Make Money with a Digital Camera

Tip: Increase auction profits with better photos

2008-06-01T19:00:00.000-07:00

It's now par for the course that in order to sell goods on auction sites like ebay the item photographs need to be of high quality. Bad photographs reflect on the seller - a sloppy photograph points to a sloppy seller.

Dennis L. Prince has pinpointed the qualities needed for a perfect auction photograph and outlines very specific actions in his new article 'Propel Your Profits with Better Images'.

Among his tips, Prince, author of How to Sell Anything on eBay, and Make a Fortune, says photographers should use a tripod, natural light, and a solid color backdrop.

His tips, of course, work with any small-item static photography, whether for advertising or another commercial purpose.

Read the article on Auctiva

Tip: How to stand out from the crowd

2008-04-27T16:12:00.000-07:00

I have been thinking about how photographers can make money in an era where everyone has a digital camera and digital cameras have increased in quality to the point that the 'point and click' approach can produce some excellent photographs.

On one hand the new digital-camera quality output allows the average person who has an interest in photography, but who is not necessarily trained in photography, to make money from their digital camera. Certainly, with innovation and dedication it's possible to create a viable business this way.

But let's take this a step further and think about how you can stand out from the crowd:

* Establish your own brand and market that brand.
* Develop your own style so your photographs have an 'edge' that is uniquely you. For example, perhaps you only focus on happy/lighthearted photos, or moody photos full of emotion ... or perhaps there is a photoshop technique or special type of paper that gives your photos a unique quality.
* Once you have identified the products and services that are making you the most money then focus on those things/become known for those things. (see point one)
*Make sure you unite your unique style with the products/services you choose.
*You can also set yourself apart by excelling in customer service and product delivery.

Idea: Decorative Photo Plates

2008-04-15T18:23:00.000-07:00

Give plain crockery a photographic lift with this idea.

Apply photographs to plates and other crockery by printing out the photographs onto decal and applying as per instructions (see link below).

You could create a crockery set with a theme, or use people's family photos or unusual photographs to create one-off originals.

You will need to sell this product with a note that these plates are not dishwasher safe. They should be handwashed only.

The idea comes from marthastewart.com where you'll find the full instructions.

Idea: Photo pencils

2008-03-18T18:19:00.000-07:00

This idea comes to us from Photojojo.

Take a cheap packet of ordinary coloured pencils and make them extraordinary by wrapping a photograph around them and presenting them as shown in the accompanying picture.

The tutorial is easy but the end result has a maximum effect.

This product could easily be sold as a generic product, or offer to take customers' photographs and apply them to the pencils. Sell using a mail order form distributed in magazines that are read by parents of young children, or at kindergartens, school fetes/fairs etc.

Two of the extra tips/ideas worth noting from Photojojo are:

1. Choose a photo that will still be recognizable when it’s only a centimeter wide: details of grass or a bunch of M&M’s spring to mind.
2. Use a different photo for each pencil, using colors that match the pencils (roses for red, blue sky for blue…)

Read the tutorial here

Tip: How to Photograph Christmas Lights

2007-12-17T21:40:00.000-08:00

This is a timely tip on how to photograph Christmas lights, but applies for festive or decorative lights at any time of the year.

...getting a good photo of holiday lights involves a different kind of light balancing: Continuous ambient with fading ambient. You don't need a high-end camera for great results. You can use a very inexpensive digital camera and do just fine. You don't even need flash. It all comes down to what time of the day you shoot. And a couple of other little tricks.

See the entire list of tips here on the Strobist blog [via Lifehacker, where there is an additional video tutorial]

Tip: Learn how to improve your photos in 60 seconds

2007-12-12T13:46:00.000-08:00

So these days it seems you don't have enough time to scratch yourself, let alone read lengthy tomes on how to improve your photography.

Luckily, idigitalphoto has produced an excellent resource for the extra busy among us. Now you can learn something useful for improving your photography in only 60 seconds.

Our tip is to schedule it into your day. Commit to reading one every Monday morning, for example, then try out the tip that week. Put it in your calendar so you don't forget

If you are tired of reading long explanations and confused by tricky photo techniques, here you can have it short and sweet. Arranged by topics, each subject takes less than 60 seconds to read.

Once you’ve read the ideas and tips, picture in your mind some photographs you have already taken. Think of how they could have been improved by applying what you have learned here. Visualize how you might have taken your photos differently. Already your photography is improving!

The link is here

Tips: Twelve Essential Photographic Rules

2007-10-08T22:54:00.000-07:00

What happens when your systems go belly-up, when all of that cutting-edge technology dies and you must rely on (gasp!) your own knowledge? It pays to have these basics in your head. They can get you out of a jam and help you get good shots when nothing else will.

Highly recommended. Includes depth-of-field, exposure and camera shake rules.
Read all the tips here ... Popular Photography PopPhoto.com [via Photojojo]

Idea: Create a memory book for parents

2007-09-10T22:44:00.000-07:00

While we're on the subject of children and making books. You could also use the self-publishing services to collate a collection of photographs for parents.
This could be useful for:
- Photographs of a baby's birth
- Photographs taken over several years of a child's life
- Photographs you take in a special photo shoot. With this idea, try out several locations, and mix action shots with posed photographs (if the child is willing to sit still)

Book creation sites like Lulu.com offer several formats. This book is going to work better as a hardback, but this format is more expensive, so review your pricing and format according to what your clients would be prepared to pay.

For tips on how to take photographs of children, see:
Digital Photos 101
Kodak

Idea: Create a children's coloring book from your photographs

2007-08-21T05:30:00.000-07:00

Fototiller has a great tutorial on how to make coloring pages from your photos. Read the tutorial here ...

Once you have mastered the technique, put together a collection that you can make into a book to sell. Try using a theme like toys or children playing, or play equipment, or beach holidays.

Then use a service like CreateSpace.com or Lulu.com to make and sell your coloring book. And/or approach newsagencies or children's toy stores to stock the product.

Resource: sell your photos online with SnapVillage

2007-06-24T23:27:00.000-07:00

The online stock photo company founded and owned by Bill Gates, Corbis, today introduced a Web site that allows anyone to upload photographs for sale.
Called SnapVillage, the site allows any photographer, whether amateur, semi-professional or professional, to submit pictures and charge anywhere from $1 to $50 an image.

Source: New York Times

Check out SnapVillage and get uploading!

Tip: Enhance your photographs with classical colors

2007-06-21T17:11:00.000-07:00

This tip comes from unfocusedbrain.com (via Lifehacker)

Adjusting your photographs to get the color 'just right' can be a chore. Think about this: The Old Masters of painting spent years of their lives learning about color. Why let all their effort go to waste on the walls of some museum when it could be used to give you a hand with color correction?
When Photoshop entered the CS series it included a new tool called 'Match Color.' This tools was made so that you could match a series of photos to one another.
But there is another thing you can do with 'Match Color' that is much cooler: You can match the colors in your photos to those in famous paintings.

If the examples on the site are any indication, the results can be dramatic and impressive. I wonder if a classical art lover would be instantly drawn to a photograph treated in this way, even if they didn't know the technique had been applied.

Try making a thematic group of photographs applying the colors from one famous picture, like a Van Gogh. One idea is to create a product like a calendar using the photographs, or an impressive thematic wall display.

Read the tutorial here, and view more (great) examples here

Resource: Photographers Wanted Advertisements

2007-06-07T23:13:00.000-07:00

Find contract photography jobs here. There seem to be jobs advertised from all over the world.
On initial investigation it seems it costs nothing to join StarNow.com.au and create a profile. You can upload photos, write an online CV and receive the latest listings directly to your email.
Although, note if you want to respond to any of the advertisements you will need to register and there is a fee involved. Once registered, you can also post your own advertisement about your services.
Starnow.com.au Photographers Wanted

Are you a photographer already registered with StarNow? Let us know your feedback...

Tool: free online calendar creator

2007-06-07T22:53:00.000-07:00

This is a good tool to use to create personalized calendars with your photos. Upload photos from your computer or directly from Flickr or Photobucket.

BigHugeLabs.com

You can also make 3D art cubes.

BigHugeLabs.com has other online tools that you can try, or get ideas from. Consider making them yourself with Photoshop or similar.** (This way you can make high-resolution versions 300dpi or higher for optimum printing)
Like the motivational poster. (See all the online tools here)

The make-a-magazine cover tool is lots of fun too. But it is probably more suited to an unusual birthday present for family and friends than making money. You could try it as a service, but don't make it the only service you offer.

Tip: If you are going to use this service, plan all your calendars or whatever beforehand then purchase the 'three day pass' for $5USD, which means you can download hi-res versions of your creations - as many as you like.

**Have you seen this online photo editor? PICNIK.COM. We tried it out and it works a treat.

Idea: Photo products galore

2007-05-13T17:53:00.001-07:00

When it comes to creating products from your photographs, the possibilities are endless...

Aprons, beach bags, handbags/purses, mugs, deckchairs, pet-food bowls, cushions, glasses cases, mouse mats, shopping bags, tiles, table mats, t-shirts ... the possibilities are endless (well almost!).

Make your name by becoming a known brand for one product, or branch out and offer everything.

Use your own unique artistic photos, or transform people's own favorite pics.

Learn how to make them yourself, or order from an established manufacturer. Companies like My Bigger Picture have a special trade price for people who want to buy a product then sell to customers. See http://www.mybiggerpicture.com/trade/

Idea x2: Photo Bookmarks and Photo Centerpieces

2007-04-12T20:20:00.000-07:00

We have two photo money-making ideas for you today. They both involve using your photographs in innovative products.
Tip: it is useful to think of particular markets for such products and focus on targeted advertising. For example, with the photo centerpieces you could focus on the weddings market and advertise in bridal dress stores or in any of the widely circulated bridal magazines or on online wedding/bridal sites. Mock up an example using your own or a friend's wedding so you have something to show potential clients.

These ideas come courtesy of the Martha Stewart website.

Photo Bookmarks

Cut a piece of 2-inch-wide grosgrain ribbon 3 inches longer than twice the height of the book; snip a point at each end to prevent fraying. Sew a 1 1/2-inch-by-2-inch photograph to the ribbon by hand-stitching each corner.

Read the tutorial and view an example on marthastewart.com

Photo Centerpieces
Create a set of photo frame lanterns -

They consist of three hinged photo frames set around votive candles. The black-and-white photos are printed onto ecru-colored vellum paper, which is translucent enough for the images to be visible by candlelight.

Read the tutorial and view an example on marthastewart.com

Idea: Photo pop outs

2007-04-03T16:38:00.001-07:00

It's one thing to take great photographs, but it's easy to do some extra things to create extra value.
This idea (from Photojojo) involves creating novelty pop-up photographs with your shots.
Essentially you give your photograph a 3D effect using two copies of the same photograph, foam core, tape and a knife.
Obviously some photographs are going to be better for this than others. Photos with animals, people, children, action shots can work well. Experiment then branch out!
Selling:
This kind of product can be posted to buyers.
Perhaps your customers can submit their own photos for you to doctor. They could email a high-quality digital photograph, which you can print, for example ...

Here is the tutorial on Photojojo

Idea: Take great photographs of food

2007-03-20T22:31:00.000-07:00

Taking photographs of food may be hard, but once you've mastered it, you can use your new skill in various different ways. Take photographs of food for restaurants - they can use the photos in a menu, for advertising, or for in-house display.

Of course it is essential that these photographs make the food look appetizing, so polish your food photography skills before approaching eating places.
See some tips on how to take excellent photographs of food on our special new page on the vrbanner.com site -

Digital Photography Food

Tip: Licensing your photos

2007-03-08T16:14:00.000-08:00

As a general rule you should always retain the copyright to your photos then license use of those photographs to other entities. This way you can 'sell' them again and again.
Beware, some photographic competitions make you give up your copyright as a condition of entry. This would mean you wouldn't be able to use that photo elsewhere without their permission.
PhotoCritic has an excellent guide on this topic...

Read about it at PhotoCritic

Tip: Take blink-free group photos

2007-02-23T20:43:00.000-08:00

Yes, you wouldn't think it was possible to take a photo of a group without at least one person closing their eyes. But it is possible. In fact, there is a scientific formula to help you - it is based on the number of photos you need to take to make sure you get a good one (well 99% confident anyway). Beware ... when the group gets to over 50 it is close to impossible to get everyone with their eyes open.

Read CSIRO physicist Dr Piers Barnes' practically fail-proof method on the Velocity science in motion website.

Tip: Give your photos an unusual-film look

2007-02-08T15:02:00.000-08:00

Unusual and innovatively doctored photos can be used in many products for sale, like say a compelling calendar or something as simple as a framed shot. The key is in choosing the right photo and adding your own splash of creativity.

You can give your photos the look of A Scanner Darkly, the recent film based on a Philip K. Dick book and as equally quirky as Dick's writings. For the film, the movie makers used a posterized live-action animation style and had to repaint each frame, but to make your photos look this way is easier of course. You need Adobe Illustrator and a suitable photo. Photos of people seem to work better.

See the tutorial (written by one of the film's animators) here at IllustratorTechniques.com [via Photojojo]

Tip: How to photograph smoke

2007-01-24T21:08:00.000-08:00

Photographs involving smoke can make for interesting and unique images that you can use in a number of the money-making ideas we outline.

Not sure about the best way to photograph smoke? Photocritic interviews smoke-photography expert Graham Jefferey, of Sensitive Light fame who outlines these methods. Read this instructional article

Idea: Photo Snow Globes

2007-01-19T15:57:00.000-08:00

This is a great idea.
All you need to create your own unique snow globes is a bottle, photo, glitter, and corn syrup.

You could create a brand with thematic photos like sunsets or animals. If you plan to sell to a local store, for instance, take photos of the tourist attractions nearby then you will be making fantastic individual mementos/souvenirs for visitors.
Or just create unusual or odd snow domes using some of your more unique photos.

See the tutorial at Photojojo

Idea: Create your own photo booth

2006-12-18T15:53:00.000-08:00

This is a fantastic idea and it comes to us courtesy of Instructables

Create your own photo booth just like the ones you see in your local shopping centre/mall, only this one is digital (ingenious).

Read the tutorial here

Reminder: The Perfect Last Minute Gift

2006-12-14T22:46:00.000-08:00

It's right before Christmas and you've forgotten to buy a gift. No problem. Just buy 100 Ways to Make Money with a Digital Camera. You can download the book instantly and email the gift, or pop it on a CD and wrap. Perfect!

Idea and Tip: Photographic Christmas Decorations

2006-12-14T22:44:00.000-08:00

Make beautiful ornaments using your photos. These are perfect to sell at a market stall or Christmas fair close to Christmas (and good for gifts too).
Scenic photos work the best here.

See how to make them at Photojojo

And our tip is to sign up for the Photojojo e-newsletter. It's full of fabulous ideas - just adapt them to make products you can sell.

Idea: Make posters with the help of pro shops

2006-11-30T19:09:00.000-08:00

Many specialist photo-lab shops now offer extra-large custom prints made on wide-format inkjet printers. (Before inkjet technology, it was a little more difficult and more costly to get a poster print (50 cm by 75 cm). You had to send off a negative to an outside processor to make a silver halide print.)
Make posters of your best prints and sell. Or offer a service where you organise for people's digital photos to be made into posters.

This tip is inspired by an article in The Age newspaper

Idea: Make impressive photo aquariums

2006-11-22T17:21:00.000-08:00

This idea is courtesy of Photojojo.

"So why a photo aquarium? Besides giving your scaly pal a beautiful new vista, it’s a great way to freshen up your home or apartment. Or surprise a friend and dress up his fishtank for the holidays! You can make a photo aquarium with everything from the tiniest plastic tank to the very largest glass behemoth."

We suggest buying aquariums and using your best photos to make aquarium vistas then sell these. Try selling through pet stores, on ebay, or place in novelty stores.

Read the tutorial on Photojojo

Tip: Create a fake miniature-model effect

2006-11-02T18:32:00.000-08:00

This tip comes from the Receding Hairline website.
Using Photoshop, it is possible to make everday photos look like they are pictures of miniature models.
These photos can then be used as unusual online or printed cards, postcards or even an entire calendar of miniature-model-type photos.

Click here to read and follow the tutorial

111 Free Photoshop Plugins

2006-10-22T23:24:00.000-07:00

The Plug-in site has 111 free photoshop plugins.
At time of posting 26 of them were tools that can be used to enhance your digital photographs. For example, you can use sepia or black/white conversion and change mood with other filters.
These plug-ins will allow you to expand your range of services/offerings, as well as enhance your photos.

Idea: Provide photographic assistance to security companies

2006-08-17T22:41:00.000-07:00

These days, security is big business. Photographs and virtual tours can provide detail to allow companies, security companies etc. to plan events or manage large venues or buildings.
For example, offer a service to security companies responsible for large events. The idea would be to provide the company with virtual tours of venues and the security hotspots, so the company can plan detailed coverage and instruct staff before the event about exactly where they should situate themselves and what they should be aware of and look out for during security coverage, as well as the exits should an incident occur.

Idea: Create Flash virtual-tour brochures

2006-06-21T18:08:00.000-07:00

With new software VRbrochure FX you can create digital brochures featuring panoramas, 3D objects, still photos, plans/maps/floorplans, and sound. Even still digital photos can be linked together with hotspots to create a virtual walkthrough effect.

ChannelVR says the brochure software is being used widely for Internet applications such as real estate sales, tourism and hospitality, retail and e-commerce, education and training, and museums and galleries.

There is a library of templates or make an original with your own (and your client's) branding - this is better of course because it will help build your digital photography business.

The software outputs to Flash as well as java, so if the computer user viewing the brochure doesn't have java (which is increasingly likely as Microsoft doesn't ship its operating systems with java anymore)they can still see it.

Check it out here
View examples

* VRbrochure FX is VRbanner's current featured product

Idea: Create a memory

2006-06-13T01:36:00.000-07:00

Ask people at events whether they would like a memory of their attendance at the event. This works well for high-profile or one-off events like concerts or festivals, sporting events (like the soccer World Cup!) or New Year celebrations.

Idea: take photos of people's cars

2006-05-24T17:25:00.000-07:00

Contact car clubs and offer to attend their meetings or rallies and take photos for the club and/or individual owners.

Tip: Print and sell photos on the spot

2006-05-15T18:16:00.000-07:00

There is a new generation of printers that can make selling photos super easy for the photographer wanting to make money with a digital camera.
There are now printers were you can plug your digital camera memory card directly into the printer and print from the card.
This is really handy if you are at events like weddings etc. You can sell prints on the spot to visitors/guests after taking the photos. With a wedding, for example, this gives you the opportunity to get more customers by selling to guests, rather than just being paid once by the wedding couple.
Note: This plan only works at places where you can easily plug in the printer; so inside, rather than outside events. And don't forget to take high-quality paper with you.

Idea: Children's birthday parties

2006-04-24T18:37:00.000-07:00

Offer your services as a children's birthday party photographer.

The idea here is to promote your services at the places where parents go. You could put up a poster or drop off some flyers at indoor play centres, kindergartens, or junior schools close to your home. Some supermarkets have community notice boards where you could put up a free advertisement.

You could also advertise in magazines or newsletters that have parents/mothers as readers. Try including a special offer.

Idea: Work out of normal business hours

2006-04-11T21:18:00.000-07:00

The idea here is to work when normal staff photographers can't.

For example, approach business-to-business/trade magazines about covering trade show events, conferences, or other out-of-hours events like social gatherings. (These types of magazines will often include a photo section featuring industry people at social events or conferences.)

It is also an idea to offer to attend relevant events that are far away from the magazine's corporate base. If the magazine has no one attending the event you can also offer to collect relevant press releases, business cards etc. that the magazine can use to generate articles.

Idea: download the FREE e-book - it's full of ideas!

2006-02-22T16:19:00.000-08:00

Download the free e-book 33 1/3 Ways to Make Money with a Digital Camera.
Every idea has links to a Website page with up-to-date resources, tutorials and ideas.
Click here

The free ebook version is limited to only 33 ways to make money with a digital camera. To try 100 Ways to Make Money with a Digital Camera risk-free for 30 days without limitations, simply order the full version and start making money today.

Idea: ebay photo-taking service

2006-02-16T14:45:00.000-08:00

Offer to take photos of objects people want to auction online on sites like eBay then upload them as part of the service.

The idea would be to take more photos that both enhance the product's sale prospects and project a more professional image for the seller.

Idea: Offer your photos royalty-free

2006-02-07T15:35:00.000-08:00

Take photos to be used as royalty-free stock photos. Sell them to
established stock photo businesses or set up your own stock photo
business.

This stock photo business can be either on-line or disc-based. When creating discs of royalty-free photos consider grouping the photos according to subjects. For example:
- Business
- People
- At play
- At work
- Objects
- Scenery
- Architecture
etc.

Idea: Make a calendar for sale or promotion

2006-02-02T16:49:00.000-08:00

Use your best photos to make a calendar. Consider making a
thematic calendar, perhaps of the attractions and views in your local area.
OR
Make a calendar from your best photos to use as advertising for your digital-photo-taking business.
This calendar can be online or printed.

Idea: Team up with a freelance journalist

2006-01-08T22:34:00.000-08:00

Team up with a freelance journalist to take photos to accompany
his/her articles.

There are various listings of freelance journalists on the Internet - The idea is to look for those who live in your area. Journalists can either be devising ideas for publications or are assigned jobs/articles. You can work with the journalists by suggesting ideas you can work on together.

Idea: Insurance inventories

2006-01-05T19:38:00.000-08:00

Offer a service where you take photos of valuables and assets at
homes and businesses to create inventories in case of theft. These
inventories can help police recover the goods, as well as ensure an
accurate payout from insurance companies.

This service can be offered to individuals, businesses or the insurance companies.

Start the new year with 100 ideas!

2005-12-27T20:32:00.000-08:00

Kick start your new year with more than 100 ideas about how to make money with a digital camera.

Buy the handy printable e-book 100 Ways to Make Money with a Digital Camera here.

Idea: Make virtual tours for real estate

2005-12-21T17:48:00.000-08:00

This idea involves approaching real estate agents in your local area and offering to make virtual tours of the houses they have for sale. You could even look out for private home sales in your local paper and approach the home owner directly.

This can be done with your digital camera and some virtual tour software. (We recommend the software from 360 Degrees of Freedom)

Virtual tours of each of the rooms can be linked together to give a more in-depth overview of the house or other property. Or try creating a virtual tour brochure to add descriptions, a map, still photos and information about the local area