How to Become a Photographer whilst Studying

Making money at university can usually consist of working two jobs with pretty unsocial hours, but what if there was a way to earn your crust without having to ditch your friends for an evening on the wrong side of the bar.

As the world has become an increasingly visual place, photography and images have become important to many businesses to help them promote their product or services, and this can become an incredibly profitable revenue stream, even if you’re as amateur as they come.

Even with just a camera phone to hand you can begin to build a business from scratch and establish your career whilst you still have your head in the books.

The best part is there is zero start-up costs involved and it can revolve completely around your studies. So it’s time to pick up the camera and get snappy happy with these quick tips.

Snap Everything

You may be thinking that you need a wedding to go to, or some beautiful landscape to capture, but even the simplest images can make money.

Take pictures of absolutely anything and everything you come across, from your student accommodation, the view from your window, the streets you walk on, your friends and family. Even a quirky image of the street lamp!

These simplistic images are often the most sort after as they capture moments that many photographers simply don’t have the time to do.

Collate a varied image library and you’ll have more to offer businesses in the search of images they need to drive home their message.

Stock Up

There are now a number of stock agencies and stock photography sites such as these, where you can upload your images and set a fee against the image.

As your no David Bailey, it’s best to put a small price tag against your images to ensure that you can earn a profit and retain repeat customers.

Turning your pixels into pounds is a simple process, and you can upload hundreds within an hour.

Once you’ve set-up your profile, uploaded your images, and tagged them with the appropriate key phrases, the stock agency manage the funds for you, and will notify you if someone has downloaded your image.

This way you can also keep track of how your images are used, and see where your

strengths lie.

Insta-Star

Set-up an Instagram account specifically for your photographs and be active in following people who appreciate a good picture.

When you begin to put yourself out there, you will gain leads and interest from those looking for new photographers to exhibit.

Spend at least a few hours in the evening searching for like-minded people and interacting with the photography community.

Website Savvy

Blogs and websites cost next to nothing in our digitally savvy world, so don’t miss out on this opportunity to display your work online and gain some interest.

There are many tips to build your portfolio, but a key area that is essential is a good website, that displays the type of images you do and where you can be found.

It’s not good enough to just have social media accounts, as a website can give a far more professional approach.

Be honest about your experience, what types of devices you use, and the filters you favour, and categorise your photographs into genres or themes so that they’re easy to navigate.

Get on Etsy

Created a stand out piece of Photography?

The why not frame is nicely and put it for sale on Etsy?

As one of the biggest unique handmade retailers, this platform has helped many young entrepreneurs start their business.

There is now a large market for handmade goods, and artwork is up there as one of the most popular goods with consumers.

It doesn’t cost a lot for a high quality print and a nice frame, so invest a little money into making it look great and you’ll soon have art savvy buyers paying up.

Photography is a limitless form of art that can help you to venture out and about with an excuse. Take the opportunity to learn a new skill and ensure to offer up your services to any of your fellow students who need a photographer, and you’ll soon be gaining paid referrals.

Tags: career, hobby, photography

Category: College and Careers