HOW TO MAKE MONEY AS A YOUNG PHOTOGRAPHER

We all need money to survive in our daily lives, and as a young photographer, it is difficult to get gigs that will give you money to sustain and buy gadgets you need to keep up with other photographers who are already established. If you have a camera and computer of your own I will say congrats because you just broke through the first step in photography; with time, you can get other gears to foster your productivity.

I have compiled a list of ways you can make money that will sustain you till your next big gig.

• SELL STOCK IMAGES: These kinds of images are required by websites, bloggers, advertising agencies, publications, etc. you can sell your images to these guys and you make some cool cash while doing other things and your choice of photography doesn’t matter.
• APPLY FOR PHOTO CONTESTS: This provides great opportunities to all photographers not just by winning but also creates a broad platform that they can ride on. There are numerous photo contests that you can apply and submit your best compelling and storytelling images.
• PICK UP A FREELANCE JOB: You can apply for a photography freelance job, once they fall in love with your work you’re definitely getting the gig.
• DOCUMENT LOCAL EVENTS AND SELL: When you go to local events you will see a lot of amazing stories that are sellable, from fairs to festivals, there are a lot of options; you’ll just need to do the groundwork. Upload your images to a website like Pixieset.com and they’ll take care of the printing and shipping for you.
• BE A SECOND SHOOTER OR ASSISTANT: If you know any photographer who has a huge gig, you can apply to be their second shooter and you will get paid.
• SELL YOUR IMAGES ON GREETING CARDS: You can pitch card companies, or create and sell them yourself on places like etsy.com