Making money with photography isn’t as simple as social media makes it seem. The reality is, whether you’re just starting or already running a business, turning creativity into income takes strategy. Finding ways to optimize how you earn—without relying on luck—can help you stay sustainable.
Coming to you from Evan Ranft, this practical video breaks down 10 ways to generate more income with photography this year. One of the biggest mistakes Ranft points out is relying on audience growth without offering anything for sale. Instead of hoping opportunities will come your way, he suggests creating a simple product, like presets, a guide, or prints. Having something available—without aggressively selling it—can turn passive interest into revenue. He also stresses shifting from outcome-based goals, like aiming for a specific income, to process-based goals, such as reaching out to a set number of potential clients per day. This approach removes the stress of chasing results and instead focuses on actions that create income over time.
Ranft also highlights the power of pricing strategy. Many photographers offer a full-day and half-day rate, leaving clients choosing between the cheapest or most expensive option. By adding a mid-tier package—a price anchor—you shift the decision-making process. Most clients will lean toward the middle option, which is typically more profitable while still appearing like a good deal. This small change can significantly increase your earnings without additional work. Another easy step is making sure your website has a contact page. A professional inquiry form feels more legitimate than just listing an email, and it helps you keep track of potential clients. Ranft shares that his biggest job in the last 18 months came directly through his website’s contact form, reinforcing how simple adjustments can lead to major opportunities.
Beyond pricing and outreach, Ranft covers other ways to increase earnings without constantly grinding for new clients. Affiliate marketing is an easy way to monetize the inevitable questions about your gear. Setting up Amazon affiliate links or partnering with brands lets you generate small commissions from recommendations you’d give anyway. He also stresses reinvesting in your business—whether it’s upgrading a slow computer to free up time or learning new skills to increase the value you offer. One skill in particular, video, is becoming more essential. Even a basic understanding allows you to add video packages to client work or improve your marketing reach on social media.
The overall takeaway is that making more money isn’t about working harder—it’s about working smarter. Whether it’s adjusting your pricing, adding passive income streams, or making yourself an easy solution for clients, small shifts can lead to big financial gains. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Ranft.
I watched the whole video because I'm especially interested in selling prints. The subject was briefly mentioned as part of a suggestion to add products to your service, but he has only one image for sale on his website (as best I can tell), and can only find two other images that he offers through print-on-demand services. So am I to conclude that the idea of selling prints online is pretty much an exercise in futility, and not worth the (no small) effort of setting up a store?
I agree with a wedding photographer I saw in a video who said she only has one rate and one package for her client work. She says when you start doing half day or mid tier rates, it gets complicated and people will generally book you for a half day and then they try to keep you there for as long as possible so you end up effectively working some hours for free. Also you cannot easily fit two half day jobs into one day so you may as well just have one simple daily rate.