iStock allows you to upload content and earn royalties when users download your work. The app offers a 15% royalty rate for photos, 20% for videos, and 20% for illustrations. Exclusive contributors have the chance to earn between 25% and 45%.
7. Adobe Stock (formerly Fotolia)
The company known as Adobe Stock provides a platform for online photo contributors and is recognized as one of the largest in this industry. They offer a royalty rate of 33% for photos and 35% for videos.
8. Dreamstime
Dreamstime, a well-known stock photo platform, offers a revenue share of 25% to 50% on submitted work, but a minimum of $100 should be earned before one can request a payout. Once this threshold is reached, it is necessary to contact the company to initiate the payment process.
Freelance
Apart from earning income from selling images on the internet, freelance photographers can also receive payment for providing traditional photography services. Now, let’s delve deeper into the explanation behind this statement.
Freelance photographers are frequently hired by both organizations and individuals for temporary assignments. An illustration of this is when a nearby restaurant requires captivating photographs of their menu items to feature on their newly designed website. Similarly, a local boutique might desire high-quality images documenting customers shopping at their store. Additionally, there is a possibility of securing a photography job with a local newspaper, capturing moments from community events and promptly reporting breaking news.
When you work as a freelance photographer, you will receive payment for both the photography assignments and the time you spend editing the captured images. Successful projects are likely to lead to future opportunities with your clients.
Make sure to visit the following websites to discover freelance photography opportunities.
9. Fiverr
You have likely come across Fiverr on my blog, as it is a highly renowned platform for side hustles. Numerous photographers, including yourself, have the opportunity to provide their services on Fiverr.
Lifestyle and product photography are the most sought-after categories on Fiverr, wherein photographers can receive payment for capturing images of various businesses’ products and individuals using those products (such as activewear, jewelry, swimwear, shoes, etc.).
Just like Upwork, Fiverr also charges a 20% commission on revenue. Given this, I suggest utilizing Fiverr to initially secure some gigs, gain valuable experience, and establish your reputation.
Ideally, you can establish a clientele base of your own, thereby avoiding the need to pay substantial commissions.
10. Upwork
At Upwork, a leading platform for freelancers, you can discover a wide range of freelance photography jobs. Whether it’s capturing live events or producing product images for online catalogs, Upwork consistently offers numerous photography gigs for you to pursue.
Upwork provides the option to list your specialized photography services for sale. If you have a passion for capturing images of dogs, shoes, or cars, you can showcase this particular service on Upwork, enabling potential customers to discover and hire you.
Upon securing your inaugural employment opportunity via the platform, Upwork applies a 20% fee on the initial $500 in earnings, followed by 10% for billings ranging from $500.01 to $10,000, and eventually 5% for any charges exceeding this amount.
11. Indeed
When you visit the home page of Indeed, a prominent job search engine, you can easily discover various types of jobs, including opportunities related to photography. All you need to do is search for the keyword “photography” and you will be presented with numerous legitimate freelance and on-site job options.
Have a look around and find things that spark your interest. Typically, having a portfolio or relevant experience is necessary to secure a job on Indeed. However, there is always a chance of unexpected opportunities arising from connecting with the right company.
It is important to mention that as a photographer, you will not be charged any commissions by Indeed, which sets it apart from Upwork and Fiverr. Instead, the job posting companies are the ones charged by Indeed.
Hence, companies with extremely limited budgets are at a higher risk of being eliminated, making the search for opportunities more fiercely competitive.
If you’re new to photography, you may consider starting with less advanced photography projects on platforms like Fiverr and Upwork. Once you have established a strong portfolio, you can then progress to using Indeed. These are just my personal recommendations!
Sell Your Pictures as Art
If photographing newborns and newlyweds isn’t your cup of tea, don’t worry. You can still pursue the artistic aspect of photography and make money by selling your unique photos as artwork. This section will delve into various options available to you.
12. Etsy
On Etsy, you have the freedom to determine the prices of your photos and offer them for sale to customers. Once a sale is made, Etsy will deduct a 5% commission and you will be responsible for the expenses related to shipping and gift-wrapping. Amongst the preferred categories for photos are physical prints featuring nature and landscapes. You have the option to sell only the prints or provide framed versions as well.
13. eBay
If you want to sell photos to buyers worldwide, eBay is a great platform with a vast user base of 187 million. As an eBay photo seller, you have the option to either set a fixed price for your work or put it up for auction and allow the market to decide the final selling price.
14. Amazon
Selling digital images on Amazon is prohibited, but you have the option to sell prints or photographs in a restricted edition of 200 or fewer. Amazon offers various selling plans to select from: The Individual plan entails a charge of 99 cents per item sold along with additional selling fees, whereas the Professional package requires a monthly fee of $39.99 in addition to selling fees.
If you want to sell photos using this platform, here is a comprehensive overview of the pricing that Amazon offers for sellers.
Start Your Own Website to Promote Your Pictures
If you truly desire to transform your photography into a viable business, contemplate initiating your own blog or website where you can directly sell your artwork to clients. In addition, you can utilize your website as a central platform for discovering new opportunities.
15. Start a Photography Blog
It is important to note that you do not have to possess coding skills in order to create an attractive website. With basic computer skills, you can begin building a website from scratch using platforms such as GoDaddy, Weebly, or Squarespace. For individuals who are more knowledgeable in technology, creating their own WordPress page is worth considering.
Utilize social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube to promote your content and listings, aiming to engage a wider audience and draw potential customers and clients.
If you specialize in greeting cards, you have the option to directly sell them on your website. Conversely, if you have a passion for wedding photography, it would be preferable to display your portfolio and availability on social media.
Selling directly to customers necessitates extra effort and continuous supervision. However, it is highly recommended, if only because it allows you to retain a higher portion of your revenue.
16. Redbubble
Redbubble offers greater flexibility in determining your own prices compared to other photo websites. Instead of the website determining the price and providing you with a commission, Redbubble sets the base price and allows you to determine the markup for your items being sold. They provide a diverse range of products which can showcase your images, including scarves, coasters, and journals.
17. Instaprints
Instaprints offers a range of distinctive marketing resources to enhance your sales and visibility. You have the opportunity to sell on Facebook, in retail stores, and even license your artwork to adorn the walls of TV show sets! With the Instaprints mobile app, customers can preview how your image will appear on their wall prior to making a purchase.
While there are free features available for all users, premium members have the advantage of accessing extra options such as creating their own website and sending promotional emails.
Other Ways To Earn With Photos
Even if you are not an experienced photographer or have any artistic abilities, you can still make money from your photos. Even ordinary pictures taken with a cell phone can bring in some extra cash. Here are additional opportunities for those seeking practical ways to earn money from their photographs.
18. Take Pictures Of Receipts
Even something as ordinary as grocery receipts can earn you money by simply taking pictures of them.
By utilizing apps such as Fetch and Ibotta, you can receive rebates for your grocery expenditures, specifically on items that you typically purchase on a weekly basis from the store.
Simply download the app, and buy one of the items or brands that offers a rebate (no coupon required). Snap a photo of your receipt, upload it, and get paid via PayPal.
Although you won’t make a significant amount of money with these apps, they provide a convenient way to earn extra cash while carrying out your necessary grocery shopping.
19. Take Pictures Inside Stores
Many companies are in need of individuals who can physically observe and evaluate their employees’ customer service, product presentation, and store cleanliness. This is where you and your reliable cell phone camera can play a role.
In the role of a mystery shopper, your objective is to assume the guise of an ordinary customer. However, your mission entails discreetly capturing photographs of particular elements within a store’s interior, ultimately providing the company with invaluable information.
