If Nickleback were Photographers, they would be Penniless.
I have seen countless ads on social media and YouTube touting how famous photographers, I have personally never heard of before are selling $10K of their photographic art every month and I have to wonder. If they're so successful why have I not heard of them? I know Art Wolfe, John Shaw, George Lepp, Moose Henderson, John Fielder and the list is actually long and yet none of the photographers I see touting their wondrous skills in selling so much artwork that they have out of the goodness of their own hearts and several thousand dollars out of your wallet are now giving you the golden ticket to getting rich quickly with your camera.
Maybe one in ten of them is actually published in print in National Geographic, Outdoor Photographer, Outside, or any other major industry publication even once let alone consistently. At best in this economy and with the saturation of the market, making money as an Outdoor and Landscape photographer is barely a side gig. I have been a professional photographer for more than 30 years and yet I don't make $10K per month let alone per year with it. I have published in magazines mostly before everything went digital and cell phone photography. I am still a professional photographer, but I make my almost 3/4th of a six figure income as a TV News Photojournalist who have had national and international network exposure on a semi-regular basis. Even my Emmy Award and multiple nominations have not elevated me to the status of $10K per month.
Frankly all I see is that they all have one thing in common, they spend more time selling their gimmicks than they do creating fine art photography and getting published. They may actually make $10K per month but most of it is selling their software, SEO Tips and Trick or a Photoshop Plugin.
Growing a successful nature and landscape photography business is challenging at best . It requires a combination of artistic talent, business acumen, dedication, and perseverance. Consider this, before the dawn of the DSLR age, photographers were shooting with film cameras and the top end of those photographers making ANY money at it were all published in one magazine or another doubling as photojournalists by definition because they would make their work and write articles or columns about how they do what they do, when and where. Since DSLR's and Now Mirrorless cameras are everywhere to include your iPhone or Android, you can't shake a toothpick without poking a "professional" photographer in the eye. The market is so over saturated that you really better be doing some heavy heavy marketing, SEO and stellar work to make a dime more than what you spent on equipment.
Here are some "FREE" tips to help you on your journey to making that $10K per month easily: (That's sarcasm y'all!) Seriously, the tips below are the tried and true methods at building your small business that will eventually pay off that high interest credit card you maxed out buying the top of the line camera and lenses on Amazon with.
1. Master your craft: Invest time in improving your photography skills. Learn about composition, lighting, editing techniques, and the technical aspects of your camera equipment. Continuously challenge yourself to grow as a photographer.
2. Define your niche: Identify a specific style or subject within nature and landscape photography that sets you apart from others. Develop a unique visual signature that resonates with your target audience.
3. Build a portfolio: Curate a strong portfolio that showcases your best work. Focus on quality rather than quantity. Highlight your unique style and expertise in capturing captivating images of nature and landscapes.
4. Create an online presence: Establish a professional website or blog to showcase your portfolio and provide information about your services. Leverage social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to share your work, engage with your audience, and attract potential clients.
5. Networking and collaboration: Connect with other photographers, both online and offline. Attend photography events, workshops, and exhibitions. Collaborate with local businesses or organizations that align with your niche, such as travel agencies, outdoor gear companies, or conservation groups.
6. Market yourself effectively: Develop a strong branding strategy that communicates your style and values. Use targeted online advertising, SEO techniques, and social media marketing to reach your target audience. Consider offering photography workshops or selling prints to diversify your revenue streams.
7. Provide excellent customer service: Focus on building strong relationships with your clients. Deliver high-quality work, meet deadlines, and exceed expectations. Word-of-mouth recommendations are powerful in the photography industry.
8. Continuous learning and adaptability: Stay up to date with the latest trends and technologies in photography. Embrace new techniques, explore different locations, and experiment with different equipment. Adapt to changing market demands and seize new opportunities.
9. Persistence and passion: Building a successful photography business takes time and dedication. Be prepared to face challenges and setbacks along the way. Stay motivated, persistent, and passionate about your craft. Learn from failures, adapt, and keep pushing forward.
Remember, success in the nature and landscape photography business is subjective and can mean different things to different people. Focus on creating meaningful art, connecting with your audience, and finding fulfillment in your work. With determination and perseverance, you can increase your chances of building a successful photography business. Just don't fall for the get rich schemes seen on Social Media, Youtube and Pinterest it's just another ploy in a long line dating back to David Letterman trying to sell a monkey.