Top 9 Ways to Earn $1k per Month as a Freelance Photographer

Are you a freelance photographer looking to earn a steady stream of income? 

Whether you're just starting out or have years of experience, there are many ways you can monetize your photography skills online. From selling your photos to offering online services, the possibilities are endless.

In this blog post, we'll explore the top 9 ways you can earn $1,000 per month as a freelance photographer. 

We'll break down each method, explain how it works, and provide practical examples to show you how you can turn your passion for photography into a profitable online business. So, grab your camera and let's get started!

1. Offer Online Photography Services

With the increasing demand for remote work and virtual communication, offering online photography services can be a lucrative option for freelance photographers. 

You can offer a range of photography services online, such as virtual photoshoots, photo editing, and retouching. Working with clients from anywhere in the world through video conferencing and file sharing can expand your reach and allow you to take on more clients.

How to offer online photography services:

i. Define your niche: Decide on the type of photography services you want to offer, such as event photography, product photography, or portrait photography.

ii. Build your portfolio: Create a portfolio of your best work and showcase it on your website or social media platforms.

iii. Set up your online presence: Create a website or a profile on freelancing platforms like Upwork or Fiverr to showcase your portfolio and reach out to potential clients.

iv. Promote your services: Use online marketing techniques like SEO, social media marketing, and email marketing to promote your services.

v. Deliver quality work: Communicate effectively with clients to understand their needs and deliver high-quality work that meets their expectations.

Practical example:

Let's say you specialize in portrait photography and want to offer online photography services. 

You can start by building a portfolio of your best portrait photography work and showcasing it on your website or social media platforms. 

You can then use social media marketing techniques to reach out to potential clients who are looking for portrait photographers. 

You can offer virtual photoshoots, where you direct the client on how to pose and capture the images via video conferencing. 

You can also offer photo editing and retouching services, where clients can send you their photos online for you to work on. 

You can use tools like Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop to edit and retouch the photos to meet the client's needs. 

By offering online photography services, you can create a stable source of income, work with clients from anywhere in the world, and build your reputation as a skilled photographer. 

With consistent effort, you can earn $1,000 per month or more by offering online photography services.

2. Sell Stock Photos Online

Selling stock photos online can be a great way to earn passive income as a photographer. The key is to create high-quality photos that meet the technical requirements of stock photography platforms and appeal to buyers.

How to get started:

i. Choose a platform: Choose a reputable stock photography platform such as Shutterstock, Getty Images, or Adobe Stock. Research the commission rates and payment terms to ensure they are fair and reasonable.

ii. Research the market: Before you start creating photos, research the market to understand the types of photos that are in demand. This will help you create photos that are more likely to sell.

iii. Create high-quality photos: Use a high-quality camera and pay attention to lighting, composition, and focus to create high-quality photos. 

Aim to capture photos that are unique, visually appealing, and meet the technical requirements of the platform.

iv. Upload your photos: Upload your photos to the platform and add relevant keywords and descriptions to make them easier to find. Be sure to read the platform's guidelines for image size, resolution, and format to ensure your photos meet their technical requirements.

v. Promote your photos: Promote your photos on social media, your website, and other marketing channels to increase visibility and drive sales. Use analytics tools to track your performance and make adjustments as needed.

Practical example:

Let's say you choose Shutterstock as your stock photography platform. 

You research the market and find that there is high demand for photos of outdoor activities and travel destinations. 

You decide to focus on this niche and spend time capturing photos of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and kayaking. 

You also capture photos of popular travel destinations such as beaches, mountains, and cities.

You upload your photos to Shutterstock and add relevant keywords and descriptions to make them easier to find. 

After a few days, you notice that some of your photos are selling regularly, earning you $5 per download. You continue to upload new photos and promote your portfolio on social media.

After five weeks, you have 100 photos in your portfolio and are earning an average of $200 per month. 

You continue to upload new photos and promote your portfolio, and after three months, you have 500 photos in your portfolio and getting at least 200 downloads each month, making you:

$5 x 200 = $1000 monthly.

You continue to have more high-quality photos and increase your earning.

Also Read: Top 10 Platforms to Earn $2K+ Monthly Sharing Images

3. Teach Photography Online

Teaching photography online can be a rewarding way to share your skills and knowledge with others while earning income as a photographer. 

The key is to create courses and content that are engaging, informative, and relevant to your audience.

How to get started:

i. Choose a platform: Choose a reputable online course platform such as Udemy, Skillshare, or Teachable. Research the commission rates and payment terms to ensure they are fair and reasonable.

ii. Plan your content: Decide what topics you want to cover in your courses or tutorials. 

Consider the level of expertise of your target audience and create content that is both informative and easy to understand.

iii. Create engaging content: Use a variety of teaching methods such as videos, images, and written content to create engaging and informative content. 

Use high-quality images and video to illustrate your points and add value to your course.

iv. Promote your courses: Promote your courses on social media, your website, and other marketing channels to increase visibility and drive sales. 

Use analytics tools to track your performance and make adjustments as needed.

Practical example:

Let's say you choose Udemy as your online course platform. 

You decide to create a course on "Introduction to Landscape Photography" that covers the basics of landscape photography such as composition, lighting, and equipment. 

You spend time creating engaging video content that includes examples of different landscape photography techniques.

You upload your course to Udemy and set the price at $50 per course. 

After a few weeks, you start to see some sales coming in. 

You continue to promote your course on social media and other channels.

After a month, you have sold 20 courses, earning you $1,000 in revenue. 

You decide to create another course on "Advanced Techniques in Landscape Photography" that covers more advanced topics such as long exposures, panoramic shots, and post-processing techniques.

You promote both courses on social media and other channels, and after six months, you have sold 200 courses, earning you an average of $1,000 per month. 

By creating engaging and informative content that meets the needs of your target audience, you have built a passive income stream that earns you $1,000 per month.

While it may take time and effort to create and promote your courses, teaching photography online can be a lucrative way to earn income as a freelance photographer while sharing your skills and knowledge with others.

4. Create and Sell Photography eBooks Online

Creating and selling photography eBooks online can be a profitable way to monetize your skills and knowledge as a photographer. 

Whether you're an expert in a particular genre of photography or you want to share your experience and tips, there's always an audience that's interested in learning more.

How to start creating and selling photography eBooks:

i. Choose a topic: Choose a specific photography topic that you're knowledgeable and passionate about. It could be anything from portrait photography to landscape photography, post-processing techniques, or even camera gear.

ii. Plan your content: Plan the structure of your eBook and decide what topics you want to cover in each chapter. Make sure your content is engaging, informative, and easy to understand.

iii. Create your eBook: Write your eBook and use high-quality images to illustrate your points. Design your eBook to look professional and visually appealing.

iv. Choose a platform: Choose a reputable eBook platform such as Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing or Smashwords. These platforms allow you to publish your eBook and reach a wider audience.

v. Promote your eBook: Promote your eBook on social media, your website, and other marketing channels. 

Use book review sites to get reviews for your book, and participate in photography forums to engage with potential readers.

Practical example:

Let's say you decide to write an eBook on "Portrait Photography for Beginners". 

You spend time researching and writing your eBook, using your own portrait photography as examples. 

You also use high-quality images and design your eBook to look professional.

You publish your eBook on Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing and set the price at $9.99. After a few weeks, you start to see some sales coming in. 

You continue to promote your eBook on social media and other channels.

After a month, you have sold 100 copies, earning you $999 in revenue. 

You decide to write another eBook on "Advanced Portrait Photography Techniques" that covers more advanced topics such as lighting setups, posing, and post-processing techniques.

You promote both eBooks on social media and other channels, and after six months, you have sold 1,000 eBooks, earning you an average of $1,000 per month. 

By creating valuable content that meets the needs of your target audience, you have built a passive income stream that earns you $1,000 per month.

Isn't that sweet? Definitely it is. So you have the floor!

We're not done yet. Let's proceed to see more possibilities so that you can choose your preferred choice. Let's go!

5. Offer Online Editing Services

Offering online editing services is another way for freelance photographers to earn an income. 

Many photographers don't have the time or expertise to edit their own images, which creates an opportunity for skilled photo editors to provide their services online.

How to get started:

i. Choose a niche: Decide on a specific type of editing service you want to offer. It could be basic retouching, color correction, or advanced image manipulation.

ii. Develop your skills: Develop your editing skills by practicing on your own images or by taking courses on editing software such as Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom.

iii. Build a portfolio: Build a portfolio of your best work to showcase your editing skills. You can create a website or use platforms like Behance or Instagram to showcase your portfolio.

iv. Set your prices: Research the market rates for editing services and set your prices accordingly. Make sure your prices are competitive but also reflect the quality of your work.

v. Promote your services: Promote your services on social media and photography forums. 

Reach out to other photographers and offer them a sample edit to show them the quality of your work.

Practical example:

Let's say you specialize in portrait retouching and you offer your services online. 

You have built a portfolio of your best work and have set your prices at $10 per image. 

You start promoting your services on social media and photography forums, and after a few weeks, you start to receive inquiries.

In the first month, you receive 100 retouching requests, earning you $1,000 in revenue. 

You complete the retouching work within the agreed-upon timeframe and ensure that the clients are satisfied with the results.

As you continue to promote your services and deliver high-quality work, you start to build a loyal customer base. After six months, you are receiving 200 retouching requests per month, earning you an average of $1,000 per month.

As your skills and reputation grow, you can increase your prices and offer more advanced editing services to your clients; resulting in more revenue in your pocket.

6. Work with Brands Online

Working with brands online is a great way for freelance photographers to earn an income. 

Brands are always looking for high-quality images to use in their marketing campaigns, and freelance photographers can provide them with those images.

How to start working with online brands:

i. Build a portfolio: Build a portfolio of your best work to showcase your photography skills. Make sure to include a variety of images that demonstrate your ability to capture different subjects and styles.

ii. Define your niche: Define your photography niche, such as lifestyle, food, or travel photography, and focus on building your expertise in that area.

iii. Identify potential clients: Research brands that align with your niche and target audience, and create a list of potential clients to approach.

iv. Reach out to brands: Reach out to potential clients with a pitch that highlights your photography skills and how they can benefit from working with you. You can send an email or direct message through social media.

v. Negotiate rates: Negotiate rates with the brand based on the scope of work and usage rights. Make sure the rates are competitive but also reflect the quality of your work.

vi. Deliver high-quality images: Once you've agreed on the scope of work and rates, deliver high-quality images that meet the brand's specifications and requirements.

Practical example:

Let's say you specialize in food photography and you want to work with brands in the food industry. 

You have built a portfolio of your best food images and have identified several potential clients to approach.

You send a pitch email to a local restaurant chain that is looking to revamp their menu and marketing materials. 

In the pitch, you highlight your food photography skills and how they can benefit from working with you. 

After negotiating the rates, you agree to a contract to provide 50 high-quality food images for their menu and marketing materials.

You deliver the images on time and meet all the requirements specified in the contract. 

The restaurant is pleased with the images and decides to use them in their menu and online advertising. 

The contract earns you $1,000 in revenue.

As you continue to work with brands and deliver high-quality images, you start to build a reputation and a loyal customer base. 

After six months, you are working with several brands and earning an average of $1,000 per month.

By working with brands online, you have created a sustainable source of income that allows you to work on your own terms and showcase your photography skills to a wider audience.

Great and also soothing too, right? You can start now without having to delay your action!

7. License Your Photos to Online Magazines

Online magazines are always looking for high-quality images to use in their articles and features. As a freelance photographer, you can license your photos to online magazines and earn a royalty fee for each usage.

How to start licensing your photos to magazines

i. Build a portfolio: Build a portfolio of your best work to showcase your photography skills. Make sure to include a variety of images that demonstrate your ability to capture different subjects and styles.

ii. Identify potential clients: Research online magazines that align with your niche and target audience, and create a list of potential clients to approach.

iii. Reach out to magazines: Reach out to potential clients with a pitch that highlights your photography skills and how they can benefit from licensing your images. 

You can send an email or direct message through social media.

iv. Negotiate royalty rates: Negotiate royalty rates with the magazine based on the usage rights and circulation. Make sure the rates are competitive but also reflect the quality of your work.

v. License your images: Once you've agreed on the royalty rates, license your images to the magazine for usage in their articles and features.

vi. Monitor usage: Monitor the usage of your images and track the royalty fees earned. Make sure to follow up with the magazine if you notice any unauthorized usage.

Practical example:

Let's say you specialize in travel photography and you want to license your images to online travel magazines.

You have built a portfolio of your best travel images and have identified several potential clients to approach.

You send a pitch email to a popular online travel magazine that is looking to feature articles on a destination you've recently visited. 

In the pitch, you highlight your travel photography skills and how they can benefit from licensing your images. 

After negotiating the royalty rates, you agree to license 10 images for usage in the magazine's articles and social media posts.

The magazine uses your images in their articles and social media posts, which generates a total circulation of 100,000 views. The royalty fee per view is $0.01, and you earn a total of $1,000 in revenue for the usage of your images.

As you continue to license your images to online magazines and track the usage, you start to earn a steady stream of royalty fees. 

After six months, you are licensing your images to several magazines and earning an average of $1,000 per month.

By licensing your photos to online magazines, you have created a passive source of income that allows you to monetize your existing images and reach a wider audience.

Great, and fantastic? Yes! Let's see what you come up with after reading the next two ways to get yourself cool and substantial income.

Shall we? Let's get to it.

8. Create and Sell Prints Online

Creating and selling prints of your photography online is a great way to turn your passion into a profitable business. 

With the rise of online marketplaces, it's never been easier to showcase your work to a global audience and earn money from your photography.

How to get started:

i. Choose your platform: Choose an online marketplace to sell your prints. Popular options include Etsy, Society6, Redbubble, and Fine Art America.

ii. Set up your shop: Set up your shop on the marketplace and create a profile that showcases your photography skills and style. 

Make sure to include high-quality images of your prints to attract potential customers.

iii. Print your images: Print your images on high-quality paper or canvas using a professional printing service. 

Make sure to choose a printing service that offers a range of sizes and finishes to cater to different customer preferences.

iv. List your prints: List your prints on the marketplace with a description that highlights the subject, style, and size of the print. 

Make sure to price your prints competitively based on the cost of printing and your desired profit margin.

v. Promote your shop: Promote your shop on social media and photography forums to attract potential customers. You can also offer discounts or promotions to encourage sales.

vi. Fulfill orders: Once an order is placed, fulfill the order by printing and shipping the print to the customer. Make sure to package the print carefully to avoid damage during shipping.

Practical example:

Let's say you specialize in landscape photography and you want to sell prints of your images online. 

You choose to set up your shop on Etsy, a popular marketplace for handmade and vintage items.

You set up your shop and create a profile that showcases your landscape photography skills and style. 

You print your images on high-quality paper and canvas using a professional printing service, and list your prints on Etsy with a description that highlights the subject, style, and size of the print.

You price your prints competitively based on the cost of printing and your desired profit margin.

You promote your shop on social media and photography forums, and offer a promotion of 10% off for first-time customers. 

Within the first month, you make 20 sales, with an average order value of $50. After deducting the cost of printing and shipping, you earn a profit of $800.

As you continue to promote your shop and add new prints to your inventory, you start to earn a steady stream of sales. 

After six months, you are making an average of 50 sales per month, with a profit of $1,000 per month.

By creating and selling prints of your photography online, you have turned your passion into a profitable business that allows you to reach a global audience and monetize your existing images.

And to the last giant one...

9. Create Photography Apps

Creating photography apps is a great way to share your knowledge and skills with others while earning money. 

With the growing popularity of smartphones, there is a huge demand for photography apps that can help users take better photos and edit them on the go.

How to get started:

i. Choose your platform: Choose a platform to build your photography app. Popular options include iOS and Android.

ii. Define your app: Define the purpose and features of your app. 

You could create an app that teaches users photography basics, offers tips and tricks for taking better photos, or provides editing tools and filters.

iii. Design your app: Design the interface and user experience of your app. Make sure it is easy to use and visually appealing.

iv. Build your app: Build your app using a languages and frameworks such as Swift, Java or React Native. If you're not familiar with coding, you can hire a developer to build the app for you.

We recommend that you hire a developer on fiverr via this link. So that you only make payment when you are satisfied with your job.

v. Test your app: Test your app thoroughly to ensure it functions properly and doesn't have any bugs or glitches.

vi. Publish your app: Publish your app on the app store and promote it on social media and photography forums. Make sure to optimize your app store listing with keywords and attractive visuals.

vii. Monetize your app: Monetize your app by offering in-app purchases, subscriptions, or displaying ads. 

Make sure to price your app and its features competitively based on the market and the value it provides.

Practical example:

Let's say you're a professional photographer and you want to create a photography app that teaches users how to take better photos. 

You choose to build your app on iOS using Swift, a popular programming language.

You design your app with a simple and user-friendly interface that includes interactive tutorials, quizzes, and challenges. 

You build your app with the help of a developer and test it thoroughly to ensure it functions properly.

You publish your app on the App Store and promote it on social media and photography forums. 

You offer a free trial for users to try out the app before they purchase it. 

You also offer a premium subscription that gives users access to more advanced tutorials and personalized feedback on their photos.

Within the first month, your app has 500 downloads, with 100 users purchasing the premium subscription for $10 per month. 

After deducting the cost of development and app store fees, you earn a profit of $500.

As you continue to promote your app and add more features, you start to earn a steady stream of downloads and subscriptions. 

After six months, you have 5,000 downloads and 500 subscribers, earning you a profit of $1,000 per month.

By creating a photography app, you have shared your knowledge and skills with a global audience while earning a steady stream of income.

Before You Go!

In conclusion, there are many ways to earn a steady income as a freelance photographer in the digital age. 

Whether you're selling your photos online, offering your services remotely, or creating and selling digital products, the key is to find a method that suits your skills, interests, and lifestyle.

Remember, building a successful online photography business takes time, effort, and dedication. 

But with the right strategies and mindset, you can turn your passion for photography into a rewarding career that allows you to work on your own terms and earn a comfortable income from anywhere in the world.

So, take the tips and examples we've provided in this blog post, and start exploring the possibilities. 

Whether you're a seasoned pro or a newbie to the world of freelance photography, there's never been a better time to start your own online business and share your creative vision with the world. Good luck!