10+ ideas to diversify your revenue as a photographer

During this time, the best you can do is 1. monetize on your talents and experience and 2. be active and get some exposure for the post-lockdown season. There is no need to reinvent the wheel, just work with what you have/are good at. Remember, most people - your existing and potential clients, as well as fellow creatives, are online right now. Emails get higher open rates than before, websites get more daily traffic and engagement, and Instagram, well that one has always been endlessly scrolled. The point is - be there and be present. This will help you earn more money.

Here are some ideas to help you diversify your revenue as a photographer or creative entrepreneur:

1. Sell your signature presets

You’ve always been good at it, you always got lots of compliments on your photography style - why not sell your signature editing presets? Sell them individually or put them together in a bundle and give it a cool name. It could be your name. Even if you price them at as little as $9.99, when you sell 10 of them - hey, that’s +$100 in your bank account!

2. Offer editing services

Many photographers have taken this time to catch up on their editing, but you know how tedious of a process it is! If you’ve got some killer editing skills, want to help a fellow photographer out in return for some cash - there is no better time to do it. Spread the word via your favorite Photography Facebook group and get to work (this applies to any of these ideas, really). Since so many creatives focus on building their websites, client communication, creating courses, or guides - they may be desperate for some help with photo or video editing.

3. Sell design services

Have you been creating fun logos or brand illustrations before, for yourself, or your friends? Are you good with drawing or perhaps have a solid amount of experience in creating websites? Put that knowledge, experience, and talent to good use! Make a folder with some examples of the things you’ve done or can do, and share it online. Let people know that you’re open for business.

4. 1:1 online mentorship

There are many beginner photographers who look up to you, admire your work, and want to learn all your secrets. If you’re considering to give some away and teach others your craft - online paid mentorship is a great way to earn some extra cash. Prepare well before you sell it. Present your value, put your skillset forward, tell them about your niche, and what sets you apart to really filter through your potential mentees. The more value you offer, the more confident you will feel about the price you ask for. For some inspiration, check out how brilliant Twyla Jones and Anni Graham do it.

5. Online education courses 

This is similar to online mentorship, but it targets larger audiences. Put together a course on something you are really good at. It can be photography, videography, editing, or even gear. It can also be website related - advice on how you updated your own site, how to work with a specific platform (like Squarespace), blogging tips, SEO secrets, copywriting, image curation, etc. Try to keep it simple. Even if you are well-versed, break different topics into different courses, don’t offer everything you know in one course. The more focused your topics are, the easier it will be for you to target the right audience.

6. Product & mockup photography

Moyo Studio has done an exceptional job at creating stunning photo mockups for creatives. You can get inspired by them and create your own setups. Use laptops or other devices, frames, or postcards, throw in some props like plants, books, and coffee cups, add some human touch, and voila, you’ve created a gorgeous styled mockup! Sell them to stock websites or promote them via your own channels. You won’t believe how many brands out there need them.

The same goes for product photography. Reach out to a local or national business, have the products delivered to your house, and get creative. Check out this great guide on product photography from Shopify.

7. Sell your photos to stock websites

If you have a large image and/or video portfolio, you can consider selling them to stock websites. With most of them, you will receive 15% - 50% royalty off each sale. Here is an elaborate list of stock photography sites as well as some tips to have in mind when shooting stock imagery.

8. Upsell your albums or prints

Reach out to your existing clients and ask them if they’d be interested in you creating a photo album for them, to have all those beautiful memories printed and tangible. Write them something along the lines of “Hey, hope you are safe and doing great. I know how much you loved your wedding/family photo gallery. I was wondering if you’d want me to put together a photo album for you, as you finally have the time to pick through the images and participate in the layout designs”. Check out Pixellu’s SmartAlbums to create beautiful, modern photo albums or Pic-Time for more client upselling features, like discount announcements on prints, holiday cards created with client photos, etc.

9. Skype & FaceTime Photography

Now that’s become a really cool photographic trend and we can’t believe that some photos were taken via FaceTime - that’s how amazing they are! So start getting creative. Yes, it’s new for you, but it’s also new for your models/clients and it’s probably one of the most memorable shooting experiences for them. First, experiment with your friends and family, and when you feel confident enough - start charging for your sessions.

10. Offer gift cards for future events & bookings

Even during self-isolation, your (ideal) clients still love your work and are planning to book you, even if the date is uncertain. Offer gift cards for future events and bookings - to keep the relationship alive and your cashflow under control. Win-win.

11. Affiliate Marketing

Sign up as an affiliate with brands that you use and enjoy. Create content about them (helpful and comprehensive review articles), use your referral links, put some thought into SEO so the article shows up in search results, then start spreading the word and helping the post get traction. While this strategy won’t bring you instant results, it can be an easy and sweet source of passive income over time. 

Bonus: Get more exposure for the post Covid-19 season

Think long term. As mentioned before, you’ve got to be active during this time. Get noticed online, so that potential clients see you, remember you and book you post-lockdown. Also, connect with fellow creatives in the industry and create meaningful collabs that will serve you better in the future. Here are some ideas:

• Reach out to brands/individuals that are currently hosting podcasts, interviews, or lives. Brainstorm on some topics that are of interest to you, which present your expertise in a certain area and can help you get more exposure to new audiences.

• Put together some PDF resources or guides for your site visitors or social followers. Give them away for free to anyone who signs up to your newsletter. This way, you’re creating a mailing list that you can target and sell to, post-COVID. Stay tuned as we’re preparing an article with ideas for freebies you can give away for free and grow your email list.

Creatively and kindly yours,

Squaremuse Team