So, you’ve got an eye for angles, a steady hand for filming, and an Instagram feed that looks like it belongs in a magazine. Now, it’s time to turn those photography and videography skills into real, consistent cash flow—because talent alone won’t pay the bills.
Whether you’re just starting or you’ve been snapping and filming for a while, getting paid for your creative work takes more than just taking great shots. You need strategy, marketing, and multiple streams of income to secure the bag. Let’s get into it.
1. Sell Your Photos and Videos Online (Passive Income, Baby!)
One of the easiest ways to make money is by selling your work on stock photo and video websites. These platforms allow people to license your content, meaning you get paid every time someone downloads your image or clip.
Best Platforms to Sell Your Work
- Shutterstock – Great for photographers and videographers who want to sell high-quality content.
- Adobe Stock – Offers high payouts and integrates directly with Adobe software.
- Getty Images & iStock – More exclusive but pays well for premium content.
- Pond5 – Perfect for selling high-quality videos.
- Etsy & Creative Market – Ideal for photographers who want to sell prints, digital downloads, or Lightroom presets.
Take photos and videos of things that businesses and brands need—lifestyle shots, diverse models, travel footage, and product photography sell like hotcakes.
Get Paid for Brand Shoots & Sponsored Content
Brands love working with photographers and videographers who can make their products look good. If you can shoot aesthetic product photos, UGC (User-Generated Content), or cinematic videos, brands will pay you to create content.
How to Get Started
- Create a Portfolio – Showcase your best work on a website, Instagram, or even a PDF media kit.
- Reach Out to Brands – Don’t wait for them to find you! Pitch yourself via email or Instagram DM.
- Leverage Social Media – Post your work with relevant hashtags and tag brands you’d love to work with.
- Offer Different Packages – Provide brands with different pricing options (photos only, short-form videos, a full campaign).
Rates to Charge
- $150–$500 for UGC-style content
- $500–$2,500 for full brand photoshoots
- $1,000+ for high-quality product videography
Start a Photography or Videography YouTube Channel
If you love teaching, reviewing gear, or sharing behind-the-scenes content, YouTube is a goldmine for passive income. You can make money through:
- Ad revenue (Google AdSense or Facebook Ads)
- Affiliate marketing (Recommend camera gear and earn commission)
- Brand sponsorships
- Selling your own products (like an eBook or online course)
Focus on niche topics like “How to Take Fire Travel Photos” or “Best Budget Cameras for Beginners.” People love specific, valuable content.
Offer Online Photography & Videography Classes
- If you’re good at what you do, there’s a whole audience willing to pay to learn from you. You can teach:
- How to shoot high-quality photos with a phone
- Videography for beginners
- Editing with Lightroom, Photoshop, or Final Cut Pro
- How to get brand deals as a content creator
Where to Sell Your Courses
- Your own website (best for keeping all your profits)
- Teachable, Kajabi, or Gumroad
- Skillshare & Udemy (great for exposure but lower payouts)
Sell Digital Products & Presets
- Digital products = passive income with no shipping hassle. Here are some hot digital products you can sell:
- Lightroom presets – Content creators love buying aesthetic filters.
- Video LUTs (color grading filters) – Perfect for YouTubers and filmmakers.
- Photography eBooks – Teach beginners how to shoot like a pro.
- Notion Templates for Creatives – Organization is key!
This is where the money is long-term. Once you create a digital product, you can sell it over and over again without doing extra work.
Start Monetizing Your Photography & Videography Skills Today
You’re sitting on a goldmine of talent—it’s time to cash in! Whether you’re selling stock photos, landing brand deals, or launching a YouTube channel, the key is to start today and build multiple streams of income.
Want a step by step blueprint on turning your photography & videography skills into serious money? Grab my ebook, Mastering YouTube, and start making real income from your creative work!
Disclaimer: I wanted to be transparent with you - some of the links I share may be affiliate links, meaning I could earn a commission if you choose to buy a product or service after clicking the link. There is no additional charge to you! Your support means the world to me and helps me keep creating valuable content, so thank you for being a part of this journey!