How to Earn Money from Freelance Photography in the Philippines

One of the greatest things about Freelancing is that, you have your own freedom, you are the boss, you choose your own projects, and make your own money. If photography is your passion deciding to become a freelance photographer may seem to be an easy path. But in reality, freelance photography is such a difficult thing to do, because you need to work multiple projects for different clients.

Hence, photography is more than just taking pictures. Some might own a DSLR but not all know how to be a photographer. Just because you own a camera, doesn’t mean you are a professional photographer. You’re a professional at something when you know it’s your profession.

A life of a photographer is not that easy, their salary depends on their projects. They don’t have 13th month pay or bonus unlike the others. But it is such a great thing to do, most especially if you are really into it, because from a merely passion/hobby you can create a very nice business.

There is indeed no doubts that you can earn money from freelance photography. You can also do it as part time job, not that bad for someone who has a passion in photography, at the same time earns money from it.

There are actually a lot of opportunities in photography where you can easily earn money. So here are 10 useful tips on how to earn money from freelance photography in the Philippines:

1. Create your own portfolio.
You need to create your own portfolio, so you will have something to show to your clients as a proof that you are really a photographer enthusiast. Having funshoots might as well help you in making your own portfolio.

2. Use social media to get clients.
Since nowadays, people are more exposed to internet or social networking sites. You need to think of a strategy out of it that can attract more clients. Like creating your own website to promote your business or creating a Facebook page where you can put all your portfolios. You can also upload photos you took on Instagram to catch the attention of people . You just have to use social media appropriately.

3. Print business cards.
Aside from using social media platforms, you can also print business cards to get clients. There might be instances, where you’ll bump into someone who might need your service, so it is better to just give your business card.

4. Sell stock photos.
Stock photos are professional photographs of common places, nature, landmarks, events, or people that are bought or sold on a royalty free-basis and can be used and reused for commercial purposes. It is also a cost-effective method for designers to get professional photos without the cost of hiring a photographer directly. Today, stock photos can be purchased through a subscription and downloaded from a stock photography distributor’s website or purchased as a CD-ROM collection.

You may check this list of 12 most profitable places to sell your photos online.

5. Take pictures of local events then sell them. 
From festivals, tournaments and many more, you have a lot of option where you can earn money just by taking photos. You may also cover events like debut, weddings and birthdays. If you are just starting in photography, you may offer them a lower rate.

6. Write articles about photography.
Your knowledge about photography can lead you to more income. You can make blogs about the “how to” in photography, aside from imparting knowledge to your readers you can earn money as well in a simple and easiest way.  Most people rely now on blogs to get information and this is the best way to earn money as well. But of course that’s if you are good in writing like how good you are in photography where you can combine both. Since there are also a lot of online site where they hire writers to write articles for them, you can sell your articles online.

7. Sell photos to magazines.
Magazines also need good photographs, you may also sell your photos to them. You just have to look for a publication online. Then you may get an idea of what type of images they usually publish.

8. Sell photo journalism prints.
Newspapers also need photos, as someone who  has the ability to take good pictures you may use it to earn money. You just have to look for the right publication that might be interested in your photos.

9. Do fun shoots and get paid.
There are some instances, when after posting your own photographs of different models some might inquire you to do fun shoots with them. Of course, as someone who wants to earn money in photography, you need to charge your service from them. It is not bad to charge them even with a small amount per picture. Let’s just say, Php500 for 5 pictures not bad for someone who can only take photos in just a few minutes.

Thus, you can also do this as a part time job, if you want to have additional income. This is not much tiring and you don’t have to spend hour of taking photos unlike if you cover events like debut, weddings, reunions and the likes.

10. Keep learning
There should always be a room for learning new things, because learning never stop. If you badly want to be a known professional photographer someday, you need to have that attitude where you never get tired of learning. There are still a lot of things to discover here on earth that you need to see for yourself.

Photography is an art and a combination of your imaginative minds. Thus, you also have to be creative in making money. Think of different strategies where there is a possibility to earn money. The eye should learn to listen before it looks. As someone who has a passion in photography, think out of the box. Don’t just settle for passion because you can be paid. You can do both at the same time, passion and money is what you can get if you engage into freelance photography.

Also read: How to start a photography business in the Philippines