How much do you make on photography

[D.Rodgers]

Interesting thread..
I started a registered photography company this summer as a way to write off my equipment and in case someone notices my images and wants to buy from me.
Next year my portfolio will be put together when i get my bigger bodies.

Oh I forgot the how much part ,zilch,zippo,nada excluding small prizes from a few contests I entered.

[JDArt]

Originally Posted by D.Rodgers

Interesting thread..
I started a registered photography company this summer as a way to write off my equipment

This approach can actually help make the cost of "gearing up" more palatable for the serious amateur.

[Unkl Buck]

Originally Posted by Paul Shields

Well that's good to know, but I suspect that the number of photographers grossing a million dollars/year is relatively small (apart from in your neighbourhood ).

Some stats on average photographer salaries:

Photographer Salaries - Free Salary Search
Average Photographer salaries for job postings nationwide are 51% lower than average salaries for all job postings nationwide.

Photographer Salaries | SimplyHired
According to the above link, the average salary is around $30K/year - about the same as a relatively unskilled office worker here in the UK.

Of course there is always the opportunity to earn more money than that, just as there will be in all other 'professions'.

I didn't say it was the norm. I just mentioned that I know of a few that make way, WAY more than the average Joe. But, yeah, I'd agree with you that the AVERAGE photographer makes about 30 to 40 grand a year.

[slinscott]

I've made money as a news shooter and did weddings. I've shot Junior swinging at baseballs and have done the event photographer thing. I've done the school photo days and have photographed youth leagues. Back then i'd say I made 30k or so.

I got bored with it. shooting 200 4th graders in a day paid okay in package sales but did nothing to challenge me.

I don't shoot weddings anymore because dealing with bridezilla was tedious. the money in that field tempts me now and then knowing that I could book may - july pretty solid at 2-3 k per wedding and net 80 percent of that.

Today, outside of portrait shoots and some events, I make next to nothing. (maybe 5k per year) I prefer to give it away and get paid in smiles.

I can see myself going back to the working pro ranks in 10-15 years though.

[Thunderhawk]

Originally Posted by brian.austin

My mistake in my first business: try to do it all to "save money". It didn't and I ended up getting lucky and breaking even, only thanks to the dotcom boom and an eager buyer.

It won't be a mistake in my second one...in the planning stages now.

You and the others are dead on right about this. Other OO`s think I’m nuts when I tell them that I do none of the work on my truck. Even though I’m a master tech grad. With a boat load of tools. I hire people to do the accounting, taxes even the simplest maintenance.
Three reasons for this:
1. Time. I drive for weeks at a time, when I am home I want to BE home.
2. Tax deductions
3. Law suites. If the brakes fail it will not fall back on me…I hope.

Learn how to be a business person first then take the plunge. And best of luck to all of you that step out on your own.

[ddc1]

Originally Posted by slinscott

get paid in smiles.

In my best year ever I made 42k as a photographer. TOTAL burnout. It was a LOT of work and now I am doing something else as a day job and Photography has returned to a passion and something I love once again. This year I will make about $2-5k from it. But the smiles I get are priceless.


If you can regularly produce a product worth 1000-1500$ from a days work than you can make 30-60k a year.

If you sell $5-$8 8x10's then your business plan may need some thought to get you into those numbers.

If you can't imagine charging $1000 for something you have created then you need to work on your skills/confidence/marketing.

What would you say if I said there was a secret rule of thumb for earnings...
How much did you charge for your last 8x10 sale?
That's how much you could make in 1000s if you really try hard and apply yourself this year.

For example: If your last 8x10 sale was $13 with concerted effort you can make 13k (net)

Makes you think.


Wanna make 50k this year, make 8x10s that are worth $50 each.

[ciphotodesign]

Wow all these posts really puts things into perspective. I've been toying with the idea of going full-time with my part-time photography/graphic design business. My main areas of concern have been photographers need to work evenings and weekends because that is when people are available. I don't know how willing I am to do this all the time. Also, for the past three years the cost of operating, plus equipment purchases doesn't leave a lot of room for profit. I am also a graphic designer and somewhat leaning towards that as well. I appreciate everyone's posts and honesty in what the make. Upfront it can seem like major dollar signs, but there is also a lot of expense involved.