Turning your photography into a career can seem like a daunting task, but we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide of the best places to find photography gigs and jobs to help make the process easier. Whether you want to explore full-time or freelance options, we’ve got you covered:
- Full-Time Jobs
- Freelancing Gigs
- Stock Image Contributors
- Real Estate Photography Jobs
Full-Time Job Boards
Finding a full-time photography job can take the form of many different positions, such as an in-house photographer for marketing companies, photojournalist, or content creation positions. Most of these job boards offer full-time, part-time, and freelance positions, as well as have resources to help you make the most out of your search.
Be sure to get creative with your search, and use keywords that describe the type of position you’re looking for. Exploring these job boards will help you discover what type of positions are open, so you can start preparing for your photography career.
1. Get Photography Jobs
Start your search with Get Photography Jobs where you can find industry specific jobs. Get Photography Jobs operates like a typical job board, allowing you to search by keyword, location, or browse by an entire state. This site has an email newsletter that can send you jobs based on your preferences as they are listed, and their resources section is full of great sites for photography tips and tricks.
2. Indeed
Indeed is a comprehensive job board that allows you to search by keyword and location, as well as job type like full-time, part-time, remote, and freelance. While Indeed is not specific to photographers, it does have a lot of options, and it’s updated constantly.
Users have the option to apply through job links as a guest, or to create an account that saves their resume for quick applying. Indeed also offers email services that provide updates on each application’s status, and sends similar job postings when they come up.
3. Glassdoor
Glassdoor is a comprehensive job board aimed at helping people get started in their careers, as well as find a good company fit. Glassdoor allows users to see company reviews and statistics, which can help users determine if a company will be a good fit before applying.
Glassdoor utilizes email to send job suggestions when new positions are posted, and to send a newsletter with resources on helping find the perfect career. To get started with Glassdoor, simply make an account and start searching for photography jobs in your area.
4. ZipRecruiter
ZipRecruiter makes searching for full-time positions easy by allowing users to save their resume, to make applying to multiple jobs quick and simple. ZipRecruiter also offers resources for job hunters to find the average salary for positions in each field, and can be used to search for all kinds of employment like full-time, part-time, and freelance work.
5. SimplyHired
SimplyHired is a great search engine for anyone seeking full-time and part-time positions. SimplyHired allows users to search for jobs in any category, as well as in any location. To utilize this source for photography jobs use keywords that describe what type of position you’re looking for, i.e. real estate photography, content photography.
SimplyHired also has an easy-to-use resume builder on their site, which makes it easy to tailor your resume to specific job postings when needed.
6. Job.com
Job works like an automated recruiting company, and uses AI (artificial intelligence) to match your resume to jobs that will be a good fit for you. This is a great way to find multiple jobs that you’re qualified for quickly, and it can help cut down on the job search time.
Instead of sifting through job postings, Job is great for those with a strong resume that shows off their photography skills and areas of expertise.
7. LinkedIn
LinkedIn doubles as a job board and social media platform where you can combine the power of networking to your photography job search. Apply to jobs posted on LinkedIn using your resume and portfolio, and at the same time, grow your professional network to discover freelancing or full-time gigs with companies you follow. LinkedIn also allows you to search professionals, chat with employees, and create organic connections with employers, so you can find the best fit for you.
FEATURED DOWNLOAD
10 Tips to SELL Your Used Camera Gear FAST
Have some used camera gear you'd like to get rid of? If so, check out this free PDF with 10 useful tips for selling your gear quickly!
Freelancing Gigs
Freelance gigs are a great way to find photography work and help diversify your creative portfolio. Freelance jobs can be one-off gigs or recurring positions with a company, but they are usually inconsistent.
Starting the search for freelance work can be intimidating, but the following sites are full of options and resources to help you get started.
8. Flexjobs
Flexjobs is a job search engine that specializes in remote, or work-from-home, settings. While Flexjobs offers options in part-time, full-time, and freelance, it is a great place to find freelance gigs that you can do without going into an office setting. Since it emphasizes work that can be done remotely or on a flexible schedule, Flexjobs is a great website to find photography gigs.
9. Freelanced
Freelanced is a social network designed to help connect freelancers with gigs and opportunities. This site is great for creating a profile and connecting with professionals in your area, as well as sifting through job postings to find opportunities. Freelanced also enables you to post your portfolio and rate, so employers can find your information while searching for candidates.
10. People Per Hour
To use People Per Hour, freelancers can navigate through the application process to become a certified People Per Hour freelancer. Upon application acceptance, freelancers can be searched by potential employers, as well as gain access to job postings on the platform.
People Per Hour is a great site for finding gigs that match your specific skill set, and their application process helps employers get to know more about you before hiring.
11. Upwork
Upwork is a site that does it all for freelancers. It handles the job process from start to finish, including hiring, sending files, messaging with employers, and getting paid. This website is great for freelancers who want to know more about the employer, and want to be able to do everything on one platform.
Upwork does charge a service fee, though, so it’s important to keep this in mind when using this platform.
12. Fiverr
Fiverr is a platform dedicated to freelancers where you start by setting up a “gig” for users to search and find the service(s) you offer. Users can hire you for a specific gig you create, and all billing is done through Fiverr.
Fiverr does charge a 20% fee, however, they do offer resources to help with your professional development. Fiverr is great for photographers who want to get matched with buyers seeking specific skills.
13. Craigslist
Just like the original newspaper classifieds, Craigslist is a great source for finding freelance photography gigs. Craigslist is super easy to navigate, and you can scroll through all the postings that come up in the photography jobs section.
Since Craigslist has been around for a while, it is typically a solid resource for photographers to find one-off gigs and jobs. However, it is important to use Craigslist with caution, and never share personal information if a job seems too good to be true.
14. JournalismJobs
JournalismJobs is a site specifically for those wanting to work in the journalism industry, and there are tons of photo opportunities in this field. Not all JournalismJobs postings are for freelancers, but a lot of the journalism industry is fueled by freelance work, so it is a great place to start looking for these types of gigs.
15. The Creative Loft
The Creative Loft is a job board dedicated to listing jobs in creative fields, which makes it a great choice for photographers who are looking for freelance or full-time work. This site enables users to create a public profile, save preferences, and emails users new listings that fit their career needs.
16. GigBucks
GigBucks is all about helping you land your next micro job, which is a great way to fuel your photography side hustle. The job board specializes in short-terms jobs/gigs that range between $5-$50. This platform is a bit different than others listed here, since it allows posters to share their work and prices for buyers to easily find.
17. GoLance
GoLance is a platform that helps connect buyers with freelancers, while also allowing freelancers to browse different job listings. Simply create a profile and then you’re ready to start your job search! GoLance also has great resources like the goMeter Time Tracker and enhanced work diary, so you can get ahead on all of your gigs.
18. Guru
Guru is a freelance job board that allows freelancers to contact employers and send quotes for specific job requests. This platform is great for photographers who have a set rate, and it is an easy way to find side gigs or recurring freelance jobs. Guru also has a workroom feature that allows users to collaborate with other workers, and to get paid through their platform once the job is complete.
19. Workhoppers
Workhoppers does the matching for you when it comes to searching for jobs. Fill out your profile, and you’ll be on your way to receiving customized job listings that best fit your profile skills.
This is great for photographers who work in specific settings like weddings or sports, as well as for photographers with other skills like content creation or social media experience. Best of all, Workhoppers is a completely free service!
20. Facebook
The social media giant, Facebook, is not only a great palace to connect with friends, but it can also be a great resource to help photographers find freelance work. There are Facebook groups dedicated to job listings for freelancers, or you can post your own skills into a status for anyone in your circle to see.
Similar to Craigslist or any other classifieds platform, it is important to exercise caution when looking at jobs or opportunities on social media, but when used correctly, Facebook is a great way to connect for freelancing gigs.
Stock Image Contributors
Another way to turn your photography into a job is to sell your photos to stock websites. Each website has its own way of hiring and paying photographers, but most of them work off of royalties, so the more your images are used, the more money you can make.
21. Getty Images
Getty Images is a stock image website that pays contributors through royalties. To apply, you can download the app and upload your sample images to be accepted by the website. Once accepted, you can check out the creative briefs by Getty Images and start uploading content that users are looking for. The more relevant your photos are, the more money you can make.
22. Shutterstock
Shutterstock allows you to upload your work and get paid every time your content is downloaded, and you can make even more money by referring contributors and customers. Shutterstock is a great platform for working on your professional development because they have tons of resources to help you succeed in selling your work. Shutterstock has easy to use tools on their site, so you can track your earnings and strategize to make your work even better.
23. DepositPhotos
DepositPhotos uses an application process to be sure your photos meet their requirements, and they pay on a commission-base. After being accepted as a contributor, you can start uploading your work and making money each time your images are downloaded. DepositPhotos allows you to contribute to multiple stock photo websites, as long as you aren’t an Exclusive Author for their site, which means you can start racking up your sales in stock photos.
Real Estate Photography Jobs
Another creative way to make money from your photography is to get started as a real estate photographer. While a lot of real estate photography is freelance, there are some sites that look for contributors and are easy for you to get in contact with. Real Estate photography requires some practice and special equipment, but once you have some experience, you’ll be ready to turn your skills into freelance gigs.
24. Obeo
Obeo has an application process that helps photographers partner with them to shoot their real estate listings. Once your application is accepted, you can set your own schedule and conduct shoots on your own time, which makes it a great platform for those seeking flexibility in their schedule. Obeo allows you to work as little or as much as you want, so your freelancing can be seen as a side gig or closer to a full-time job depending on your needs.
25. RocketPhoto
RocketPhoto allows you to create a profile, so realtors can find you and book you for their photography needs. You also have full ability to set your own pricing and schedule. It’s free to create a profile on RocketPhoto, and they even offer upgrades to access their professional development tools to help you grow your business and expand your contacts.
26. Zillow
Zillow is one of the biggest real estate platforms, so there is a lot of opportunity when photographing real estate properties for them. You can apply to become a certified Zillow photographer, and their program offers training that will help you succeed in the field. Once accepted as one of their contributors and you complete the training, you’ll be on your way to taking jobs and adding to your freelance lineup.
Whether you’re looking for a full-time, part-time, or even freelance gig, there is a world of opportunity out there to turn your photography into a money-making venture to support your goals as a photographer. Utilizing the job boards in this article will help you get started, but never stop improving your skills and upgrading your gear to get the most out of your abilities!
To stay in tune with the best tips and guides on photography, make sure to check out the Grid50 resources area, and if you’re looking to pick up some new gear, Grid50’s marketplace is the go-to place to find the best deals on new and used photography equipment!
FEATURED DOWNLOAD
10 Tips to SELL Your Used Camera Gear FAST
Have some used camera gear you'd like to get rid of? If so, check out this free PDF with 10 useful tips for selling your gear quickly!
FAQs
Where do photographers get paid the most? ›
Rank | State | 2018 Mean Annual Wage |
---|---|---|
1 | Massachusetts | $65,090 |
2 | Rhode Island | $54,800 |
3 | Minnesota | $54,150 |
4 | New Mexico | $53,720 |
Best Locations
Countries like France and England are specifically filled with job opportunities for photographers and journalists to establish their careers within an international setting. Australia and New Zealand offer a diverse range of topography and landscapes that are also perfect locations for photography.
- Photojournalist. ...
- Fine Art Photographer. ...
- Commercial/Industrial Photographer. ...
- Studio/Portrait Photographer. ...
- Freelance Photographer.
Highest salary that a Photographer can earn is ₹6.2 Lakhs per year (₹51.7k per month). How does Photographer Salary in India change with experience? An Entry Level Photographer with less than three years of experience earns an average salary of ₹2.9 Lakhs per year.
Which type of photography is most demanded? ›Photographic Landscapes
Landscape photography is a challenging art form to master, so skilled photographers are in high demand. Professional landscape photographers can earn a good living by contributing their photographs to stock picture websites and by selling prints to the general public.
Candid Photos Sell Better than Posed Shots
They want candid. The difference here wasn't as vast, but definitely noticeable: 62% of best-sellers are shot in a candid style, while only 38% are obviously posed. Lesson Learned: Take candid photos.
Job Outlook
Employment of photographers is projected to grow 9 percent from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations. About 12,700 openings for photographers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
Yes, you can make $100,000 per year as a photographer. While possible, it is unlikely to earn over $100k as a photographer because even higher-paid positions do not typically earn more than $61,000 per year. The average annual salary for a photographer is $36,237.
Is a photography career worth it? ›Photography is definitely a good career, and in my opinion, it is one of the best ones! Even though it has some ups and downs, many photographers seem to think that they are the greatest ups and downs that you can ever encounter in your life.
What 3 careers are similar to a photographer? ›- Camera Operators.
- Film and Video Editors.
- Graphic Designers.
- Sound Engineering Technicians.
- Fine Artists.
- Photograph Processing Workers.
- Professional Makeup Artists.
Can you make a living off being a photographer? ›
Full-time photographers can typically make anywhere between $30,000 and $75,000 per year, and some make even more than that. Many photographers prefer to transition into photography part-time so they can get an idea of if it will be financially sustainable as a career.
How do I get a job as a photographer? ›- Choose the Right Education. ...
- Choose a Focus. ...
- Internships. ...
- Take Exams for Certificates. ...
- Land an Entry-Level Job. ...
- Return to School for Continuing Education or an Advanced Degree. ...
- Latest Posts.
I've been getting a lot of questions from people wondering if they can turn photography into a full-time income earning career. The short answer is, YES. I do it, a number of my friends do it, and I'm sure you know a few people who do as well.
Is it hard to make money in photography? ›There are simply no shortcuts to building a career as a freelance photographer. Making money out of something you love is really hard, but it absolutely can be done.
How can I make a lot of money as a photographer? ›- Sell prints. Sometimes, the best way really is the most obvious. ...
- License through Getty Images and Flickr. If you're an amateur photographer with a Flickr account, there's now a really easy to make money from your photos. ...
- Exhibit. ...
- Submit them to stock photography sites. ...
- Go freelance.
One of 2022's trending themes is aerial photography which is known as photographing images from high above on an airborne platform. Photographers will continue to search for unique angles by capturing shots that are not usually visible or easily seen.
What is the most difficult form of photography? ›- Sports. Image courtesy of our very own Alex Cooke. ...
- Astrophotography. Astrophotography is at a strange point in time, not unlike many other genres. ...
- Wildlife. Wildlife photography is one of the most alluring genres for most people. ...
- Over to You.
Images that have strong leading lines will continue to be in demand for stock photography. Photos that capture relaxing scenes like beaches, snow-capped trees and fields of flowers will be the most popular.
What type of photography is trending? ›Fitting in with style and fashion trends, 2022's visual trend is all about BOLD statements. Photographers are using vivid, bright colors, whether that's reflected through fashion, or even backgrounds, to make their images pop. Vibrant colors grab attention and easily pop off the page or screen.
What are the 3 most important things in photography? ›The three variables that matter the most in photography are simple: light, subject, and composition.
Is 40 too old to become a photographer? ›
Photography is something you can do at any age really. Sure, it takes a bit of energy to keep going, but I've never been unfit, so should be fine on that count. Also, with age, you learn to pace yourself better – which also comes with experience.
Can you make money as a photographer in 2022? ›Photography presents a huge opportunity these days because there are so many different ways to monetize it, regardless of whether it's your full-time job, your side hustle, or your passion project. In this post, we'll look at 13 ways to make more money from your photography in 2022.
How old is the average photographer? ›The average age of an employed professional photographer is 38 years old. The most common ethnicity of professional photographers is White (71.8%), followed by Hispanic or Latino (13.8%), Black or African American (5.6%) and Asian (5.5%).
Is photography a stressful job? ›No matter how long you've been shooting, there's always been a kind of base level of stress that hangs in the background for every photographer, just out of sight. It's one of those things that's always there, even if you don't notice it. For some photographers, it comes from the uncertainty of the job.
Is photography hard to get into? ›The basics of becoming a photographer are incredibly easy now; You can buy a camera and some equipment, learn photography from a multitude of free online photography courses, practice your photography skills, find a niche that you can focus on.
How can a beginner photographer make money? ›- Photograph small businesses.
- Teach photography.
- Sell digital or printed copies of your work.
- Sell your photos on stock websites.
- Write a photography blog.
- Invest in your art.
- Conduct photography tours and workshops.
- Become a social guru.
Photographers tend to be predominantly artistic individuals, meaning that they are creative and original and work well in a setting that allows for self-expression. They also tend to be enterprising, which means that they are usually quite natural leaders who thrive at influencing and persuading others.
What are 5 skills you need to be a photographer? ›- Artistic skills. ...
- Technical skills. ...
- Good communication skills. ...
- Ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines. ...
- Patience, dedication and attention to detail. ...
- Ability to work independently and with a team. ...
- Full-time skills training. ...
- Part-time skills training.
So you want to make money with your photography? That's great…as long as you're prepared for the bumps, peaks and valleys along the way. In fact, did you know that 85% of photographers fail? According to Dane Sanders in his book Fast Track Photographer: In the 1st year, 60% of photographers give up their business.
How much money can a beginner photographer make? ›Annual Salary | Weekly Pay | |
---|---|---|
Top Earners | $48,000 | $923 |
75th Percentile | $38,000 | $730 |
Average | $33,326 | $640 |
25th Percentile | $25,500 | $490 |
Can I become a photographer at 30? ›
Because a lot of photography is physically demanding, get yourself in good physical shape. 30–60 happens awfully fast. The most important thing is to take lots of photographs and become rock solid reliable in your ability to do the kind of professional photography that you want to specialize in.
How do I kickstart a photography career? ›- Choose your Passion: ...
- Pick up the Necessary Equipment: ...
- Set up a Website with Daily Blog: ...
- Build an Exquisite Portfolio: ...
- Time to Hunt for Clients: ...
- Connect with Stock Photography: ...
- Engage with On-the-job Training and Contests: ...
- Finance Management is Key:
- Have a genuine interest towards photography.
- Have a camera, that won't take up all your savings.
- Find people who want you to take their picture.
- Build a portfolio that will generate new clients.
- Start developing your skills and getting better.
Average salary for a Professional Photographer in India is 3.5 Lakhs per year (₹29.2k per month).
How do photographers do side jobs? ›- Sell prints and digital copies. ...
- Develop photo editing presets. ...
- Offer personalized merch. ...
- Join a stock agency. ...
- Collaborate with brands. ...
- Find freelance photography jobs. ...
- Participate in photo contests. ...
- Write a photography blog.
If you have a sizeable portfolio of images, you should consider selling them on stock sites. These platforms gather millions of pictures and videos, and sell them to businesses, marketing agencies and media. In return, the photographers receive a commission every time their work is downloaded.
Can I become rich by photography? ›The answer is yes. Think of it this way: rather than having your huge collection hidden in your hard drive, it's better to sell them as stock photos and generate an additional income for it.
Can you get rich off photography? ›Full-time photographers can typically make anywhere between $30,000 and $75,000 per year, and some make even more than that. Many photographers prefer to transition into photography part-time so they can get an idea of if it will be financially sustainable as a career.
Are photographers in demand? ›Job Outlook
Employment of photographers is projected to grow 9 percent from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations.
There are simply no shortcuts to building a career as a freelance photographer. Making money out of something you love is really hard, but it absolutely can be done.
Can Instagram pay you? ›
With most monetization products, you will be paid once you've earned at least $100. Payments will be sent to the bank or PayPal account you linked to your payout account. Note: If you're a US creator earning with Subscriptions or badges, you'll receive your payment once you've earned at least $25.
How do beginner photographers get paid? ›One of the very best ways to gain experience as a professional photographer and earn money while doing it is to work as an assistant at a photo studio or a second shooter. In school, I began writing to local studios and marketing agencies to see if they'd take me on for an internship as a student.
Is photography a good career? ›Photography is a good career if you have an excellent skill set, good creative ability, composition, and technical expertise. The photography career can be challenging and it may give you a hard time if you are not passionate about it. Good photography skills come with a lot of practice and hard work.
Can you make a decent living as a photographer? ›According to the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average wage for photographers comes in right around $30-40k per year with the top 10% of earners making over $70,000 per year.
Can photography be a full time job? ›Becoming a full time photographer is not easy. It might be more difficult than ever because everyone is now a photographer. It might also sound glamorous. Sometimes it is but the vast majority of the time a full time a photographer is not pressing the shutter button.