How To Make $1000 a Month With a Camera | A Realistic NO-BS Guide

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Today we are talking about how to grow as a photographer in 2023.
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[@adnan_velic]

I’m in Miami Florida and I started off taking my camera to nice restaurants/resorts any time my wife and I would go out. I would then post these videos on my Instagram and tag the business. A lot of times they would call me back. Now I make content for the Four Seasons resorts in my area and fine dining restaurants around me. I did however spend about 4 years learning my camera inside and out plus color grading. I’m a videographer by the way. Hope this helps someone.

[@golocc16]

as someone that also lives in Miami and is trying to get into the photo/video industry, this is actually motivating and goes to show - getting out of your norm and comfort zone will eventually pay out in a way. Props to you brotha and thanks for sharing

[@adnan_velic]

@@golocc16 glad this helped you bro keep at it. Most important of all have fun. Don’t let your love for your work get ruined by chasing business.

[@jakeshootsstuff8187]

I'm in West Palm

[@connor_williams]

Delray Beach checking in!

[@golocc16]

@@tariksparksstudios your name sounds familiar - by any chance, did you go to JWU?

[@ItzSlushie]

I’m a hobby photographer but my first client job paid me $500 for 3 hours of shooting. Buddy of mine worked at a church and they wanted to do a Santa photo event and he recommended me. All I had was a camera a tripod and a laptop. First event. After we got done and the client got the photos they invited me back for next year. I now have standing flash equipment and more professional looking gear just in case I do client work again.

[@evo271]

What did you actually shoot ? domain i mean

[@ItzSlushie]

@@evo271 if you mean what my regular subjects are, street and cars

[@Shot.by.Elijah]

If you don’t mind me asking what type of labtop did you use?

[@ItzSlushie]

@@Shot.by.Elijah I used a MacBook Pro with an app called smart shooter

[@SirHumpyA]

Keep going, hope its going good

[@bort42]

This is not just good advice for starting a freelance photography business, this is just straight up good business advice, period. Applicable to pretty much any type of creative freelance work you want to do. Glad I found this channel.

[@GettingNegative]

In my experience, the most important part of this process is knowing who you want your client to be because every step to success is based off of them. How you find them, approach them, price them, etc. The more you know about their business, the better. So for beginners it’s always a good idea to base your business off of someone else’s business you know. I’d also suggest finding one client that needs your services on a regular basis so that you can focus in on every possible need they have for your work, then when you’re comfortable with approaching new clients you already know their full suite of needs.

[@Jwitherow1964]

Show us how to do a web site on square space step by step

[@GettingNegative]

@ What’s a website?

[@Jwitherow1964]

@ web site with square space

[@Minerva___]

@@Jwitherow1964aren’t sites like Squarespace designed so that you don’t have to have extensive web design background? I believe they have templates you can select from and an interface that simplifies the process for photographers/business owners to curating their content.

[@jade.green111]

Evan, I just discovered your channel by searching "how to make money as a photographer" on KZbin. This video was a breath of fresh air, because literally all of the other videos that were coming up in my search results were just annoying and not helpful at all. Your comment about the expensive Instagram courses made me laugh, and I am so happy you gave us an actual realistic goal of $1k a month, and explained that you may not hit it right away. People in these videos keep making me feel like I'm a failure if I don't get to $10k a month within the first year or so, so it's really discouraging; your video, on the other hand, was super ENcouraging because I'm literally starting at the very beginning. Photography has been a hobby of mine for years, and it's only been within the last year that I began thinking about ways to make money with it. I will definitely be watching more of your videos and checking out your website soon, and you've earned a new subscriber today so I will be in touch as I learn more on this exciting journey. 😁

[@CallejasMichael]

No joke these videos are why I’m slowly living/realizing my dream to be a creative entrepreneur

[@SergiuSalcau00]

very practical feedback

[@PricklyBones123]

With 33 subs and 3 vids? 🤔

[@CallejasMichael]

@@PricklyBones123 yeah I mean I don’t be posting on KZbin but word of mouth, social media like Instagram and having my own website has allowing me to make moneys through digital media ✊🏽

[@JHowOfficial]

@@PricklyBones123 He's got more videos than both of us, why are you judging?

[@anatamo7860]

A good one I got into was real estate photography. Not a lot of people talk about this option. Started charging $200 per 1 story house and $400 for a 2 story home under their enlistment. And then once you start getting better you can up charge your services. And then play with numbers when it comes to 1 story to a 2 story home. Some people I know charge a flat rate per or by hour. It’s honestly up to you.

[@ElijahWeaver-ql7rr]

How do you get the real estate photography jobs?

[@anatamo7860]

@@ElijahWeaver-ql7rr look up local real estate agencies near you. Contact them via phone or walk in. You can start by saying “I would like to practice my real estate photography, may I take a few photos on current properties that you have for sale free of charge?” It’s usually hit and miss. But the ones that allow you to use those photos as your portfolio. Or you can always just tidy up your own house and practice taking photos there or even at family or friend’s houses. Now once you have that portfolio you can then go to those agencies and say “Hello my name is ____ and I was wondering if I can send(or walk in and show them) you my portfolio for some real estate photography I’ve done, and would like to offer you my services.” And then go into explaining your prices. Typically as I stated people would charge flat rate per floor some charge per hour. That would be you to decide on how you want to go about it. Hope this helps.

[@bryden5243]

I'm a photographer and am currently training to be a real estate agent, was thinking of using my photography skills in combination with that. Offer clients free house photos if I'm their agent, or sell the photo services separate of that

[@fr3shboi3]

How do you get clients? I tried go to the houses for sell and email the realtor and never got a response back.

[@anatamo7860]

@@ElijahWeaver-ql7rr either by phone call or by email. But also what I do as well is go into a realty office, show them my portfolio and ask if I can take photos for future homes. And from there it’s either hit or miss. And then I ask if I can take photos of homes they already have listed for free. To “practice” and add to my portfolio. If they are cool they’ll let you. Another good one I’ve started doing was I would go onto AirB&B and would look for photos on homes that aren’t really professionally done. And message them if I could take photos for them at a more professional level. Majority of the time they would say yes to help them with that.

[@kpj805]

So far the most profitable approach for me was entering the photobooth business. Specifically 360 videos. I avg. $300/hr for schools and $400/ hr for corporate.

[@teshy2]

Interesting! Could you explain a little more what those kind of projects entail? Is it 360 video of the locale, people, events etc? If you have the time of course 🙏

[@justadrum]

@@teshy2I have a friend from HS (not a filmmaker) who has a similar business - basically she has a 360 platform with a phone camera. They show up to events and run the 360 photos booth and upload all the videos to a site where everyone can get them. Sometimes for free (got paid being booked), sometimes with a watermark and you can buy the video and that’s where they make money.

[@freedompanda9438]

Diving into a pretty cool photography business idea in 2023, and I’ve gone through these steps to prepare for the launch. Evan’s approach works. Yes, lots of variety in business models, but the paths towards viable l, measurable success are all similar, if not almost the same. Well done, Evan. Look forward to more, and happy new year!

[@mrc_lift]

How is it going?

[@standupguysfilms]

hands down best video about growth in the video production space. Most pple sell a lifestyle your bringing awareness. Listened to this while editing a video like 3 times. Retaining the knowledge and brainstorming. No CORNY jokes and distractions. You've gained a real followers, today. 🤝💯

[@oliviaborer6040]

What a great video, I am so glad I found your channel! I love the honest and detailed advice. I've been struggling a lot with creating an actionable plan for my art and have been overwhelmed while trying to find my direction and focus. I took notes on your five steps and I am eager to get started today! 1 - WHAT am I selling and WHO is my perfect customer? 2 - Do the math! What is my income goal and how much do I need to sell in order to reach that goal? 3 - Acquisition strategy. Where is my target customer and how can I gain their interest/trust? 4 - Creating a platform to exchange information (make sales, showcase your products/services, create social proof, create trust) 5 - Get that customer, test your strategy! 6 - Refine your strategy. Double-down on what worked and reconsider what didn't.

[@heliophobix]

Trying to become a car photographer for four years now. Got two payed jobs in that entire time. I feel like nobody wants to pay for automotive photography. Dealerships already have their own photographers or just don't give a f about there social media presence and marketing. So yeah ... In theory it all sounds super logical and the video is incredibly well made! But unless I'm just the definition of incompetence, sometimes things don't work out even if you're doing everyting you can.

[@goldlinemedia967]

No one wants to hear the truth about the reality of being a photographer. This dude along with 90% of photographers are making their money from KZbin telling other photographers how to make money.

[@Me-gy7yk]

I've been doing sports for 12 years. I've had my work evaluated by one of the top sports photographers in the UK, who said my work was good enough to work at the very top level and I believe I'm one of the top "amateurs" in my region, if not the best. But there's no money in what I do at all. I know I'm good, a top pro says I'm very good but I've been paid for my work precisely... once. And that was only because it was used by a local news outlet without permission and I chased and chased them until they paid me (they'd been warned previously not to use my work). Maybe I need to get a YT channel and pretend you can make a fortune from photographing sports.

[@EagleArrow]

​@@Me-gy7ykI'm sure it is frustrating, but keep going. Also, why not be a contributer photographer to the locals newspapers? Once the relationship is established, they can pay you for future photos. You controll it.

[@willpower3317]

Is it possible that you just aren’t as good as you think you are?

[@untilgta6ix]

Dont believe the bro up here he's a looser. Your intuition is right and the truth is ppl are not that interested in paying photographers. And as the other guy said, those guys here posting videos are making money out of yt, ig and tiktok. They don't do money with photography

[@rodrigonoctis]

The title says everything, NO-BS and feels like i'm drinking coffee with a friend. Great Vide!

[@mutassemmahmoud8]

I find this type of content very useful. Often I’m on a 20-30min car journey so I have these type of podcasts on while driving

[@dfuhrman]

Social proof. In case you didn't realize, this guy has figured out and done all the work for the rest of us. We just didn't know which words to put to it.

[@notjustanygeorge]

Hey Evan, shot in the dark here, but next time you’re in the UK, I’d love to do a portrait session with you! Let me know!

[@dominikaradzicka2519]

This was super useful! No BS, no gatekeeping just actual decent advice. Thanks

[@Mikee_A]

Always looking out for the community, loving the new video styles.🙌 Extremely helpful advice!

[@SeasonDestiny]

This is the best actionable step video I have watched on photography. ❤

[@seandamolaris1055]

Yo Evan been really liking your content keep it up. Probably one of the only people i look forward to watching recently!

[@Moonchild-Flores]

Same here! And he’s one of my favorite photographers/KZbinrs 😁 Happy new years btw! May this year brings you what you most desire and want, happiness, joy, good health.

[@markrossi5721]

This was the first time I ever watched your channel but I'm glad I watched this one. I found it to be quite edifying. You got a thumbs up from me and I think I'm going to go back to it and subscribe even though I already subscribe to too many channels on KZbin.👍

[@JoeYatesAlaskanFilms]

Fun fact: in Alaska - you can make $1,000 a day to take photos in a 8 hour work day.

[@RanftEvan]

Haha there’s the shortcut we needed!

[@kpj805]

Private events or projects? Sounds fun.

[@JoeYatesAlaskanFilms]

@@RanftEvan : The only this is the we inflated our prices before it was a trend 😂 $1k doesn’t get too far here. But, if you know the right people, you can fly up here for a 3-4 day event and then fly back down and enjoy.

[@JoeYatesAlaskanFilms]

@@kpj805 : Both 👍🏼

[@FPVNOLA]

@@JoeYatesAlaskanFilms I would love to get into this & would love to know more! Would you be willing to share more info?

[@jonathanmedina4086]

Hey, this video was so straightforward and such valuable info I can't believe how impactful it was. Thanks for getting straight to the point and explaining this all in such plain terms. Im ready for the hustle and to get my plan in motion!

[@alf.quijano7582]

Thank you for this video. I’m just starting my journey into photography as a business. I think the video format you did is good and the examples you gave made sense. I know this video is a year old but it still holds value.

[@BartRosfotografie]

Great and insightful video Evan. I have been running my business since 2017. And I followed a similar method divided over a few years. But in 2023 I want to branch out a bit. And this is a perfect refresher. Thx.

[@labradorhund7769]

How often can you say modern creative money? Evan: yes

[@shroomyloops4448]

Video starts at 2:30

[@chregig7967]

Haven't watched your videos in some time since you started doing more business-type stuff, but clicked on this for the title (yes, I'm a sucker for good clickbait). I'm not really a very social person, so I'm not at all good at stuff like giving directions to models, so wedding photography or family photography wouldn't really be my thing. But you actually gave me the idea that I could explore sports photography! I've worked with athletes before when I maintained a website for a group of trainers, so I already know a few potential clients. Additionally, I've been to a surf camp and I really enjoyed taking pictures of everybody there, and it was so great being able to give each of them a picture of them surfing. With sports photography, you don't have to interact with the subject - if you do they'll probably mess up - so I can stay in the background, which I definitely prefer. Now I just need to figure out how to monitize that... If anybody has any tips, I'd be very thankful

[@dosam_6146]

Hey- Watch F stoppers last video on how to make money. I think there’s something in there that would be perfect for you!

[@chregig7967]

@@dosam_6146 thanks, I'll check it out

[@funkyylogan]

😊 arus

[@blocknovice]

Reach out to them athlete clients get stuck back in, see if they want a personal photographer or new shoots

[@SouthernSweetness2]

I needed this video. So glad I found you online. Thank you!

[@codymckinney4934]

Honestly. Getting the first customer and every customer I've had has been all about price. Breaking out of the low budget client market is tough

[@MikeSimpson1]

Great video. Thanks for sharing these insights 👍

[@jordancraig8911]

You made me excited to get to work and make this happen!

[@nicopichler9001]

very good video, I am trying my best to grow as a photographer. Thanks for this breakdown.

[@reginaldgooden3495]

Great Video! Thanks Evan!!!😊

[@nickanater505]

One of your best videos yet. Great work evan, keep crushing it!

[@alfianfariz3224]

New subscriber here, thanks for the awesome advice! Lotsa love from Melbourne

[@michaelbenoit9240]

I've always been an amateur artist playing in volunteer classical ensembles so I've never thought of making art as money and it's been really interesting to hear the making money side of things as someone who delivers pizza for rent money right. I'm about to take part in a modeling network type photoshoot event where I'm paying the models for shots to improve my portfolio but it's interesting to see if I can get to the point of doing it the other way around.

[@JustDr3-TV]

Don't be afraid to make money while still portfolio building! It builds character!

[@Haha-wait]

I'd advise you to email the local modeling agency and request a test shoot. This will give you free access to a selection of models by simply collaborating.

[@dailydriver5942]

3 words my man! “Fun With Feet” ❤ you’re welcome

[@JonnyRoams]

Love these types of videos mate. Always so informative

[@karstenbonnaire2706]

Most important step, dope video

[@courtlandfuller7498]

Did you know who your photography niche & customer type were prior to making social media/KZbin? Or did you figure it out as you went?

[@adivila1298]

usually you determine your target audience/clientele beforehand, however transitioning to other niches down the road isn’t particularly unheard of.

[@ElizabethMBoyd]

Payment processing square, free cardreader low fees only when you sell, and free inventory tracking accounting

[@iamSirPlusTV]

Got my gears spinning. Thanks!!

[@ONE35IVE]

Whenever I do something creative I always choose the worst possible route to $$. When I was a music producer I only wanted to make obscure experimental hip hop. When I took up photography I only wanted to shoot street.

[@ZackMorrisARCH]

This was super helpful! I'm working on establishing myself in a new area, and these tips are great, I'll follow up once I have some results!

[@alexanderboehm7112]

Any results yet?

[@ZackMorrisARCH]

@@alexanderboehm7112 been super slow going, had another kid, so the schedule got delayed.

[@cithasdasorcerer7357]

How do I go about starting an llc. Is it better to focus on establishing clientele and skills beforehand. Or would it better to start and learn as you go?

[@wheresthename4474]

logically skills first hands down in my opinion. but if you're like me you'd wanna do both at the same time. what do you really have to lose?

[@Faltzerbeast90]

I inherited a camera but have always had a passion for pictures. I think its AMAZING we have literal time snapshots. Anyways im a beginner but ive been so happy taking photos id love to make even small $$ doing it. I started a VSCO/posting on my instagram and have had a lot of positive feedback. I hope it work outs!

[@FellyBx]

What is a VSCO?

[@Faltzerbeast90]

@FellyBx it's a photo sharing app! More for actual photographers but anyone can join!

[@butch4111]

Interesting! Thanks. I'm retired, living on the Central Oregon Coast. I have MANY coastal images and looking for a profitable avenue to get some of these image out there.

[@ivanasluneckova6887]

Bought your course couple weeks ago and also good video as always!

[@TeenyWeeny]

The unfortunate part for my city, my customer don’t exist here. Ideally having an expensive overhead and renting out space for a studio and doing family photos, that could generate me more income but I don’t do indoor studio family photos. I offer couples, HS seniors, family photos all outside. And I feel my prices are more than reasonable too, but I don’t price for under $100 audience.

[@Tedtt655]

Do you live in a rural area or something ?

[@longd]

Great information now a subscriber. Thank you!

[@randallburgess6393]

Awesome Video thanks so so much much needed

[@bkproductions3569]

I shot random street shots with skateboarders about 10 yrs ago. Can I publish them in a photobook without compensating them?

[@jordanshellabarger4865]

Pro tip: shorter introductions with a hook = higher retention rates

[@NathanielRolland]

Great stuff Evan. Love the business strategy talks.

[@elianvasconez8350]

Hi! I really appreciate all of this advices, thanks a lot! Also, I would like to know what’s the name of the font you use on your texts

[@daniel_izmerly]

I really liked this video. The format is also great!

[@alejandroloza]

I didn't think about making money in photography until i got paid 50 dollars for 1 photo and a frame. I did not think it was any good. But, it was a flower that she loved. So, my original plan was to just give it as a gift. She paid me 50 just because she wanted too. So, I wonder if i can make products or clients through real estate and nature photography?

[@symplesym9632]

I’m in WV and I have a hard time booking anyone for one hour at $75.00, up to 10 poses/shots, all digital images provided but print sales available as an add-on. I can get some here and there, but people think that’s way too much and I get a lot of inquiries on my work, but only about 5 or 6 clients a year book me. I have a lot of people wanting weddings, but no one wants to pay me what I think is fair. The highest I have managed to charge for a wedding is $600. And frankly, that’s not worth the time and effort that goes into one. I already don’t think I’m charging what I’m worth. Any suggestions, other than move somewhere else?

[@symplesym9632]

And before someone swoops in and says something about quality of work, I have won best of show and various other placings at many events for my photography, both local fair level and West Virginia Press Association photojournalism awards. I’m known in my local community as a photographer and long-time member of my local camera club. I’ve put myself out there. People love my photography, especially my portraits (which are my best work), but I still can’t get anyone to pay what I’m worth, and I believe I’m undercharging myself. And yes, I’ve attempted to price higher.

[@CCTBYOUVSYOU]

Thanks for this video 🎯

[@dunkley7776]

Very powerful advice. Thank you! Subscribed.

[@jackheald8808]

Excellent advice, Evan! Have you considered opening a full-service ad agency or consulting service?

[@miguelgutierrez2456]

I needed this. Going to try and take this hobby and turn it into something. Wish everyone well in the comment section. 👍

[@TheTitohoffa]

Great info...caught my attention with the Write down my ideas

[@luismendez-of8su]

Great video! Thanks for sharing

[@Letgo_letlive]

Aye I’m part of the 4Runner family as well 🎉

[@bushmanphotog]

I don't have a Leica, but I would imagine if I sold my camera equipment, I could make a thousand dollars in a month...

[@L7pushman]

Awesome Advice

[@HVRIS]

Love it, keep up this style of content 🙏

[@King_Rndm]

I’m in Atlanta also. I have a camera, a bunch of lenses and a drone (mini 2). How do I make money? That’s why I’m here. Thanks for this info.

[@Amperez93]

I felt like I was getting a lesson but from B.J. Novak. lol. Awesome content!!!! 😂

[@orkust]

Wow.. havent seen your channel in a long time, I unsubscribed when you moved to Leica. Good to see your still going

[@EliasVisualProductions]

very actionable... and seriously no BS

[@Serryvisuals]

Thanks a lot for the video! ❤️ i just started with my video bussines and 5 weeks a go got my first client paying me! Now as you said go an create i did also stuf for free to get me to the point where i am now! Stil not there but we trust the process and work hard every day 💯🙌🏼

[@willpower3317]

How’s it going?

[@ThePistonPit]

How many megapixel camera do you recommend for decent photography?

[@sergiolandz6056]

9000

[@static-co]

Thank you for making this video

[@itsoneducation9698]

Great video thanks!!

[@HUMZMIC1]

Awesome video great information....I Like!!!

[@lester-vision7429]

very good information 💯

[@MichalVoros]

Thank you....!! Great video, very useful.

[@TFJ360]

Thank you. 😎

[@angelsaywhat]

Your Squarespace is dope

[@lucyweilbel6681]

This is a good video, I want yo use this say something, I will forever be indebted to you Gardner 😇you’ve changed my whole life I’ll continue to preach about your name for the world to hear you’ve saved me from a huge financial debt with just little investment thanks so much Mrs Rose Gardner

[@carlyanderson3369]

As a first time investor i started trading with Mrs Rose Gardner, with just a thousand bucks. my protfolio is worth much more now within just weeks of trading with her

[@lucyweilbel6681]

You can communicate her on here telegrm page.

[@lucyweilbel6681]

@ROSEGARDNERBIS

[@taylorrowson3961]

Great videos, would love chapters for future viewings

[@johnkenny9832]

Great video! Really useful, actionable, information.

[@MarvinCetiner]

Great Video. Always something new 🙏

[@ZoCineStreet]

Evan, thank you for the gold! Always an inspiration

[@wheresthename4474]

if you have Mac how much RAM would I need to sustain my video editing (Final Cut Pro) comfortably. I was thinking 36 Gb but not sure. any addition info would be helpful, thanks

[@eagleseyemedia]

Hey thanks and im also in ATL just moved out here from NYC if you ever need any help on sets or anything let me know i m there.

[@LiveWellUkraine]

10:20 You said Russell Brunson. That's it. We are done. I will never listen to another word you say. Anyone who hocks, mentions, or uses RBs ClickF... isn't trust worthy. You got 10 minutes out of me. That's all you will ever get. Gurus RUIN KZbin.

[@bastienhuet656]

Really helpful, thanks so much!

[@yago427]

I wish this was true here where I live, people here are so cheap that I can't even ask for 40 bucks for a session. They would look at me like I'm crazy if I told them 250 for a session

[@TheBawssThomas]

You must live in the GTA lmao

[@jasonscottish2824]

Where can I find the Podcast?

[@aabbssaarrpthn]

Thank You So Much for this ! I'll surely keep it in mind and make a plan and start working on it. ❤️

[@mlowentertainment]

Great video!

[@Inside_jsk]

Thank you sir

[@dynamics9000]

Success is growing, once you stop growing you are not counted as successful person. it is just my humble opinion. By the way I enjoyed watching your videos, a fellow creator

[@visionarywatts]

I appreciate the knowledge sharing!

[@VentiViews]

Do you find people ACTUALLY book through your website or do they just reach out to you through social media?

[@recklessthor4]

I am client driven right now and trying to move into social media.