You’ve been taking photos for years and you love what you’re doing. Friends invite you to their events and you take their photos.

You don’t mind because you love what you do. Right?

But, what if you could keep doing what you love and at the same time make money from it?

Yes, it’s possible to earn money from photography. You might know about this already, or you may have heard about it from fellow photographers; but would you know what to do?

Making money with photography or as a photographer can be quite a challenge.

So, it is important that you know how and where to start. It is also vital to recognize what you want to happen.

How You Can Make Money as a Photographer

Here are six suggestions you should consider if you want to earn money from photography.

1. Organize mini photo shoots

Offer your services to individuals and families celebrating special events. Start with people you know; your family and friends, for example. It can be for a birthday, a wedding, a Christmas calendar or card, and even for newborn baby photos.

Most people will prefer short photo sessions, like 30 to 60-minute shoots, because they’re more affordable.

The money you get from each session may not be that much, but you can schedule two or three in a day; so you still get to earn enough.

2. Package yourself as a “for couple” photographer

photo by Aaron Alexander

“For couple” photography includes engagement and wedding sessions. Compared to mini photo shoots, this one is a more permanent option.

It’s one of the most popular and high-earning jobs as a photographer.

Starting with engagement sessions can be your stepping stone to wedding photography. Weddings are special, once-in-a-lifetime events, so couples will always allot enough budget for photography services. Again, you can start by offering your services to family and friends. If they love your work, they’ll refer you to other couples. You’ll have to practice and learn tips and tricks for this kind of photography, though. Then again, if you’re really good at what you do, you’ll standout!

If you’ve decided to become a wedding photographer, there are some things you need to keep in mind. First, do not offer your services for free , even if your first clients are relatives and friends. You can negotiate an affordable package, but never give your services for free. You’re a professional photographer and your photos have value. Therefore, your work should get the monetary value it deserves.

Second, when practicing your wedding photography skills, find a mentor who can help you out. Someone who has been in the wedding photography business for a long time. Some wedding photographers will even allow you to work side-by-side with or shadow him on a wedding or two.

Lastly, make sure that your line of communication with the client is open. Always find time to talk to the bride and groom. Find out what they want and what they expect from you. Building a strong relationship with your client will help you perform your responsibilities better.

3. Getting into stock photography can also help you earn money

This is especially true if you have an advanced photography gear and you’re confident with your skills. All you need to do is find a model who is willing to pose for you and then shoot. You can do this inside a studio or on location.

It depends on what theme you want to follow. When you’ve collected enough photos, create your portfolio and advertise your services online. First, however, you’ll need to upload your photos on stock photo collection websites like Getty Images, Shutterstock and iStockphoto.

4. Social media photography is a new thing, but it’s slowly catching fire

If you haven’t heard of it yet, it’s what some big companies do for their social media pages (specifically Instagram).

What they usually do is hire a photographer, or a group of photographers, to take photos of a product, project, or event. These companies often send photographers to trips where their task is to take photos. Some even use only their iPhones.

Companies pay these photographers to take photos for them, and they often get additional perks or bonus like attending events and traveling. Wouldn’t you want that for yourself?

5. Try newborn photography

photo by Ari Landworth

This one takes a lot of skills and patience… and a genuine love for babies. Newborn photography is a good option because parents will almost always want visual mementos of their babies, especially for their first-born. You don’t have to have highly advanced technical skills because it will be just like shooting a model.

The only difference here is that your subjects are newborn babies, which means you’ll have to be sensitive enough so you’ll know how to capture them in their best moods. It’s not going to be easy, but if you love babies – or children – it will be pure bliss for you. Plus, who can resist it when babies smile?

6. Be a second shooter

photo by Elvert Barnes

As previously mentioned, you can be a shadow or a second shooter to a senior photographer. And this is particularly true for weddings.

These are really big events that require a lot of photos, so your assistance will be greatly appreciated. Of course, you’ll need to find somebody who’s willing to take you on and share his professional fee with you.

Then again, there are couples and wedding organizers who really prefer to hire a second shooter; so you won’t need to worry about getting paid properly. Once you establish yourself as a second shooter, you’re on your way to become a master wedding photographer and have it as your own business.

These are just some of the ways you can use photography to earn money. Of course, the choice depends on you and in what you believe you are capable of doing.

Then again, if you really love photography, you’ll be willing to learn and try out something new, and then earn some extra bucks on the side. Not a bad idea. Nope, not at all!