I'm pretty sure you asked yourself many times, "How can I make additional money from my photography?" So let me share with you some great ways to make money from your photos.

London food photographer, Content Creator, London hospitality photographer, Drink Photographer London, Product photographer London,
London food photographer, Content Creator, London hospitality photographer, Drink Photographer London, Product photographer London,
London food photographer, Content Creator, London hospitality photographer, Drink Photographer London, Product photographer London,
London food photographer, Content Creator, London hospitality photographer, Drink Photographer London, Product photographer London,

Stock photography sites

 

First, let me explain what stock images are. These are the photos you already captured and edited, and they are available for purchase. There are two types of stock images: photos that require you to pay a licensing fee and images that are free to use (aka royalty-free images). These days, there are loads of different stock image sites, from Shutterstock to iStock, where you can submit your images.

I've listed the best stock sites below:

Shutterstock


It's a collection of photos, illustrations, vectors, videos, and music ready to download. Photographers submit their images to Shutterstock so buyers can download them directly without any contact with the owner. As a contributing artist, you will earn a percentage of the price you pay for the license.

Business team collaborates and brainstorms while writing on sticky notes during a meeting at the office.
iStock by Getty Images logo in black text against white background with dot patterns.

iStock


iStock is an online royalty-free, international microstock photography provider. The base rate for non-exclusive is 15% with photos selling for $12, which earns you a hefty $1.80 per image.

Young girl in black ballet leotard does an impressive dance pose with arms raised and leg turned out in air.

Getty Images


Getty Images offers the most exclusive and unique editorial content.  They own over 415 million assets, including award-winning imagery, video, music, multimedia and premium digital content. For content licensed through Getty Images, rates are 20% for royalty-free still images and 25% for royalty-free video clips.

Simple gray text logo for Dreamstime with green leaf icon, representing a stock photo website.

Dreamstime


Dreamstime is the world's largest community in stock photography and a reliable supplier of high-quality digital images at affordable prices. Photographers can request payment as soon as their earnings balance is $100 or more.

Orange circular logo with a stylized snake icon next to the Vecteezy company name in black text.

Vecteezy


Millions of high-quality photos & vectors created by the world's most talented creative community. All the vectors, clipart graphics, icons, stock photos, stock videos, backgrounds, patterns, banners, and designs are royalty-free.

London food photographer, Content Creator, London hospitality photographer, Drink Photographer London, Product photographer London,
London food photographer, Content Creator, London hospitality photographer, Drink Photographer London, Product photographer London,
London food photographer, Content Creator, London hospitality photographer, Drink Photographer London, Product photographer London,
London food photographer, Content Creator, London hospitality photographer, Drink Photographer London, Product photographer London,

 

Sell prints

 

Sometimes, the best way is the most obvious. You can make money by selling them. Selling prints is a great way of monetising your photos, and if you do really well, which I wish you from the bottom of my heart, you can end up turning your photography into a career. To start selling your photos, you should register with print-selling sites first. Each of the sites has different requirements, so make sure to read the T&Cs carefully.


I've listed some of the print sites below:


The other way is to set up an online shop. Check if your website provider has an option to add a shop, if not, check Squarespace or Blupark.


 

Exhibition

 

Fresh summer salad with strawberries, cucumbers, croutons and yellow peppers.
White plated dish with carrots and meatballs on marble surface.
Colorful bruschetta topped with fresh tomatoes and basil leaves on a rustic surface.

This is another level, I know, but why not? If you’re really confident in your photography skills, it might be time to take the next step up.


Why not start by building up an online portfolio of your very best photos? You can find a following on Instagram or Twitter, or by submitting your photos to web-based competitions. Once you’ve got enough of a following to make an exhibition worthwhile, it’s time to set up the show! Don't forget to invite me ;)