With the rise of digital photography, many amateur photographers are interested in selling their photos to earn some extra income. Bird photography in particular has seen a surge in popularity, but can you actually make money selling photos of our feathered friends? Here are some quick answers to key questions about selling bird photos.
Is there a market for bird photos?
Yes, there is definitely a market for high quality bird photos. Magazines, newspapers, websites, stock photo agencies, conservation organizations, birding groups, and private individuals may all be interested in licensing bird images. The demand is especially high for photos of rare or unusual bird species.
What types of photos sell best?
Sharp, well-composed photos showing birds in their natural habitats tend to sell best. Images of birds engaged in interesting behaviors (feeding chicks, hunting, displaying, etc.) or captured in beautiful lighting conditions are also desirable. Photos of common backyard birds can sell too, if they are unique and visually striking.
Where can I sell bird photos?
There are many options for selling bird photos, including:
- Stock photo sites like Shutterstock and iStockphoto – These sites allow you to upload photos to their libraries, set prices, and earn royalties when the images are licensed.
- Nature and birding magazines – Publications like Audubon, Bird Watcher’s Digest, and Nature Photographer accept freelance submissions.
- Conservation groups – Organizations like the National Audubon Society and Nature Conservancy sometimes buy photos for publications and fundraising.
- Book publishers – If you have enough excellent images of a certain species or birding location, you may be able to publish a photo book.
- Birding and photography websites – Some sites purchase or accept submissions of bird images.
- Photo contests – Winning images can earn cash prizes and lead to opportunities.
- Local gift shops, galleries, or festivals – You may be able to sell prints on consignment locally.
- Direct to the public via your own photography website.
What equipment do I need?
You don’t need ultra-expensive gear, but you do need a digital SLR or mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses and a telephoto lens of at least 300mm. This allows you to capture detailed bird images even at a distance. A sturdy tripod and remote shutter release are also essential pieces of equipment for minimizing blur.
How can I improve my bird photography?
Practice, patience, and persistence are key. Study bird behavior so you can anticipate opportunities for great shots. Master your camera settings and learn how factors like aperture, shutter speed, and ISO affect your images. Shoot in the best light of early morning and late afternoon. Get feedback from professional and amateur photographers to improve your technique.
How should I edit my photos?
Basic editing in photo software like Lightroom is essential. You’ll want to color correct, adjust tone and contrast, selectively sharpen details, and creatively crop images. Take care not to go overboard with editing in a way that makes photos look artificial. Most buyers want images that look natural.
What should I charge?
It depends on where you sell your photos and their quality. Stock sites generally offer 20-50% royalties on licensing fees. Magazines pay $75-$600 per image on average. Book publishers may offer advances and royalties. Check industry standards, but also consider the uniqueness and demand for your own images when setting rates.
Do I need a license or permit?
In most cases, no special licensing or permit is required if photography is just your hobby. However, you should research rules for protected wildlife areas and commercial enterprises. Some specialty fields like publishing field guides require specific credentials.
Can I make a living selling bird photos?
It’s very difficult to earn a full-time living solely from selling bird photography. Most professional bird photographers supplement income from licensing fees with other related work like leading workshops, selling prints and other products, publishing books, etc. Building a reputation over many years through hard work is key to success.
Conclusion
Selling bird photography can certainly be a rewarding pursuit and great side income for enthusiasts willing to work hard at the craft. However, it requires technical skill, knowledge of the industry, and marketing savvy. Start by researching markets, building a portfolio of diverse work, connecting with buyers, and leveraging photo sharing sites. With persistence and high quality images, you can likely find buyers and monetize your passion for bird photography.
Bird Photo Licensing Fee Table
Photo Use | Average Fee |
---|---|
Stock photo site | $20-100 per image |
Magazine editorial | $100-600 per image |
Magazine cover | $400-1,200 per image |
Book interior | $200-500 per image |
Book cover | $1,000-5,000+ per image |
Advertising | $250-1,000 per image |
Print sale | 20-50% royalties |