Photographers have a natural affinity with the bizarre, the unique and the beautiful. The world is full of extraordinary images, so it’s not hard to understand why many photographers transition to a working nomad lifestyle. Here are five excellent ways to earn a living as a photographer while traveling the world.
- Niche photography
Doing something very specific very well makes your skills highly marketable. Diana De Rosa shoots horse events exclusively, and she’s covered 6 Olympic Games among numerous other things. Finding your niche can take time–”It was a slow process,” Diana says. “It began by being editor of a horse magazine and then I branched out as a freelancer.” If you can write articles to go along with the photos, as Diana does, you’ll be even hireable. Look for photography niches that aren’t already oversaturated. - Media Production
If you have the skills to develop multimedia products, you can generate revenue from sales. In addition to shooting photos and videos, Wolf Price of Wanderwolf produces media, has published a photography book, and has been developing a nomadic office solution for the last 2 years. Wolf, who’s been traveling since he was 17, says his lifestyle “just happened. I learned from other travelers and kept discovering my own ways to make a living.” He says he never wanted to be a tourist, so, “Since I’m not on vacation I am always immersing myself in some kind of work…gathering experience and designing travel inventions.” - Workshop Teaching
How about teaching photo workshops all over the world? In 2010, husband-and-wife team Margo and Arnie of Barefoot Contessa Photo Adventures will be inspiring students to create compelling images in dozens of gorgeous locations, including Spain, France, Sicily and various regions of the US. Teaching something you do well is a fantastic way to earn money and follow your passion at the same time. If you don’t feel ready to lead your own workshop groups, try wangling an apprenticeship with an experienced photographer. - Stock photography
Shooting good stock photography can be a lucrative way to fund your travels. You can upload and sell your images while you travel, at easy-to-use sites such as iStockphoto, Kombu, Shutterstock, Fotolia, Dreamstime , BIGSTOCKPHOTO or 123RF. Check out this informative interview with a successful travel photographer, and here’s a more detailed explanation of how to sell stock photography, along with reviews of the various sites. - Destination events
Wedding photographers have an easy in to the nomadic lifestyle: start specializing in destination weddings. The more you do, the more appealing your portfolio will become. Break away from the competition by starting to specialize in other destination occasions, such as business or sporting events. Since most destination event planners will book your services all-expenses paid in addition to your fee, you can afford to linger in the destination afterwards, shooting images for your portfolio and networking with tourists.
Do you earn a living through combining travel & photography? Tell us how.
