Why to Leverage Commercial Licensing for Extra Income [For Photogs]

Business Bites® with Rachel Brenke

I love helping other entrepreneurs. Business to Business. . .YES, please! I thrive off helping others get a piece of that entrepreneurship pie. And this, this is why I love adding commercial photography into my business and why I think you should too.

As photographers, we know how important visual imagery is. We are not just selling photography, but a feeling, the aesthetic, the image for the brand. Many business owners are not embracing the importance of visual imagery, but most likely, they don’t know where to start. My friend, this is where you come in.

Let me break it down for you as to why I believe you can easily bring commercial photography to your biz and why you absolutely should.⠀⠀

1. You already have clients. You may have a client (or two) that you take family photos for each year. Maybe they’re a doctor, a lawyer, or a small shop owner. Cross market! They already know your work. They already trust you with their personal photography needs. Talk to them about what you could do for their business. When you already have them in the door, they’re more likely to buy from you.

2. You are an authority as a biz owner – you can guide them and be the go-to in commercial photography. I know, I know – you’re thinking “I don’t want to be a coach”, but you already do this as a portrait photographer. You’re already giving tips on style, locations, props, etc. You have the knowledge to show business owners why photography and imagery is so important, what commercial licensing means, what to use or not to use on social, etc. ⠀

3. The potential income from commercial photography is HUGE! You can charge more for copyright transfer, or an extensive commercial license. Some business owners are just going to want all the things – well guess what – you get all the payment!

4. You already have the skills. Product photography, headshots, marketing, etc. These are things that you’ve already been doing all along in a round about way, i.e., think shoes, rings, flowers, setting up flat lays, etc. (wedding photographers) or appliances, furniture, etc., (real estate photographers). You just haven’t been selling to vendors. The market for this is huge and the possibilities are endless.⠀⠀⠀

5. You should have multiple revenue streams. If the last year and a half has taught us anything, it has proven that we need to have multiple avenues for income. In a world where many were scrambling to supplement their lost income, those that already had other avenues were able to refocus their efforts. Utilize the skills you already have and see there is more money to be made.

So, there you have it. This is your opportunity to stand out among other photographers simply by offering commercial photography, making more money and making an impact while you do it.

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