Side Hustles for Photographers

November 26, 2019 in PHOTOGRAPHY BUSINESS

Seems everyone has, or needs, as side hustle these days. Why should photographers be any different? I have had many photography side hustles over the last 17 years, in addition to my main editorial and corporate photography work. Below are some of the extra revenue streams I have utilized to generate additional income throughout my photography career.

Family Portraits

Family portrait photography is a great way to supplement income as a photographer. Pretty much everyone has a camera these days, and to some degree, appreciated photography. However, not many people have great family photos. If you are already doing people related photography getting into family portraits needn’t be that difficult. I started doing this as my children’s friend’s spread the word that I was a photographer. Moving to a tourist destination also increase the demand for this service. What style you offer is up to you. I work as a photojournalist and corporate photographer so my style is more location, response based.

Weddings

At some point, I think all photographers look at weddings as an income source. How many pursue it to a high degree is another thing. The truth is, wedding photography has a market for every type of client. So you can be very high end, traveling the world on weekends, or you can be more local, meeting at the courthouse and sending on digital files. Wedding photography is a huge market and worth considering.

Engagements / Proposals

Much like the two options above, engagements and proposal photo shoots are popular. Again, my style of photojournalism works well here. I live in a resort town, and that helps too. I was doing this when I was in Montreal. Start by capturing couples you know. Build a portfolio, and spread the word.

Break the mold a bit. Engagements and proposal photography can be very rewarding and stimulation.

Print Gallery

Sell your photographs as prints. I am always amazed at how many photographer do no or very little actual printing. Sad in a way. Creating a collection of your favourite images should not be that difficult. There is a market for almost all types of print photography. Have a look at other photographers who are selling on sites like Etsy. Or better yet, set up your own on-line gallery. Here’s mine - www.N117.ca

Stock

Stock is dead. Long live stock. This market is not what it once was, but it is still something. More and more photo content is being consumed then every previously. The market is huge, the competition is fierce, and fees are low. I know, but still it is a source of income, passive income. Find a niche agency for the photography your produce. Chances are they feed Getty, Alamy, or Corbis and so forth. This is also a great source of inbound passive marketing for you and your brand. As the images you have chosen for stock circulate, editorial use often comes with a photographer credit.

Interiors / Real Estate

Realtors always need great pictures of beautiful properties. Not all want to pay for them. And not many pay much for them. But if you are already equipped to shoot interiors (wide angles, tripod) than consider offering your services to realtors in your area. Look for ones that are either selling a lot (quantity) or are selling more high end (quality). My experience is that these are really the only two markets worth the work.

Real estate photography can be a bridge to working with contractors, landscapers, architects, interior designers…

Teaching

Give back what you know. Find ways to monetize your knowledge. It could be through blogging, or course development. You could actually get a photography teaching job. You could advertise workshops and seminars leveraging your professional work and experience. Perhaps you have an e-book inside of you waiting to come out. As mentioned, many many people are interested in photography, you are the expert.

My First Assignment - Johnny Fasciano

November 12, 2019 in PHOTOJOURNALISM

Vancouver 2001…I was beginning the process of becoming a photojournalist. I was studying media and communications. I was making documentary films, editing sound, and shooting 35mm film SLR’s. I had just returned to Canada after 5 years abroad. A trip that took me through places like Syria, Lebanon, Sudan, East Timor, Indonesia, Romania…amongst others. I knew I wanted to tell stories. I knew I wanted to be a photojournalist.

During my student years in Vancouver, I met and to some degree, befriended a man living on the streets of Vancouver’s Downtown East Side, Johnny Fasciano. Johnny was addicted to heroin, crack cocaine, was HIV +, Hepatitis C+ and homeless. Johnny was trying to get off the streets and get clean. I think he knew the end was coming for him. Together we formed a working relationship. I documented his personal journey to overcome terrible life choices and simply find a place to live and die in peace. Over two years we worked to create a short documentary film title The Needs Of One. I created a lot of images during this time. I learned to work with difficult subject matter. I learned to be objective, impassive. Johnny taught me a lot about the role of media and the stories that we choose to tell. Below are some of my images from this time. All were created using a K1000 35mm Pentax and were shot on Fuji Colour Slide Film. These images always remind me of where I started, and for what reasons. I welcome any feedback you may be inclined to share. How did you get started?

Inside Montreal's Metro

October 17, 2018 in CORPORATE, FINE ART

These images represent a portion of a larger corporate image bank that I created for the L'Autorité Régionale de Transport Métropolitain (ARTM). A wonderful example of public works design in Canada during 1960’s and 70’s.