How to Make Money with Photography: The 5 Most Profitable Styles

Learn how to make money with photography by exploring the five most profitable styles: commercial photography, stock photos, fine art photography, product photography, sports photography, and fashion photography.

How to Make Money with Photography: The 5 Most Profitable Styles

Photography is a great way to make money, and there are many different styles that can be profitable. Commercial photography is one of the highest-paid photographic jobs, and YouTubers who talk about photography or video have often worked in this field. Family portraits and baby photo sessions are also popular, and some photographers charge more than $10,000 for these types of photographs. Stock photos can also be a great source of income, with prices ranging from a few cents to a few dollars per image.

Fine art photography is another option, allowing photographers to express their artistic inclinations and develop their own personal style. Photographing products can also be lucrative, although it may seem like a low-paid side job at first. Sports photography is another cost-effective style, although the competition is fierce due to large marketing companies employing photographers. Finally, fashion photography is an expensive but rewarding style that requires unique style and a solid portfolio. Commercial photography is one of the most profitable photographic jobs out there.

YouTubers who talk about photography or video have often worked in this field, and I did my fair share 10 years ago when I was editing the photographs taken by the wedding photographers. Family portraits and baby photo sessions are also popular, with some photographers charging more than $10,000 for these types of photographs. A good example of this is photographer Peter Csakvari, who managed to reach an agreement with some big clients with his unique style. Fine art photography offers the most room for maneuver to satisfy your artistic inclinations and develop your personal style. Patrick Ecclesine, an independent photographer based in Los Angeles famous for his celebrity photographs and promotional posters for successful series such as Homeland and Californication, is a good example of this artist style.

Creating and working on your own style of marketing photography can help you get hired by clients who want something more unique. Photographing products can also be lucrative, although it may seem like a low-paid side job at first. It's important to consider the specific characteristics of each project and the photographer's skill level when estimating how much money you can earn. Photographing sports can be a great way to meet new people and spread your work around your neighborhood. Finally, fashion photography is an expensive but rewarding style that requires unique style and a solid portfolio. People take pride in their photographic works and love to show them online and in their homes.