What kind of business or job can be done with photography?

Question

I'm looking to do freelance photography or a job where I take pictures like events, or ppl in their cultures...what's a good money maker...

Answer 1

A wedding photographer pays very well, however the customers can be very difficult to please.

Answer 2

There are many types of photography that might interest you, including photojournalism for magazines/newspapers large and small, wedding/event photographers, people who document daily life or specific topics, advertsing, portrait, fashion, architectural, medical, crime, nature, scientific, sports, industrial and artistic photographers. Some people do all of these and more.

Freelancers that focus on one area often have to supplement their primary income with jobs of another type. For instance, a sports photographer may take on some other photojournalism accounts, or an advertising photographer may do portaits on the side. Unless you become one of the select few that can charge thousands of dollars an hour, you'll most likely take what you can get for from your clients.

That work usually also requires that you be your own salesperson, bookeeper, technical expert and graphic designer as well. Only if you make enough money can you afford to pay other people to do these things for you.

The alternative is to work for a company that hires you only for a specific role. Scientific, medical, industrial, crime and sometimes advertising photography is done this way. The advantage is that one gets a steady income, health benefits and the like, but no freedom to take on other jobs that might be more interesting.

Like many artistic endevours, photography doesn't often pay that well unless one makes it to the very top of the profession. Depending on location and competition, wedding photography is probably the best way to make a decent living, but the work is very hard. People who choose that life spend most weekends on the job and many nights meeting with potential clients -- the times when the rest of the world is relaxing or being with friends and loved ones.

Likewise, freelance photojournalists do a lot of work, and always have to be ready if a big story breaks. And their labor is done with the hopes that someone will buy their pictures later. Many supplement their income by shooting "stock" photography. There are "stock houses" that buy images of unspecified people and places which they then sell to companies like publishers and advertisers. Again though, this is mostly speculative work.

It sounds like what you're most interested in is photojournalism, so contact some local news agencies to see what the going rate is. It is possible to get a degree in photojounalism if you want to go that route. But like any type of photography there's one sure way to improve your skills: shoot, shoot, shoot again, and shoot some more. Selling your work can make it all worthwhile, so I encourage you to give it a try. Good luck!

Answer 3

Wedding photos?
This might not sound exciting, but how about passport & visa photos? Lots more people are going to be needing passport photos. Immigration photos too, while you are at it. Doesn't sound very creative, but least it could be a little action on the side