Jet-setting around the world and capturing stunning landscapes, vibrant cultures, and unique moments is something all of us dream of.
The reality is, for most people, the dream seems out of reach. Dropping everything to chase that dream could leave them with more than just beautiful photos—a termination letter, too.
Very few people can make this leap and pursue a career as a travel photographer. Are you among them? If yes, that’s a courageous thing you’ve done.
It isn’t easy to pursue a career as a travel photographer. Income can be irregular, especially when starting out. Travel photographers don’t live paycheck to paycheck.
But that certainly doesn’t mean they don’t earn well. Glassdoor’s research shows that travel photographers earn $63,000/year.
How do you earn so much, then? Some savvy strategies can help you turn your dream into a profitable reality. Here, we’ll explore some practical ways you can make money as a travel photographer.
1. Pitch Your Work to Travel Publications and Websites
Magazines, travel blogs, and websites always look for fresh, high-quality images to accompany their stories.
Pitch your work to tourism boards, travel publications, and lifestyle magazines. You never know, your portfolio can land you paid assignments.
Don’t just make a pitch to any travel magazine or website you come across on the internet. Do a bit of research. That will help you find publications that match your style—whether it’s adventure, luxury travel, or cultural photography.
After you shortlist potential clients, craft a compelling pitch. Make sure to highlight what makes your work unique and how it aligns with their brand. Add a portfolio link or attach sample images.
TravelersPress lists AFAR, Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, National Geographic, and Wanderlust Magazine among the 25 best travel magazines. These publications cater to diverse travel niches, offering opportunities for adventure, luxury, and cultural photographers.
Research their specific submission guidelines before creating a pitch. That will allow you to tailor your approach and align your style with their audience, boosting your chances of standing out.
2. Start a Travel Photography Website
Not having an online presence can be a real stumbling block. It’s like sailing without a compass—you might get lost in the vast sea of digital opportunities.
Wait no more! Create a travel photography website. It will serve as a beacon that will guide potential clients and followers right to your work.
Pat Kay, a Tokyo-based award-winning freelance travel photographer, exemplifies how a well-crafted website can elevate your career. His site showcases his stunning portfolio while providing insight into his creative process.
Hocoos remarks that you no longer need a team of web developers to establish your digital storefront; AI website builders have simplified the process.
You can set up a professional-looking website using AI-powered website builders. These tools offer user-friendly interfaces and customizable templates, so you can showcase your portfolio, share travel stories, and even offer photography tips without extensive tech skills.
A good thing about AI website builders is that they offer easy-to-use editing tools. You can change color schemes, layouts, images, fonts, and other elements with just a click.
Don’t forget to incorporate SEO-friendly keywords to help your site rank higher in search results and connect with your target audience. Update your blog with fresh content regularly—think destination guides, photography tips, or personal travel experiences. This will keep your audience engaged and help with search engine rankings.
3. Sell Your Photos on Stock Photography Platforms
Selling pictures on stock photography platforms can help you earn a passive income.
Check out platforms like Adobe Stock, Shutterstock, and Alamy. These platforms allow photographers to upload images, making them available for purchase. Designers, businesses, and content creators who need them will buy them.
Just make sure you upload photographs with relevant keywords to the sites. Your pictures won’t be found if you don’t use the correct keywords when uploading them.
You will earn a small commission every time a customer licenses your content. So, the more photos you upload, the better your chances of earning.
A Dutch travel photographer, Peter Orsel, uploaded 4500 files on the stock photography platform Dreamstime and earned about $1,900 in 2023. That’s a decent sum.
4. Conduct Photography Workshops
As you build your portfolio and gain experience, why not teach others the tricks of the trade?
Conducting photography workshops can be highly lucrative. Design workshops that cater to different skill levels—whether it’s beginners wanting to learn the basics or advanced photographers looking to refine their techniques.
Decide between hands-on sessions and virtual classes. Choose locations that inspire creativity, such as bustling cityscapes or scenic spots. To maximize enrollment, promote your workshop through your website, social media, and local photography groups.
Just taking breathtaking photos won’t help you make a living as a travel photographer. You need to search for ways that can help you turn your passion into a profitable venture—a few of them are mentioned here.
Some avenues, like pitching your work to travel publications, might take some time. But others, like offering photography workshops, can generate passive income right away. Over time, your efforts will pay off, and your dream of earning a living as a travel photographer will become a reality.
