When it comes to ways to sell your photos as a photographer, there’s no shortage of methods. From online sales to in-person prints, you can tailor your offerings to suit your business model, desired revenue, and personal preferences.

So, what are some of the ways you can monetize your passion for photography? Here are twelve ideas to get you started.

Ways To Sell Your Photos Online

With online shopping gaining popularity, many photographers are turning to the internet to market their photos. But, not all sales platforms are created equal. Before you start selling your photos online, make sure you choose a website provider that fits your needs.

I, personally, recommend SmugMug as a solid photography sales platform. Not only do they offer unlimited storage, gorgeous website templates, and advanced security, but they also allow you to set your own pricing margins. That versatility is great when determining your desired income. And, photographers always get to keep 85% of their profits!

Plus, with personalization like creating watermarks and the ability to automatically send thank you notes to purchasers, SmugMug allows you to run your business exactly the way you want.

Try SmugMug FREE for 14 days, and save 15% on a new account!

So, now that you know what to look for when creating an online gallery to sell your work, you need to decide how you want to be paid. Whether you use a credit card processor, PayPal, Venmo, or buy Bitcoin on Paybis, the important thing is you’re being paid for your exceptional work.

Now for the big question – how can you effectively drive sales? Here are a few ideas:

1. Use Coupons

Coupons are one of the most effective ways to sell your photos. After all, who doesn’t love a good deal?! And, there are several different tactics you can use to increase your sales.

You can ask people to sign up for your email list to receive a percentage off (which also gives you a way to contact them about sales in the future). You can offer tiered discounts based on the number of items someone purchases (which encourages customers to purchase more to receive a higher percentage off). Or, you can print a coupon code on your business card to encourage people you meet to visit your website and make a purchase.

The possibilities are truly endless!

2. Run A Sale

Running a sale is a great way to boost revenue when you want it most. You can advertise for it through your email list, social media, website etc. And, even though you’re selling your work at a discount, people will often buy more to take advantage of the lower prices. So, in the end, your income is likely to be higher than if you hadn’t reduced your prices.

Expert Tip: Prices that end in 7 tend to have a higher conversion rate.

3. Promotional Codes

Promotional codes are alphanumeric codes (which you can personalize) that give either a percentage or dollar amount off the purchase price. Similar to a sale or coupon, promotional codes are a great way to drive customers to complete their purchase rather than abandon the items in their cart.

And, because over 75% of consumers expect a discount (and 62% say they won’t complete a purchase without one), it’s a great way to satisfy their expectations.

4. Scarcity Creates Demand

Supply and demand. The cornerstone of commerce, you can use this basic principle to increase your photography sales. For example, if you only sell a certain number of prints of a particular image, suddenly that image becomes more valuable. Or, if you only run deals once or twice a year, when you do buyers will clamor to make their purchases before the window closes on the opportunity to save.

When you limit access to purchasing your work, people will want it even more.

Ways To Sell Your Photo Prints

There are a number of ways to sell your photos in the real world that can be quite lucrative as well. And, a combination of an online presence and physical prints can work well to diversify your income.

5. Gallery

Partnering with a local gallery is a great way to display your photography as well as garner some sales. Having a gallery presence can help establish your validity as an artist. And, in doing so, make your work that much more desirable.

6. Marketplace

You can also sell your photos in a local marketplace. Whether it’s an artisan market, farmers market, or holiday market, buyers love coming to marketplace venues for unique goods. And, what could be more unique than your artistic eye?

7. Restaurant

Restaurants will often allow artists and photographers to sell their work by displaying pictures with business cards on the walls. Not only does this give you an opportunity to sell your photography, but it also gives the restaurant free artwork to decorate their walls. It’s a win-win and a great way to find new customers.

8. Art Store

Similarly, art stores will often let you display and sell your work as well. This helps them market equipment and accessories that will help other photographers achieve similar results, and it helps you gain exposure to a niche of people who appreciate good art. Another win!

9. Festival

Who doesn’t love going to a good festival? The music, the food, the energy, the shopping! Similar to marketplaces, people love coming to festivals to find fun and creative keepsakes. So, if there’s a festival coming to your area apply for a booth and use it to sell your photos!

10. Interior Designer

A helpful power partner to have as a photographer is a good interior designer. Because they’re in front of people day in and day out that are looking for ways to improve their home or office. And, what better improvement than hanging some of your stunning photography on their walls?!

11. Magazine

Magazines are always looking for great pictures to grace their glossy pages. And, to get them to purchase your photos you don’t have to be like the paparazzi – jumping out of bushes and invading celebrities’ personal space.

Many publications are looking for photos to accompany stories from a wide range of topics. So, no matter your specialty, you’re sure to find a magazine that’s willing to pay for your content.

12. Calendars and Puzzles and Cards, Oh My!

There are also a number of creative products you can produce using your photos that are sure to be a hit. A wall or desk calendar, a puzzle for various age groups, greeting cards and postcards, you name it! When it comes to photo products, you’re limited only by your imagination.

And, there you have it! Twelve ways to sell your photos online and in print that are sure to increase your bottom line. Now, the only question is, which will you do first?

What are some ways you sell your photos? Comment below, I’d love to know!