The highest paying photography niche in 2023 varies depending on the type of job, location, years of experience, and other factors. However, some photography niches tend to be more profitable than others.
How much photographers can make?
Here are some examples of how much photographers can make per hour or per year:
- Photographers can earn anywhere from $25 to $500 per hour, depending on their experience level, location, and the type of work they perform.
- The median annual photographer salary is $43,963.
- Assistant photographers and second shooters often command hourly rates ranging from $25 to $100.
- Photographers collaborating with institutions such as universities and corporations can secure annual incomes ranging between $35,000 and $100,000, occasionally accompanied by employment benefits.
- Full-time photographers can typically make anywhere between $30,000 and $75,000 per year, and some make even more than that.
- The average hourly salary for a photographer job in Illinois is $19.90 an hour.
- Freelance photographers can expect to earn $30 per hour or $56,000 per year.
- The 2023 average Photographer II salary in the US is $70,949.
It’s important to note that these figures are approximate and can vary depending on factors such as location, education, certifications, additional skills, and years of experience.
Additionally, the figures above do not account for unreported salaries, nor is there a clear way to differentiate between full-time and part-time photographers, creating huge variances between reported photography salaries.
What’s the highest paying photography niche
Here are some of the highest paying photography niches in 2023:
1. Commercial and Advertising Photography
Commercial and advertising photographers create images specifically for the purpose of promoting products, services, or brands. Their work is often used in advertisements, brochures, magazines, and websites.
Examples:
- Product Photography: Photographing products for advertisements, catalogs, and e-commerce websites.
- Fashion Photography: Working with fashion brands, magazines, and designers to photograph clothing, accessories, and models.
- Automotive Photography: Shooting cars for advertisements, magazines, and promotional materials.
- Images for print advertisements in magazines
- Billboards and other large-scale advertisements
Commercial photographers can earn anywhere from $50 to $500 per hour, depending on their expertise and the complexity of the shoot. High-end advertising campaigns can have budgets in the tens of thousands of dollars, with top photographers earning several thousand dollars per day.
2. Fashion Photography
Fashion photographers capture images that showcase clothing and accessories. They work closely with designers, models, and stylists to create visually striking images that appeal to consumers.
Examples:
- Editorial spreads in fashion magazines
- Catalog images for clothing brands
- Runway photography during fashion weeks
Fashion photographers can earn between $100 to $1,000 per hour, with top photographers working for major fashion magazines or brands earning even more. A single shoot for a major fashion campaign can earn a photographer $10,000 or more.
3. Wedding Photography
Wedding photographers capture the moments and emotions of one of the most important days in a couple’s life. This niche requires a mix of portrait, documentary, and event photography skills.
Examples:
- Engagement photoshoots
- Bridal portraits
- Candid shots during the wedding ceremony and reception
Wedding photographers can charge anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000 or more for a single wedding, depending on their reputation, location, and the package offered.
4. Aerial and Drone Photography
Aerial photographers capture images from an elevated perspective using helicopters, planes, or drones. This niche has grown significantly with the rise of drone technology.
Examples:
- Real estate property overviews
- Landscape and cityscape shots
- Event and wedding photography from above
Aerial photographers can charge between $100 to $500 per hour. Drone photography services for real estate or commercial purposes can range from $200 to $1,500 per session.
5. Corporate and Event Photography
Corporate photographers capture images for businesses, including headshots, event coverage, and promotional images. Event photographers, on the other hand, cover various events, from corporate functions to parties.
Examples:
- Corporate headshots for company websites
- Coverage of business conferences
- Social events like birthdays and anniversaries
Corporate and event photographers can earn between $100 to $500 per hour. Large corporate events or conventions might have budgets ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 for photography services.
6. Fine Art Photography
Fine art photographers create images that are primarily artistic expressions rather than for commercial use. These images are often sold in galleries, exhibitions, or as prints.
Examples:
- Abstract photography
- Conceptual portraits
- Landscape and nature shots with an artistic twist
- Gallery Sales: Selling prints in galleries or art shows.
- Limited Edition Prints: Offering a limited number of prints for collectors.
The earnings for fine art photographers can vary widely. While some prints might sell for $100, others, especially those by renowned photographers, can fetch prices in the tens of thousands of dollars.
Remember, while these figures provide a general overview, actual earnings can vary based on factors like location, experience, reputation, and market demand.
7. Portrait Photography
- Celebrity & Entertainment Portraiture: Photographing celebrities for magazines, promotional materials, and personal portfolios.
- Corporate Headshots: Taking professional photos for company executives and employees.
- High-End Family & Child Portraiture: Offering luxury portrait sessions for families.
8. Specialized Photography
- Architectural & Real Estate Photography: Shooting interiors and exteriors of buildings and homes.
- Underwater Photography: Taking photos underwater, often for magazines, documentaries, or luxury resorts.
9. Stock Photography
- High-Quality Niche Stock Photos: While the general stock photo market can be saturated, photographers who specialize in specific, high-demand niches can still do well.
10 Photojournalism
- Conflict & War Photography: Documenting wars and conflicts can be risky but can also be lucrative for top-tier photojournalists.
- Documentary Photography: Working on long-term projects for magazines, newspapers, or independent publications.
11. Sports Photography
- Professional Sports: Capturing images of top-tier athletes and major sporting events.
12. Science & Medical Photography
- Medical Imaging: Working with medical professionals to document procedures, conditions, and medical phenomena.
- Wildlife & Nature Photography: While many wildlife photographers work out of passion, those at the top of the field, especially those who work with major publications or on documentaries, can earn a significant income.
13. Travel Photography
- Luxury Travel & Resort Photography: Working with high-end resorts, hotels, and travel brands.
Conclusion
In summary, in 2023, the highest paying photography niches include commercial and advertising, fashion, wedding, aerial and drone, corporate and event, fine art, portrait, specialized, stock, photojournalism, sports, science & medical, and travel photography.
It’s essential to note that while these niches can be lucrative, success often requires a combination of skill, marketing, networking, and sometimes a bit of luck.
Also, it’s important to note that the wages for photographers largely depend on the type of job, location, years of experience, and other factors.
Additionally, the photography industry is always evolving, so what’s in demand today might change in the future.
While some niches tend to be more profitable than others, you can make good money in any niche if you take good photos and know how to market yourself.