Earning money through Photography

August 2021 i was turn between buying Camera, or buy the latest I-phone in the market?. The reason behind this is that my 5 year old phone wanted to retire. As an online seller having a good phone with camera is the best option hence i needed to post most of my items online, plus i can use it for personal use and for my work too. It was like 90% for a new phone and 10% for a Camera. 

At the end i decided to by myself Canon M50 MII for a change! Photography was not new to me, I own an old DSLR Fujifilm (sorry i forgot the exact model) back in 2010. Photography was a hobby and it makes me feel relaxed and far away from my 8-5 job day at work. 

Being entrepreneur myself and as i was trying to search the youtube trying to figure out various ways to improve  myself in photography, i came across with various videos on how to make money through photography, At first i was honestly hesitant because i just want to have fun taking photos, i was afraid that if i turn this hobby to a money making, i will find myself working instead of having fun and relaxing, but then i also realized that if i can make money at the same time have fun then it would be much great. Added to that is i wanted to do vanlife in the future, and earning money anywhere i am would be a PLUS if i wanted to embark in this journey.

Although photography was not new, i really doubt about my skills, i do not know my subject, i just take random photos of things around me. As i prepare my photos for submission i have observe that i have great interest taking photos of flowers and animals. Both subject has special part in my heart. On the very same day i asked my sister to accompany me at Souq Waqif and Finally do photography with a purpose. And so i focus on my subject, submit my photos and pray to be approved! And I was!

I was so happy during that time, i cannot believe it! Really! am now a contributor!!!

But how did i do it? and where i am selling my photos or how do i earn money form photography?. Allow me to share to you some tips based on my experience.

How did i do it?

1. Prepare your Photos

Preparing your photos means know your subject, if your have various subject then i suggest that you choose your expertise and focus on it for few months or years before you move to another subject. As i mentioned above my forte is flowers and animals. So during my applications to various websites (ie: Shutterstock's, Getty Images and Alamy) i prepare my best photo of flowers and animals to submit for Contributor's Approval.(See my Portfolio https://shutr.bz/3BF1mYw)

If your interested to become Shutterstock's Contributor you may use the link to sign up: https://shutr.bz/3JsrFEe so good luck!

2. Submit Regularly

There would be a time that you almost don't want to go out and take photos because the earning is a bit very slow, but as i educate myself towards photography though youtube i realize that start was never been easy, you need to submit a lot of photos and help yourself to improved because the competition is too high. 

My personal suggestion is have fun, and set aside the earning, it will come naturally, so don't burden yourself from earning specially if you have only less than a thousand photos approved. Keep going, never give up!

3. Word of Mouth

When i went back to photography, 1st let my friends who are into photography business that am back, with open arms they help me to get back to track, because i have so much to catch up, with modern gear and all updates am really behind. With their help i manage to get back on track, go out and exert alot of effort to  shoot, even if at times i feel lazy i still push myself up to this day to take photo.

4. Create Instagram/Facebook Account

At present i believe that Instagram  and Facebook is the best way to promote your work, also boosting it will help you reach more people to your account. But of course you need to post regularly and have interactions with your followers.

5. Invest in Good lens

Many people who are very new to photography buys very expensive body, for me as long as you change your lens the body of your camera doesn't matter the most. The package of my camera is 15-45mm and its really hard to get good shoot specially with my subject. And so i buy myself 55-200 and i was so happy! I got good quality of photo and it really made a great upgrade.

Earning Money

6. Do part time photography gigs

In many occasion i do part time photography, being a woman living in middle east is advantage because will be able to get gigs, sometimes its already me saying no because of my schedule, but its fun to do it once in a while. And getting paid is the best because ahhh we work hard by the way.

7. Sell to various Website

I have 3 favorite website where i sale most of my photos Shutterstock's, Getty Images and Alamy. Of course there are many other website but because i have difficulty in managing few website i will stick to the 3 website as of the moment, because i feel like i can manage the 3 very well.

8. Use your photo as design background.

Am not good in digital design but i can say that i am earning quite good amount of money from it, with it using my own photos adds up to my earning and it feels awesome.

So are you in photography too? Share to me your experience, comments or Suggestions and i would love to get in touch.