If you are thinking of trying to make a little bit of money on the side this year you are not alone.  The economy is in downturn and it sure would be nice to pick up a few photography gigs and make a few extra thousand bucks every month.

Sounds amazing actually, right?

I have 4 tips for making some side cash in photography.

1. Study Photography and Strive to Get Better Results
2. Let The World Know You're in Business
3. Dive into Stock Photography (like istockphoto.com)
4. Specialize

1. STUDY PHOTOGRAPHY

To help you study photography I have assembled some links to some resources for instant ebooks you can be reading in minutes.  This is the method I prefer to use.

Good eBooks: 

• Learning Great Digital Photography
• Selling Your Photos
• Money From Photos by Roy Barker
• Building a Photography Business from an Expert
• Stock Photography Sales

Go to these sites and read them and pick a couple to download and read.  These usually come in .pdf format so what I like to do is print the whole thing out and stick it in a binder. That way I can highlight, underline and write in the margin all I want to.  I also like to flip the page over and write diagrams etc.. there because it's blank on the back.  These ebooks become like a journal for me and it's a fun way to keep up with my studies.

2.  PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS

When you promote your business as a business it does two important things.  First, it lets people know that are expecting to be paid for what you do.  This may sound simplistic, but these days it can be hard to get people to take you seriously when you tell them you are a photographer.  The perception is that everyone is a photographer.  Anyone can buy a camera, stick a lens on it and start taking photos.  Make sure they know you are different, you are serious.

The second thing this will do is open you up to larger deals.  Other businesses are looking for real legit photographers to hire.  They hire the ones that are IN-BUSINESS.  To make yourself available to the profitable deals in business-be a business.

3. DIVE INTO STOCK PHOTOGRAPHY

I have been a contributor to istockphoto.com for 2 years now and I've made a little bit of money from it.  The biggest thing I've learned from it is how to take better pictures, and how to distinguish a good shot from a bad shot. 

The initial approval process is humbling.  They tell you why your photos stink and why you aren't cut out to be a pro.  Once you get past that and you do finally get approved, you can know that you are in a different category than the average photographer.  It's worth it for the experience alone.  Do it.

4. SPECIALIZE

Take a look at successful artists.  They have a distinct look and feel to their art.  They are specialists.  You need to do that with your photography.  Maybe you are a wedding specialists, a live events specialist, a portrait specialist, a pet specialist, a landscape photo specialist, there are literally thousands of ways to specialize.  Pick one and master it. 

Specializing will help you market yourself to those who need you. 

Specialize in an area that you really enjoy.  Don't specialize in pet photography just because it's hot in your area and despite the fact that you have a child-like fear of toothy creatures.  It won't last.  If you really dig shooting landscapes at night in the rain, then welcome to your world.

To conclude

Get started!  That's the best advice I can give.  It's takes time and a commitment, but you can do it.  Now is always the best time to get started.

Let me know how it goes for you.

I wish you the best!

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