Hey guys, let’s talk about making money with photography without having to deal with bridezillas, drunk uncles, or the inevitable moment when someone asks, “Can you Photoshop my ex out of these?”
Weddings are a grind. Long hours, high stakes, and a whole lot of stress.
If you’re willing to put yourself out there, there are plenty of other ways to keep your calendar full and your bank account happy.
Overview:
There’s a whole world of opportunities if you’re willing to think outside the traditional wedding scene. This guide covers:
• Retail & Product Photography – Work with small businesses to shoot inventory and e-commerce photos.
• Gym & Fitness Photography – Capture action shots and promo images for gyms, trainers, and studios.
• Dating Profile Photography – Help people upgrade their dating apps with pro-level pictures.
• Event & Nightlife Photography – Get paid to shoot at bars, clubs, and corporate events.
• Real Estate & Airbnb Photography – Work with realtors and property owners to create high-quality listing photos.
• Personal Branding & Headshots – Provide professionals with LinkedIn-ready images and social media content.

1. Retail and Product Photography
E-commerce is everything now, and small businesses need high-quality product shots to compete. A few years ago, I started reaching out to local shops, offering product photography for their websites and social media. Turns out, a lot of them needed it. I was able to book out full weeks just by sending emails.
Best Types of Stores to Work With:
- Antique Shops – They need crisp, detailed images to show off one-of-a-kind items.
- Pawn Shops – Constantly changing inventory means repeat business.
- Smoke Shops/Head Shops – Unique glass pieces need clean, well-lit photos.
- Car Dealerships – A dealership always needs sharp, consistent images for their listings.
💡 Pro Tip: Offer to bundle photography with simple website or social media management. A lot of small business owners don’t have time to post regularly, and they’ll gladly pay for someone to handle it.

2. Gym & Fitness Photography
Gyms, martial arts studios, and fitness coaches are all in the business of selling the lifestyle. They need high-energy action shots and crisp promo images for their social media pages. I started shooting for a Jiu-Jitsu gym and eventually landed a steady $3,000/month contract doing both photography and video.
How to Pitch Gyms & Fitness Centers:
- Highlight how pro-level images help them attract new clients.
- Offer a package deal: still photos, video clips, and a few Instagram reels.
- Show up during peak hours, introduce yourself, and drop a business card.

3. Dating Profile Photography (Yes, Really)
People will pay for better dating profile pictures—high-key, this is a real hustle. If you can help someone put together a profile with professional, well-lit, non-cringe photos, that’s money in the bank.
What to Include in a Dating Photo Session:
- A clean headshot (nobody likes blurry bathroom selfies).
- A hobby shot (guitar, hiking, working out—whatever makes them look interesting).
- A social shot (group setting, casual vibe).
- One photo with a pet (seriously, dogs are like dating cheat codes).
If you market this right, you could be charging $300+ per session for an hour’s work.

4. Event & Nightlife Photography
Weddings aren’t the only events where people want pro photos. Bars, nightclubs, and corporate events all need solid photographers. Club photography, in particular, can be a low-stress, high-pay gig with perks (free drinks, anyone?).
Where to Start:
- Networking is key. Connect with event promoters, DJs, and bar managers.
- Offer a test run. Shoot one event for free or at a discount to show your work.
- Charge per hour or per event. $50–$150 per hour is common.

5. Real Estate & Airbnb Photography
Real estate is one of the most reliable photography markets. Agents always need fresh listings, and Airbnb hosts want their properties to stand out.
How to Land Real Estate Clients:
- Find bad listing photos on Zillow or Airbnb and reach out to the owners.
- Offer before & after comparisons to show how pro photos make a difference.
- Set up a retainer deal with realtors so they call you for every new listing.
A single real estate shoot can bring in $200–$600, and once you build relationships, it’s repeat business.

6. Personal Branding & Headshots
With LinkedIn, personal websites, and social media marketing on the rise, more people need professional headshots than ever.
Who Needs Headshots?
- Business professionals
- Actors and models
- Social media influencers
- Real estate agents
- Anyone tired of using a five-year-old selfie for their LinkedIn profile
These sessions are usually short, require minimal editing, and can easily bring in $150–$400 per person.

Looking for a mentor? need help with SEO? Setting up your website?
Hi! I'm Glenn, wedding and portrait photographer based in Wilmington. I own Pink Penguin Studios. If you're looking to increase your bookings, learn about how to make money using photography, or help setting up your website, let me know!
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