Seems everyone has, or needs, as side hustle these days. Why should photographers be any different? I have had many photography side hustles over the last 17 years, in addition to my main editorial and corporate photography work. Below are some of the extra revenue streams I have utilized to generate additional income throughout my photography career.
Family Portraits
Family portrait photography is a great way to supplement income as a photographer. Pretty much everyone has a camera these days, and to some degree, appreciated photography. However, not many people have great family photos. If you are already doing people related photography getting into family portraits needn’t be that difficult. I started doing this as my children’s friend’s spread the word that I was a photographer. Moving to a tourist destination also increase the demand for this service. What style you offer is up to you. I work as a photojournalist and corporate photographer so my style is more location, response based.
A lot of people invest in professional family portraits. They can be very formal studio affairs, or more casual location shoots.
Weddings
At some point, I think all photographers look at weddings as an income source. How many pursue it to a high degree is another thing. The truth is, wedding photography has a market for every type of client. So you can be very high end, traveling the world on weekends, or you can be more local, meeting at the courthouse and sending on digital files. Wedding photography is a huge market and worth considering.
Weddings are a great way to add revenue. Mostly, they take place on weekends, and can happen in month in the year.
Engagements / Proposals
Much like the two options above, engagements and proposal photo shoots are popular. Again, my style of photojournalism works well here. I live in a resort town, and that helps too. I was doing this when I was in Montreal. Start by capturing couples you know. Build a portfolio, and spread the word.
Break the mold a bit. Engagements and proposal photography can be very rewarding and stimulation.
Print Gallery
Sell your photographs as prints. I am always amazed at how many photographer do no or very little actual printing. Sad in a way. Creating a collection of your favourite images should not be that difficult. There is a market for almost all types of print photography. Have a look at other photographers who are selling on sites like Etsy. Or better yet, set up your own on-line gallery. Here’s mine - www.N117.ca
Everything Changes © Allen McEachern / N117 - One of the images from my on-line print gallery www.N117.ca
Stock
Stock is dead. Long live stock. This market is not what it once was, but it is still something. More and more photo content is being consumed then every previously. The market is huge, the competition is fierce, and fees are low. I know, but still it is a source of income, passive income. Find a niche agency for the photography your produce. Chances are they feed Getty, Alamy, or Corbis and so forth. This is also a great source of inbound passive marketing for you and your brand. As the images you have chosen for stock circulate, editorial use often comes with a photographer credit.
Food is food. Stock photography is so varied, it can be almost anything. Put these images to work for you.
Interiors / Real Estate
Realtors always need great pictures of beautiful properties. Not all want to pay for them. And not many pay much for them. But if you are already equipped to shoot interiors (wide angles, tripod) than consider offering your services to realtors in your area. Look for ones that are either selling a lot (quantity) or are selling more high end (quality). My experience is that these are really the only two markets worth the work.
Real estate photography can be a bridge to working with contractors, landscapers, architects, interior designers…
Teaching
Give back what you know. Find ways to monetize your knowledge. It could be through blogging, or course development. You could actually get a photography teaching job. You could advertise workshops and seminars leveraging your professional work and experience. Perhaps you have an e-book inside of you waiting to come out. As mentioned, many many people are interested in photography, you are the expert.