Got an eye for bumble bees flitting from daffodil to Corporate Headshots NYC Suffer from camera strap neck? Dream of publishing a celebrity filled book with the likes of Brad and Angelina? Then maybe deep down inside, you are a photographer. Or you are a photographer now.
Can you make a living pursuing your craft? Yes. You may have to be a bit creative and open to various income streams. Think of your artwork as a business, then act accordingly. No, treating your craft like a business will not be compromise your creative principles. It will allow you to eat. If you plan appropriately, you’ll be able to create according to your own rules. However with a diligent method of attack, you can sculpt out a life snapping your favorite shots.
Here are some ideas to create streams of income:
1. Develop a professional website to showcase your art. Offer a cart system where customers can buy on demand.
2. Review Artist in Residence programs. That’s an easy web search. Some programs will pay for everything (room, board, meals) others you are footing the bill.
3. Approach upscale resorts, hotels, spas to become their artist in residence. Your artwork can be featured in public areas and available for patrons to buy. Proceeds can go to you or be split with the facility.
4. Shoot stock photography and sell on sites like istock.com or shutterstock.com (Be mindful to understand the conditions of payment.)
5. Partner with authors, self-publishing authors, book publishers, online book publishers to provide artwork/photos for books, book covers, illustrations, brochures, or quality photos for web publishing.
6. Design a unique line of products featuring your work. Photos can be placed on t-shirts, mugs, stamps, posters, notebooks, folders. Check out online, cafepress or zazzle.
7. Partner with a writer and design a line of greeting cards.
8. Join forces with a new business, café or restaurant. Post up your framed photos for sale while the establishment gets free quality ambiance.
9. Expand your expertise into the field of pet photography or daycare photography. Offer kiddie-photo contract services for local day care services. Or advertise in a doggie-day cares, groomers or veterinarian offices.
10. If you live in NY or LA – offer quality headshot photography. As a bonus add in free retouching, headshot postcards, or follow-up shots within six months.
11. Design business cards featuring your photos. Host a website with ready-made templates client can pre-order from. Think industry specific. For example a beautiful house with a just sold sign in the front yard business cards for real estate agents. Or a blow dryer for a hair stylist. Check out moo.com online for some ideas.