Yes, you can make money from your photos. It is not a quick road to riches and it can take some work marketing and showing. However, thanks to the Internet, it's now easier than ever before to show your work to potential buyers. It just takes time, effort, and quality photography.
Here are some key terms you will want to know and understand. These terms are explained below.
Here are just a few places where you may be able to sell your work: Web sites, postcards, note cards, church fund raisers, booster clubs, art galleries, magazines, especially special interest, and advertising.
You would not be here if you did not enjoy photography. It is only logical to want to make money from something you are already passionate about. Selling your photographs takes time and dedication, but it is possible.
Most professional photographers start out in other fields and then follow their passion into photography. Often those past-life skills can be used to your advantage. Do not underestimate the amount of work required to move into such a field. Proper education, either through schools or books, is very important.
One thing to always remember about selling. It is more a matter of dedication and energy than raw talent. Many excellent photographers fail because they fail to market and sell.
Before you start marketing a photograph look at it. Is it interesting? Does it convey a message? Photos that sell are simple, powerful, and thought provoking. Agencies like variety so edit your submissions. Don't send different versions of the same shot by changing the color contrast or other easily done enhancements.
Your photograph is copyrighted when you take it. Copyright is an intellectual property right which (in U.S. and European law) is bestowed exclusively upon the author. If you took the picture or it was taken for you as part of a work for hire agreement, you own the copyright. (Note that other laws limit what types of images that you can sell. While it may be your photography the subject may have their own copyright protections.) [Learn More]
Stock refers to images you already have in your inventory and own. Otherwise it is a part of your "stock".
From a publisher viewpoint stock photos are less expensive than hiring a photographer and you already can see the product. If a special image is not required stock is faster and cheaper than waiting to have it shot.
Recommended Reading: Shooting and Selling Stock Photography
Like compound interest licensing is one of man's greatest inventions. Depending upon your written agreement if you are hired to take a photo, you are "selling" the photo. You do not own the copyright. This is a one-time payment to you and you need to create more images to sell for more income. With a stock photo, you are not selling you are licensing while retaining the copyright.
In other words, you can sell its use many times. i.e. An income stream. Historically, many professional photographers make a large part of their income from stock.
With the internet and more digital cameras it is getting harder to make money with stock. But it is possible.
Be willing to work at it. There are many people who will buy from you directly and save you commissions from established agencies. Every year new directories are published of photo buyers..
Many publishers include their address and/or web site on the back or inside of their publication. Search the for "photos of your topic " and see who's in that market.
If you have quite a few images you may want to consider a web site of your work. We recommend Art Sprague Consulting for a project like this. They have extensive experience with photo based sites.
Selling Photographs Yourself
This takes work. If you have never sold yourself this is probably not the way to start out. Be prepared for cold-calling, rejections, and an investment in time. In addition, many publishers already have a photo supplier and don't want to work with smaller upstart companies.
As stated previously with the Internet and digital photography, there's a proliferation of stock agencies. Find an agency that works for you and seems to market in-line with your own expertise. You do not have to be exclusive with any stock photo house. Before you sign any exclusive agreement weigh your options.
If you have the right images, money and time, you may want to publish your own work.
This is not a venture for the timid. Do your homework. Invest in some education and know what is involved. If you really believe in your work and want to see it in a finished format this may be the best way to go. .
With modern technology it is easier to do the printing yourself. For small runs and test marketing this may be an answer for you. We recommend that you spend some time exploring printing and binding options. You might want to take a minute to do some Google searches to see what options are now available. In the last couple of years many new products have appeared as well as services who are willing to help you with your self-publishing goals.
Yes, you can make money from your photos. It is not a quick road to riches and it can take some work marketing and showing. However, thanks to the Internet, it's now easier than ever before to show your work to potential buyers. It just takes time, effort, and quality photography.
