Episode 20 - Photography as a Hobby or a Business?
- Shutter Nonsense
- 3 days ago
- 5 min read
Is photography better kept as a passion, or does turning it into a business change the relationship entirely?
In this episode of Shutter Nonsense, Michael and Jeffrey dig into the real-world tradeoffs between photography as a hobby and photography as a source of income. The discussion explores what monetization actually looks like for landscape photographers, why prints and education tend to be the most common paths, and how financial pressure can quietly influence creativity, subject choice, and long-term enjoyment of the craft.
The episode also looks beyond gear and images to the less visible side of the business: financial readiness, safety nets, diversification of income, and the mental and emotional weight of being “always on.” Whether photography is something you love on the weekends or something you are trying to build into a career, this episode offers an honest framework for thinking through the decision with intention.
Highlights
Hobby vs business: what it really means to monetize photography
Common income paths for landscape photographers, including prints and education
Why portraits and events often become the first step into paid photography
The reality of saturation and competition in nature photography
The hidden workload behind monetization and being constantly “on”
Financial readiness beyond gear: savings, insurance, and unexpected expenses
Why timing matters when considering full-time photography
How monetization can influence creativity and subject choice
Balancing personal passion with work that is more marketable
When paid photography starts to pull energy away from what you love
How teaching and selling work can deepen connection with an audience
The importance of diversified income streams for long-term stability
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Contents
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Episode Summary
In this episode of Shutter Nonsense, Michael and Jeffrey explored the complexities, challenges, and rewards involved in turning a passion for nature photography into a sustainable photography business. As experienced photographers, both have traveled the nuanced landscape of balancing financial pressures with artistic passion.
The Balance of Passion and Profit
Michael and Jeffrey began their discussion by emphasizing the intrinsic challenges of monetizing their photography. Nature photography, while viewed as one of the more artistically pure forms of the craft, is also notably difficult to monetize. Profit avenues typically include selling prints and organizing workshops. However, these markets can be saturated and unpredictable, affected by everything from economic downturns to unexpected personal and global events.
Jeffrey highlighted how starting with portrait photography helped him bridge the gap between passion and profit, balancing his love for nature photography with the financial benefits of more commercial work. Both hosts agreed on the importance of finding a niche but cautioned against focusing too narrowly.
Building Multiple Income Streams
The importance of diversification was a major theme throughout the discussion. Relying on a single stream of photography income can be risky, especially as global events or economic downturns can dramatically shift market dynamics. Michael and Jeffrey advocated for a multi-pronged approach, emphasizing various income streams like selling prints, teaching workshops, securing sponsorships, and affiliate marketing, each adding stability to the often-volatile nature photography business.
For example, Michael has explored multiple avenues such as YouTube ad revenue, Patreon, and affiliate links, underscoring the necessity to adapt and evolve with industry changes.
The Importance of Connection
Monetization doesn’t solely revolve around income. Both Michael and Jeffrey find value in the relationships and connections formed through their photography ventures. Teaching others through workshops or presentations, for example, enhances their personal and professional networks, providing both social and financial benefits.
Feedback and interaction, according to them, offer growth opportunities and foster deeper connections with an audience, an indispensable advantage for anyone looking to sustain a long-term photography business.
Overcoming Challenges
Both hosts shared insights on the personal challenges encountered on their photography business journeys. Michael candidly discussed how difficult it is to maintain motivation and passion when facing financial and personal stressors. He underscored the necessity of having a solid financial strategy and mindset to weather the turbulent periods that can arise in a photography career.
Jeffrey, similarly, shared his own struggles with balancing work-life priorities and finding the right time to shift focus entirely to a nature photography career. Both emphasize the importance of planning for unexpected events and having a robust safety net.
Conclusion: Considerations for Aspiring Photographers
Michael and Jeffrey concluded their discussion with advice for those contemplating turning their photography passion into a business. They stressed thoughtful consideration of both personal and business goals and the need to remain flexible and open to change.
Nature photography as a business is as challenging as it is rewarding. Michael and Jeffrey’s experiences offer invaluable insights for photographers aiming to navigate this transition. The key lies in balancing one's artistic passion with effective business strategies to ensure both personal satisfaction and financial viability.
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We have been pursuing our passion for nature and landscape photography for over a decade each. Developing Shutter Nonsense has required plenty of time, patience, and monetary investment, all of which falls on top of our existing efforts (and expenses) to manage our nature photography businesses. Without our supporters, producing the podcast on an ongoing basis would not be possible.
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Follow your Shutter Nonsense Hosts
Michael Rung
Michael is a nature and landscape photographer based in Texas, with a deep appreciation for quiet forests and the unique character of trees. His photography often explores the subtle beauty in overlooked scenes, capturing atmosphere and emotion through careful composition and light. Michael brings thoughtful insight, honest reflections, and a grounded perspective to every episode of Shutter Nonsense.
Jeffrey Tadlock
Jeffrey is a landscape photographer from Ohio who finds inspiration in waterfalls, scenic overlooks, and the ever-changing light of the natural world. He enjoys sharing stories from the field and helping others improve their skills through practical, experience-based tips. With a passion for teaching and a love of the outdoors, Jeffrey brings clarity and encouragement to fellow photographers at all levels.