swagaman

I have been involved in photography for the past several years. I have been an art teacher for the past 17 years, but have been utterly smitten with photography. I am taking classes, reading, shooting daily and keeping in the learning curve. I am gaining valuable experience with doing the prom annually, senior portraits, family portraits, some formal sports pics, graduation, work for a local magazine, and so on. I would really be interested in making a living doing what I love, however what aspect of photography could I possibly do that would come remotely close to my current salary? It's a very small rural area...
Also wondering if taking my CPP test would be beneficial to my cause?

photosbyhenry Loc: Apple Valley MN

Try the holiday craft fairs in the areas around you. I am doing my 3rd craft show in 5 weeks at a local church. You probably wont make enough to replace your salary but it is a start. I have done "very" well in the last 2 church craft fairs. I also set up at the largest flea market in Minnesota during the major holiday weekends (Memorial Day-4th of July and Labor Day). I am at the end of my 2nd year doing this and it took til the middle of this summer to actually come out ahead. I also do a farmer's market every week from May-Oct. Lots of luck and happy shooting.

swagaman

Thank you for the suggestion. I see vendors at events in our community events and often wonder how they do. May I ask what your subject matter is; composed still life, nature, or variation?
Thanks again!

KathyinNH Loc: Kingston, NH

To earn the most money to replace your teaching job I would suggest going into wedding photography, children/family portraits and pet portraits. Those are the most lucrative areas to replace a full time salary. Good luck.

usetobe

How do you present your photo's for sale?

naturalite Loc: Up state NY

Hello, photography has been my passion for over 50 years now. I've spent my life in trying to perfect each shot taken.
I am also an artist and work in many mediums. Paint, pastels, ink, wood, metal. But most of all, the camera takes and makes my passion.
What I have learned in all that time is this, Think of it like the painters of by gone years. There were a lot of painters. Some got noticed, even fewer made good money at it. And their works, well, they only became worth a lot after the painter was dead.
Give in to your passions because you love it, not because you want to make a lot of money. But if you can make a little along your journey to help pay for your indulgence, wonderful!
Balance in all things, keep this in mind. You'll be happier in the end.

photosbyhenry Loc: Apple Valley MN

I went "out of the box" and started at a farmers market. I have a rooster photo that was very popular and chickens and old barns. The flea market I set up with a variety of photos. I was and still am the only "allegded" photographer at the flea maket. There are over 300 vendors.

KathyinNH Loc: Kingston, NH

I have been told by many photographers to stay away from flea markets because people who go to them want everything for nothing and it is a waste of time. What do you charge for an 8x10 and what size do you sell the most? Do you sell mostly matted prints or framed? How much do you usually make as an average?

ole sarg Loc: south florida

As the man said to the aspiring artist: Keep your day job!

One day you will retire and then the passion you bring to the young minds you mold - the second most important job in the world after being a good parent - can become an extra source of income.

Dennis

Flea markets are like craft shows, people come with $10.00 to spend.

Sensei

In that venue I probably get $3 to $5 for a post card, $10- $15 for a matted 5x7, and usually try to sell the 8 x 10 for about $25-35 matted and framed. I charge a bit more in a gallery setting. But am inclined to use bigger prints and limit the number of them. I will always have a few large images on canvas, which I don't expect to sell at the fair, or flea market. These are on canvas and used to draw attention.
It is fun, brings in a little cash, offsets the cost of my addiction. Don't count on giving up your day job.

jimberton Loc: Michigan's Upper Peninsula

when you turn your hobby into a job...it is no longer a your hobby. i do photography for my day job at a manufacturing company......i do my personal photography, weddings, events, etc...on my free time. i make good money at it and it stays on the top of my interest list.

not saying its bad to have a job doing what you love...but it does change when you have to do it to pay the bills.

i also have done some flea market and craft shows.....you do not have to give your stuff away if you take breathtaking stuff there to sell. i have also done glamour shots, greenscreen and even some portrait shots at these affairs. never give your stuff away. always charge a fair price.

another big moneymaker is school sport events, plays, and recitals.
i take photos of all the kids and their parents flock to me to purchase photos.
weddings are great, but you better have experience. there's no second chances on most shots. better know your equipment and have a plan.