How to Make Money With a Digital Camera

Making money as a photographer is easier than ever with a digital camera. You no longer need expensive equipment and a dark room to turn photos into cash. Sure, most people have access to a digital camera, but not everyone has the skill to use one for profit. If you have a knack for taking good photos, here are some ways to turn a hobby into a business

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Contact local used car dealers and ask if they need pictures of their current inventory for their website or newspaper ads. Used car dealers may not have the time or resources to take photos of the cars on their lot. If a dealer doesn't have a website with pictures of their inventory, offer to establish one for them. Individuals who sell their used cars or other vehicles through classified ads may not be able to take proper photos, so you may be able to offer your services to them as well.
2. Photograph people and their pets. Do it at their house or rent a studio. People pamper their pets like never before, and many people will pay big bucks for a picture of themselves or their family with their dog, cat or other pet. Invest in a photo printer and print out quality photographs after the session or provide the customer with a CD of the photographs.
3. Cater to tourists on vacation if you live in or near a popular vacation destination. Tourists want to relax and have fun without worrying about the results of their quickly-snapped photos. Offer your photography services to visitors to your city or town. Tourists will be assured of excellent vacation photos for their scrapbook, and you'll have a thriving business.
4. Snap pictures of graduation ceremonies and sell the photos to graduates and/or their families. A professional photograph of the smiling graduate is a welcome addition to any family's mantelpiece. You can make good money by offering quality photos to people who may not have the time or expertise to take pictures themselves.
5. Start a photo transfer business. Lots of people want their picture or pictures of friends and family members imprinted on T-shirts, coffee mugs, buttons, key chains, calendars and other items. You can purchase your own photo-transfer equipment to make items yourself or use services like Café Press.com or Zazzle.com to do it for you.
6. Attend amateur sports events in you area and snap pictures of athletes or their kids in action. People love to have keepsakes of their children's athletic triumphs. Advertise your services in community newspapers or church bulletins for greater exposure.
7. Work as a freelance photographer. Attend public events (and private ones if you can finagle an invite), and then contact newspapers, magazines and e-zines to see if they would be interested in the final product. Once you have a portfolio, send it to publications and they will offer you lucrative assignments if they like your work.
8. Offer an insurance photography service for property owners who need a photo inventory of their house and belongings. Take photos of electronic equipment, clothing, artwork and other items to catalogue them in case of theft or natural disaster. Transfer the photos to CD and add a list of the items and their dollar value.