6 Ways to Make Money as a Travel Photographer
Getting your first client when starting a business can be terrifying and stressful, especially if that business is not a mainstream profession that many people before you have succeeded at. It takes a lot of time, energy, effort, and patience to get a business started.
Travel photography is no different.
Let me help you!
First, examine your preconceived notions about what it means to be a Travel Photographer. Some of your time may be spent traveling the world, taking pictures of beautiful locations, and setting off on new adventures. However, a lot of your time could be spent marketing, blogging, pitching clients, editing, planning, etc. It looks a little different for everyone, but know that you may have to alter what you originally envisioned, and that’s ok!
The main thing is to nail down a business plan of what services you are going to offer and what works best for you.
Here are five ways to make money as a travel photographer.
Offer Your Services
This one is pretty obvious but can also take a lot of time to get started. You can offer your services to anyone in the travel and tourism industry, so think outside of the box. Most businesses have a website and may need updated pictures. Government organizations such as towns with popular tourist destinations, non-government organizations such as tour companies or airlines, and commercial properties such as hotels.
Sell Your Photos
Selling stock photos may not be as big a moneymaker as you think. However, with the correct platform, it can be a great way to gain exposure. Look at licensing your photos and selling digital copies as well as physical prints. You can also try to build a strong relationship with an editor or journalist, which can be a good way to add a consistent source of income.
Workshop Tours
Do you live in a high tourist area? Due to social media and free stock photos, there are a lot more people wanting to learn photography than pay for a picture. Take advantage by offering a tour that also pairs as an on-site workshop. Take them to an attraction in your area and teach them the best way to capture it with their own camera.
Produce Content
Produce content for the industry such as blogging, online courses, online tutorials, books, etc. Not only can this establish you as an expert but it can bring in more exposure to your photos. Plus, over time this can be a consistent source of income.
Enter Competitions
Entering competitions can be a great way to bring in some income as well as give you exposure to the right people. This can lead to a contract for your services or an increase in photo sales.
Most Importantly - YOUR OWN WEBSITE
In order to make any of this happen, it’s important to build a portfolio and have a space online to send potential clients.
A website is a travel photographer’s greatest marking tool. Not only does it bring credibility but it can be a source of income in itself.
A portfolio can showcase your best work and act as a virtual business card to potential clients
An online store can sell your photos, workshops, tours, and more.
A blog can increase your online presence and ranking in search engines. It can also provide an income through affiliate sales and partnerships.
Are you ready to take the leap in becoming a successful Travel Photographer?
Take that first step by investing in a professional website to showcase your work, sell your products, and increase your online presence in a way Instagram can’t.
Right now, I am offering Free Consultations where we can discuss your dream website and what I can do to help you get that first client.
