Turning your photography passion into income has never been more accessible. Thanks to the internet, photographers can monetize their skills from anywhere in the world—even without a physical studio or local clients.
If you’re wondering how to start earning money online with your photos, this article will guide you through proven strategies to begin making money from your photography today.
Sell Stock Photos
Stock photography is one of the most popular ways for beginners to start earning. Websites like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, and iStock allow you to upload and sell your photos to businesses, marketers, designers, and publishers worldwide.
Tips for success:
Focus on universal themes—business, lifestyle, travel, food, technology
Use relevant keywords to help your images get found
Upload consistently to grow your portfolio
Shoot both horizontal and vertical formats for better usability
While you won’t get rich overnight, stock photography can generate passive income over time.
Offer Presets or Editing Tools
If you’ve developed a consistent editing style, you can create and sell Lightroom presets or mobile filter packs. Many hobbyists and influencers are willing to pay for tools that help them edit like the pros.
Platforms to sell:
Gumroad
Creative Market
Etsy
Your own website
Make sure your presets are easy to install and include instructions. Offer a preview before/after image to show results.
Teach Photography Online
You don’t need to be a world-renowned expert to teach others what you’ve learned. If you’re confident with camera settings, editing, or mobile photography, you can create content for beginners.
Ways to teach:
Create a YouTube channel with tutorials
Sell a beginner photography course on platforms like Udemy or Teachable
Offer 1-on-1 coaching via Zoom
Write and sell a photography eBook
Teaching is scalable—you can earn from one course repeatedly as new students join.
Start a Photography Blog or YouTube Channel
Content creation builds authority, attracts followers, and can be monetized in many ways:
Ads (Google AdSense, Mediavine)
Affiliate links to gear or apps
Sponsored posts or product reviews
Selling your own presets, guides, or prints
Focus your content around your strengths—gear reviews, tutorials, photo challenges, or travel stories. Choose a niche and stick with it.
Consistency and patience are key when building an audience.
Sell Prints or Wall Art
Many photographers make money by selling prints of their work. Nature, landscape, and abstract photos tend to do well, especially as home decor.
Platforms to sell:
Etsy
Society6
Redbubble
Fine Art America
Your own print store (via Shopify or Squarespace)
You can also offer framed prints, canvases, or digital downloads. Promote on social media and use mockup tools to display your art in real rooms.
Do Remote Product Photography
With the rise of e-commerce, product photography is in high demand. You can work with brands, shops, or influencers remotely by having products shipped to you.
You don’t need a full studio—just good lighting and styling.
Market yourself to:
Etsy sellers
Amazon or Shopify store owners
Small local businesses with online shops
Share samples of your work and offer product bundles (e.g., 5 styled shots + 2 white background shots). Provide fast turnaround and reliable communication.
Sell NFT Photography (for Advanced Users)
NFTs (non-fungible tokens) are digital assets, and photographers have started selling their work as NFTs on platforms like OpenSea or Foundation.
Important notes:
The NFT space is volatile and speculative
Requires setup of a crypto wallet and basic blockchain knowledge
Works best for those with a unique artistic style or visual storytelling
This is more advanced but could offer a new way to earn from digital art if you understand the risks.
Offer Virtual Photo Shoots or Coaching
Some photographers are offering virtual photo shoots using video calls and guiding clients to pose with their phones or webcams. You can also offer editing services for client-submitted photos.
Virtual offers include:
Smartphone photography coaching
Portrait posing sessions for influencers
Editing feedback or Lightroom training
Use Calendly to set up appointments and Zoom or Google Meet for the sessions.
License Your Photos for Commercial Use
Brands, agencies, and bloggers often need high-quality images for advertising or websites. You can license your photos for commercial or editorial use.
Steps to get started:
Create a licensing page on your website
Clearly state terms, pricing, and usage rights
Use a licensing platform like 500px Licensing or EyeEm
Always require a written agreement to protect your work
Build a Personal Brand
Whichever method you choose, building a strong personal brand will help you grow and stand out online.
Create a consistent visual style
Have a clear bio and story on your site and social media
Share behind-the-scenes and your creative process
Respond to comments and build community
The more you show up authentically and consistently, the more trust—and sales—you’ll generate.
You Can Start Today
You don’t need a massive following or perfect portfolio to start making money with photography online. You just need determination, consistency, and a willingness to learn.
Pick one method that fits your strengths, start small, and grow from there. With time and effort, you can turn your passion into income—and maybe even a full-time career.