Hey there! Today, I want to share an awesome interview that can show you how to make money from photography. I recently spoke with Christian from The Click Cartel, who has some great insights on this topic.
Christian is a part-time photographer based in NYC, making over $100,000 a year working from home. He believes that in your first year, you could earn between $25,000 and $45,000, depending on your niche and the time you invest.
If you’re considering a new career, business, or side hustle, this could be a good option for you. Check out the details below to learn more about making money with photography.
Christian’s journey started with a childhood love for photography. He got his first camera at age 9 and an SLR at 13. By 14, he and his brother had set up a darkroom in their basement. He moved to NYC for college to study photography and landed a job as a photo assistant an hour after arriving.
After college, finding work was tough due to budget cuts post-9/11. Christian drove a truck to make ends meet and took on internships, eventually assisting a fashion photographer. He also booked wedding shoots through event planning contacts, although he found weddings weren’t his strong suit.
Christian later worked for an agency shooting events in the magazine and fashion industry, eventually securing a job at Women’s Wear Daily. While working there, he also built his own business, focusing on private events and clients. He discovered a niche in bar mitzvah photography, which turned out to be both a great fit and lucrative.
Through research, he developed a system for setting up sales that could double his booking fee, which averages around $7,200 a day. This system can be applied to various photography types, and he now teaches others how to implement it.
Christian’s journey to becoming a six-figure photographer took longer than necessary due to a lack of guidance. He now teaches people how to achieve this in months rather than years.
When asked about his clients, Christian mentioned working with big names like Vera Wang, Marchesa, and Jean Paul Gaultier, as well as private clients who are millionaires and billionaires. However, he emphasized that you don’t need famous clients to make good money.
Photographers can make money through shooting time, digital and physical products, and image rights. Clients vary widely, from advertising agencies to families wanting photos. The key is understanding that photography is an investment for clients, and pricing should reflect the value of the images to them.
There are many niches in photography, such as maternity, pets, real estate, and food, each of which can be profitable with the right tools and knowledge.
For new photographers, earnings depend on commitment and finding a niche. Specializing early on can make your business more lucrative. Sales skills are also crucial, as structuring sales effectively can significantly increase profits.
The positives of being a photographer include doing something you’re passionate about, the flexibility of working from home, and the potential to positively impact people’s lives. However, there are challenges, such as information overload, loneliness, and the need for self-discipline.
To start a photography business, Christian suggests picking a niche you love, getting good at it, and understanding the best pricing model. He advises against wasting time on a website initially, as high-value clients are unlikely to find you that way.
Startup costs can be kept low by using affordable equipment and renting special gear as needed. Other expenses include business cards, web hosting, and insurance.
Christian’s final tip is to F.O.C.U.S. (Follow One Course Until Success). Once you find a niche you love, stick with it, get good at it, and learn to sell it. Photography can lead to incredible opportunities and a rewarding career if you stay dedicated and patient.
This year, Christian has all-access clearance to three parties for the musical Hamilton, including backstage access, a check, and free tickets. If you’re interested in learning how to make money from photography, this could be the path for you.