Have You Ever Made Money from Your Photography? [POLL]
We get a lot of questions about making money from photography – so I thought it might be interesting to find out how many of our readers have actually done it.
If your answer is yes – HOW? Was it through selling an image on a stock photography site, doing some wedding photography, selling an image to a publication…. or are you a PRO?
If your answer is no – have you tried? Do you think you will try?
PS: let me kick off things with an answer to my own question:
- Yes I have made money from my photography
- I used to semi-regularly do weddings. I was ‘that guy’ in my friendship group who used to get asked to do wedding for friends. I was never a ‘pro’ and always tried to dissuade people from hiring me – but people seemed to like the results. In the end I stopped doing it mainly because I started doing other things in weddings (I became a minister and started conducting ceremonies).
- More recently I’ve sold a number of images on micro stock sites.
Over to you – have you made any money from your photography?
355 Responses to “Have You Ever Made Money from Your Photography? [POLL]” - Add Yours
April 16th, 2010 at 12:14 am
Yes… selling prints, books, doing a few portrait sessions and I am a couple of months from shooting my first wedding.
April 16th, 2010 at 12:15 am
I am planning to try in the near future. I still feel to uneducated and inexperienced to charge people for my work.
April 16th, 2010 at 12:21 am
Yes, I started selling my photo work at a local artisan market a few years ago and have steadily been doing that show and others ever since. I also have sold prints online (mainly on Etsy.com but also 1000markets.com). I would like to continue selling in this capacity (online and in person) and also offer various types of portrait sessions. I just did my first engagement shoot and have a wedding this summer (the clients are friends but hey, it counts!).
April 16th, 2010 at 12:22 am
Yes – I do some occasional freelance work for More!, a woman’s magazine in the UK with a circulation of around 200,000. I’ve mainly done portraits / people shots to accompany editorial features. It’s ideal for me as its great experience which I can generally fit it around my day job (Technology PR), and it gives me some pocket money to buy new gear and finance my non-revenue earning photography (music photography).
I have been asked to do a few weddings in the past, but generally tried to avoid it as it’s far too much stress and work involved!
April 16th, 2010 at 12:25 am
I am a hobbyist. I started learning to shoot with a slr in June 2008. Earned a small fee for helping a friend photograph his food business in Feb 2009.
April 16th, 2010 at 12:27 am
Full time wedding photographer here. Full time since day one…
April 16th, 2010 at 12:29 am
Yes – freelancing/side work. My wife and I do mainly weddings and other events, although we’ve also done senior portraits, head shots, and family photos. We don’t make much, but it allows us to get the gear we want, stay up on trends, and have fun getting out of the house.
April 16th, 2010 at 12:30 am
Last year I made money from portrait and pet photography. This week I completed my first stock photography sell.
April 16th, 2010 at 12:31 am
Yes, but only just recently. Been doing event photography and portrait sessions for a few local salsa dance schools, and hoping to branch out from there.
Also plan on starting to sell prints and photo cards, but that’s still a while in the making.
Like Nick, I’ve been asked by friends to shoot a couple of weddings, but I’ve steered clear of it. Maybe at some point in the future I’ll reconsider, but with a full-time job and too many personal projects on the side, I just don’t have the time for that kind of work.
April 16th, 2010 at 12:33 am
Yes…I’m new to this, been doing it about 6 months, but I’ve sold around 10 prints and have done a few photoshoots for friends and made a few bucks there. A lot of the marketing I do is through Facebook and Twitter, plus a few sites I post around…people have seen my stuff and asked to buy a print or two.
Hoping to do more, I think the portrait stuff will increase this year…more people are starting to see my work.
April 16th, 2010 at 12:34 am
I photographed the birthday party of one of my mother’s students. His mother loved the photos I took of the kids for mothers’ day (as a favor for my mom) and called me to ask if I did birthday parties. I probably would have done it just for the snow cones but having a little extra spending money is always nice.
I also photographed a friend’s wedding as a present for her (which is even better than getting paid).
April 16th, 2010 at 12:35 am
Yes — selling photos in local galleries, and also online. (David Clark Photography)
I must say that I feel like I’m in the extreme minority, as far as *how* I make money. I don’t do weddings. I don’t do senior portraits. In fact, I generally don’t photograph people at all. I only sell “fine art photos” (if that’s really a category). There doesn’t seem to be nearly as much discussion of this end, as there is of weddings, etc.
April 16th, 2010 at 12:35 am
I have made a little bit of money with wedding and family portrait work. I’m trying to break into the industry.
April 16th, 2010 at 12:37 am
No – I have never made money off my pictures, but then I only just got into photography four months ago. Depending on where this adventure takes me, I might make money at it. Chances are it will not be a full time gig though.
April 16th, 2010 at 12:38 am
Yes. I have sold prints and done some paid real estate photography.
April 16th, 2010 at 12:39 am
Not yet. Hopefully I’ll be the richest photographer some time in future.
April 16th, 2010 at 12:40 am
Yes, I have made money from my photography. I have provided photography services to several local businesses during fund raisers, wine/tapas parties, and other events.
April 16th, 2010 at 12:41 am
I’ve been a photographer for two years and haven’t made a cent off of it. Then again, I refuse to look into doing weddings.
April 16th, 2010 at 12:43 am
Yes – I’ve shot 2 weddings and I’m doing another this summer. I’m also doing a few portrait sessions this summer. Just for friends and friends of friends but you’ve got to start somewhere.
April 16th, 2010 at 12:44 am
I put some of my prints in an art show at school and when it was over the organizer bought a few for her office and the student lounge.
April 16th, 2010 at 12:45 am
Yes, but got only 25 cents. I sold one picture @Crestock long ago. Well , future im going to focus more about stock photo. Right now i cant find time .
April 16th, 2010 at 12:47 am
Yes — selling stock through an agency, got images published in magazines, had an architect ask me to take images of the a new school building he had constructed. I was asked to make portraits of individuals. I also was asked into companies to photograph their machines as well as the employees working there and most important of all I was asked to photograph their products and the CEO of the company!
I keep away from weddings and senior portrait stuff!
April 16th, 2010 at 12:49 am
Yes. Sports photography from my daughter’s sporting events sold well. Stopped doing it when she stopped playing sports. Maybe a decent supplemental income in retirement.
April 16th, 2010 at 12:52 am
Back when I was in high school, when I could just mess around with my camera and not worry about a “real” job, I did some weddings, senior pictures, and a couple commercial shoots. I also sell landscape prints from time to time.
April 16th, 2010 at 12:54 am
No–but that’s because I don’t want to. Yet. I do portrait sessions for familys, kids, & seniors. I do it as a hobby and for free but this year I’m gearing up to selling some of my shots at art shows and at businesses. I want to keep doing sessions for free, I’m not in it for the money, I have a day job LOL But hopefully by selling pictures my hobby will begin to support itself.
April 16th, 2010 at 12:56 am
I have sold a few prints to friends of friends, but the only real money I’ve made is from 2 photos I sold to a wire service.
April 16th, 2010 at 12:56 am
Yes. I’ve done a couple of corporate headshot shoots. One for a start up and another for my current company’s executives. I took the day off and came back into the office as a freelance photographer.
I’ve been also hired to do a couple of family portrait sessions as well as an event shoot. Short term goal, make enough money to pay for my habit (photography!). Long term goal, make enough money so I can retire/quit my day job.
April 16th, 2010 at 12:58 am
Weddings and portraits, the usual.
Make enough off it to keep the gear and incidentals paid for so my hobby costs the family nothing.
April 16th, 2010 at 1:03 am
No –
I’m a hobbyist… just been trying to learn and pick up new skills here and there. I have a couple photos up on Getty from Flickr, but it’s only a handful and they haven’t been picked up yet.
April 16th, 2010 at 1:10 am
Yes. I once sold a photo. This was the occasional transaction. Pictures were to be published in some small publications.
April 16th, 2010 at 1:11 am
Wow Darren.. I guess we have a lot in common.
I dont do many weddings or events but do more than 5 every year… I also have an account with Istock where I have over 250 photos so far since I started only last year. So I made some extra cash, not planning to go pro.
And guess what? Even though Im a computer programmer, My wife and I are have a long term goal to become ministers/pastor of a congregation. So there.
April 16th, 2010 at 1:12 am
Yes – I’m a web developer by trade, but I do a lot of work in the fashion and modelling industries. So while I’m never the ‘primary’ photographer, I am quite often paid to do reshoots, product shots or publicity images.
April 16th, 2010 at 1:12 am
Yes, I’ve done weddings and sold photos from the days when I was around the NASCAR circuit. I stopped doing weddings because I “worried it” too much. No unhappy clients, in fact all the business came from word of mouth. I just didn’t like the one-time pressure. With NASCAR I was inside with the team and had some unusual opportunities. Again, word of mouth sales.
Photography has to be fun for me!!
April 16th, 2010 at 1:12 am
Yes – As an amateur ballroom dancer I started taking pictures at studio events (parties, shows, etc) and was then asked to be the studio’s “official” photographer. I take pictures in trade for lessons and also sell prints to the particpants.
April 16th, 2010 at 1:12 am
Yes, but it was a long time ago. I did a *small* wedding for a friend of a friend and I think I made about $100 for it. I try to avoid making money now – i don’t want to associate my camera with work.
April 16th, 2010 at 1:12 am
My paid work typically comes from live music assignments. I get paid to shoot the event and if photos are licensed there is an additional scale for that.
April 16th, 2010 at 1:16 am
Yes, sold a number of pictures to magazines, even got front cover once which was nice, probably doesn’t happen to often to a 16 year old (15 at the time).
April 16th, 2010 at 1:16 am
Yes, I’m a pro. I’m a wedding, portrait & lifestyle photographer. I’ve been in business for about 5 years officially. I was doing freelance & hobby shooting before that for quite some time. I also sell stock photography & I use my photography to design greeting cards & business cards that are sold through various companies.
April 16th, 2010 at 1:21 am
Stumbled into making money when people saw work I did pro-bono for a friend. I decided to make it a little side business, and it keeps growing. I went from simple family shoots to weddings, senior portraits, and even commissioned work for funiture makers and greenhouses. None of this was planned, but if you have a talent that people like, it is very feasible to do.
April 16th, 2010 at 1:22 am
Yes, I’ve sold a couple of prints, made a few bucks. No, I’m not earning a living as a photographer, not even remotely close.
April 16th, 2010 at 1:23 am
Yes, I’ve done some weddings for pay…
I’ve also sold a shot here and there to buyers, but the sells don’t outpace the investment….so I’m certainly not making money on any of it! :
April 16th, 2010 at 1:27 am
Yea I’ve made about $20,000 in prize money as well as winning a few phones etc. I won camera phone photographer of the year in 2008. Whooop!
April 16th, 2010 at 1:28 am
Yes. I did a few portrait sessions, under the understanding that I was not an “Olan Mills” type photographer, that I shot contemporary modern portraits, and every time they wanted very old school portraits and it ended up being a frustrating disaster each time, and though the clients got what they wanted in the end, I got stifled creatively and it was a very looong frustrating summer for me.
I finally said forget it and stopped before it went any further and now I am back to being a hobbyist which is equally frustrating in a whole other way.
April 16th, 2010 at 1:29 am
Yes, I have earned some money from photography. I have done a few weddings but hate the stress. I have shot sporting events of my daughters and their teams for years and gave the photos to parents for free. Now I am trying to build a business shooting local youth sports.
April 16th, 2010 at 1:29 am
I have done weddings, portraits, and other events paid as a side business. Additionally, I have sold some stock photography. Not a lot, but a few here and there. I would like to do more of the stock photography since that has long term income potential.
April 16th, 2010 at 1:30 am
Yes, a split between wedding photography (70%) and selling fine are prints (30%). All but one of my weddings have been booked via free ads on Craigslist. The other was from my one and only attempt to advertise in the Yellow Pages. That ad is still running until the new book comes out in June or July but it so far has not panned out. Fine art print sales have been done via my website and from showing in a local Santa Fe gallery last summer. I was part of an art tour as well, which helped get my website out there. For the upcoming year I am planning to create an Etsy website.
April 16th, 2010 at 1:32 am
Yes. Selling online at dcpatton.imagekind.com. I hope to put together some books in the future and also to stock photography.
April 16th, 2010 at 1:36 am
No. I’m still learning to perfect my photography skill. I don’t do alot of portrait or event. Mostly travel and nature shot. Going into Marco soon. One day I hope that my photos will worth some money. However it will be nice if there’s some write up on how to make money through photography…. beside the usual way
April 16th, 2010 at 1:36 am
Nope – I’ve only been shooting for about a year and don’t plan to make any money out of it in the near future. I’m young so it’s a possibility in the future, but for now I’m just enjoying it!
April 16th, 2010 at 1:37 am
Yes, i have made money. I have my own business- its still a baby, but I do shoots for family and etc, and that is great for building my business in a more informal way. But before I had my business, I never imagined working as a portrait photographer- I just loved doing it. It was 5 years before it hit me that I could make money out of it.
April 16th, 2010 at 1:38 am
No I have not made money with my photography.
I would like to make money from my photography, will I try, to be honest I do not know where to start. Also I believe three things are required to be good enough to sell photography.
1. Time
2. Good equipment
3. Talant
Me, I lack all three. But will keep trying.
April 16th, 2010 at 1:40 am
No, not yet but I’m going to try
April 16th, 2010 at 1:41 am
I have sold many photographs on stock image sites. I have sold a few drinking mugs with one of my photographs on. All a big thrill. I would really like to sell a print.
April 16th, 2010 at 1:44 am
Yes – fine art prints that I printed, framed and display at a local day-spa. Response has been pretty good – I also have business cards there that direct customers of the spa to my website and e-mail address. Not ready to do much more than that at this point – definitely not interested in doing weddings/seniors/babies – but am talking to a few of the smaller, local galleries.
April 16th, 2010 at 1:45 am
YES!!! Event photography is my forte!
April 16th, 2010 at 1:45 am
Yes, I have made money selling prints. Mostly family portraits, working on doing some weddings and senior portraits this spring/summer.
April 16th, 2010 at 1:47 am
I’ve sold exactly one thing. Building an Emerald City: A Guide to Creating Green Building Policies and Programs I took the picture on the cover of this book! I’ll probably never sell another thing, but it’s exciting to know I’ve got something in my professional portfolio.
April 16th, 2010 at 1:47 am
Yes, weekend craft/art shows, i have been doing it full time for the past 7 years!
April 16th, 2010 at 1:48 am
Yes I have, no much but selling images to an event organiser to use in their brochure.
I also used to do studio family portrait photography full time professionally and obviously sold a lot of work but earned very little as I was working for a company, not myself.
I stopped doing that and now am 100% happier shooting my own stuff and not making money at it.
April 16th, 2010 at 1:48 am
Yes. I earn money. It has in fact become a living. I got my first SLR 3 years ago. Before this It sounded exiting with photography, but I did not shoot any good photos.
The local newspaper gave avid amateurs the possibility to help out two years ago, and since then everything has escalated into a living. Sites like digital photography school has helped me become a better photographer even if there is a long way to become good enough to act as a wedding photographer. Some other sites has also helped getting better at what to do. The most important thing is to listen to experienced people, and try to shoot the best photo you’ve ever shot as often as possible!
April 16th, 2010 at 1:49 am
I haven’t made money yet but I am planning to start. A few friends want me to shoot their kids. I told them I thought 10$ an hour, for picture time and editing/uploading time, plus cost of prints was a very reasonable rate. NO print mark up. If this goes well and gets bigger, I’ll raise the price to make it work for me. I have four kids of my own whom I stay home with and home school, so I’d need to work when I’m not neglecting my job as a parent, which for me is foremost in importance. A lot of people tell me I should do this professionally, but I think they’re just being nice. I do know from personal experience that when something becomes work, it stops being fun for me. I want photography to always be fun, so that’s why I’m entering so lightly.
April 16th, 2010 at 1:49 am
I’ve sold photographic artworks in art galleries. It’s very rare but it has happened! hehe I’ve also had my work printed in books and magazines internationally but I never seem to get paid for that… :/
April 16th, 2010 at 1:49 am
No. But I would like to do so. I think the main impediments have been not having enough confidence in the quality of my work and not really knowing where to begin start selling.
April 16th, 2010 at 1:49 am
Yes, I’ve made money off my photography. I’m not pro, but I’ve done headshots, theatre and awards ceremonies for people I know. I’ve also sold a picture to Travel + Leisure magazine’s web site. They contacted me via flickr asking if they could take my picture, I wrote back saying that if they want to use it, they’ll have to compensate me and give me credit, so I got transferred to someone’s manager and we worked out a deal!
April 16th, 2010 at 1:50 am
Yes, weekend craft/art shows, i have been doing it full time for the past 7 years!
April 16th, 2010 at 1:51 am
Photo contest and weddings
April 16th, 2010 at 1:52 am
Weddings, portraits, real estate, fine art, special events, photos for advertisements.
Hate doing weddings as official photographer – much prefer to act as papparazzi and get candids, then give those as my gift. Always well received.
Love doing fine art, but it doesn’t sell well.
April 16th, 2010 at 1:55 am
I have done Senior portraits for two people and I have done work with another photographer who sold them. I want to get better…
April 16th, 2010 at 1:56 am
Several years ago I shot high school rodeos. I stood in the middle of the arena and took pixs of bronc riding, bareback riding, etc. The big event was of course the bull riding. I partnered with a friend and he did all of the darkroom work.
Most of the rodeos were Friday night, Saturday night and sometimes Sunday afternoon. We would have proofs available after each event and would sell tons of pixs. My partner and I would usually make a $1000 each on a good weekend.
Did this for several years and then one night I got hooked by a bull. I decided that I was too old, too fat, too slow and too scared to continue.
I also won several area photography contest in the sports division. Everyone else would have football or basketball photos and my rodeo pixs would steal the prize.
April 16th, 2010 at 1:56 am
Yes- I did some jewelry shots for a friend that opened their own web site selling handmade jewelry. It was fun and I am happy with the results considering what equipment I had to work with.
http://www.jennysbaubles.com
April 16th, 2010 at 1:57 am
I started off with a bang. I made about 3k of revenue in my first month. Then I had a baby and I’ve been having a little trouble making a come back. Some of it is the lack of time with the baby, and the other is difficulty finding new clients.
April 16th, 2010 at 1:59 am
Yes- I have a website (thru smugmug) and sell images on it. I mainly do portraits.. no weddings!!
April 16th, 2010 at 2:02 am
I have sold photos that were on display at a show. It was one of my better wildlife shots.
April 16th, 2010 at 2:06 am
I answered NO, even though I shot a couple of weddings back in the late 80′s. The first one was my sister’s wedding and that was my wedding gift for her. The second one was a friend’s wedding and I only charged her US $500.00 for the whole thing (yes, I sunk a ton of money on this little experiment, but I considered it a wedding gift for the bride too). After that sordid affair, I swore off wedding photography for good and I only takes wedding pictures when I’m invited as a guest. This was the first and only income I’ve ever received from my photos and/or my photo services.
I am definitely trying to get into the photography market; I’ve created a photo blog, I’ve placed a few of my images with an agency, and I keep scouring the web for more opportunities.
April 16th, 2010 at 2:06 am
I shot yearbook both in high school and college. I really started taking photos by shooting for the local paper when my son was in high school and quickly found that they would pay $1.50 a photo plus mileage. This lead to freelancing with a larger paper. I currently shoot sports – from T-ball to the professional level. I also shoot for Referee Magazine which publishes articles for officials.
April 16th, 2010 at 2:09 am
I’m just starting out, but, I’ve set up a website with prints and portrait offerings. I’ve slowly been getting requests and while I wouldn’t say I’m making money yet, I am starting to pay off my equipment.
http://www.jmphotographyonline.ca
http://www.jmphotographyonline.wordpress.com
April 16th, 2010 at 2:09 am
Yes- Taking pictures of pools for a company. I am in the process of starting up my photo business with my sister. I am very excited! Already did a couple engagement photoshoots and we are doing their weddings. Starting off good!
April 16th, 2010 at 2:10 am
I’ve made a few hundred dollars over 14 months of having a studio and soliciting for portrait and fashion work. I’ve not been able to “cover the rent” in any month. It would be very interesting to see a follow-up poll that asked questions like:
1. Presuming that you HAVE been paid for photography in the past, approximately what percent of your annual gross income comes from photography?
2. Do you earn your entire income from photography?
3. Do you see your income from photography increasing or decreasing over the next year?
4. If you are a wedding photographer, do you see the number of weddings that you photograph in any year increasing or decreasing over past years?
5. If you are a wedding photographer, do you see your income from the average wedding increasing or decreasing over the past year?
I, for one, would be fascinated to know the answers to these kinds of questions.
Tom Byrne, Lambertville, New Jersey, USA
April 16th, 2010 at 2:15 am
Roughly 50/50, wow. I have made some money but not lots. A few prints on online websites and some copies to freinds and family. My first online sale was on a website called RedBubble.
April 16th, 2010 at 2:15 am
I started photograhy in 2009 when I bought my first DSLR as my gratuation gift. I think my photograhy skills have been improving but I haven’t really made any effort to make money from my hobby. If you can share some tips about how-to, it would be great!
April 16th, 2010 at 2:26 am
I’ve been paid for photography work, but I’ve not yet “made money” with photography.
I recently bought my first L-series lens– that alone is about equal to all the money I’ve been paid for photography!
My first payment for photography work came unexpectedly. I was with a group of religious novices (Jesuits, specifically) for a summer and photographed their activities. At the end of the summer, I sent a CD of the photo to their national assistency as a courtesy (with a statement releasing the images to unlimited, non-exclusive use). They had decided to publish one of my photos as the cover image and to use another half dozen in the article. They sent me a dozen copies of that issue along with a small check to express their gratitude. It was awesome.
Recently I’ve been starting to look for local events that would benefit from having a hired photographer. I’ve done a local non-profit fundraiser, I’m shooting an indie-movie premiere next week, and I’ve had a couple of small family and pet portrait sessions, too.
Business has come from two places: word of mouth and Craigs List.
I lveo photography, and if I can get to the point where I have some more toys that can pay for them selves, then I’d be really happy.
April 16th, 2010 at 2:28 am
YES. I was an in-house photographer for 20 years with 3 different hospitals. I did not consider that “my photography” though. I have done work for others that required more of my skills than the hospital. I have sold pieces as artwork and have done work photographing models. I’ve done 3 weddings, but only as favors.
April 16th, 2010 at 2:29 am
Yes, but it was quite accidental. I have always done my photography for free as gifts for family and friends. Instead of buying presents, I take photos at events, do some nice postprocessing and then give them the prints, digital copies or a photobook as a present later. It costs me very little money-wise, just the time investment in making them pretty afterwards, and usually turns out to mean more to them than any physical item I could have bought them.
I started uploading some of my best photos to a blog where I wrote about how I took each photo and general tips and such after many friends and family asked me to teach them what I did to get such great photos no matter what camera I was using.
An international travel website saw my photos and hired me to travel around my city taking photos of the tourist attractions, hotels, restuarants etc to have pretty, original images for the listings on their site. I took the job more for the challenge than the money. I have since had a few offers from friends to do their weddings but I always refer them to a professional. Even though I can take nice photos I’m just not quite at the pro level yet and I don’t want to mess up with such an important event. I still take photos anyway and do the present thing. It means a lot to me to create gifts for people instead of buying commercial stuff.
I’ve never tried selling any stock photography though, but hope to have a small sideline business in future. As many others here have said – I want photography to be fun and stay fun. After taking photos of nearly 300 different locations for that one job I went through a period where I didn’t even want to see my camera, let alone take a picture. However, I’m over that now and put the job money towards my savings for a Nikon D90. Time to match my ability with some decent equipment!
April 16th, 2010 at 2:33 am
Yes. Was once paid a small fee to do stills for an off-off-off Broadway production of Waiting For Godot. The actors were also able to purchase $5.00 B/W 8×10′s I printed in my kitchen. Hired twice to do head shots, twice to do sibling portraits. Sold a couple color prints in local photography shows (bar, restaurant, small gallery). Once published a single greeting card. It was so well received it sold in London, Germany, Canada as well as in least 10 US states. Before stopping I published 6 smaller greeting cards and 10 postcards. In this 35 year period I also did work for 3 different periodicals, there was however, no remuneration.
April 16th, 2010 at 2:33 am
Yes. On a whim I sent of an email to a magazine a year ago & took a few unpaid assignments. A few months later the staff photographer left & they offered me the post. Although it doesn’t leave as much time for my own personal photography it ensures that I’m out at least several times a month shooting people and places I never would have otherwise and my skills have improved ten-fold since I started.
April 16th, 2010 at 2:34 am
Yes, I’ve sold framed prints and greeting cards from my website and through redbubble.com. I sold a print at a juried art exhibition, and have sold both royalty-free and rights-managed stock photos.
April 16th, 2010 at 2:34 am
not yet
April 16th, 2010 at 2:37 am
I have done weddings and functions, a few art shots.
April 16th, 2010 at 2:38 am
I have done some real estate photography and a little bit of portrait work (theatrical headshots and website/business card portraits). I would love to get into doing some stock photos but I don’t know how to start.
April 16th, 2010 at 2:38 am
I do some headshot photography for actors in NYC. I also have shot for special events and theatre productions. I am a lighting designer by trade and shot all of the images on my lighting design website.
April 16th, 2010 at 2:41 am
Selling digital images requested by clients for event coverage, portraits, and for websites. I haven’t got a request to buy an image that I already have created.
April 16th, 2010 at 2:44 am
I’ve sold “a” single on-line print, but that’s not making money. making money is when you have at least recouped your initial layout of camera gear. Mostly I have no ‘base’ nor place to sell locally. Lot’s of folks have seen my work, “oh that’s nice, I like that” , money, nada. when I was painting, same problem. I think I have a couple of those left under the bed. just donated a few to a charity auction. I understand they did better than I would have thought – but that was in another city, not this neck of the armpit of Florida.
April 16th, 2010 at 2:44 am
Yes, I’ve been doing Art Shows and some gallery displays for 3 years. My concentration is mainly in Nature Photography. After a year of travel, I printed calendars and note cards for friends and family. They all said I should be selling them. In 2006 a friend called me up to say her neighbors were getting together a small show, and they wanted me in it. I printed and matted some photos, made more note cards, and ended up selling about $100 worth. After that I didn’t do anything until the next year. They wanted me back, so I made a more serious effort, with better quality prints and cards, and sold almost $300. That got me “hooked” so I bought a tent and racks and started doing the more recognized shows. My goal was to figure out what sells, and concentrate on that. 3 years later, I still haven’t got that figured out! Some days I sell tons of note cards, sometime matted prints, sometimes framed prints, and sometimes higher end canvas prints.
I’m not making a profit at this time, if you count in my camera equipment and travel to take the pictures. But I am making a profit if you just count the cost of printing and framing. My goal is to retire in a couple years and have the photography pay for the trips to take the pictures! My goal this year is to pay for my new Canon 7D and maybe another lens.
April 16th, 2010 at 2:47 am
The more interesting question is “Have you made a PROFIT from selling your photography?”
Yes, I have sold many photos. But unfortunately, I have yet to make a profit on my photography as a whole. However, since I have only been photographing with a profit motive for just over a year and only on a very part time basis, I think my potential for profits on my efforts down the road is possible.
April 16th, 2010 at 2:49 am
Yes, I have made money at photographing babies, children and mommies to be…LOVE it! I am new at it…so I am always learning!
April 16th, 2010 at 2:49 am
No – I’ve never profited from my photography services or products. I’ve always only done pro-bono photography. I consider photography my hobby, not my job, so I’ve never built a clientèle or real portfolio. I’m also very self- critical of my skill level and the quality of my work to believe it is good enough to profit from anyway. However, some years ago I framed a couple of graphic enhanced prints from one of my photos to be auctioned off at our family reunion “white elephant” fund-raiser. The proceeds from all the auction items went into our reunion fund to cover event expenses and generate seed money for the next reunion. I don’t consider this as a sale (no direct profit to me), but it was cool to see that family members were willing to bid and pay nicely for something I produced.
April 16th, 2010 at 2:50 am
I shoot weddings, portraits, and some product shots. I have sold a few of the artsy prints I do for fun.
April 16th, 2010 at 2:52 am
Yes, I have sold some photos on various stock sites. Funny thing is that my most purchased photo is the check engine light in my wifes car. I have done some commercial work on jewelry but nothing to elaborate. I’m beginning to enjoy the commercial work and portrait work more than the thought of weddings, to much stress.
April 16th, 2010 at 2:55 am
I’ve started selling notecards, calendars & framed art prints at 2 local shops. I’ve made a little bit of money, but so far it’s just going into new lenses and photography/photoshop classes. I’m taking an indie business class now and will hopefully start selling my photography prints online in the near future. The only way that I could ever see myself doing weddings is as a second shooter!
April 16th, 2010 at 2:57 am
Photography as always been a part of my various jobs over the years, from a stint as a photographer for IBM, as the editor of a small-town newspaper and as a pro, selling my framed photos in various shops and restaurants. Restaurants are an ideal way to sell your pictures. Owners welcome the art and color to their walls. Often they collect the money and give it to me without taking a cut.
Frame them as large as you can with attractive mats and frames and SIGN THEM! I get my frames at resale stores, such as Salvation Army and Good Will and restore them. A spray can of gold or silver paint can do wonders. Cut rate stores like Ross Dress for Less often have nice frames with mats with a lot of so-so art that you remove and replace with your own photos.
It.s nice to have a mat cutter (I use an Altos 4505 mat cutting system). It’s also a plus to have a large format printer (I use a Canon Pixma 9500 with prints up to a 13 by 19-inch photo and uses 10 ink colors).
The printer is handy for many of the restored frames because often they have odd-sized mats. So you can print the picture to the size of the mat.
Dick Blick art supplies has a good selection of mats and even has 16 by 20 mats cut to fit the largest digital photo size – at a good price.
April 16th, 2010 at 2:58 am
wow, there’s a discrepancy of only 9 votes between the two… Crazy.
I’ve made a small bit of money shooting events for friends–kids’ sports games, pretty much. Not much money, they were for friends/coworkers.
Plans are in motion to begin changing this though, and putting a good focus on paying gigs. Just not weddings. hehe.
April 16th, 2010 at 2:59 am
Define “made money”. I’ve earned some money but not nearly enough to cover gear, website, expenses etc. So you tell me. Have I “made money”? Nah. But I’ve had a great time losing it!
April 16th, 2010 at 3:00 am
i havent ever made money with my photography…i havent ever tried though! Im still a beginner and have a lot to learn. I do it as a hobby!
April 16th, 2010 at 3:08 am
I was recently paid for doing Senior photo’s for some of my son’s friends and for doing a family photo shoot. I didn’t want pay for it and told them it was a gift but they insisted! So, who am I to turn them down?
While money is always nice, my purpose for doing photo’s for people is to bless them on top of which I don’t think my work warrants pay; it’s not the quality and creativity that I’d think deserves pay. I love taking pictures of people and frequently have my camera at hand. I enjoy looking at some of the photo’s I’ve taken and a few even make me gaze at them for long periods of time amazed that I was able to capture the shot.
In the end, I want to be a good photographer but don’t know that I’ll ever think I should make money at it.
April 16th, 2010 at 3:12 am
I haven’t sold any of my prints yet. But I do think that my craft has matured to a point where I feel confident enough to market, or sell my services.
April 16th, 2010 at 3:14 am
Yes. Mostly selling prints on occasion (I don’t try as hard as I should….shame) and a few jobs here and there with local companies updating (or setting up) websites and ‘realtor’ shots. I’ve never made enough to live off of or even pay for my equipment…but enough that it keeps the wife happy with the fact that my ‘hobby’ actually brings in the occasional check. I guess I’ll be keeping my day job for now.
April 16th, 2010 at 3:14 am
the biggest thing I did to jumpstart making money with photography was join a local BNI chapter as the photographer chair. The philosophy of the group is “Givers Gain”. This way a group of people pass referrals to those in the group to do business either within the group or with each members’ contacts. From this I went to doing the odd job by word of mouth to at leat 3 shoots a week. I’ve captured real estate listings, math text books for advertisement, cd release promo, music new venue promo, families, engagements, dogs, all sorts of things. If you’re interested in taking your photography business to the next level give your local BNI (stands for Business Networking International – google it to find out more) Chapter a call and see what photographer’s chair is available in your area. Good shooting!
Debra
April 16th, 2010 at 3:14 am
Yes, first through iStock, and then professionally. Families, kids, couples, pets, maternity, newborns, food and corporate photography.
April 16th, 2010 at 3:15 am
I have been in business for just over 6 years and with a photography background, along with many jobs in sales and customer service. I have been making money since I started my company. For me photography is a full time job and we focus on many photography areas and that has been good for our business. All through the economic tough times we have still increased our sales each year.
I often tell people that are wanting to get into the photography business that it really helps to have a sales and customer service mentality. You can be the BEST photographer but if you don’t know how to price your photography, your print sales, even know what your time is worth then you will just end of giving away your time and products just to satisfy your internal needs. I recommend attending some type of conference on “How to Make Money” in your photography business. Understand the type of clients you want to work with and that fully appreciate the investment part of your talent.
April 16th, 2010 at 3:16 am
It was an actually gig. A friend paid me to shoot her wedding reception. It was weird seeing friends and not being a guess but also a huge learning experience and a feeling of accomplishment.
April 16th, 2010 at 3:17 am
Yes and no; about 20 years ago I happened on a fire ignited by vandals of a halloween outdoor farmstand elaborate scarecrow display. I took analog pictures, had them developed, couriered them to the newspaper (after making calls to find out who to send them to), and they published a couple of them. They offered me $50 for that. It was so draining of time and money I couldn’t see going through all of that again so I decided to keep what I thought might be some sort of ‘amateur status’ and never collected the money. Probably an ignorant gesture on my part, next time I’ll take the cash. I do wonder, though, how people go about getting real money, not just a token payment, for their photos in this kind of situation.
April 16th, 2010 at 3:19 am
I’ve sold prints over internet (2 in fact
) and then some prints over an art market in Costa Rica 
seek for local flea markets and go there, you might amaze how many ppl buy stuff there…. so think big and large, print 20 copies and sell then cost +$5/$10 then you will see how fast you can made some bucks..
April 16th, 2010 at 3:19 am
I have not sold my photos yet but have gathered up some mattes, bags and made some prints so I would like to hear how others have sold their photos
April 16th, 2010 at 3:19 am
Yes. I worked for a local magazine doing the “social” pictures, I sold images to a calendar publisher for a whole year of months and I’ve sold several individual prints which were entered in local competitions. I’ve done several weddings and some senior px for family also, but not for profit.
April 16th, 2010 at 3:26 am
No, I have not made any money with my photography, but I really have never tried. I am thinking about it though.
April 16th, 2010 at 3:28 am
Yes – It started with micro stock sales, then a few portrait sessions, a wedding, and some more portrait sessions. When I can get enough portrait sessions to do this for a living…
April 16th, 2010 at 3:28 am
Yes and no
I have sold bookcovers and magazine for inside use, have done weddings, worked for newspapers and shot motorsports. Over forty years, yes, I have made money that always seemed to be spent, a lot for equipment or travel. I got to go a lot of places I would never have been without a camera.
April 16th, 2010 at 3:29 am
I think your question should have been, “Have you ever sold your photography?” I’ve sold prints, note cards and bookmarks at art fairs and online. I’m not making any money to speak of. The best I ever did at the art fairs was to break even. I think I will try the local flea market, as suggested above.
April 16th, 2010 at 3:30 am
Yes, doing glamour/boudoir and portraits primarily. Do a few weddings.
April 16th, 2010 at 3:32 am
Yes – My part-time job is taking photos of cultural actions in my town.
April 16th, 2010 at 3:41 am
Yes I have made a living taking photos for about the first 20 years of my adult life. I traveled the world with my ability to sell portraits but now it is a hobby.
I love HDR especially with seascapes and now live on the coast in South Africa
April 16th, 2010 at 3:47 am
Yes I have made money from my photography, I am a pro.
The majority of my photography income is from event and portrait work. The other sources are from weddings and teaching photography lessons.
I have also earned money by selling my images at a solo exhibition of my work. This year my photographs will be in shared exhibitions seeking more exposure.
April 16th, 2010 at 3:49 am
I’ve sold hundreds of photos to accompany articles I’ve written… almost exclusively to newspapers.
April 16th, 2010 at 3:49 am
Yes I have, but it has not been easy. I have done high school sports, and attempt to sell to the parents, and players. But even with reasonably priced shots, i have not sold very many. I have taken alot, just not sold alot.
It is a labor of love.
April 16th, 2010 at 3:52 am
Yes- I’ve had plenty of friends graduate from college in the last year and I have offered senior portraits on campus. A few of my friends that won’t graduate for another year or so have asked me to come back. I have found that my friends are great at spreading the word about my photography. I can only hope to become a “Pro” in the coming years
April 16th, 2010 at 3:54 am
I was a hobbyist using a Kodak Brownie around the age of 12. Went to photo school in NYC when I got out of the US Army. I then got a job as an Industrial Photographer for a utility company for 25 years and retired. Having a very large family, I have been the “Official Family Photographer” for many, many years. It has been a great vocation and avocation. I now spend hours making “personal” greeting cards for birthdays and anniversaries for family members using the photographs I have taken over the years.
April 16th, 2010 at 4:01 am
No. Never in all my half century of photography have I made any money on it. I have charged at cost for occasional commisions for friends but never made a profit.
April 16th, 2010 at 4:04 am
I am a retiree and photography is mainly and hobby. However, for a few years I sold photo note-cards in several stores in my tourist town. I also sold a few prints. However, I find that I’m happiest just concentrating on photography as a hobby. There wasn’t enough profit in selling card though I did get satisfaction from knowing that my work was good enough to sell.
April 16th, 2010 at 4:06 am
Yes, as far as receiving money for portrait sessions.
No, as far as total profit after equipment costs!
ojphoto.blogspot.com
April 16th, 2010 at 4:06 am
Yes.
I did a little PhotoExipition. where i managed to sell allot of the photos after.
I started doing Wedding Photography where i am located in a Country where its highly needed, And there isnt that many good ones. Well there is. But for a extremely price.
I started this just tagging along with a another Photographer, Then didn’t take any money for it, as it was a good way of learning more. I get better and better each time. But i have still allot to go. Now we do the Booth of us. And its so much fun.,
Its a scary thing to do. So i have to do the best performance possible.
April 16th, 2010 at 4:16 am
Not Yet, but I’m trying!!
I have made some photobooks to show!! and right now I have four weddings to go and get some practice!! :0) I’m also taking photos of children and babies!! I’m working hard!! 
I alredady did my labels and ready to go!! after the practice I will buy more gear though!!!
April 16th, 2010 at 4:20 am
Nearly 50 years ago, I got started in photography as the son of a Brooks trained photographer. I was in Junior High, and shot sports, dances etc. and printed in my own darkroom then sold them the next day. By the time I was in my 20′s I was doing school portraits, not like the competition of the time but we used full formula lighting and worked for a good image on every child. Over the next 10+ years I photographed an estimated quarter Million people. Later I ran three studio’s for a time, Then became burn out and for a time didn’t even own a camera or use one. I picked up a cheapie camera (digital) for doing pix for ebay sales, and later upgraded. I decided to give the camera to a grand daughter. My wife suggested we should teach her how to use it. We did and she learned fast. That fall at the county fair with a 1.5 mega pixel camera she took about 5 Blue Ribbons and a division champion. We were hooked to. We have re-acquired equipment, With a Canon 30D and lenses from 18 to 300 and five other digitals. for the digital we print with 2 Epson Photo R260′s, and a Epson 44′ wide 9500 ink jet printer. In film we use An Elan IIe, various Rebels, and several systems built around a Canon A-1 T50 and a FTb, a Minolta with Vivitar Series one lenses. and now, a Rollei Twin, and a Mamiya RZ system, a Cambo SC Mono-Rail 4×5, a Speed Graphic. We have have crossed back over to the ability to do anything Still in wet lab processes from 35mm to 4×5 sheet in color, B&W, negative or transparency up to and including 16×20. We are aquiring galleries now to show and sell our work. No longer am I interested in photographing people though I do from time to time by request, I am hooked on nature. and scenic.
My wife and I are teaching a small class of kids ages from 8 to 15 photography. It has been that class that has inspired us the most. I got into the 4×5 because of the power of a view camera to reduce photo instruction it its basics. There with a camera with bellows, a lens and a ground glass it is easy to see and understand F-Stop, Shutter Speed, ISO Speed Depth-of-field, focus and composition. I have found that digital though a powerful medium, can ruin a person. It is so easy to shoot and shoot the the idea, if I miss it, I can photo-shop it. We need to be more mindful of the importance of proper compositon lighting and exposure at the time of the shot, be right from the start.
If you are knowledgeable in the proper use of the equipment, and can work with kids, I strongly recommend you find kids in you neighbourhood, and start teaching them. I have bought thrift store digitals older good ones 10 to 20 bux, with zoom and macro. After they have gone through classes with me, and we go out to do field trips, when I have decided they are responsible with it.. I give it to them. Once they know the basics and the rules of composition etc. It is basically stand back and learn from them. MtnTopRebel
April 16th, 2010 at 4:25 am
Yes .. I started doing wedding pictures for friends and now,I am being called upon for others. I am just now starting to do schools,portraits and maternity shoots. I don’t charge alot because it is more of a hobby. I don’t do the whole package deal. I put the high resolution pictures on a cd. I do direct them to a lab to get printed.
April 16th, 2010 at 4:28 am
I am not a professional photographer but I have sold some photographs as greeting cards. I have also photographed the back cover photo for an author which was published on her book for a small fee. I was published in the “Cats 24/7 and Dogs 24/7″ books and received a gift for the publication. I have contributed my talents for the benefit of a “children’s home” by providing photos for use in a video that was put together for charity, but if you mean making a profit from photography….. No, I have not made money from photographing anything. The blessing here is that the photography I do does not have to support me and can benefit others.
April 16th, 2010 at 4:34 am
I sold a few pieces in an art show years ago in college. Then got into weddings when a friend of mine asked me to shoot hers. Word of mouth snowballed from there and I’ve branched out into family, engagement, newborn and kids. Just finished a wedding last Saturday and I have a family session this Sunday.
I limit myself to no more than one wedding per month though, otherwise the pressure and ‘darkroom’ time make it more work than pleasure. I make sure to leave myself time for photography that is just for me.
April 16th, 2010 at 4:35 am
Yes! I don’t make a living selling photos, but I’ve sold images to companies for brochures and other publications, publishers of books have asked to purchase some as well. Dozens of images are on webpages of all sorts – private companies and organizations to public village and county websites.
Most recently, some of my lighthouse images were discovered on line and featured in a regional magazine – and one adorned the cover- $$$. They now use my photographs on a regular basis.
I had my first gallery exhibit last month, 24 images were selected for the exhibit by the exhibit hall. I hope to have many more in the future.
Not sure about stock photography companies. Those I’ve seen don’t pay a lot and require you to sign over the rights to your images. I will never give up the rights to use my images, so stock photography doesn’t appear to be in my future.
I haven’t marketed my images at all, they were all found on flickr or on my blog. I should really start marketing, maybe I’d get a lot more interest – the I can save up for better equipment.
April 16th, 2010 at 4:36 am
Yes, shooting Prom Pictures, etc. for friends.
April 16th, 2010 at 4:37 am
I’m a web designer – and as part of my service I offer a photography service to photograph items for the website. I do want to branch out and do more photography work though.
April 16th, 2010 at 4:38 am
Although I have done many weddings and other family functions, I have never made any money out of it.
It was always family functions and I am a “softee” when it comes to putting a price tag for my work. They all praise my work but they don’t voluntarily offer me cash or any photographic gifts. How do I change my ways? I would appreciate some tips in changing my attitude, please!
April 16th, 2010 at 4:39 am
I incorporate photos in my collage art work. Jeanette Hane
April 16th, 2010 at 4:43 am
Yes, though all profits went to the charity for which the auction was benefiting.
April 16th, 2010 at 4:47 am
I am an amateur photographer who has never sold anything they’ve done before. I know that once you do the insurance won’t cover your gear. Also, I’m very very scared about getting into the industry because I don’t know where to start. I don’t know exactly what kind of photography I’m supposed to be shooting for work, how to run a business, and how to break into the industry. I want to start my business on the side so that I can support my family and I’m not sure if down the road I’d like to make it full-time because I’m afraid of losing the passion and the joy and it just becoming a job instead. I wish there was some kind of step-by-step guide or at least structure that I can follow to get from where I am now to where I want to be. I just don’t know what my steps need to be.
April 16th, 2010 at 4:49 am
Yes i make money from my photography through my stock agents.
April 16th, 2010 at 4:51 am
I have made money form shooting pics. I recently shot my Nephews wedding, and they loved it. And I have a smugmug website I sell pictures from. I shoot a lot of Surfing pics, and try to get them to the Surfers I shot. It is not a very lucrative business, but it pays for the site every Year, and a little left over to help with equipment costs.
April 16th, 2010 at 4:52 am
I have not made substantial amounts of money, but hopefully in the near future I’ll get noticed a bit more and make a nice profit!
http://jonathangodoy.com/
April 16th, 2010 at 4:52 am
Yes, I do make money from my photography. I am a professional part-time headshot photographer, deeply entrenched in the entertainment arena…also am an actress
April 16th, 2010 at 4:58 am
Started in 1971 when friends saw some shots of my son.Progressed from portraits, to weddings, to ad hoc advertising, stringing et al. Was “part time” [I had a full time job] but it paid for the kit and quite a few bills, as well.
Stopped when “compact” cameras were nearly as good as my Nikon FE. [and "crowd control" became almost impossible].
Now shoot as a hobby, [but still sell the occasional print] with a Nikon D90 and associated lenses
April 16th, 2010 at 4:59 am
I just recently started making money off my photography. Many friends of mine actually asked me if they could purchase some of my photos. They encouraged me to start a website, which I did a couple months ago. Check out Northeast Kingdom Photography if you are interested.
A couple people have lined up photo sessions with me as well. I don’t make a living off of it so I won’t call myself a professional, but I hope to one day be! Is 25 too late to have such ambitions? I hope not
Cabin Fever in Vermont
April 16th, 2010 at 5:00 am
I take photos for the Athens Photographic Project which is a photography class for the mentally ill. I suffer from depression which makes me a canidate for the class. I sold three photos of a Praying Mantis and made $100.00 off from the image. I have since taken a lot of other good photos.
April 16th, 2010 at 5:03 am
A little: between $100-$200 on poster, card, postcard, and stamp sales on Zazzle over a few years.
April 16th, 2010 at 5:06 am
In addition i also write articles that accompany my images which makes them easier to sell, to see some of my work go to http://www.beechbrook.com . When the site opens scroll down to the small image titled THE BEAUTY OF AFRICAN WILDLIFE CONTINUED click on the image and a zip file will be downloaded to you.
When the AV starts turn up the music and relax and watch the show.
April 16th, 2010 at 5:23 am
I am a medical photographer.
April 16th, 2010 at 5:32 am
I have been playing with my camera and some people have asked me to take pictures and for a small fee, so I have. It just encourages me to learn more each day and get better at my hobby. Maybe one day I can leave my 9-5 job and make a living doing what I like as a hobby now.
April 16th, 2010 at 5:35 am
I am a landscape shooter, and describe myself as a photographic artist rather than a professional photographer, because I choose my scenes, do not work for hire, and make my money by selling matted and framed, or framed canvas prints. Davy
April 16th, 2010 at 5:37 am
I started a home business a couple years ago. I started just doing photos and putting on dvd for family and friends, etc. I have branched out to doing weddings, senior photos, famiy photos and have even done our church directory. I have a regular full time job-with the insurance, benefits etc., but as a part time home job, I do more photography than photos to dvd.
April 16th, 2010 at 5:41 am
Yes, stock sales, online print sales, print sales from gallery shows. Far from making a living at it as I won’t do weddings or portraits. I’ll stick to nature type work. Dealing with one mother in law is enough.
April 16th, 2010 at 5:52 am
Your question could not have come at a better time. I can now claim that I’ve made money from my new photographic journey from Rookie to Pro. My blog (www.rookiephoto.com) has more info on this exercise.
Just yesterday through Twitter I was approached by a member of British Columbia’s Legislative Assembly inquiring about how to obtain 3 canvas wraps of my photos from my Flower Power collection (http://bit.ly/DPSFlowers).
It took me an hour to wipe the smile off of my face. My photo journey has been in effect for 6 weeks now and I’ve been published in a newspaper and now have my first sale.
Thanks for your great resource and for all the people who visit and comment on my sets of Flickr photos (http://bit.ly/DPSSets).
April 16th, 2010 at 5:56 am
Yes, I sell photos of our local environment in local galleries, have had an exhibition in a local cafe, have done family portraits, and one renewal of wedding vows. Am slowly building up my business and am finding it a very exciting and scary journey.
April 16th, 2010 at 5:58 am
I’ve made money by selling photos on stock sites and by selling my photos in a small gallery. I’ve also tried my hand at a few craft fairs, but that was more trouble than it was worth.
April 16th, 2010 at 6:04 am
I sold a photo, taken in Mongolia, to a museum in Istanbul that served as a background in an exposition about the Turkish history in Mongolia. The money was enough to pay for my ticket and hotel in Istanbul for 5 days, and 5 sisters joined. That was a great experience!
Beside that I shot one wedding which is not my cup of tea.
Twice a year I take pictures of a choir. It pays a little bit, but it’s nice to do.
Furthermore in the very near future I’m going to take group photo’s of people in a health care organization for their website.
But the fun thing is that I made friends all over the world that keeps me traveling!
Thanks for asking.
Rinie
April 16th, 2010 at 6:15 am
Yes. Entered a thematic contest on a non-photographic website (Mercedes Fan Club) and won the 1st prize. I’ve bought an external flash using the prize.
April 16th, 2010 at 6:17 am
I’ve made £1000 from five micro stock photography sites. I’ve written a guide to best sites for anyone wanting to give it a go themselves.
Guide to Stock Photography
April 16th, 2010 at 6:20 am
i won 150USD in one photo competiton as the 1st prize. i also made like 200USD from microstock… i´m beginner…hope it will get better:)
April 16th, 2010 at 6:22 am
Yes I have. I make money from parties and portraits. I have a wedding coming up soon too ( a bit worried about that). I am hoping to start selling prints soon.
April 16th, 2010 at 6:28 am
I was lucky to meet the right people at the right time, but it is also about being pro-active.
April 16th, 2010 at 6:29 am
Did a wedding shoot, that’s all so far.
April 16th, 2010 at 6:30 am
Technically, yes. But, only because an owner of a new restaurant saw my photos somewhere and contacted me. They paid me to use my photos on their menu cover as well as inside the menu. Nice compliment but not exactly what I would call making money from my photography.
April 16th, 2010 at 6:33 am
Yes, I have made money from my photography, I took some freinds family photo’s which she posted up on the net for friedns and reletives to see and it went from there I was booked to do some car photo’s and dogs for one guy, and do various other thigs that have ben asked of me! Earlier in the peice I sold some photo’s on Ebay of a grave.
April 16th, 2010 at 6:43 am
I’ve made some money doing the odd wedding here and there, would like to do more of course. Also made some money doing family / children shoots. So rewarding being compensated for something you love and knowing your work is worth charging a fee for, no matter how big or small that fee is.
April 16th, 2010 at 6:47 am
I have made money w/ my pics, but just barely.
I have some of my images on postcards, and I’ve managed to sell a few.
April 16th, 2010 at 6:49 am
Yes, I have made money selling sports photographs from local high schools. Started out simple enough..started taking pictures of my kids and now i take pictures of the entire county school system.
April 16th, 2010 at 7:00 am
Photographed my friends wedding, but that was for free. It was fun! Not really sure how I can take my photos and turn them into profit for me. I’ve always enjoyed photography, but I’m very much a novice.
April 16th, 2010 at 7:04 am
I’ve made some money doing the wedding thing for friends, headshots for friends and then moved on to getting more clients. Headshots for clients, engagement photos, my money maker these days is corporate events, mostly promotional events for alcohol brands.
April 16th, 2010 at 7:07 am
Some weddings, receptions, selling pieces from competitions, shows etc.
April 16th, 2010 at 7:08 am
I am definitely an amateur photographer, but I have made money with my photography. It may take me longer than a pro, but I can do good portraits, and I love trying to capture the personality of the before in front of my lens. I am currently a full-time college student studying music. Many of my friends need a photographer for their recital invitations. And since I also have self-taught skills with graphic design, I design their invitations. I’ve been paid on a few occasions, although I always offer it for free. I don’t feel like I have the skills to actually put a price on them, but people seem to like the results.
April 16th, 2010 at 7:08 am
Yes, I have made some profit from my photography. I got a membership at a local art gallery and sell some pictures every now and then. I also have started doing a few weddings and have been paid for those. I’m not PRO yet but am working hard to get there!
April 16th, 2010 at 7:11 am
No I haven’t done it yet, but would like to do. I know there is a lot of stock pages available on internet, but which one is good, which one is rip off? And I’m shooting for a fun and pleasure now but would like to move it in to next level…
April 16th, 2010 at 7:22 am
I’m a landscape shooter and I think my work leaves a lot to be desired. But my peeps who see it think otherwise. I have sold several prints and just last week a 16 X 24 canvas gallery wrap of a nice waterfall scene. I have never marketed myself and do not intend to from a landscape standpoint. But I am starting to get into portraiture and hope to add to the back account in the future.
April 16th, 2010 at 7:30 am
back in the days of film: Intimate shoots for friends, several “good” images sold as prints and event photography. refused weddings consistently as they are and were too mission critical for my nerves
April 16th, 2010 at 7:33 am
Uow! It’s a half-half poll!
But, no, I’ve never made money from my photography.
Actually, I don’t really know how to do it… nowaday almost everbody has a camera and everbody is shotting a lot! How could I sell any of my pictures?
April 16th, 2010 at 7:37 am
Yes. Sold a few prints first time was by accident, photographs i had sent for processing was delivered to my work that night i went to my local and some friends asked to see pictures and i sold five prints for a modest profit. I now get regular print sales which has led me to get some weddings again I am always upfront stating I,m not a pro but they have seen the photos from a previous wedding. I never advertise and only take on work I’m comfortable with.
Sam
April 16th, 2010 at 7:40 am
I’ve sold note cards for 25 years; in the past 5 years have been selling photos in Glacier N.P. at one of the shops. Sold pics to a postcard company; had a few published in local magazines.
April 16th, 2010 at 7:40 am
Yes I have made money selling photos. Used to do family photography all B&W in the days when I did my own darkroom work…also did a wedding or two but it was nerve racking just thinking that if you screwed up you had ruined such an important day for someone who trusted you to do a good job.
Of late have been making some money doing photos and video for school systems. Never tried to support myself as a photographer
April 16th, 2010 at 7:50 am
I’ve made photography from doing weddings and selling prints. I’m an amateur photographer. With the economy down, a lot of people these days are willing to sacrifice great photos for a cheaper price.
April 16th, 2010 at 8:01 am
Hello – I have only made a bit of money from entering photos into competitions (over $1000 AUS). I would love to be able to sell some of my work, but need to learn more about that side of things.
April 16th, 2010 at 8:09 am
No, I’ve not made money.
Yes, I’ve tried. Ads on Craigslist, word of mouth, business cards, I’ve tried it. I’m working on setting up a website though… personally, I think I’m a great photographer – people tell me I’m good, So I dont ‘know what the problem is.
April 16th, 2010 at 8:24 am
I’ve sold fine photography prints in cafes and over the internet. I also received a grant to do a 4 month project photographing wilderness areas across the U.S. and interviewing and photographing the people I found in the backcountry. …. The gig didn’t pay much, but it covered gas and food for the trip which doubled as my honeymoon. Some of the photos are online at the following url, unfortunately, the interviews with the backpackers and horsepackers are not up. > http://www.foxpointphotography.com
April 16th, 2010 at 8:28 am
Yes, full time portrait photographer. Lovin EVERY day of it!
April 16th, 2010 at 8:30 am
Weddings, portraits, events and sport (sport is hard and do mostly for fun)
Want to be fulltime in the future…
April 16th, 2010 at 8:37 am
Yes, from weddings but I only do them if requested and, as I’m not a professional, I only accept gifts in payments for myself or reimbursement for costs of albums, etc they may wont. I have asked though that my assistant (granddaughter) be paid for her time as she is studying photography and I’m trying to encourage her. Maybe one day I’ll be her assistant! She’s already with an agency covering music events – not paid yet but gets a press pass to front stage and is making lots of contacts in the industry and with the event audience. If you are prepared to do “work experience” you can (hopefully) break into professional photography.
April 16th, 2010 at 8:47 am
Yes, I’ve sold post cards & prints both online and at local shows. Years ago I also photographed a few weddings… getting back into it full-time.
April 16th, 2010 at 8:54 am
I would love to earn money from my photography, I just don’t know how to get started. I have been researching the stock photography industry but the advice seems to differ, My goal is to supplement my income with my photography as I get closer to retirement. My friends and family tell me I have a “good eye” and I have taken some photographs that I am very proud of. I guess I am a little afraid to try to sell anything.
April 16th, 2010 at 9:06 am
Not yet. I live in Chiapas Mexico and most of my photo’s are of Indigenous People. It was so hard to get them to let me take their photo I would feel guilty if I made a profit from it. Some think a photo steals their soul. I give them a copy of each photo so in some way that make us even. Maybe I should take landscape photo’s.
April 16th, 2010 at 9:29 am
Not yet. I just started with photography as a hobby last August and got my first DSLR in October. I still don’t have really great lenses either, but I am saving for that.
I have donated two framed 8X10′s to non profit groups as fundraisers(one a sunrise over a lake and the other a Great Egret in a salt marsh) and both went well. One as a raffle and the other at a silent auction. They both brought respectable prices, so I am encouraged.
I have just about figured out a few things with the low end lenses, so when I can buy my first Canon “L” lens I will most likely be effective with it. Just having a hard time saving up $1610 for the EF 100-400mmL IS USM!!!!
I will be going to two Native American Powwows next month and hope to get a few great frames from those. I have a friend who is a vendor at powwows, so hopefully he can sell a few for me with us splitting on the profit. Powwow dancers are less reluctant to have their photos taken and I intend to give them a free 8×10 for signing a release. We will see how that works.
April 16th, 2010 at 9:29 am
Yes. I find that the “multiple streams of income” method works well. By that I mean I don’t just do weddings or just sell prints. I do some weddings, I’ve had a couple photographic shows but mostly I am a journalist who makes a point of taking photos to give to editors to publish with my articles. They like that they don’t have to go looking for photos and I make extra money when they publish them. I’ve made photo books for family and wedding couples and am working on a few books to sell online at Blurb and MyPublisher. I don’t think making money at photography is that difficult if you have a few ways to make it. I admire those people who are strictly wedding photographers or portrait photographers or stock photographers. I couldn’t do it… I know some who concentrate on a photographic speciality and, when they throw themselves into it, they earn a very good living.
April 16th, 2010 at 9:37 am
Yes, I’ve been selling on line stock images for the last 5 years and have done very well
April 16th, 2010 at 9:41 am
yes as a hobby i run a little company The Shutter of Excellence. i shoot covers for a runners mag. & have done product work for marine catalogs.
April 16th, 2010 at 9:50 am
Just starting photography as a hobby, if I ever make any money from it, it’ll be a bonus, I’ll stick with playfully threatening friends of putting the “better” ones of them goofing off on Facebook.
April 16th, 2010 at 9:51 am
Yes, years ago when I finished photography school I went into partnership with a friend and we did gigs, weddings and some food advertisement. It was hard at the time with no internet and I was far too young ( 18 ) with not enough ambition.
I am eager to do photography now as a business and it’s much more accessible and cheap, so I am giving it another go!
April 16th, 2010 at 9:57 am
Yes. Only because my friend also insisted. She an artist and needed her artwork photographed. After an evening hard work we needed to do some of it over again in better lighting So we took it outside. This is when she told me she’d be paying me. As an artist she understands time commitment better than my other friends and so I ended up getting paid.
April 16th, 2010 at 10:00 am
No, but I would love to, only as a bonus… you know, all the money would probably go towards buying new photography equipment
April 16th, 2010 at 10:08 am
I have done jobs as an on-set photographer for a cable television’s in house production. After buying a sound blimp, and the amout of hours required, the per hour rate wasn’t too great. Good learning experience though.
April 16th, 2010 at 10:14 am
I’ve shot model portfolios, family portraits, commercial portraits, business interiors, and actor headshots.
Recently, I’ve opened a portrait studio where I do headshots, executive portraits, and boudoir photos.
April 16th, 2010 at 10:23 am
Yes. I´ve got a US$ 300 as a winner of the Best Semi-Pro Picture (a stunning colour sunset in one of Peru´s best beaches).
April 16th, 2010 at 10:27 am
Yes I have, thanfully. I have done some friends’ weddings, some senior portraits and family portraits.
If anyone has any information sites to sell photographs for stock photos, please feel free to comment back.
Thank you!
April 16th, 2010 at 10:36 am
Yes. Started as a kid and actually got lucky and had my first image published at age 10.
We do weddings, corporate events, newborns, family portraiture, sports leagues and commercial real estate site development. Guess you could say I like to shoot. Recently got into the stock image market as well.
April 16th, 2010 at 11:01 am
I have made money selling some of my Wildlife photos…I enjoy taking pictures…I crop them, colorize them, and do other adjustments such as convert them to B&W…I also leave most ofr the photos untouched…I have not made a fortune on my photos but have sold about 10 pictures so far…I also mount them in a matt which is included in the price…
April 16th, 2010 at 11:10 am
YES ……..i started with portraits for school plays and a local dance group……then partys…( graduations birthdays, retirment, wedding annaversery, and only 2 weddings) now as a part time gig….i work for a realestate company…shooting houses about to be forclosed on…..and shots of property about to be listed…….that is all fill in…when not working other 3 jobs
April 16th, 2010 at 11:12 am
Yes, through sales [prints, postcards, calenders and licensing images] as well as portrait sittings and the odd wedding [I have huge respect for wedding photographers - it is not for me
].
April 16th, 2010 at 11:16 am
Back in the early 90′s, I shot a friends wedding. I made $400.00 from that shoot. At the time I was just learning about photography and I didn’t know all that goes into shooting a wedding. If I had to do it all over again, I wouldn’t take on that task. I took a lesson from it, just because you own a SLR doesn’t make you a photographer. I did learn from it. They were happy with the pictures but looking back, they weren’t all that good in my eyes.
April 16th, 2010 at 11:17 am
No, but I don’t do weddings. I would like to find my niche and earn a living with digital photography. I only have a Nikon D60 with an 18-55mm VR, a 70-300mm VR, and a really decent Nikon Speedflash. Not really a profession set of gear. I’m always open to hearing about creatives ways to earn a living.
April 16th, 2010 at 11:18 am
I just made money for the first time a few weeks ago. A friend asked me to take the cast pictures for the high school musical. I spent a couple of days in a dark auditorium trying to get some decent pics in bad lighting. It was challenging for me but I learned a lot and everyone was very happy with their pictures.
April 16th, 2010 at 11:25 am
I sold a few prints on easy when I first joined. Then nothing. I learned that easy is more of a community and you have to be involved with the other artists. I didn’t have time for that.
I need to try some local places. Well, once I pare down my portfolio.
April 16th, 2010 at 11:30 am
Have earned money with a Photo comp and taking shots for a local Real Estate firm for their business cards and a media release.
Also had a number of shots published in our local newspaper. No payment for these though as I work for the paper. Still it’s a buzz to see the shots in print.
It’s good to hear that I am not the only one who feels a certain sense of fear that our shots won’t be good enough. I am sure this will go away as I get better at the craft of photography. Only just beginning and I look forward to the journey.
April 16th, 2010 at 11:36 am
I haven’t really tried to sell my photos, but occasionally people approach me through Flickr and ask to purchase some of my pictures, usually for books or other print publications.
April 16th, 2010 at 11:46 am
I would love to go pro, but my photos just aren’t that good yet. Theres no need for me to sell photos as I have a pretty well paid day job. I dream of changing my career and studying photography so I can do what I love all day… maybe one day.
April 16th, 2010 at 11:54 am
Very recently I was asked to do my first ever photography commission and it was for an art exhibition so yeah
April 16th, 2010 at 12:05 pm
Yes — I’m senior sports photographer for Emerson College, but since I’m a student there I don’t get paid for it. A lot of parents were asking me for copies of pictures so I started selling them through backprint.com
It’s really easy, you can set your own prices and backprint prints and ships all products for you, and then sends you a check every couple of weeks. They keep enough to cover the wholesale cost, plus 15% (which for a website like this is not very much at all, as far as I can tell). You give people a URL, which I just have typed up on a business card to give to parents, and they can follow it straight to your own little homepage.
April 16th, 2010 at 12:17 pm
I am a part time real estate photographer so yes I do some money from photography
April 16th, 2010 at 12:41 pm
I have sold prints through gallery, word of mouth and online. I also sell some cards a various locations. Have also won a few contests. Am trying to work my way into instructional presentations and outings.
April 16th, 2010 at 12:42 pm
I wrote a tutorial for a site called PhotoTuts. It’s similar to this except you get paid.
(;
April 16th, 2010 at 1:03 pm
I am a part time real estate photographer so I make some money with my photos
April 16th, 2010 at 1:07 pm
No. I just bought my first “real” camera in November of 2009. Eventualy I would like to sell my photos, but for now it is a hobby.
April 16th, 2010 at 1:10 pm
I did the photograhic artwork for a recently opened dine and dance night club in Vancouver. I also sold some pictures at a local arts and crafts fair.
April 16th, 2010 at 1:11 pm
I’m just getting my feet wet and really just getting serious about bettering my skills. I recently had a friend who needed some portraits of her daughter for a Sweet 16 & also someone to take pictures at the actual event… She asked if I’d help her out… I tried to dissuade her as I’m still learning and was afraid I’d ‘mess things up’… In the end, she convinced me… She liked the outcome and insisted on paying me… Not sure I’ll be doing any events again any time soon, but I do enjoy portraits (and I’m pretty good @ it), so I might consider doing that again for profit…
April 16th, 2010 at 1:15 pm
Yes; I have been a commercial photographer for over 30 years. Most years, though, my income has been divided between photography and authoring/presenting in my other field. Some years, photography has bought in more; in others years, the other work.
I started out with Nikon F bodies (two) with the Photomic heads; now I use the excellent Nikon D700, with a few DX bodies for backup. I have a number of regular clients, including John Deere, the big U S company (I shoot their forest harvesting equipment), and architects (usually interiors, with T/S lenses). I occasionally do corporate and individual portraiture. I have shot many events, sometimes by available light (dance/theatre) and sometimes with a mix of available and flash.
I have never sold to stock photography sites (a time thing; I haven’t researched it yet), and I haven’t shot any weddings—because when I quote my half- and full-day rates, I have got the reply, “my nephew has a DSLR, and he’ll do it for beer!”. I always wish them the best of luck..
April 16th, 2010 at 1:36 pm
Just once… I did some family portraits for a friend. Nothing spectacular, just a few shots for keepsakes.
April 16th, 2010 at 1:46 pm
No, photography is just a hobby for me
April 16th, 2010 at 2:08 pm
yes, made a very deliberate decision one day sitting in a street in India four years ago to stop playing with photography and to start taking it seriously. I have never looked back. have sold a few images online unsolicited. My employer now calls me out frequently to shoot and get paid. Have a regular client and after reciecving a major arts grant held my first big solo exhibition where I sold half the 30 framed images and am still getting calls for orders. Had a shot in the wall Street Journals “pictures of the day” a coupld of weeks ago. I’m flying and enjoying myself. All because I really decided one day to really start taking the actions that would help me develop my photography to the point where I get paid. Now it’s happening.
April 16th, 2010 at 2:12 pm
I started off selling art prints in the park. Since then I’ve done some weddings, portraits, interiors, school photos, a few model shoots for portfolios, all kinds of things for payment. It’s good to have photography earning (some) of the money it costs to keep up with technology!
April 16th, 2010 at 2:32 pm
Yes…I have sold images to national publications of various sorts, at gallery shows, and for use in several books.
April 16th, 2010 at 3:11 pm
Sold a picture to a magazine – Editorial on a guy who survived being impaled by a fishing spear.
You can see the set here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/42720776@N02/sets/72157622478858111/
April 16th, 2010 at 3:29 pm
No – I have not, I have shot a few weddings but mainly for friends. I´m planning on moving over to making money in the near future, but time and gear is needed, I have a good job and i want to let the making money part take time, time to get it right.
April 16th, 2010 at 3:55 pm
Yes, just some photos I took for a trade publication.
April 16th, 2010 at 4:00 pm
I shot a wedding about a week after getting my Canom xsi. I was asked after seeing some shots it took with a small point and shoot camera of sunset at the beach.
April 16th, 2010 at 4:11 pm
Yes, and we are never to old to start. I’m a little old lady of 66, and work at a not for profit hospital and started doing portraits about 4 years ago (employee of the month, etc.) and events for the fun and experience of it and to save money for the hospital. Despite my preference for nature and macro photography, there was a need and I filled it. The results built my reputation and I’ve learned to enjoy doing portraits. (In fact next week I’ll be doing about 35 for a special project).
The day came when I was asked to photograph after-hour events for which I’d be paid. I had no idea what to charge and would have done it for free because of the hospital affiliation. Fortunately the person insisted on paying me and has repeatedly hired me for other events. Our corporate marketing dept. began to ask me to photograph a person or group being featured in the newsletter. That led to a paying photo shoot for a marketing campaign. All paying jobs have in some way originated through the workplace and since I don’t like to market myself, it is working quite well! In fact I’ve had to turn down some day time requests because they would take away too much time from my regular work. I’ve never turned down an after hours request. While I’m not getting rich on side jobs, it does defray the cost of equipment and I don’t have to feel guilty when I show my husband the latest acquisition.
April 16th, 2010 at 4:19 pm
I’m the resident photographer at the theater where I am also Marketing Associate and Front of House staff. When they figured out I was cheaper than the person they had been paying – and took better photos – they said, “hey, waiiiiit a second…”
I’ve also done two weddings (doing #3 and #4 this summer). Both way under what I’d like to charge, but I needed to get some shots in my portfolio.
I have a standing gig with a local band on the cheap as well, since it was a favor to someone at the theater.
I’ve also sold some prints – to parents of kids in the shows we’ve done – and I actually just got the proof for a poster someone created from one of my images. NIFTY!
http://tumblr.com/xfb8nvfur
April 16th, 2010 at 4:20 pm
Some ad company liked one of my pictures on flickr & offered 100£ for it.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/n0z/91359834/
April 16th, 2010 at 4:25 pm
I was asked the other day to do a wedding shoot. I met the bride and groom the morning of the wedding. It was quite a challenge…new camera, only 40minutes of sunlight (the wedding started an hour and a half later that scheduled….) Thanks to perfect lighting, the photos was a huge success. Only charged them for my time at the venue and petrol… Next time I will take in mind editing time…it took much longer than I thought…
April 16th, 2010 at 4:26 pm
Yes I have made my living through selling my photography services for the past 27 years. If you are really serious about this business then you need to market yourself and believe in yourself that you can do it. With some good experience and education, you should be able to solicit your services with confidence.
April 16th, 2010 at 4:34 pm
My first sale was a random encounter through flickr. A web developer wanted one of my images for a background so we worked out a price and use agreement and that was that. My other paying gig was working as a second-in-command to a wedding/event photographer. I did an engagement shoot and an anniversary party with him for a negotiated hourly wage. Fabulous way to get experience w/out the pressure of being “the” photographer!
April 16th, 2010 at 4:40 pm
I shoot an accident at a industry builiding. I just happened to be around and got a few shots of firebolts lighting the sky. Sent the pictures to a local newspaper and they published one of them two days later with a story about what had happened.
/Johan
April 16th, 2010 at 4:42 pm
I´ve sold the odd couple of prints, mainly to acquaintances, nothing much.
April 16th, 2010 at 4:54 pm
I have been only involved with photography the last year, doing as many courses as I can. Would love to eventually make money from it, but still feel that I am not confident as yet. Also don’t know what direction to go in and how to start up!
April 16th, 2010 at 4:56 pm
I sold 4 images on iStockphoto, so that’s peanuts
But I also photographed all youth soccer teams and players of my son’s soccer club this season.
April 16th, 2010 at 5:24 pm
I have not – till date…I will be exploring micro stock sites this year. I am learning a lot through DPS. Thank you to all administrators, contributors and of course, Darren!
April 16th, 2010 at 5:29 pm
Yes I sold few pictures and I was hired to report an event from a chamber of commerce.
Moreover I am a kind of official photographer for my company and now and then I spend time photographing instead of stayind behind my desk … plus I gave my picture as gift for baptism and attended for free many events….
April 16th, 2010 at 6:05 pm
What Kathy Ward (#2) said. To the letter
April 16th, 2010 at 6:24 pm
I mainly shoot film, which is harder to make money from in the digital age, but not impossible.
Apart from the usual occasional weddings, portrait sessions, corporate headshots and so on, I’ve also made money in the trade department.
I get given a lot of old cameras and I fix them and sell them on ebay. That’s connected to photography, right?
Additionally, I’ve recently completed my Master of Teaching and will be working in a professional context with photography and high school students.
April 16th, 2010 at 6:59 pm
Of course! Wedding, portrait sessions, stock photography to name a few.
Else where would you get the money to grow your photography?
April 16th, 2010 at 7:30 pm
(Wow, 50.0% on both sides of the poll right after my vote…)
My photography income comes mainly from shooting various artists (comedians, music bands, …) performing their art and who will use them later as press pictures. I’ve also sold a few prints during an exhibition I did once. And I’m far from being a pro! The money I made for the past three years was just enough to cover the cost of new lenses I bought.
April 16th, 2010 at 7:55 pm
Yes I do,
I’ve done weddings and some time Family Portrait
April 16th, 2010 at 8:36 pm
Yes! I have made money from my photography. I shoot weddings and portraits. Photography isn’t my full time gig (yet), but I’m getting closer
April 16th, 2010 at 9:23 pm
I got paid for my cousin’s wedding. The official wedding photographer was very good but I did her shower as well and my wedding pictures were used to fill out the album. And I’ve been given a couple bucks here and there for other stuff.
I don’t want to do wedding photography as a job though. It’s funny because I obviously don’t mind getting paid but most open avenues to doing photography and getting paid for it are not something I’d want to do really ever. The idea of stock photography turns me off and I don’t want to take pictures of strangers’ families. I’d rather take event or portrait pictures for friends only and just do my own thing otherwise. If someone wants to give me a couple bucks for a print then sure. Or even do pictures for people who just can’t take good ones or can’t afford good ones for free. Probably just a TAD counter productive.
April 16th, 2010 at 9:34 pm
To answer your question and to complete the poll… I sell pictures in different ways. One way is to shoot on local events, hand business cards to people to let them know where to get them and place them on my website. People can look at them there, call me and order by number which is shown as a caption.
Another way is to target and approach magazines and publishers depending on the kind of photography (themes) they need and look for.
- hamaer
April 16th, 2010 at 10:13 pm
Yes-
For pleasure, I mainly shoot at night due it being the only time I really have. This only costs money so to counter these costs and to have a reason to buy a ton of gear I started to shoot weddings this spring. They have been going well and have many booked for the next few months. That was the only way to convince my wife that I needed all this stuff!
my night shots.
April 16th, 2010 at 10:18 pm
I did not make money, but I am happy I did sth good.
I put some photos on http://www.sxc.hu (made after I read DPS funlight project). I specified “contact me for commercial use”. A few people contacted me asking for permission to use my photos and I asked them to make a small donation to a charity organization of their choice if they planned to use my photos cor business.
April 16th, 2010 at 10:20 pm
Yes – selling stock pics on istockphoto
April 16th, 2010 at 10:23 pm
Yes, weddings, portraits, art documentation, events, exhibitions, stock…. I will try anything once.
April 16th, 2010 at 10:31 pm
I worked as a” volunteer” photographer o a Gannet newspaper. One lucky shot in 1959 won a Press Photorapher of the year award which had with it a cash prize. Since then I have also had jobs as a Medical Photorapher. I did Weddings working for a biger Company which furnished the Equipment. More recently I was a mobie Pet Photographer, and then Real Estate. I also worked for LifeTouch as a portrait photog in the Church Directory Division. Interspersed with this has been sales to Mags, Illustrations for books etc, etc.
This was all film work. Digitally I really haven’t sold much, one through a stock house I think.
April 16th, 2010 at 10:39 pm
Yes, but I only twice. Believe it or not the first time was a wedding and the second was some Christmas portraits.
The wedding had to be one of the hardest things i’ve done. It was the first time shooting an event let alone a wedding. I made lists of shots i wanted to get, memorized the list and still had a tough time remembering.
It was outdoors, in mid – Jully, in Florida at 4 pm. Anyone familiar with the climate in florida at that time of year will know exactly what i mean.
On the flip side…i learned more in that 5 hour span than i could have imagined.
April 16th, 2010 at 11:35 pm
Yes,
Have been contacted by magazines, book editors.
Never tried to sell them by myself, they just were honnest and followed my recommendations to contact me should they want to use them in a commercial way.
April 17th, 2010 at 12:42 am
I first made money from photography by selling copies of pictures I took of a motorcycle accident I photographed at a race in Charlotte, NC. I ended up framing a copy of the photos and the check. I’ve also made some money by selling copies of some of the sports photos I took for a local high school. These days I shoot for the joy of it and release my work under CC license. It is nice to see your images being used on web sites, etc.
April 17th, 2010 at 12:46 am
YES. I’m a journalist in a magazine and sometimes are published not only my texts but also my shots
April 17th, 2010 at 12:48 am
Yes, I have a parttime wedding and portrait photography business, I also teach basic photography techniques course in my community. I would like to get into the fine art photography such as selling prints and cards. This is how I help pay for my habit and my passion.
April 17th, 2010 at 12:51 am
I shall be happy if my pictures are sold. Please see my blog to view a sample of my pictures. I have more pictures to sell. Please contact me through my mail.
April 17th, 2010 at 2:02 am
Okay I responded to this post and accidentally checked the “notify me” about comments….big mistake!! How do I turn that off or make it stop…..
please email me the steps I need to do to jphines45@gmail.com
~jamie
April 17th, 2010 at 2:04 am
Yes I have made some monies from my work. Not enough to feed the family, but enough to buy more paper and ink. Most work is sold through galleries.
April 17th, 2010 at 2:30 am
Never. I am a pure and 100% amateur photographer, merely for hobby. Some of my friends even some people who I do not know use my pictures but all are for free. I already took some wedding pictures but instead of I am paid, I gave it to the bride and groom as gifts for them . Never come to my mind and have no plan at all to sell any of my picture. If they like, they may use it for free as long they inform me and notice it’s copyright. God bless!
April 17th, 2010 at 3:05 am
Yes, technically I’ve made some money. Although strickly an amatuer photographer, a young couple from my church bought me my first DSLR for doing their engagement and bridal photos. I later used the DSLR for their wedding photos.
The mother of another couple at church gave me $135 for bridal photos.
None of it was asked for, but certainly appreciated.
Darrell
April 17th, 2010 at 3:20 am
Yes. As a writer I have sold pictures along with the articles. In fact, most of the time it was the pictures that sold the editors on the article. Lately, I have also gotten event and press conference shoots for several organizations. I have also gotten some requests to do pet (dog) photography for some friends who are willing to pay for prints and give me rights to use for my royalty-free stock collection. But the steadiest income is from stock images. This is a growing area for me — see portfolio at http://www.istockphoto.com/crowman
April 17th, 2010 at 3:27 am
Yes, I’m doing some freelance at one local newspaper and one national magazine.
The magazine found me via Flickr. ;o)
April 17th, 2010 at 3:53 am
I was interested in photography for a few years, but was afraid to start. When my daughter was born I jumped in. I started shooting portraits for family. A friend of a cousin saw portraits I have done and paid me to do portraits for her family, saying I need to start charging. The only time I have made money with photography.
April 17th, 2010 at 4:09 am
YES!!!
I’ve done a few shoots, and the engagement/wedding of one of my cousins. But, with each of those, I ended up realizing I’d probably want an exhibition or some indoor modeling assignments as compared to any such event shoots. So, I’ve moved away from event photography, and now more into product, modeling, and landscape photography!
It’s some experience to trying to go PRO! You really understand what it takes to become one.. and it’s going to be long before you can become one!
April 17th, 2010 at 4:18 am
Yes! but, in a weird way. Most of my shooting is from people that are requesting a piece or art. Also, I market myself as an artistic photographer for non-traditional things. I tend to do a lot of people photography, by the vast majority of my clients hire me because I do a lot of post production to achieve the vision. I don’t do weddings or other types of traditional stuff. I cherry-pick the jobs based on what I find interesting. Because I don’t do a lot of them, I can charge a higher price and am able to make a nice amount of cash from each sale.
http://www.lightshootedit.com
April 17th, 2010 at 4:36 am
Yes, I’ve done OK with iStock and Fotolia. I’ve got my own site for selling but that just went up earlier this week. Without promoting the site, I don’t expect much but it sure would be nice.
April 17th, 2010 at 4:45 am
Been earning some as freelance in wedding fashion, portrait and catwalk photography.
April 17th, 2010 at 4:53 am
Yes- I won $5 and 1st place in the photo contest at the Tanana Valley State Fair. I spent somthing like $20 dollars to print an 11 by 14 and poster board.
April 17th, 2010 at 5:15 am
I have sold one copy of this Image as a postcard. MAking a grand total of 68p.
April 17th, 2010 at 5:37 am
Yes. I do mostly weddings, with occasional portrait and head shot sessions. I make good profit.
April 17th, 2010 at 6:16 am
Yes, i earned a few thousands dollars with one photograph. I entered a photography contest, and the first prize was a photograph from the renowned photgrapher Zimbel, valued by now 4000$ on the art market.
I had to submit a photograph which showed friendship. Second prize paled in comparison : 500$ for a Zeiss product.
April 17th, 2010 at 7:45 am
Architectural photography for architecture firms.
April 17th, 2010 at 8:13 am
I have done weddings, and I have photograph special events. Most recently I have been selling framed photo of flowers, landscapes, and objects that make an interesting photograph.
April 17th, 2010 at 8:57 am
I do maternity, newborn and children’s photography in a small studio at my home. I don’t make a huge amount of money – not enough to pay the mortgage anyway but I enjoy what I do. I fit it in around my part time training job, looking after my two toddlers and my husbands shifts. I’m hoping to build the business up slowly while the kids are little so I can do it full time when they go to school.
April 17th, 2010 at 10:05 am
I have never made any money, but I hope that I can someday…, still trying to learn and I do appreciate these posts.
April 17th, 2010 at 10:13 am
Yes, I’ve earn some money through some magazines who published my photos and to stock website.
I also sell my photos to interior designers and private citizens who want to decore their kitchens or living rooms.
http://www.marcosimola.jimdo.comeimg url=’http://marcosimola.jimdo.com/s/img/emotionheader.jpg?1265064807′ title=’emotionheader.jpg?1265064807′]
April 17th, 2010 at 10:31 am
Sold a few framed prints of local landscapes to friends and workmates, local newsagent sells greetings cards that I make. Long way to go and a lot to learn yet, but being paid for even just one item is great for the ego! Nothing on-line yet, but might give it a go.
April 17th, 2010 at 10:53 am
Never before. But, I’m planning in the near future I’ll sell my photographs.
April 17th, 2010 at 12:51 pm
YES, I was a news photographer in the 1970s, shot weddings and other events. Now I stick to nature photography and have them in photo galleries. I’ve also had my photos sold on stock photo websites.
April 17th, 2010 at 3:15 pm
Yes- I’m an old timer so to speak from the film days. Weddings, portraits, aerial photography, corporate. Digital came along and I dropped out for a while.Burned out I guess? I’m in a whole new learning curve now working to get back into digital photography full time. Part time now. Working to improve my portfolio now since I’m not so happy with my website images.
April 17th, 2010 at 3:50 pm
I have literally JUST started making money from my Photography. Friends and Family have offered to pay about twenty dollars for a shoot. They get all the images in RAW Format on DVD, as well as My top pick’s in JPEG format. They know just as well as I do, how expensive Photography is. Also I am starting to shoot Local Events and Bands. I am basicly doing anything to get my name out there.
My advice for how to “make money” from your Photography” would have to be, just realize the cost of small things, it will make you feel a little bit better about getting that money from people.
April 17th, 2010 at 5:04 pm
Yes. I started as a hobbyist. It all started when my friend was about to get married. I voluntered to take their PRENUPTIAL/ENGAGEMENT shoot. I posted the results on Facebook and everyone noticed it. From there, people from myy place contacted me to cover their shoot, BABAY SHOT, FUN SHOOT, PRENUP SHOOT, etc. And i am earning, part time.
April 17th, 2010 at 9:25 pm
It all started from reading tips here at digital-photography in July 2010. I never missed any article to read and ponder. Never been to a photography school/class but when I am talking to my clients and showing my portfolio, they said I am a pro. Thanks to Darren Rowse and other contributor’s. I make a lot of money and compensated the amount i invested to my CANON 500D and 18-200 mm lens. Tips i can share to make money : number 1, proper networking. Be with people who can help you advertise your art works. Word of mouth works in my business. 2. Be a fan. Read and read and view fan pages for you to get a heck of the updated style in photography. This will enable to sharpen your creative ideas and enhance your creativity. 3. Do not talk to HATER’s. Some crritics lies, what we need is a constructive criticism but negative words from friends will hamper our desire and passion for photography. Lastly and most IMPORTANT, dont be lazy to read Digital Photography. This is our Bible.
April 17th, 2010 at 9:29 pm
Yes, I sold some photos to couple of businesses, won a local competition, sold a print or two in a local café… Not enough to pay for all my gear but enough to feel the appreciation. People usually don’t pay for work they don’t like
But having a good full time job I don’t see a need to focus on the income from my hobby. It’s nice but it’s not too important. Hence I publish most of my shots under Creative Commons licence, high resolution, no watermarking, free for anyone who is interested in them. It’s also my way of saying thank you to the community for all the free software I use in my digital workflow. Giving and receiving instead of buying and selling. Our world would be much more rich and creative without copyright and patents.
April 17th, 2010 at 9:52 pm
Yes, I entered a contest and won $60.
April 18th, 2010 at 12:26 am
I have sold many prints at the Farmers mkt or an art show.. I haven’t considered a stock site or on line..
I mostly photograph wildlife, nature, and some landscapes..I have printed cards and sell them in a cple of stores…
April 18th, 2010 at 1:05 am
definitely not ready to call myself a photographer , I am a Graphic Designer, but I have made money taking pics at parties, have captured a few models and gotten paid for those also- I actually have my first wedding today
April 18th, 2010 at 4:02 am
we’ve been shooting children’s theatre for about 6 years now. recently, we’ve started shooting portraits, engagements sessions and our first wedding is coming up on May 1st.
April 18th, 2010 at 4:05 am
I have sold family portraits and senior pictures. I plan on doing weddings, stock photos and a variety of entertainment venues.
April 18th, 2010 at 5:05 am
Yes!
Each and every month I get paid royalty commissions on my Stock Photography at [url]http://submit.shutterstock.com/?ref=426[/url]
Infact my dog FIFI the Bichon Frise has become World Famous and now graces the pages of Books, Calanders, Web Sites, Magazines, T-shirts (Cafepress, another income stream for me), coffee cups, Birthday Cards, Mouse Pads, Puzzles and more.
Google “Fifi the Bichon Frise” for some fine examples of her in use around the world.
[i]a purebred bichon frise isolated on white]/i]
[url]http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-45131275/stock-photo-a-purebred-bichon-frise-isolated-on-white.html[/url]
I have a gallery of over 7700 images on shutterstock alone (and growing quickly) that designers around the world use as royalty free images
(I maintain the copyright on my images but allow them to be used on products and in print and online)
its a great way to make some extra money
April 18th, 2010 at 7:56 am
I’ve only sold a few photos, and it was through a student organization. An Art club on my campus was doing a gallery of student art so I submitted some of mine. They didn’t all sell, but I managed to make a bit of cash.
April 18th, 2010 at 9:52 am
No, I have not been formally paid, but I haven’t asked for money either. Right now I feel I’m in such a learning phase still that I want to really be comfortable enough to request money. I’ve framed photos and given them as gifts. Or I’ve shot my friends kids for my own benefit. I’ll be shooting my cousin’s family and my parents next month. The following month I’ll take a shot at a wedding. It’s growing. Just have to build my confidence.
April 18th, 2010 at 8:16 pm
I’ve been hired as a creative director, and that includes doing photos (portraits and event work) for the company. Aside from that, I can’t remember being hired simply to take photos or being paid for prints in the past. However, that’s changing next month – my first gig doing family portraits, and I’ve been hired (by a friend) to do a wedding. It’s quite scary, to say the least! I’m very nervous – especially the wedding. Hopefully, I’ve enough practice to do well and perhaps make a few more gigs to help me get through my college years.
April 18th, 2010 at 10:34 pm
I have just been asked to freelance some shots for a woman’s home decorating project. I also have my first exhibit in Chicago next month, and while I am donating one work for their charity, I hope to sell more. Next month I have my first wedding (for a relative, but it counts!) I have a shoot on the books for a set of twin autistic girls which I hope will be successful and perhaps lead to a field of specialty. My confidence is growing, but the glory belongs to God.
April 18th, 2010 at 11:03 pm
I have been offered payment, if only to “cover costs”, but I politely decline for some good reasons. Number one is that it would turn photography into a job. I gain most satisfaction from any thanks forth coming (and the occasional frank critique!). Very importantly, owning a camera does not actually qualify you as a photographer, no more than owning a Ferrari implies the capability of driving one. The professionals are by and large trained and command the knowledge the get a correct result, and indeed suffer the consequences if they don’t. Thankfully us amateurs can walk away, with no more than a bruised pride.
April 19th, 2010 at 3:03 am
Yes I did ! I use to refuse to take money for my photography, and was always to shy to call myself a profesionalist. I worked for my “friends” agency for about a year and he was happy to use my work for free and sell my photos. That was unpleasent experiance and really got me down when i realised what was going on. My friend asked me once to take photos at his wedding, and gush… since that I dont know how it happened I have about 7 weddings this year already. Well thats how it goes if we remain true and steadfast, the victory will be ours:)
April 19th, 2010 at 3:27 am
I sell my photos as greeting cards and post cards at the local farmers market, and the local gallery. I am doing well with this venue. I take landscapes of the local cityscape, make post cards from the shots, and market them in seven different locations. I am not killing the sales, but I am making enough to pay for my equipment, time, and labor. I also sell to stock agencies and this is what I have been concentrating on lately. Nice thing about postcards is that you only have to take the photo once, and then get in front of a load of folks, and you will make sales.
April 19th, 2010 at 4:48 am
Yes: many years editorial, mainly for magazines, sometimes accompanying stories I wrote; early on some band and theatre group photography; also public relations photography (and a very little advertising), and slides for multi-image programs mainly for the corporate conference and exhibition market. Inactive professionally since changing countries and markets in 2002.
April 19th, 2010 at 6:31 am
I have sold family portraits and senior pictures. I plan on doing weddings, stock photos and a variety of entertainment venues.
April 19th, 2010 at 10:32 am
I have sold images in private sales. I also have done wedding & family portraits. I have done model photography.
April 19th, 2010 at 10:45 am
I have done a few weddings. Sometimes I was paid and other times it was my gift to the couple.
More recently I have taken school portraits for the right to sell portrait packages. The time it paid for my studio lights. I only have one school to work with so I can’t consider myself pro.
April 19th, 2010 at 11:56 am
No, by choice. I’ve been called to do paid shoots many times and always declined as a matter of artistic principle and personal freedom. I’ll take jobs pro-bono provided the people involved agree to stay out of my way and follow my artistic direction. My feeling is that if I sell my creative abilities it becomes work and I become an employee. Unfortunately, all too many times employers feel that since it’s their money they are the boss and as such can interfere with the creative process as they please. Very frustrating!!! Maybe someday If I lucky and do something unusually impressive for someone important I’ll make a name that allows me to make money doing it my way. Until then I’m doing it for fun and for free.
April 19th, 2010 at 12:25 pm
My chums and colleagues are giving me great treats for my great shots and I’m contented with it. Appreciation means a lot than payment as of the moment…
April 19th, 2010 at 1:12 pm
No~ i wish i could get some money~ need help
April 19th, 2010 at 2:01 pm
No, it’s just a hobby at this stage. I’ve done some family events (birthdays and such) for the fun of it, but making money from my photos will take more effort than I’m willing to invest right now. Just enjoying the fun side of it without the attendant responsibility if I was being paid.
April 19th, 2010 at 2:17 pm
Yes I have made money with photography. All of my film equipment was paid for from the money I made shooting family reunions, Little League Baseball Teams, and similar types of groups but no weddings. I have sold a few prints both from film and digital, but not very many. Now that I have gone digital I have shot a couple weddings with my wife handling a second camera. I only work for friends. So far I haven’t lost any of them.
April 19th, 2010 at 4:35 pm
Yes. Photo service on Kids birthday events.
April 19th, 2010 at 4:57 pm
Never tried but I hope to try soon – I just need luck I guess :/
April 19th, 2010 at 9:06 pm
My first published photos illustrated an article submitted to Road and Track magazine back in the fifties and had many others printed in magazines, including several covers, since then, I exchanged PR duties, including photography, for several years of season ski area passes for my seven member family during the seventies. My photos are now printed regularly with my newspaper travelogues, bi-weekly newspaper column and, less frequently, in auto magazines. Not a great deal of $$ involved, but traveling with my co-pilot of 62 years and press pass entre to interesting places is even more rewarding and fun.
April 19th, 2010 at 10:43 pm
Not a Pro, but have sold photos through gallery exhibitions, received fees for exhibiting in galleries, won prize money in contests, sold photos to publications.
April 20th, 2010 at 12:44 am
Yes, I sell my images at Cody Country Art League and Open Range Images Gallery in the town of Cody in Wyoming. Cody is a tourist town, famous for the Buffalo Bill Historical Museum and many other points of interest on the way to Yellowstone National Park (East Entrance)
Matted items, framed, cards and drop shipments.
The images on my website portray the area of Cody, my ranch and many subjects of the Park.
God Bless Everyone!
April 20th, 2010 at 3:48 am
Yes, After traveling the U.S. for the last ten years, I had taken photos for my own enjoyment. Only recently have I started to market them and have sold some.
April 20th, 2010 at 5:41 am
Yes – through showings at a local coffee shop and local restaurant.
April 20th, 2010 at 5:51 am
I have sold several pictures to our local paper.
April 20th, 2010 at 6:01 am
Yes, I have made money with my photos. The first photos I ever sold were of Miley Cyrus filming the movie “The Last Song” on Tybee Island. I am a local to the island and had the opportunity to snag some excellent shots before the crowds showed up. I’ve also done portrait photography as well. My real passion though is nature photography, none of which I’ve ever sold.
April 20th, 2010 at 7:57 am
I did, but all that money was perhaps enough to pay for the memory card, not more.
April 20th, 2010 at 9:52 am
I used to make cards with my photos. I sold those to local stores, but it’s amazing how often people violated my copyright. I actually made more money for one particular photo by sending bills to the various people who stole it. My name got out there though and I got asked for a picture for a national newspaper once when their photographer failed to get what was needed. Then I got a call from very far away, when a developer needed photos for a brochure for a development he was planning here.
April 20th, 2010 at 11:59 am
I have made money from a couple weddings, a 50th anniversary party, family portrait sessions and a some graduation portraits. While it’s not a lot of money, I do cherish the experiences. I’m gaining confidence in my abilities and have been less stressed out each time I get engaged. I’m a perfectionist and probably make things more difficult than they need to be when it comes to turning out my pictures. My first choice of photography jobs is sports and I have now started working with a gymnastics team to provide the gymnasts’ parents with action photos. I really look forward to the day I can call sports photography my source of income.
April 20th, 2010 at 12:25 pm
It’s been awhile (15+ yrs) – but a short stint at a small-town newspaper was a great introduction to paid photography. Everything from seeking out shots to dodging/burning in the darkroom and captioning the photos for something like $8 per published photo
At least I had access to all the film I wanted.
April 20th, 2010 at 2:56 pm
I use my Photo’s as a underpainting for photorealistic watercolors/ pastels. I sell most works for corp. offices. and some portrait work – all my work is poster size or larger. I use the photo’s as a guide and to assist in difficult perspectives.
April 20th, 2010 at 9:08 pm
Like you I was the person people asked to do weddings. I was never really confident, but they seemed confident enough in me … and they were always pleased with the results.
Angie
April 21st, 2010 at 2:14 pm
Yes.Strictly an amatuer . I have sold a few photos that i print and glue on to wooden photos block which I have in a local cafe. Friends have just asked me to do their wedding, which I am thinking about.
April 21st, 2010 at 9:31 pm
I have received quite a few accolades and prizes for my wildlife photography. Some of them have featured in calenders and in various publications, provided on a goodwill basis without any payment. I tried selling some of my pics through a photostock website as well. But I am yet to sell even a single picture till date. Nobody seems to be interested in buying wildlife pics.
April 22nd, 2010 at 1:25 am
Yes, I’ve sold prints at several art festivals, thru word of mouth, and I am represented by a small gallery/gift shop in my community. I will be having a solo show at a local gallery in the fall.
April 22nd, 2010 at 6:05 pm
I have been a photographer now for over 35 years and although from Ireland I am now based in Bali, Indonesia. I have a gallery here and make my living solely from photography. I cover all aspects from model and commercial photography to photography tours and shoots for hotels and private villa owners who rent their property to holiday makers. I also offer underwater and aerial photography using my two remote controlled helicopters.
If you intend offering your services to photograph a wedding or family shoot etc you MUST know your equipment. Fumbling with dials and settings in front of the client is a big turn off. Make sure your batteries are charged and that you have plenty of memory cards.
I have found that in my business I had to offer a variety of photography services and not limit myself to just weddings or family portraits etc. Once you have made your first million you can then specialise in just one aspect if you like. Trying different types of photography adds interest and helps you to build a strong and varied portfolio of images.
Finding buyers for your work can be a major challenge so perseverance is paramount. Remember to contact photography magazines to offer your work which could be used to illustrate a particular article they are running. Look in the newsagent and book store for magazines and books on your favourite subjects. Contact zoos and wildlife parks with your wildlife images. Speak to your local library or town hall who may let you put some of your shots on their walls. This will probably be for free initially but it will get you and your work noticed. You can also have a website created quite cheaply these days to show off your work and get some little flyers and business cards made to hand out to potential customers. Also don’t for get to advertise in your local paper etc. I used many of these suggestions when I started out so if you are really intent on making money from your work please give some of them a try.
Best of luck,
Joe Kennedy
April 22nd, 2010 at 10:47 pm
Hi Joseph,
I’m trying to contact you, but the e-mail at your website doesn’t work. Could you send me your e-mail address at marco.simola@gmail.com
Best regards
Marco
April 22nd, 2010 at 11:52 pm
Not yet, but I plan to start before too long.
Creating my action plan now.
April 23rd, 2010 at 2:17 am
I had recently taken some pictures of the Braddock Point LIghthouse (NY) that I posted on my site. I received a call one day from The Danbury Mint, asking if they could use my negatives for research they were doing for a sculpture they were developing. I made a little money and was given a sculpture of the lighthouse.
April 23rd, 2010 at 6:41 am
i won a earth day photo contest at work. the theme was “before there was green” and i took a picture of an old gas station with a pump that read $1.16. so that fit the title nicely…. “$1.16 gasoline”
April 23rd, 2010 at 10:35 am
Yes.. After some encouragement I finally matted and framed a batch of my photographs and put them on display at craft sales and Farmer’s Market. They started to sell right away. Now I am selling in local museums also. Hope to develope a special line of 8×10′s to sell of our beautiful part of the USA… Glacier National Park and surrounding areas. Am working on the new style now, would like to be selling them this season.
It is very humbling to have people come up and go through my photo selections (including photo cards). Their reactions are so varied and everyone has a comment to make… good, bad or indifferent. What I do love is when a professional comes into my booth and shares photo knowledge with me. That is priceless and worth every moment spent being mentored. Truly a “pass it on” to budding newbies given in an unselfish manner. Thank you .. each and everyone who stopped to share.
April 25th, 2010 at 10:30 am
Yes I have made a little money from my photography. Mostly from taking wedding photos for family and friends. They give me some money after they see how much work this kind of photography really is. I have also made a little from selling some pictures at art auctions. I am going to school to become a pro photographer.
April 26th, 2010 at 8:31 am
Yes, I was approached by an agent who saw one of my photos on Flickr, she asked if I was interested in selling and offered £250 pounds for it.
April 30th, 2010 at 1:20 pm
Yes, I’ve made just enough money to justify this hobby to my wife.
I make money mainly by taking photos for website, blogshop etc.
Usually, these are $50 to 100 assignments, but they allow me to upgrade my equipment from time to time.
May 1st, 2010 at 9:59 am
I have. They are mostly used as illustrations for websites, but I have also done work for a travel guide.
May 4th, 2010 at 6:34 am
Darren, I did not know you were a minister. Cool!
I have made money from my photography via the sale of some of my prints. I recently put myself up for hire on a web site (SnapM,) and in April, I had my first gig as an event photographer. That was volunteer, but I have permission to use the photos in my portfolio.
Jennifer Moore
JenniferLynn Productions, LLC
May 5th, 2010 at 9:00 pm
Yes I have made money from my photography. I have made my own call cards, create flyers and distribute them to friends, co-workers and anyone that I know. Verbally tell people about it. I have done a few weddings, anniversaries and birthday events. So far my clients have been please. I could have done more, but sometime time does not permit me to. I have enjoyed it Immensely and looking forward to doing some more.
Bvedgar
May 21st, 2010 at 1:11 pm
Yes, I’ve made some money yet to be collected from my site at redbubble.com. I shot a friends wedding but did not make anything from it because he didn’t pay me. I didn’t have a contract or anything either. It was my second wedding that I didn’t make money from. The first wedding was my neice’s which I did for free. I’ve also shot for my wife’s family reunion and made a photo video with music on it. I charged about $20 for the video and gave back $5.00 to the reunion committee. (That was fun) I made about $250.00 from that.
June 14th, 2010 at 4:29 am
I didn’t, but lately I have been invited for free to parties to be the photographer… that is sort of getting money. Isn’t it? Next time I will ask for money!
June 11th, 2011 at 3:24 am
No, I havent because I am still very, very unsure and lack confidence. However, having stated my inner demons publically, I also have to admit, I do not have to make a living at this time in my life. In the near future, it is likely I will be unable to physically continue some parts of this life. I just decided to admit my faults, continue to learn, and get a secretary! Surprisingly, most of what I have discovered, hasnt come from a manual, book, other professional, but from my models.
In this current society, almost anyone (except my daughter and my mother), can do wonderful things with any type of camera and a minimalist program. I have seen an award winner stem from a disposable! I decided that each person, including my four year old assistant, my grandson, has a vision that I cant see until we talk and play and experiment. I gave my daughter-in-law PhotoShop Elements 9 last week and she picked up things I had to get a cheat book for!
I am not independently wealthy, I am blessed with lots of relatives and friends who love to play in front of the camera!
June 11th, 2011 at 3:24 am
No, I havent because I am still very, very unsure and lack confidence. However, having stated my inner demons publically, I also have to admit, I do not have to make a living at this time in my life. In the near future, it is likely I will be unable to physically continue some parts of this life. I just decided to admit my faults, continue to learn, and get a secretary! Surprisingly, most of what I have discovered, hasnt come from a manual, book, other professional, but from my models.
In this current society, almost anyone (except my daughter and my mother), can do wonderful things with any type of camera and a minimalist program. I have seen an award winner stem from a disposable! I decided that each person, including my four year old assistant, my grandson, has a vision that I cant see until we talk and play and experiment. I gave my daughter-in-law PhotoShop Elements 9 last week and she picked up things I had to get a cheat book for!
I am not independently wealthy, I am blessed with lots of relatives and friends who love to play in front of the camera!
June 11th, 2011 at 3:25 am
No, I havent because I am still very, very unsure and lack confidence. However, having stated my inner demons publically, I also have to admit, I do not have to make a living at this time in my life. In the near future, it is likely I will be unable to physically continue some parts of this life. I just decided to admit my faults, continue to learn, and get a secretary! Surprisingly, most of what I have discovered, hasnt come from a manual, book, other professional, but from my models.
In this current society, almost anyone (except my daughter and my mother), can do wonderful things with any type of camera and a minimalist program. I have seen an award winner stem from a disposable! I decided that each person, including my four year old assistant, my grandson, has a vision that I cant see until we talk and play and experiment. I gave my daughter-in-law PhotoShop Elements 9 last week and she picked up things I had to get a cheat book for!
I am not independently wealthy, I am blessed with lots of relatives and friends who love to play in front of the camera!
June 11th, 2011 at 11:53 am
yes i have.
I started selling when people would compliment my work and ask for a photo shoot. I’m a busy person with work and school so i figured i would charge something cheap for, if nothing else, my time and gas (if on location). Then i started getting more requests, so its a paid hobby now. I do school proms, events, and personal photo shoots.
I was getting paid off of my canon sx 210 is, so I knew when i got the T2i it would make more money, and I did. I’ve also sold flower pics to individuals. Now i want a 7D.
In saying all that, I still dont feel like i know much about photography, go figure!
I would love to find a friend to go shoot with.
I get such a high from shooting, especially when it is time to come home and down load the pictures to see what I really captured. Exciting!
June 11th, 2011 at 3:35 pm
I have sold 3 portrait sessions, little league photos to parents, high school baseball games and finally peoples pets. One last thing is that I have a yearly commitment to taking photos of Santa and friends with the children at holiday celebration tht we workcamp at during the holiday season.
My only problem is that I always want to refer back to my book for refreshers before going to the shoot and then I still think that I haven’t done good work but the clinent always says it’s fine.
June 11th, 2011 at 3:42 pm
Yes , I have taken at least three photoshoots of couples and they seemed to be very satisfied but I don’t beleieve I have enough confidence in myself. I normallly shoot high school baseball, Little League games, family portraits and pet portraits which tend to be very interesting. I hope to someday make it a small business but realizle I’m not getting any younger.
September 21st, 2011 at 2:05 am
My first sale was a juried art purchase for my university’s new library. My professor’s entry didn’t make it past the jury
Other gallery shows have not been as monetarily successful. I’ve done a few art/craft fairs with moderate success–enough to cover expenses and not much else.
Lately, I’ve done on-location portrait sessions, and those make me money. Photography is a side job, but the goal is to go full time with it in a few years.
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