Are you ready to elevate your elopement photography business and turn your passion for capturing intimate love stories into a thriving business venture, even in your slow season as a photographer? In this blog, I’ll be going over the Top 5 Ways to Make Extra Money as a Photographer!

I get it, we want to be able to have the flexibility to have multiple sources of income, outside of solely shooting as an elopement photographer. Whether that be due to an injury, having kiddos, or just wanting more freedom and more revenue streams! As creative entrepreneurs, there ARE ways to diversify your skills, make more money, while still focusing on photography!

1. Prints and Album Designs:

Leverage your existing client base by offering them high-quality prints or personalized album designs. I LOVE PicTime for this! They make print marketing to clients seamless and effective! Many clients cherish their photos and would love the opportunity to adorn their walls or coffee tables with your artistry. Collaborate with printing labs to ensure the utmost quality and offer your clients a range of options, from canvas prints to custom photo books. Additionally, consider creating limited edition prints to add exclusivity and value to your offerings.

Check out PicTime and use my code S2NENQ at checkout!

• Client Photo prints
• Wedding Albums
• Travel Photo Prints

2. Affiliate Marketing:

Have you ever recommended a camera, lens, or any other photography gear to a friend or follower? Affiliate marketing allows you to earn a commission for every sale made through your unique referral link. Affiliate marketing is a source of income that not many creative professionals utilize to add additional revenue to their business. It is one of my all time favorite ways to make passive income (income that you don’t really have to work for). However, there are some important things you must understand before heading into the affiliate marketing space. Check out my guide on the Best Affiliate Programs for Photographers!

• Photography Gear
• Software
• Brands
• Businesses

3. Stock Photography:

Turn your top images into a passive income stream by selling them on stock photography websites like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, or Getty Images. This could be a great way to make extra money as a photographer! Whether it’s landscapes, portraits, or conceptual shots, there’s a market for various types of photography. Focus on building a diverse portfolio that caters to different niches and meets the demand of commercial clients and content creators worldwide. Be careful when it comes to sharing private clients work though, and consider and legalities when it comes to which photos you put up for sale!

As a pro tip for wedding and elopement photographers, another thing you can do is sell your images to venues, government parks and more. If you have images that you feel would be effective marketing for certain locations or other small businesses, don’t hesitate to tell them that! You can charge a licensing fee per image that they use for advertising. I personally let vendors use my images as long as they give me full credit. However, there are times that they can’t give me credit (ads, hero images on website, etc.), and that’s where I would create a licensing fee.

4. Collaborations:

Collaborate with brands, businesses, or influencers on sponsored content or creative projects. From product photography campaigns to brand ambassadorships, there are endless opportunities to showcase your talent while earning a fee or possibly receiving free products/services in exchange. Be transparent with your audience about sponsored collaborations and ensure that the partnership aligns with your brand values and aesthetic! Another similar way to earn extra money on the dates you’re not booked – second shoot with other photographers! While this is more of a wedding photography need, rather than elopements, it can still be a fun way to stay active and network with others! Plus its boosts creativity and gets ya out of your comfort zone!

• Second shooting
• Associate shooting
• Brand photography
• Creative projects

5. Education:

Share your knowledge and expertise with aspiring photographers through workshops, one-on-one mentorships, or online courses. I only recommend doing this not as just a way to make an extra buck off of newbies though. Only pursue the education side of photography once you feel confident in your skills – and can show proof of how you yourself have done the things you’ve taught! My goal is showing up for my elopement photography education is not because I need to make money – heck no! My heart is bursting with how much I want to share to help other photographers grow their own businesses – because there is plenty of room for all of us!

• Mentorships
• Styled shoots
• Workshops
• Courses/Guides

I personally use Thrivecart to host all of my education resources. I am IN LOVE with it. It’s super simple to use, and way more affordable than other platforms out there.

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Let go of that ego!

While it may seem daunting to find ways to make extra money as a photographer remember that it’s okay to let go of your pride and take on work that is outside of your photography business if need be. We as creative entrepreneurs may take an ego hit when a low-income month or year results in needing to take on a side hustle, or work part-time outside the house. Let me tell you, there is NO SHAME! You can still build your business while working another job.

But if your goal is to ditch the 9-5 and finally have freedom in your business, control over your schedule, and make the income you desire without the stress, burnout and frustration. Friend, I believe in you!! Head over to my Biz with Boundaries resource page to find more tools on building a sustainable business, and find out how to sign up for my elopement photography Mastermind!

xx Kels