Do You Make Money From Your Photos?
The Internet has made the act of selling photos available to practically anybody. It seems like everybody is trying to make a buck (myself included) with their photography. I'm curious how many of us actually make anything from it, and at what level. So for this poll, tell us how well you do with your money making ventures. And for the purpose of the poll, just include money made directly from selling photos rather than things like blogging or hired photography work. I'm talking about your personal stock.
Also check out the results from last week's post where I asked “What's Your LEAST Favorite Weekly Topic?” I had a lot of good feedback from everybody who commented, and the poll results say quite a bit too. The least favorite topic is the reader poll, followed by link roundups and photodumps. The most favorite topic was the featured article, followed by the quick-tip.
So I'll continue to run all the current weekly topics since there wasn't a strong opposition to any one topic. I may occasionally skip a poll if I can't think of anything to ask, but it'll still be here every week otherwise. I'm also going to try implementing a new schedule to give you guys more of the meaty articles.
- MON – Featured Article
- TUE – Reader Poll
- WED – Featured Article OR Quick-Tip
- THU – PhotoBlog
- FRI – Quick-Tip
- SAT – Link Roundup
- SUN – PhotoDump
susheel
November 6, 2007Brian,
I work alongside my Dad in the Advertising / Industrial / Interior photography industry in South India. We’ve been doing this relatively recently, for the last 4 years. I was an Art Director in the Advertising field before this. I’ve recently started off a small design shop, which I hope to build up into something worth talking about, but for now, Photography keeps the electricity zipping through my powerlines, and puts the bread on my breakfast table.
Cheers!
Susheel
P.S.: Oh! I did forget to mention that we also have two photography studios that we use for our own work as well as rent it out to photographers who need the space.
Brian Auer
November 6, 2007Man, I knew you were neck deep into photography, but I didn’t realize you had so many things going on. Next time I’m in India and I need a studio, I know who to call. I’m curious to know if you make more from hired work or direct photo sales — if you don’t mind saying, that is. It’s just that I have absolutely no experience with hired work. And what type of stuff do you do in your design shop?
susheel
November 7, 2007Brian,
The next time you’re in India and need a studio, just drop by…
The photography industry is quite competitive where I am, and doesn’t really pay the way we would like it to… I don’t make direct sales of photographs at all. I spend too much time working on stuff that I’m hired to do. All the rest of my time is devoted to ColoursAlive, the design shop. I’m currently working on web and print design.
Thanks for your interest…
Emily Higginson
November 7, 2007I’m a-tryin’
I’m getting the wheels turning, trying to get my foot in the door in the competitive world of Photography in Toronto.
🙂
Brian Auer
November 7, 2007I’m sure you’ll make it — you rock! Just keep shooting and sharing.
Rhea
December 5, 2007Find your site interesting. With regard to selling photos, I wonder how many photographers make real money from just their web sites. I think getting gallery representation is probably the way to go. I know when I buy art, i want to see up close and personal. As for the art of capturing black-and-white images, my theory has always been to close in on your subject and watch the light. Without light, in my opinion, black-and-white photos lack interest. You can get away with a lot when shooting in color, but that is not generally the case in black and white. Just my humble opinion.
Rhea
Alan Cook
February 3, 2008Never tried. But i have made money (peanuts, actually) selling my 3D illustrations.
Radder
April 28, 2008You have a great site. Really. I sell photos too, but not receive big money from internet:(
Pumps
August 7, 2008I just graduated from college, and have been trying to do some freelance going the internet route to make money with my pictures, but it is very hard. It the mean time, I have to work selling industrial equipment. <– Hey it is what paid my career, so I just keep doing it. I do not like it, it is not my call, but it pays the bills.
Mike
December 8, 2008Hi-
I haven’t ever sold photography, but was wondering what sites you guys sell from? And, what are the best sites to buy from, in terms of selection choice and price?
Thanks for all your feedback!
Mike
Brian Auer
December 8, 2008That’s kind of a big question that can’t really be answered here in the comments. For selling photos, it really depends on your level of experience and what you want to sell. Some people do well with microstocks, some do well with traditional stocks. Some people sell prints, other license digital copies.
Also for buying, it depends on what you’re looking for. I’ve purchased images for the blog from microstocks because the price is right, but I don’t sell my own work on microstocks.
Carol Ross
January 2, 2009I make a little from Google Adsense on https://www.freerangestock.com/
They give away your photos, but you get 80% of the Google Adsense Revenue for page views.
Marian Mccanless
January 27, 2009So you’re suggesting that we sell our personal photos? That’s something I had never thought of. Another stream of income to pursue…..diversification is important. Thanks for the idea!