Why Every Photographer Needs Multiple Revenue Streams

Here are 10 revenue streams for photographers that you can start today to diversify your income and strengthen your business.

Photography can be a seasonal business, and relying on just one source of income—like weddings or portrait sessions—can lead to financial instability. Whether you’re experiencing a slow season, want to add a new creative project, or are looking to build long-term financial security, having multiple revenue streams can help you maintain steady income and expand your business.

1. Increase Print Sales

Print sales can be an easy way to generate additional income without extra work. Many photographers leave money on the table by not actively encouraging their clients to order prints.

Ways to boost print sales:

• Use automated email reminders (gallery expiration notices, early-bird discounts, abandoned cart emails).
• Add watermarks to online galleries to encourage purchases.
• Show how you display prints in your own home to inspire clients.

If you haven’t optimized your print sales yet, this is one of the simplest ways to add extra income and platforms like Pic-Time make this super easy to automate.

2. Offer Albums and Parent Albums

Wedding and portrait clients love tangible memories. Albums are a high-value add-on that many clients will invest in if offered the right way.

A simple strategy is to collect parents’ emails on your contract for a “print consultation.” This allows you to reach out directly after the wedding or session to help them order albums. A small step of extra effort can lead to a significant increase in sales.

3. Create an Event That You Can Sell Tickets To

Think outside the box and host an event that fits your brand. This could be a mini-session event, a styled shoot for other photographers, a branding workshop, or even a creative retreat.

Examples of photography events:

• Seasonal mini-session marathons
• Headshot days for business professionals
• Styled shoots where photographers pay for portfolio-building opportunities
• Photography workshops for beginners or hobbyists

Selling tickets in advance gives you guaranteed revenue before the event even happens.

4. Rent Out Photography Assets

You likely own valuable photography-related assets that others may need. Consider renting out equipment, studio space, or props to other creatives.

Things photographers can rent out:

• Cameras and lenses
• Lighting equipment
• Studio space or a spare room as a boudoir/photo studio
• Film scanners or editing tools

This is an easy, low-effort way to monetize things you already own.

5. Expand Into Different Types of Photography Work

If you’re primarily focused on wedding or portrait photography, consider adding different types of work to your offerings.

Examples of B2B (business-to-business) photography:

• Branding and commercial photography (restaurants, boutiques, personal brands)
• Event photography (corporate events, galas, fundraisers)
• Product photography (for small businesses and e-commerce)
• Real estate photography (homes, vacation rentals, Airbnb listings)

Unlike weddings, businesses need ongoing content, meaning they could become recurring clients.

6. Mentoring or Consulting

You likely have skills beyond photography that others could benefit from. If you don’t want to be a full-time photography educator, consider mentoring or consulting in an area you already excel in.

Examples of consulting services:

• SEO for photographers
• Social media strategy
• Editing and workflow coaching
• Business consulting for creatives

Write down the skills you’ve mastered and consider how they could help others. You don’t have to teach photography—there are many valuable niches where your expertise is needed.

7. Create a Passive Income Product

If you’ve ever thought about creating an online product, now is the time. Passive income can help stabilize slow seasons and give you income without trading time for money.

Examples of digital products:

• PDF guides (posing tips, client education, business resources)
• Mini-courses or workshops
• E-books
• Lightroom presets for photographers or phone users

Platforms like Kajabi, Shopify, and Canva make it easy to sell digital products with minimal ongoing effort.

8. Offer Services to Other Photographers

There is always a need for experienced photographers to assist others in the industry. Offering services to your peers can provide steady income and new networking opportunities.

Ways to support other photographers:

• Second shooting or assisting at weddings
• Editing services (outsourcing photo editing can be a game-changer for busy photographers)
• Social media or content creation for photographers who don’t enjoy managing their online presence
• Album design services for photographers who don’t offer albums themselves

These services can be easy to promote because fellow photographers already understand the value.

9. Develop and Sell Presets

Presets are a great way to leverage your unique editing style and generate extra revenue.

Popular types of presets:

• Lightroom presets for photographers
• Mobile presets for Instagram users and influencers
• Custom color grading LUTs for videographers

Presets can be bundled with photography guides or courses to increase their perceived value.

10. Secure Brand Deals and Partnerships

Many brands want to collaborate with photographers who have an engaged audience—even if you don’t have a massive following.

Ways to monetize brand deals:

• Sponsorships for workshops, podcasts, or events
• Affiliate marketing for photography-related tools and software
• Collaborations with brands that align with your audience (wedding vendors, camera brands, editing software)

If you have a niche audience (such as engaged couples, small business owners, or other photographers), brands may be eager to work with you.

Final Thoughts: Diversify Your Revenue and Future-Proof Your Business

Adding multiple revenue streams doesn’t mean completely changing your business—it means creating financial stability while keeping your creativity alive.

Instead of relying solely on bookings, explore ways to increase passive income, expand into new types of work, and leverage your existing skills.

Want to Increase Your Photography Income? Get the Perfect Bundle for Photographers

If you’re ready to take your income to the next level, our Photographer’s Bundle has everything you need to start earning more today.

Inside this bundle, you’ll get:
Pricing for Profit – Our spreadsheet and course to help you price weddings, portraits, and education work so you hit your income goals.
PJ Profits – Learn how to create passive income and add profitable offers to your business.
How to Create Your Own Presets – Sell your own Lightroom or mobile presets for extra income.
Making the Bacon: Selling Albums – Learn how to make $10K-$30K per year in album sales.
Danger School Mindset Mini-Course – Get the mindset support to confidently raise prices and scale your business.

Get access to the bundle today and start building multiple revenue streams in your photography business. Sign up here!

Don’t forget to visit dangerschool.com for even more resources!