Love Taking Pictures: Here’s How To Make Money Selling Photos Of Yourself

Slowly but surely, the world is embracing a new view of beauty. Although the model industry has typically operated with unrealistic standards and restrictions, times are changing. 

Society is looking for people who look like them to promote products, offer inspiration, and model various things. So if you’ve dreamed of making extra money while sharing your beauty and uniqueness with the world, now is the time. 

How To Make Money Selling Photos Of Yourself

Selling photos of yourself can be a lucrative way to generate extra money. First off, you’ll want to take high-quality pictures of yourself that people want to buy. Sure, selfies will work sometimes, but the true professional (looking to maximize their cash flow) will be creative. 

Step to the next level and get started with these tips:

1. Take a photography course. You’ll want to take professional-looking photos. The best way to get there is to take a class. The perfect picture requires more than just hitting a button. You’ll need to learn about lighting, angles, equipment, aperture, backgrounds, etc. 

2. Invest in a good camera and a tripod. You can start with your smartphone, but great photographers will tell you that a high-quality camera is essential for high-quality photos. Photo review says to buy a camera with a quality lens, large sensor, and effective image processor. If you want to take crisp, brilliant photos, you need a good camera. 

3. Stage photoshoots with good lighting and props. Take your best shots with the perfect background. Clean up and get rid of the junk that can be a distraction. You’ll see that shooting outside with natural light may differ from shooting at home. Look for ways to capture the viewer’s eye. 

4. Take multiple pictures from different angles. Did you know you could take photos with your camera upside down? It changes the angle. You can also pop a mirror under the camera to reflect your image in the water. There are so many unique ways to showcase yourself. Try using multiple angles and tilts to capture different perspectives. Don’t be afraid to take numerous shots and look away from the camera for an added effect.

5. Edit photos. Just like every writer, a photographer needs to edit, edit, edit. It’s not about camouflaging cellulite or removing freckles. You’ll need to edit to zoom in on subjects, cut out the clutter, or blur backgrounds. You can adjust the sharpness and contrast in the images. Check out Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop. Canva is another excellent option for beginners.  

You’ll want to make sure that you can resize your images. Make sure you offer high-resolution images to boost sales.

6. Look for reputable buyers. What types of photos do you want to take? Who is your audience? What do they want? Will they own the rights to the images? These are essential questions to ask yourself when looking to work with the right company. After all, you’ll want to work with people that you trust.

Where Do You Sell Photos Of Yourself?

Where you sell your pictures will depend on how you want to sell them and the types of photos you’re taking. For example, you can sell stock images, portraits, and selfies. You can sell pictures of yourself anywhere doing just about anything. Here are some popular options:

1. Stock Libraries. You can open an account and easily register with many popular online stock libraries like Shutterstock, Getty Images, iStock, Adobe Stock, BigStock, etc. These online marketplaces allow you to upload images and create a portfolio. Many will pay you for downloading each image. While others pay a flat rate and own the rights of the picture. 

2. Social Media. People are discovered every day on social media like Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, Facebook, etc. When you share something on social media and engage with your followers, algorithms share your posts more. You never know who’s going to come across your feed. It could be the next editor for Vogue or a large clothing company that wants you to model for them. In addition, companies may reach out to you for the rights to republish images you’ve already posted.

1. Etsy. You can sell just about anything you create on Etsy, a global marketplace filled with creative and handcrafted treasures. Customers come to Etsy to find something unique. You can promote your images through the platform using the right keywords for the right audience to make a sale or two. 

2. Your Website. Whether you plan to start a blog or a website to host your photo album, you can sell your photos through a website that you own. You’ll get rid of the middleman, which puts more money in your pockets. You can also make money through advertisers and when people buy the rights to the images. It’s a win-win situation. Be sure to add a contact page so that potential buyers can reach you.

3. YouTube channel. You can use YouTube in a variety of ways. You can point an audience to your website through vlogging, or you can teach them how to use something through free tutorials to build your credibility as an influencer and a photographer.

4. Apps. There’s an app for just about anything. Check out these apps where you can run campaigns, be an influencer, or shop and post pictures.

• Scoopshot. The Scoopshot App lets you make money with your photographs. You can connect with companies looking for specific photos and selfies. Clients give you an assignment to send a staged photo or video, and they’ll pay per image or video, and the system covers the rights transfers and money. All you have to do is deliver what’s requested. 

• LTK. LTK, formerly known as Like To Know It, drives more than $3 Billion in annual sales by connecting creators, brands, and shoppers. The app has over 300K shoppers looking to buy something they’ve seen somewhere each month. The app allows influencers to upload their shoppable content in a social media feed. The feed contains affiliate links or sponsored content that pay the influencer.  

• Stylinity. Here, you can shop and then upload selfies wearing your purchases. You make money when someone likes you and buys the clothes you’re wearing. It’s a form of advertising, but you only make money when you make a sale. If you were going to buy the clothes anyway, it can’t hurt to get someone else to buy them too for some extra cash. 

How Much Money Can You Make Selling Pictures Of You

There’s no ceiling on how much money you can make selling pictures of yourself. You’re the negotiator. Images on some platforms will pay more or less than others. You’ll need to do your homework to determine which ones fit your brand and message. 

Some sites pay a lower rate per image download, while others pay a higher rate to own the rights. If you’re selling directly to customers, you may be able to charge more. However, you’ll have to do some marketing and find customers. 

It depends on what the customer is willing to pay, but you can expect $1-$100 depending on the photo and the reputation you have built. Of course, some photographers have been known to demand much more than others.

Is It Legal To Sell Photos of Yourself

Of course (in most countries), once you’re a legal adult. You’ll need to check the rules and regulations in your region before starting. Always read the fine print, terms and conditions, and contracts closely.

For the most part, you own the rights. You can sell photos of yourself to companies or individuals if you like. Remember that you may come across them later in a book, magazine, or website. If you don’t want pictures of yourself floating around in the world, you may not want to sell them or license them to others.

Licensing

You’ll need to decide if the buyer will own the rights to the image itself or if their rights are limited to using the image. For the most part, they hold a license to use it in public domains, and you’re still free to sell the image to others. However, you always want to read the fine line to avoid copyright infringement issues later on your part and theirs.

Terms And Conditions

You’ll want to ensure that your images are used how you intend them to be. It will help you avoid slander or editing photos you don’t want to change. Be sure to check the terms and conditions for all third-party apps and include your website’s terms and conditions page. If you have other people in your photos, you’ll need to get them to sign a release and understand where the images may be used. 

Why Should You Sell Photos Of Yourself

Suppose you’re looking for ways to make extra money and enjoy taking photos; why not? There’s a high demand for natural-looking images. Bloggers, websites, marketing companies are looking for everyday people to express their thoughts. 

You don’t need any qualifications and can get started with little money. You can snap away anywhere you like and when you want. Your pictures may be the inspiration that someone is looking to gain. 

The Bottom Line

Yes, you can make passive income selling photos of yourself in your spare time. The income potential is unlimited.

It’s not a lot of extra work to take a few selfies or professionally staged photographs to make easy money. So while it may take time to build a profitable business taking photos of yourself, you can do it. 

So, what are you waiting for? Start snapping away now to make money now!