How to Make $1,000/Month with Photography: Easy Side Hustle for 2025

If you love photography and want to turn it into a profitable side hustle, making $1,000 per month is very achievable—even if you’re just starting out. With the right niche, marketing, and strategy, you can get paid for taking photos, selling digital prints, or even licensing stock images.

This guide will break down how to start a photography side hustle, find clients, and scale to $1,000+ per month in 2025.

 

For a full step-by-step video tutorial, watch our YouTube guide here:

 

Step 1: Choose a Profitable Photography Niche

To make consistent money, focus on one photography niche instead of trying to do everything. This helps you stand out and attract ideal clients.

Best Photography Niches for Side Hustlers

• Portrait Photography – Headshots, graduation photos, social media portraits.
• Event Photography – Weddings, birthdays, corporate events.
• Product Photography – E-commerce brands need professional product shots.
• Real Estate Photography – Realtors pay for high-quality listing photos.
• Stock Photography – Sell images on sites like Shutterstock and Adobe Stock.
• Pet Photography – Pet owners love professional photos of their animals.

If you want quick cash, portrait and event photography, have higher demand and faster payouts.

 

Step 2: Invest in Basic Photography Gear

You don’t need a $5,000 camera to start. Many successful photographers started with basic gear and upgraded over time.

Beginner Photography Gear Checklist

• Camera – A used DSLR or mirrorless camera (Canon EOS R10, Sony A6400).
• Lenses – A 50mm f/1.8 for portraits and a wide-angle lens for real estate.
• Tripod – Essential for product and real estate photography.
• Lighting – Basic ring lights or softboxes improve image quality.
• Editing Software – Use Adobe Lightroom & Photoshop (or free tools like Snapseed).

If you’re on a tight budget, you can start with a smartphone + editing apps.

 

Step 3: Build a Portfolio

Before people pay you, they want to see examples of your work. Your portfolio is the most important tool for getting clients.

How to Build a Photography Portfolio

• Offer free or discounted shoots for friends and family.
• Take photos at local events, businesses, or cafes.
• Post your work on Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest.
• Create a professional website showcasing your best images.

 

Use Hostinger to create an affordable portfolio website that makes you look professional.

 

 

Your portfolio should only show your best work—quality over quantity.

 

Step 4: Find Clients and Get Paid

Once you have a solid portfolio, start looking for paying clients.

Best Ways to Get Photography Clients

• Facebook & Instagram Ads – Run a small $5/day ad campaign.
• Facebook Groups & Marketplace – Post your services in local groups.
• Networking & Referrals – Ask past clients for recommendations.
• Freelance Platforms – Sign up for Fiverr, Upwork, and Thumbtack.
• Real Estate Agents & Businesses – Offer your services for real estate and product shoots.

Offer limited-time discounts to attract first-time clients.

 

Step 5: Set Your Rates and Make $1,000/Month

Photography pricing depends on your niche, experience, and location.

Photography Pricing Guide for Beginners

• Portraits (Headshots, Social Media) – $50–$150 per session.
• Event Photography (Weddings, Birthdays) – $500–$1,500 per event.
• Product Photography – $20–$100 per product.
• Real Estate Photography – $100–$400 per property.
• Stock Photography (Shutterstock, Adobe Stock) – Passive income from image sales.

To make $1,000/month, aim for 5–10 paid shoots per month or sell stock photos consistently.

 

Step 6: Market Yourself Like a Pro

To grow your side hustle, you need consistent bookings.

Best Ways to Market Your Photography Business

• Create a Business Website – Use Hostinger to build a professional portfolio.
• Post on Instagram & TikTok – Show behind-the-scenes and final shots.
• Use SEO for Local Clients – Optimize your website for searches like “Los Angeles Portrait Photographer”.
• Offer Limited-Time Deals – Attract new clients with seasonal discounts.
• Partner with Other Businesses – Work with wedding planners, makeup artists, and realtors for referrals.

Join Facebook groups where people look for photographers.

 

Step 7: Diversify Your Income Streams

To maximize your earnings, don’t rely on just one source of income.

Ways to Make More Money with Photography

• Sell Stock Photos – Upload images to Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, and Pexels.
• Sell Lightroom Presets – Many beginners buy editing presets to enhance their photos.
• Teach Photography – Create an online course on Udemy or Skillshare.
• Offer Retouching Services – Edit photos for other photographers.
• Start a YouTube Channel – Monetize photography tutorials and reviews.

Selling digital products like presets or online courses can turn into passive income.

 

Step 8: Stay Consistent and Keep Improving

To scale your photography side hustle, you need to keep learning and improving.

How to Level Up Your Photography Business

• Learn New Techniques – Take courses on YouTube or Skillshare.
• Master Editing Software – Learn Lightroom, Photoshop, and Capture One.
• Upgrade Your Equipment – Invest profits into better cameras and lenses.
• Collaborate with Other Creators – Work with influencers, models, and brands.
• Stay Active on Social Media – Post regularly to attract new clients.

Consistency beats talent—the more you shoot, the better you get.

 

Final Thoughts

Photography is one of the best side hustles for 2025. It allows you to be creative, work on your own terms, and scale your income. Whether you’re doing portraits, events, or selling stock photos, you can make $1,000/month or more with the right approach.

Key Takeaways

• Pick a niche like portraits, events, or stock photography.
• Start with basic gear and upgrade as you earn more.
• Build a portfolio by offering free or discounted shoots.
• Use Hostinger to create a professional website and attract clients.
• Market yourself on social media and freelance platforms.
• Diversify income streams with stock photography, presets, and online courses.
• Stay consistent and improve your skills to grow your business.