Key Takeaways
- You can make money with nature and landscape photography through multiple income streams like prints, stock photography, workshops, and editorial licensing.
- Start by building a strong, niche-focused portfolio with high-quality, well-composed images of local or iconic outdoor scenes.
- Sell your work online using platforms like Etsy, Adobe Stock, or your own website, and promote it through social media and email marketing.
- Don’t rely on just one method—diversify your revenue sources to stay consistent year-round.
- Invest in basic gear, practice smart shooting techniques, and treat your photography like a real business—with pricing, planning, and marketing.
- You don’t need to be a pro to start. With passion, strategy, and persistence, it’s 100% possible to turn your love for nature into a sustainable income.
Hey there, I’m excited to share my journey and lessons from turning a passion for taking pictures of nature into a real income stream.
If you’ve ever wondered how to earn money from nature photography, sell landscape photography, or make money with outdoor photography, you’re in the right place.
This is your complete guide to making money photographing nature—from selling prints to running workshops. I’ll keep it honest, practical, and based entirely on what’s worked for me.
Reasons why nature photography can be profitable:
- Stock photo demand for blogs, websites, and ads
- Wall art and home decor opportunities
- Social media monetization
- Travel and tourism content needs
- Licensing and brand partnerships
1. My Foundation: Capturing What Sells
Shoot Iconic & Local Scenes
I remember trying to replicate jaw‑dropping photos of famous waterfalls and mountain vistas early on. But time and again, prints of a modest waterfall from my hometown gallery sold out faster than anything else.
Lesson learned: local landmarks connect emotionally with buyers, even more than grand vistas
Vertical & Horizontal Versions
On a trip to Glacier, I photographed the same scene in both orientations. That vertical shot later got used on a Montana tourism guide cover—because sometimes clients want vertical! Always shoot both formats.
Also Read: https://yourguruu.com/make-money-in-the-winter/
14 Real and Proven Experiences to Make Money with Nature Photography in 2025:
1. Selling Prints
I launched my own online print shop. To actually make sales, I ran promotional campaigns, built a simple funnel with social media → email → shop, and curated my best pieces only . Spoiler: less is more—6–12 top prints per collection work better than overwhelming catalogs.
Various Formats to Sell your Prints.
- Framed prints
- Canvas
- Posters
- Calendars
- Photo books
Platforms to Sell Your Prints:
Why Prints Sell
There’s something timeless about a beautiful landscape photo. People love bringing nature into their homes and offices, especially when it’s a view they feel connected to.
My Strategy
- I chose 10-15 of my best high-res images (sunsets, mountain vistas, forests after rain).
- I used a combination of print-on-demand platforms (like Fine Art America and Redbubble) and local printing partners.
- I framed a few prints and brought them to local art fairs and markets.
What Works:
- Use high-quality paper or canvas.
- Offer framed and unframed options.
- Tell the story behind each photo—it adds emotional value.
2. Stock Photography
Stock sites—Alamy, Adobe Stock, and niche wildlife libraries—provide passive income. But remember, general stock pays much per image; specialised nature stock (like Nature Picture Library) pays better but is more competitive.
Getting Started with Stock
Stock photography isn’t fast money, but solid passive income if you build it consistently. I upload my images to:
- Adobe Stock
- Shutterstock
- Alamy
- Getty Images
Key Tips:
- Focus on universal scenes (paths through woods, sunrise over water, calm landscapes).
- Add descriptive, keyword-rich metadata.
- Upload consistently—volume matters.
Over time, my library of 500+ images now brings in monthly revenue without lifting a finger.
3. Create and Sell Digital Products
Your Knowledge is Valuable
Once I got consistent results in editing, I created:
- Lightroom presets (sold on Etsy and Gumroad)
- A PDF eBook on landscape composition
- A video course on nature photography basics (hosted on Skillshare)
Why It Works:
- People want shortcuts.
- Digital products scale—make it once, sell forever.
- You can bundle: presets + tutorial = higher value.
Tools I Use:
Also Read: https://yourguruu.com/make-money-from-memes/
4. Sponsored Content & Brand Deals
Building Influence
With a growing Instagram and blog following, outdoor brands started noticing my work. I’ve worked with:
- Camera gear companies
- Outdoor clothing brands
- National tourism boards
How to Get Sponsorships:
- Grow your audience organically.
- Create engaging reels and behind-the-scenes posts.
- Send pitches with stats: engagement rates > followers.
My first deal paid $300 for a blog post and two IG stories. Now, I charge up to $1,000 per campaign.
5. Selling to Tourism Boards & Magazines
I pitched photos plus story ideas to travel and nature magazines. Even with slim budgets, they often buy multiple images per assignment.
Who Buys Nature Photos?
- Travel agencies
- National parks
- Regional magazines
- Eco-tourism websites
I created a portfolio deck (PDF) and emailed editors and marketing directors. Many never replied—but some did.
What Helped:
- Beautiful, local-focused photography
- Clear licensing terms
- Fast communication and delivery
6. Running Photography Workshops & Tours
Once I had a solid portfolio, I started offering one‑day field workshops, teaching composition, gear handling, and post-processing. These are high‑value and fun experiences to lead—an even better income source than prints.
Turning Teaching into Profit
If you know your camera and love the outdoors, you can teach others. I run:
- One-day landscape workshops in national parks
- Weekend nature retreats with hands-on editing sessions
How I Launched:
- I scouted 2-3 easy-to-access, photogenic locations.
- I planned sunrise shoots, midday lessons, and golden hour sessions.
- I charged $100 per person, limited to 6 students.
What You Need:
- A structured plan (PDF itinerary helps)
- Example shots for inspiration
- Patience and good communication
Also Read: https://yourguruu.com/earn-money-under-the-table/
7. Calendars & Merch
A local artisan calendar company bought several of my waterfall images. I also sell canvases and photo‑inspired greeting cards at local craft fairs, which is great for brand exposure.
8. Sell NFTs of Your Outdoor Photos
This is a niche market but can be profitable. Create digital art NFTs from your landscape photography, then list them on platforms like:
- OpenSea
- Foundation
- SuperRare
Remember: NFTs are volatile and require research.
9. Collaborate with Travel Influencers and Bloggers
Offer your nature photography services to travel influencers who need content for their blogs, social media, or courses. Many will pay or credit you for professional imagery.
You can also barter: offer a photo shoot in exchange for a mention or affiliate link.
10. License Your Photos for Commercial Use
You can make money photographing nature by licensing images to:
- Magazines
- Travel websites
- Environmental organizations
- Ad agencies
Use platforms like Picfair or negotiate custom licenses directly through your portfolio site.
11. Entering Competitions & Exhibiting Your Work
Exposure = Opportunity
Photography contests are more than just trophies. Winning or even being shortlisted:
- Adds credibility
- Gets your name out
- Brings prize money or publishing offers
I’ve entered:
- Outdoor Photographer of the Year
- National Geographic Your Shot
- Local art exhibitions
What to Expect:
- Competition is tough—submit your very best work.
- Read submission guidelines closely.
- Be open to feedback and rejection.
Also Read: https://yourguruu.com/write-and-earn-money/
12. Teach Outdoor Photography (Online or In-Person)
If you have solid photography skills, others will pay to learn from you.
You Can Offer:
- Local workshops in parks or trails
- Online courses on platforms like Udemy or Skillshare
- 1-on-1 coaching sessions
- Guided photo walks
13. Start a Nature Photography Blog or YouTube Channel
Love storytelling? Combine your outdoor photography with blogging or vlogging to build an audience and income.
Share What You Know
I started blogging to document my trips, but it became a real income stream. Here’s how:
- Blog = SEO traffic = print and course sales
- YouTube = affiliate revenue + sponsorships
Topics I cover:
- Gear reviews
- Photo editing tutorials
- Hikes and the best photography spots
If you enjoy writing or video, this is a great long-term strategy.
Monetisation Options:
- Affiliate marketing (gear reviews, camera equipment)
- Ads (Google AdSense, Ezoic)
- Selling digital products (presets, tutorials)
- Sponsored content
You don’t need millions of followers to earn. A niche audience that values your content is more than enough.
Also Read: https://yourguruu.com/earn-money-with-a-van/
14. Offer Photography Services to Outdoor Brands
If you enjoy adventure and travel, pitch your nature photography services to:
- Outdoor clothing brands
- Travel companies
- Eco-tourism agencies
- National parks
Create a media kit showcasing your work. Instagram can be a great portfolio.
Getting Paid for Assignments
I pitched my work to:
- Outdoor brands for catalogues
- Local resorts and eco-lodges for website imagery
- Adventure tour companies
This freelance income now makes up 20-30% of my revenue.
Tips:
- Always overdeliver.
- Get clear contracts.
- Stay professional.
2. Sharpening My Craft & Brand
Gear
I invested in a full‑frame camera, a sharp lens (24–70 mm), a sturdy tripod, ND filters, and a polariser—basics for landscape sharpness and professionalism
Timing & Composition:
Golden hours, small apertures (f/8–11), tripod use, and careful rules of thirds—my secret sauce
Niche Research
I studied top photographers, analysed why their shots stood out—without copying—then defined my own style.
3. Protecting Your Work
Copyright & Legal
Don’t skip this. I register my best images with copyright offices (or use services like Pixsy to monitor usage). This helps:
- Prevent image theft
- License images professionally
- Enforce rights when misused
Watermarking isn’t always necessary, but keep metadata intact.
Also Read: https://yourguruu.com/make-money-with-woodworking/
4. Setting Up for Success
Business Planning:
I drafted a simple business plan: Define my target audience (travellers? locals?), budget goals, and pricing for prints/workshops, then track performance monthly.
Website & Sales Funnel:
My minimal‑design site focuses on visuals, an email signup, and occasional limited‑time offers. Funnels work: social → newsletter → sale.
Marketing:
I use Instagram for reach, email campaigns for followers-to-buyers conversion, and attend local markets to connect face‑to‑face. Stunning visuals attract attention; stories sell prints.
5. Pricing & What Sells Best
- Prints: Landscape art sells best—wide scenes, colourful vistas, iconic landmarks.
- Wildlife: Close-up critters with clean bokeh draw emotional interest
- Stock: Popular uses include web backgrounds, magazine illustrations, and marketing materials.
- Workshops/tours: Price per day, including value: hands-on coaching, locations, and group size.
- Editorial: Assignments often pay based on complexity; a spread with five images can mean serious revenue.
6. Scaling Up with Diversification
- License royalty-free via stock.
- Sell limited-edition prints with exclusive rights.
- Teach workshops, host tours.
- Partner with brands as affiliates or ambassadors.
- Write articles or e-books, pitch to magazines.
- Expand into calendars, photo cards, and merchandise.
This mix lets you earn year-round—and cushions against slow seasons.
Also Read: https://yourguruu.com/learn-and-earn-profits-online/
🛠️ Tools You’ll Need to Succeed
You need more than a camera to make money with outdoor photography.
Essential Tools:
- DSLR or mirrorless camera (or high-end smartphone)
- Tripod for stability
- Editing software (Lightroom, Photoshop)
- Website or online portfolio
- Backup tools (external drive, cloud storage)
- Social media accounts (Instagram, Pinterest)
🌐 SEO Tips to Get Found Online
To boost your chances of selling or getting gigs, your photos and website must be search engine optimised.
SEO Strategies for Nature Photographers:
- Use alt text and descriptive titles (e.g., “snowy-mountain-range-sunset.jpg”)
- Write blogs on trending outdoor topics (e.g., “Best Hikes in [Location] for Landscape Photography”)
- Target long-tail keywords like:
- How to make money with nature photography
- Sell landscape photography online
- Best outdoor photography side hustles
- How to make money with nature photography
- Create pins for Pinterest using your best shots and link to your blog or shop
💡 Tips to Stand Out as a Nature Photographer
The world is full of outdoor photographers, but you can stand out with:
- Unique angles and lighting
- Capturing emotion and movement
- Exploring lesser-known locations
- Telling a story behind the image
- Being consistent with your editing style
Don’t just snap photos. Show the journey.
🎯 Real Success Stories
- David Johnston – Built a successful nature photography business and sells courses and presets.
- Daniel Kordan – Sells landscape prints worldwide and collaborates with top brands.
- Elia Locardi – Combines travel blogging with stunning nature photography and teaches globally.
These photographers prove it’s possible to make money with landscape photography if you’re committed and strategic.
Final Thoughts: It’s Real, But Not Easy
If you’re serious about making a living photographing nature, you need to take action. Choose a path — prints, teaching, or selling stock — and go for it. You’ll learn what works for you, hone your vision, and grow as an artist and entrepreneur.
When I started five years ago, I needed a full-time commitment to my art to make it a full-time career. But I would do it all over again in a millisecond.
There’s nothing better than a career you love, which involves being self-employed (your own boss), living alone in the woods, waiting for the perfect conditions, and having a camera in your pocket at all times.
Nature photography won’t necessarily make you rich overnight, but with some smart work, a handful of great images, and consistent hard work, you can build a steady stream of income. It offers many streams of income, potentially including prints, stock, editorial, workshops, and retail.
So, grab your camera, get out into the world, and start shooting the beauty of nature because someone out there will pay you for what you see.
Read More: https://yourguruu.com/make-money-as-a-kid/
FAQs
1. Can you make money with nature photography?
Yes, you can! Many photographers earn income by selling prints, licensing images for stock photography, offering photography workshops, or publishing work in magazines and online media.
2. How do I start selling landscape photography?
Start by building a portfolio of your best work, creating a professional website, and signing up for platforms like Etsy, Fine Art America, or your own Shopify store. Promote your photos through social media and SEO-driven blog content.
3. What type of nature photos sell best?
Vivid landscapes, dramatic lighting, iconic locations, wildlife portraits, and unique seasonal scenes tend to perform well in both print and stock photography markets.
4. How much can you earn from outdoor photography?
Earnings vary widely. Some photographers make a few hundred dollars a month from stock sales, while others earn thousands from prints, client work, or photography tours. Diversifying income streams is key.
5. Where can I sell my nature photos online?
Popular platforms include Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, Alamy (for stock), Etsy and Fine Art America (for prints), and your own website or blog for direct sales and licensing.
6. How do landscape photographers make money?
Landscape photographers earn money through print sales, stock photo licensing, client work, workshops, photo tours, brand collaborations, and publishing in magazines or blogs.
