Walk into your back yard, kneel down, and snap a photo of a flower in your garden…or capture a shot of your grandchildren playing with a football. Did you know that these photos could earn you $25…$50…even $150 or more for each one? Imagine if, every time you went on vacation, with your camera in tow, you could make up to $800 for those pictures you snap.
There is no great secret to breaking into photography—even if you have no experience and only use a simple point-and-shoot camera, it can still be a way to fund a new, more relaxed, and fun lifestyle. Photos are used everywhere…newspapers, magazines, billboards, websites, technical manuals, and almost any published material. Someone has to take those pictures. Why shouldn’t that someone be you?
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Photography really can open up the world to you. As a “working” photographer, you can pick-up-and-go any time you choose…get on a flight to any number of far-flung destinations…and enjoy the freedom of the photographer’s life.
See the articles below for more information on ways to earn a living as a photographer.
Why the Caribbean Tourism Board Said: “You’re Hired!”Posted on May 21, 2012 by Lebawit Lily Girma
It’s 8.00 a.m. on a Friday morning and I’m in Gouyave, on the west coast of Grenada. The beach is crowded with fishermen at work. Some are fixing their nets and sharing stories. Others are already out in the water in their canoes.
The Travel-Rich Job Anyone Can HavePosted on May 19, 2012 by Andrea K. Gingerich
While on a working vacation in France, I decided to take a week-long side-trip to Spain. I had some friends from the Catalonian region in the north of the country and they invited me to visit. I’d never been there before, so I jumped at the chance to see a new part of the world.
Discovering the Ireland of OldPosted on May 16, 2012 by Ginger Sanders
The West of Ireland, away from the bustle of Dublin, is a stunning part of the world. On my latest trip, I decided to use Killarney as my travel hub—it put me within reach of must-see locations like the Ring of Kerry, Ross Castle and The Gap of Dunlow. Killarney also comes with bags of small-town charm and friendly locals eager to make visitors feel at home.
What a Money-Making Photo Looks LikePosted on May 15, 2012 by Efraín M. Padró
Straddling the border between Argentina and Brazil, the Iguazú Falls are one of the world’s most dramatic waterfalls. I got to see them up close recently—but I wasn’t there just to admire the sights. These massive waterfalls, combined with the lush subtropical vegetation and varied local fauna, makes this UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site a top-tier photo destination.
How I Paid For My Vacation to PanamaPosted on May 1, 2012 by J. Keith Howie
I love to travel to exotic destinations—like on my last trip to Panama. I trekked in Cerro Azul in the majestic mountains overlooking Panama City and visited Santa Fe—one of the country’s hilly frontiers. The rugged natural beauty of these places begs to have a camera pointed at it. Bring a camera with you, and you can start making money right away.
The Tewkesbury Medieval FestivalPosted on April 25, 2012 by anon
The monumental ruins of four different empires line its busy streets. Beside traffic lights and tram stops you’ll find the marble columns of triumphal arches, Roman aqueducts, and the overgrown tombs of Ottoman court officials.
Chile: A Photographer’s DreamPosted on April 21, 2012 by Hauke Steinberg
I knew very little about Chile—I had an idea of a long, thin country full of lamas, Spanish colonial architecture and Indians dressed in homespun wool. But, I was about to find out a whole lot more about the South American nation—I had just agreed to accompany a friend on a trip there.
Hundreds of Reasons to Bring Your Camera When You Travel in IrelandPosted on April 19, 2012 by Ginger Sanders
An Irish breakfast is something to behold; and something to photograph. A lovely array of oatmeal, toast, eggs, black pudding, white pudding (not the sweet treat it sounds), Irish bacon (really more like a slab of ham), grilled tomatoes and tea—lots of tea.
Making Money in a Tropical PlacePosted on April 18, 2012 by Efraín M. Padró
It’s always good to have a theme or two in mind before you set off on a photography trip. Take my last visit to Puerto Rico. I had seen a number of articles about the famous lighthouses of Maine and other parts of the East coast in various publications. I was also aware that Puerto Rico happened to have its own string of colonial-era lighthouses along its coastline—but I had never seen anything written about them. Since editors were keen to publish articles and photographs about the Maine lighthouses, I was willing to bet they would go for something similar from Puerto Rico.
Simple Photos Gave Me an Income I Can Take AnywherePosted on April 17, 2012 by Andrea K. Gingerich
Like many photographers, I had a dream that one day someone would pay me to travel around the world and take photos. I never thought this “someone” would be me. I learned about stock photography early in my career. It works like this—when a newspaper, magazine, website or advertising company needs a photo of something they go to stock websites to find it.
“My Camera Paid for a Trip to Zanzibar”Posted on April 7, 2012 by Danny Warren
Zanzibar is one of those places we’ve all heard of, but don’t know where to find on a map. The name conjures up visions of exotic tropical beaches and trading ports that haven’t changed much since the heyday of the spice trade. When my sister accepted a one-year assignment in East Africa, my wife and I booked a trip to see her. It was a great opportunity to visit this fabled island just off Tanzania’s coast.
The Round-the-World Trip Paid for by PhotosPosted on March 30, 2012 by Keith Hockton
After dinner one night, Simon and his wife Lisa decided to take on a massive fund-raising expedition—they would ride around the world raising money for charity and taking photographs and documenting their story online as they went. In 2002, they sold their house and all of their possessions—and bought two BMW motorbikes.
A Dream Job – on Your Own TermsPosted on March 29, 2012 by Efraín M. Padró
There are so many different ways to make money from photography. Needless to say, not all efforts are well rewarded – but many are.
How to Make Your Camera Pay For Your VacationPosted on March 29, 2012 by Caroline Maryan
I’ve wandered into a spa in Shanghai, China, and managed to arrange a manicure. No English has been spoken. Instead, I relied on the universal sign for a manicure—wiggling my fingers with a smile. Suddenly, my neighbor awakes with a start—he seems surprised to find me here. I’ve come to China to visit a place called Yuanyang.
Cash in Your Vacation SnapsPosted on March 28, 2012 by Ginger Sanders
Paris is a fantastic city to take pictures—full of shaded back alleys…romantic architecture…just-washed evening gowns fluttering from balconies—it’s photo heaven.
The Treasures of Istanbul’s Side StreetsPosted on March 27, 2012 by International Living
The monumental ruins of four different empires line its busy streets. Beside traffic lights and tram stops you’ll find the marble columns of triumphal arches, Roman aqueducts, and the overgrown tombs of Ottoman court officials.
Travel and Photography: How Keith Made Money Overseas From His Two Favorite HobbiesPosted on February 24, 2012 by J. Keith Howie
For me, with my own company doing project management for large Information Technology infrastructure deployments, my job was a means to an end. I worked to earn money to travel and take photos of interesting and exotic places. But I longed for a job I could do from anywhere, which would permit me to travel as I worked.
“How a Cup of Coffee Changed My Life”Posted on February 23, 2012 by Ginger Sanders
I used to work like a sled dog, traipsing around the planet as assistant to a tantrum-prone boss. Believe me, it was far from glamorous. I rarely saw anything of the countries I visited, I lived out of a suitcase and I missed every important family event for years. Then one morning it all changed. I watched the steam rise from a cup of coffee…and decided to photograph it.
Sahara Calling: Africa’s Desert Delivery ServicePosted on February 21, 2012 by anon
Sahara Calling: Africa’s Desert Delivery Service often referred to as the “Blue Men,” for their indigo-colored robes, the Tuareg tribesmen of the Southern Sahara have worked the trans-desert trade routes for thousands of years.
The Man Who Followed His Dream…And Found ItPosted on February 21, 2012 by Keith Hockton
Howard earned a good salary as an I.T. engineer, but he knew deep down that this was never his calling. Howard wanted to be a photographer. His nine-to-five was so far removed from his dream job that he thought he would never be able to make the switch. Aged 32, he decided he needed a change.
Do You Know Which of Your Photos Could be Bestsellers?Posted on February 6, 2012 by Len Galvin
You probably already take lots of photos when you’re on vacation…or when you’re scouting a second-home location overseas. But did you know you might be able to sell those photos, too? That’s what Dave Morgan did. When he traveled to Asia, he took pictures of the native people, monuments, and scenery.
Northern Thailand’s Umbrella VillagePosted on January 19, 2012 by anon
A grandmother sits barefoot on a bamboo mat, one leg straight in front of her, a thread stretched from her big toe to her lap. She’s threading thin bamboo ribs to become the top support of an umbrella.
How You Could Pay For Your Next Trip to South AmericaPosted on January 19, 2012 by Danny Warren
I’m not a professional photographer, but for over five years now I’ve used stock photography to supplement my income and help cover travel expenses. One of my favorite trips in recent years was to La Paz, Bolivia.
What a Way to Earn a Living—Whisky, Castles and Scottish IslandsPosted on January 18, 2012 by Hauke Steinberg
For one of the most breathtaking experiences in the Scottish Highlands, take the A87 highway from Fort William to the Isle of Skye and descend into Glen Shiel to Loch Duich. A few miles farther along the lakeshore, you’ll suddenly come across the iconic sight of Eilean Donan Castle sitting on an island at the point where three of the great Scottish sea lochs meet.
Head-to-Head with Mexico’s ‘Crazy Potato’Posted on January 11, 2012 by J. Keith Howie
The afternoon sun beat down on the concrete building radiating heat around the pool, making it mandatory to take a dip in the cool refreshing water and to enjoy the extraordinary view across Mexico’s Zihuatenejo Bay. It provided me with a great opportunity to take some photos from the pool to sell on one of the Micro-Stock agencies I post to.
Wanted: Your Holiday PhotosPosted on January 11, 2012 by Caroline Maryan
Fog clung to our clothes. The air smelled of wet wood smoke. The wind chilled our bones. We were on our way down Mount Misen, on the Japanese island of Miyajima. We’d ridden two ropeways to the top, cameras in hand, to photograph the famous panoramic view of the Inland Sea. Sadly, visibility was poor and it was starting to look like we would be heading back empty handed.
How to Make Money on Every Trip AbroadPosted on January 11, 2012 by Danny Warren
Several years ago, my wife and I took a quick trip to Calgary, Alberta to visit some close friends who had recently given birth to twins. As an avid photographer, and someone who was breaking in the world of stock photography at the time, I couldn’t go without my camera.
- Sea Lochs, Castles, Whiskey, and Food
Posted on December 20, 2011 by Hauke Steinberg
For one of the most breath-taking experiences in the Scottish Highlands, take the A87 highway from Fort William to the Isle of Skye and descend into Glen Shiel to Loch Duich.
On the Way to Market in GranadaPosted on November 24, 2011 by Patrick H. Stevens
Mangos. Everywhere. Twelve for a dollar, and fresh off the tree. Our kids would devour them as fast as I could get them peeled.
Make Money as a PhotographerPosted on November 19, 2011 by Len Galvin
Andrea Gingerich started out as a world-traveling biologist. But she had much more fun taking photos of turtles in Belize…and snaps of insects in Costa Rica. Better yet—these are photos she can sell. In fact, Andrea spent most of last year traveling and living off of the royalties from her photos.
Could You Handle This Travel Job?Posted on November 17, 2011 by Efraín M. Padró
I choose most of the countries I visit based on factors such as cost, available subjects, and the likelihood of selling my images once I return. But often, a chance to travel crops up and taking my camera means I can make money from it. In the case of Holland, I saved on food and lodging by tagging along with my wife, who was attending a business conference near Amsterdam.
Get Paid to Play With DolphinsPosted on November 16, 2011 by Tim Clayton
There is something magical about encountering dolphins. Perhaps it is the mammal connection between the two species or maybe it is the thrill of seeing such wonderful creatures in their natural environment. There is no doubt a dolphin encounter lifts the soul and provides an awe inspiring experience.
The Part-time Career You Can Do From AnywherePosted on November 15, 2011 by Caroline Maryan
When Caroline arrived in Korea, she wasn’t sure what she would find. But she needn’t have worried—the food, the people, the culture…this “undiscovered country” was full of pleasant surprises.
Best of all, it proved to be a treasure trove for “stock photography.” Stock photos are a great way for amateur photographers to turn their pictures into cash.
Make Money From Your PhotosPosted on October 27, 2011 by Ginger Sanders
I heard that money could be made from taking photos for online stock agencies—often images of everyday items, events or places, so I took some shots. I sent what I had into a number of stock sites before applying to one of the bigger ones—Dreamstime. By the next morning, I was an accepted stock photographer! I got a sale fairly quickly, which spurred me on.
How to Earn Cash From Your PhotosPosted on October 26, 2011 by J. Keith Howie
I’ve been making images since I was a kid and got a camera for Christmas. I never really made a leap into photography—it’s something that has always been a part of my life. When I transitioned from my work life into retirement I looked for ways to develop my photography into an income stream.
The Job Everyone Wants…Posted on October 25, 2011 by Efraín M. Padró
I practiced law for almost 20 years before becoming a full-time travel photographer, but I first got interested in photography as a hobby in the mid-90s. I lived in Denver, Colorado, so I had plenty of opportunities to photograph world-class landscapes. I took the next step in 1999 when I began sending out my work to travel publications.
The Photo That Keeps on SellingPosted on May 27, 2011 by Danny Warren
When the National Geographic Traveler issue arrived in my mailbox, I picked it up and casually started flipping through it before my wife and I headed out to dinner that night. When I got to page 14 I saw a full-page ad for Peru with a large picture of Machu Picchu and my heart skipped a beat—that was my picture!
