6 Easy Ways to Make Money Traveling
Working as a paid travel photographer probably ranks pretty high in the dreams of many aspiring image-makers.
Who wouldn’t want to jet set around, or island hop, or partake in wild safaris?
The good news is, if you’re eager to venture into the world of making money as a travel photographer, there are a lot of creative ways to do it!
1. Magazine / Newspaper Work
While you’re out and about capturing travel images, you’re going to be experiencing events that are important on both a local and national level.
Maybe you’re in Oregon during the solar eclipse and that leads you to capturing some images that may be useful for a national publication. Or, maybe you’re strolling down the street and snap a shot in a tiny town on the coast of Maine where a mayor happens to be holding a conference.
When you’re out with your lens, possibilities abound around you — and one outlet that will always be searching for good quality photographs are news outlet. Try sending your images in to be considered for both digital or print publications. Go local. Go national. Try multiple outlets. And see what happens!
2. Destination Marketing
Destination marketing is one of the ways many travel photographers make an income. Say you’re going to Hawaii to research the most beautiful secret beaches you can find — reach out to the tourism boards.
Offer them your work on a per project basis. These project packages can include things like blog posts, social media work, and photography (of course). You can even try offering your first project on a trade basis in return for lodging and food, and move forward from there.
3. Stock Photography
Not everyone can make it to South America or Australia or for a tour around America. But if you can figure out a way to travel and explore the world, people will be eager to see your experiences.
Stock photography is a wonderful way to make an income off the images you create. These photo sites (like SmugMug) are always on the lookout for pictures that will be of interest to their users. Luckily, there will always be a need and a want for travel photos, so it’s an incredible path full of creativity and possibility to venture down.
4. Blogging You’ve heard it before and you’ll hear it again — blogging! Blogging about your travel is a personal and intriguing way to make an extra income. Find your niche and be passionate about it. Maybe it’s the food you’re interested in when you travel. Or the people. Or the hikes. Whatever it is, find it, and write about it!
Blogging requires patience and time — but like anything, you’ll experience the rewards if stick with it and above all, have fun. Think of your blog as your artistic platform that enables you to share your work with the world.
5. Selling eBooks
Companies are catching onto the eBook craze more and more and seeing them as useful for the myriad of ways they can promote a business. eBooks can be emailed, used as bonuses for new clients or users, posted to websites, sent along with newsletters — and the best part is, their subjects can be vast and varied.
Did you go on a safari and capture wild photos of exotic animals? Excellent. Now take your photos, pair them with a simple design, turn it into an eBook and shop it around!
6. Social Media Followings
Having a large social media following is always good when it comes to opportunities for travel photography. Start by following photographers and travelers you admire. See who is passionate about their work. Put in the time to write honest and engaging comments and build your network of like-minded travelers who share similar interests.
People with large social media followings can get paid per post to promote other brands and companies. It can take a while to get to that point — but if you put in the work, you’ll reap the rewards. If nothing else, social media is an incredible way to network and connect with the expansive world of fellow photo-takers around you!
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