Why Start a Photography Side Hustle?

Why I Started a Photography Side Hustle (And Why You Should Too)

A few years ago, I had a moment that changed the way I saw my career. I was out for a run when my phone buzzed—three, four times in a row. At first, I thought it was just social media notifications, but no. These were sales. People were buying prints from a gallery I had set up for a dance school event I had shot. And just like that, I was hooked.

I realized then that my photography could do more than just pay me when I was actively shooting. It could generate passive income while I was out living my life. That’s when I truly understood the power of a photography side hustle. Here are just a few of the reason why I think you should start thinking about your own photography side hustle…

Why You Should Start a Photography Side Hustle

1. Diversify Your Income – We all know how unpredictable photography work can be. Some months are booming; others are dead quiet. A side hustle gives you a cushion, an extra stream of income that keeps things stable.
2. Push Yourself Creatively – Working on side projects has challenged me in ways I never expected. From designing mockups to selling presets, each new venture has expanded my skills.
3. Passive Income Potential – Imagine making money while you sleep. It’s not a pipe dream—it’s a smart business move. Selling digital products, print-on-demand art, or stock photography can bring in revenue without demanding your time 24/7.
4. Future-Proof Your Business – Trends change, markets shift. So quickly in some sectors! The more diversified your income, the more adaptable you are. A side hustle ensures you stay relevant no matter what the industry throws at you.

My Journey Into Side Hustles

At first, I had no idea where to start. Selling prints seemed obvious, but beyond that? It took trial, error, and a whole lot of research,  (and a whole lot of making mistakes!) I explored different avenues—stock photography, digital mockups, limited edition art prints, even an upcoming podcast. Some ideas worked; others flopped. But each step taught me something valuable.

One of my biggest revelations? Your side hustle doesn’t have to be just another photography gig. It can be anything photography-adjacent—leveraging your skills in ways that go beyond just taking pictures. (More on that in my next post!)

Where to Begin

If you’re feeling the itch to start your own photography side hustle, ask yourself:

• What skills do I already have that could be monetized?
• What am I passionate about beyond just taking photos?
• How can I create something once and sell it multiple times?
• How can I leverage my network for inspiration and ideas?

The sooner you start experimenting, the sooner you’ll find what clicks for you. And trust me, once you make that first passive sale, you’ll never look at your career the same way again. Check back next week for the next article in the series.

Resources to Get Started

• How Photographers Can Create Multiple Income Streams (PetaPixel)
• Guide to Passive Income for Creatives (CreativeLive)

Ready to dive in? Join my mailing list for more insights and behind-the-scenes looks at how I’m building my own photography side hustle. [Insert link here]

Check out my last post if you’re feeling stuck in a creative rut…

These articles were originally delivered at the SWPP convention 2025 as a Masterclass, but I felt they were too powerful to be seen by only a select few people. Let me know what other topics you’d like to see covered over the next 12 months.