How to Diversify your Photography Income

I shot this for Gaming Grandpa

Being a photographer, especially through the "year of Covid," has meant that we cannot always photograph in studio. For many it has been a great challenge to diversify income sources, as, if you're a portrait and headshot photographer like myself, we have had to find other ways to make money.

Below are five ideas for how to diversify your income as a photographer when unable to take new photos.

1. Photography contests. There are lots of apps and websites like gurushots that you can submit your photos to. Some of their contests offer cash prizes or opportunities for your work to be exhibited. Get familiar with these kinds of contests and budget what you're willing to invest for the chance to win more money as a result. This helps to increase your exposure and can also cushion your bank account.

2. Get creative. Think about the people in your network. It doesn't always feel good to reach out for help, but these are unprecedented times and exceptions must be made! Do you know anyone with kids, whose school may be looking for a student portrait photographer? Do you know anyone who works in promotional materials, the film industry, or media that you can ask about getting on board for some kind of EPK team for a production? Can you put together a corporate headshot package to send round to companies in your area? Don't be afraid to think outside the box. That said, while you may want to offer deals in this context remember your worth and don't settle for less than what you think is fair. It's okay to make concessions - but do not allow yourself to be taken advantage of.

Covid School Portraits

1. Utilize your social media. Drive traffic to your site by getting smart on your social media. Your photography website is another way to continue to get exposure, and while that may not impact your income in the short term, in the long term the more people want to work with you the more money you will make. Use appropriate hash tags, read into algorithms, reach out to local actors and musicians. Let people know you're thinking of them, and remind them that you offer something special.

2. Stock images. Photograph whatever you have available to you; and the more nature the better. Bloggers and other social media influencers are always looking for more photographs they can use royalty free. If you can shoot some things without working too hard - or better yet, if you have a backlog of such photos - this could be a good way to earn a bit extra. It's not going to make you rich (see here for some more info on the challenges that come with trying to make money this way), but it can help. In extenuating financial circumstances every little bit counts, right?

3. Shoot outside when you can! Yes, this does mean that you are relying on good weather, but it is still possible to get wonderful photos outside. In Canada we are subject to long and harsh winters, so there is certainly a major roadblock in this obstacle. As weather begins to improve you can schedule tentative shoot dates with your clients, weather depending. This does mean that your schedule will be tentative a lot of the time, but it also means you have more opportunities to shoot. And that's what we're here for, isn't it?