How To Start A Photography Blog [9 Steps To $10k/month]

So, you want to start a photography blog but feel overwhelmed? Maybe you’re worried about the technical side or just don’t know where to begin. I get it, I used to think the same way.

Photography blogging is a lucrative niche that can turn your passion for cameras, editing, and visual storytelling into a steady income stream. Many successful bloggers earn thousands through ads, affiliate sales, online courses, and more—all while sharing their love for the craft, according to several income reports from bloggers.

What is a Photography Blog?

A photography blog covers topics like:
✔ Gear reviews (cameras, lenses, drones, accessories)
✔ Editing tutorials (Lightroom, Photoshop, AI tools)
✔ Photography tips (portraits, landscapes, street photography)
✔ Business advice (how to sell prints, freelance gigs, pricing)
✔ Inspiration & trends (best photo spots, Instagram growth)

Beginner’s Tip: A blog is a website where you publish articles (like camera guides or editing tutorials) that rank on Google and can be shared on social media.

How to Start a Photography Blog (Fast & Easy)

1️⃣ . Pick a Sub-Niche (e.g., “Travel Photography,” “DSLR Tips,” or “Mobile Photography”)
2️⃣ . Choose a Domain & Hosting (Use HostGator for a cheap, reliable start)
3️⃣ . Set Up WordPress (Free, customizable, and SEO-friendly)
4️⃣ . Write High-Quality Posts (Solve problems—”Best Camera for Beginners,” “How to Edit Like a Pro”)
5️⃣ . Drive Traffic (SEO + Social Media: Pinterest, Instagram, YouTube Shorts)

Pro Tip: You don’t need to be tech-savvy to start—setting up a blog is as easy as managing your Facebook or TikTok account. Plus, HostGator lets you try it risk-free with their 30-day money-back guarantee. If it’s not for you, just cancel and get a full refund—no hassle.

How to Monetize & Make Money ASAP

All beginner-friendly options:

💰 Google AdSense ($500 – $3k/month with 10k+ visitors)
💰 Affiliate Marketing (Earn 4-10% on gear sales via Amazon, B&H, or Adorama)
💰 Sell Presets & Courses (Lightroom presets, photography e-books, $200 – $1,000 per product)
💰 Print Sales (Sell your photos on Etsy, Printify, or your own store)
💰 Sponsorships ($300 – $5k per post from brands like Canon, Adobe, or Peak Design)

You don’t need to be a pro—just start, stay consistent, and monetize strategically. Your income will grow over time. Ready to capture success? Let’s get started! 📸✨

What You’ll Get From This Guide

By the time you finish reading this, you will:

✅ Have Your Own Photography Blog – Fully set up and ready to publish your first post.
✅ Know What to Write About – No second-guessing; you’ll have a list of photography topics to cover.
✅ Understand How to Make Money – Learn the exact steps to monetize your blog from day one.
✅ Get Your First Readers – Know how to attract and grow an audience for your blog over time.

Starting a blog isn’t just about sharing photos—it’s about turning your passion into a profitable online business.

Let’s get started! 🚀

Essential Tools to Get Started

• 📸 A Computer – You’ll need a desktop or laptop to write posts, edit images, and manage your blog.
• 🌎 A Domain Name – This is your blog’s web address (e.g., yourphotoblog.com). Pick something catchy and photography-related.
• 🖥️ A Blogging Platform (CMS) – The best option is WordPress.org, which is beginner-friendly and customizable.
• ☁️ Web Hosting – This is where your blog “lives” online. A hosting provider like HostGator will help you launch your site quickly.

Beginner’s Tip: Use Hostgator to get started, to help keep your WordPress site online 24/7. After you sign up with HostGator, you will have easy access to wordpress within your HostGator account to install a WordPress blogging theme (a pre-built site) to start customizing your blog and publishing blog posts.

How to Start a Photography Blog That Makes Money (Step-by-Step)

In this guide, I’ll walk you through setting up your blog using HostGator, one of the best hosting services for beginners.

• Step 1: Choose a Photography Sub-Niche
• Step 2: Sign Up for HostGator to Get Started
• Step 3: Pick Your Hosting Plan
• Step 4: Choose Your Domain Name
• Step 5: Select Your Hosting Subscription Length
• Step 6: Create Your HostGator Account
• Step 7: Install WordPress
• Step 8: Choose a Photography Blog Theme
• Step 9: Customize Your Blog and Publish Your First Post

Step 1: Pick a Photography Blog Sub-Niche

Choosing a niche helps you attract a dedicated audience and build authority in your space. Instead of trying to cover everything, start with a specific type of photography and expand over time.

Here are 8 photography blog sub-niches to consider:

1. Travel Photography 🌍

Perfect for those who love capturing landscapes, cultures, and cityscapes. Travel photography blogs can feature destination guides, photography gear recommendations, and tips for taking stunning shots on the go.

📸 Blog Post Ideas:

• “10 Best Destinations for Travel Photographers”
• “How to Take Stunning Landscape Photos While Traveling”
• “Best Camera Gear for Travel Bloggers”

2. Portrait & Lifestyle Photography 📷

If you love capturing people, emotions, and everyday moments, this niche is for you. Cover portrait photography techniques, posing guides, and lighting setups.

📸 Blog Post Ideas:

• “How to Pose People Naturally for Stunning Portraits”
• “5 Tips for Capturing Emotion in Lifestyle Photography”
• “The Best Camera Settings for Perfect Portraits”

3. Wedding Photography 💍

A great niche for photographers who specialize in capturing love stories. Share wedding photography tips, editing workflows, and client management advice.

📸 Blog Post Ideas:

• “How to Capture the Perfect Wedding Ceremony Photos”
• “Essential Wedding Photography Gear Checklist”
• “How to Build a Wedding Photography Portfolio That Attracts Clients”

4. Wildlife & Nature Photography 🦅

Ideal for photographers who love capturing animals, plants, and scenic landscapes. Write about camera settings, best locations, and ethical wildlife photography practices.

📸 Blog Post Ideas:

• “Best Camera Lenses for Wildlife Photography”
• “How to Photograph Birds in Motion”
• “Top 10 National Parks for Landscape Photography”

5. Street & Urban Photography 🚶‍♂️

If you love capturing the raw essence of city life, this is for you. Share techniques for candid shots, storytelling in street photography, and must-visit locations.

📸 Blog Post Ideas:

• “How to Capture Emotion in Street Photography”
• “The Best Cameras for Street Photography (Beginner to Pro)”
• “Ethical Considerations in Street Photography”

6. Product & Commercial Photography 🛍️

This niche is great for those interested in working with brands and businesses. Cover product photography techniques, lighting setups, and editing tips.

📸 Blog Post Ideas:

• “How to Take Professional Product Photos with a Budget Setup”
• “Best Editing Techniques for E-Commerce Photography”
• “How to Get Clients as a Product Photographer”

7. Food Photography 🍽️

If you love capturing beautifully plated dishes, food photography could be your niche. Share tips on lighting, styling, and camera settings for mouthwatering shots.

📸 Blog Post Ideas:

• “The Best Lighting Setups for Food Photography”
• “How to Edit Food Photos to Make Colors Pop”
• “5 Essential Props for Stunning Food Photography”

8. Drone & Aerial Photography 🚁

Drone photography is booming! If you love capturing stunning aerial views, share drone gear reviews, legal tips, and photography techniques.

📸 Blog Post Ideas:

• “How to Take Epic Drone Shots: A Beginner’s Guide”
• “Best Drones for Photography in 2025”
• “5 Editing Tips to Enhance Your Drone Photos”

Which Photography Niche is Best for You?

✔ Excites You – Blogging requires consistency, so pick a niche you genuinely enjoy.
✔ Has an Audience – Check Google Trends, Instagram, and Pinterest to see if people are searching for your niche.
✔ Has Monetization Potential – Some niches (like wedding, product, and travel photography) attract sponsorships, affiliate deals, and ad revenue.

💡 Pro Tip: Start with a specific niche to stand out and grow faster. You can always expand later! 🚀

Step 2: Click On Our “HostGator” Discount Link

A photography blog needs high-speed hosting that supports large image files without slowing down the website. With a discounted hosting package, you can launch your blog affordably and claim a free domain name of your choice.

Step 3: Select Your Hosting Plan

For beginners, going with the least plan is just fine, as your blog is still very new and the hatchling plan can accommodate all your needs, but as your blog grows and you feel there is any need to upgrade, that is when you may need a higher plan.

Step 4: Choose your niche domain name

Your next step after picking your plan then you’ll be taken to a page where you can choose your domain and finish signing up easily.

How to choose a name for your photography blog.

• 📸 Make it Visual & Inspiring – Names like LensCrafted.com or ShutterMuse.com immediately convey photography.
• 🌅 Reflect Your Niche – Are you covering portrait photography, travel photography, or wedding photography? Use relevant words (WildLens.com for travel, BridalFrames.com for weddings).
• 📷 Keep it Short & Snappy – A name like SnapGenius.com is much better than PhotographyTipsAndTricksForEveryOccasion.com.
• 🗣 Easy to Read & Say – Avoid confusing names like Phtgraphy4U.com. Simple is best.

You can find “unique blog name ideas for your photography blog”

Step 5: Choose Your Hosting Subscription Duration

Make sure the Hatchling plan is selected on the left, and adjust your subscription to either 1 year or 36 months, depending on what fits your budget.

Step 6: Fill Your Account Details

Set up your HostGator account by entering your email address and selecting a password.

Review your order details and all the information you’ve entered to ensure it’s how you intended, and then check out.

Step 7: Within Your HostGator Account, “Install WordPress”

At the end of your HostGator sign-up, follow the on-screen instructions to complete your WordPress sign-up and installation.

Alternatively, log in to your HostGator account.

• Look for a section labeled “Websites” or “WordPress”.
• Click on it to be directed to the WordPress account creation page.
• After creating your WordPress account, you will be automatically logged in.
• Start creating blog posts and customizing your site pages.

Step 8: Choose a Theme for Your Photography Blog

Themes are pre-designed website templates that you can select, preview, and customize for your photography blog. Here’s how to find the perfect theme:

1. Go to Themes:
   • In your WordPress dashboard, hover over “Appearance” in the left sidebar and click “Themes.”
2. Explore the Theme Library:
   • You’ll find a wide selection of both free and paid themes. Use the search bar to look for themes by keyword, like “photography blog,” or browse by popular features like “grid layout” or “responsive design.”
3. Filter Your Options:
   • Narrow down your search using the filters on the left. For a photography blog, look for themes with:
     • Features: Post formats (galleries, videos), image sliders, social media integration, and customization options.
     • Layout: Clean, modern designs, grid layouts for showcasing your photos, and mobile-friendly designs.
4. Preview the Theme:
   • When you find a theme you like, hover over it and click “Preview.” This lets you see a live demo of the theme so you can check how it will look on your blog.
5. Check Reviews & Ratings:
   • Read user reviews to see how others feel about the theme’s ease of use, customization options, and support.
6. Make Sure It’s Mobile-Friendly:
   • Ensure the theme looks great on mobile devices, as many visitors will be viewing your blog on their phones. Use the preview function to check how the theme appears on different screen sizes.
7. Consider Paid Themes (Optional):
   • If you don’t find a theme you like from the free options, you can consider premium themes with more advanced features. However, if you’re just starting, it’s often best to start with a free theme until you’re more comfortable with WordPress.

Tip: Examples of WordPress Themes

Step 9: Personalize Your Photography Blog and Begin Publishing

Now it’s time to make your photography blog uniquely yours! Use your theme’s built-in customization options to tweak colors, fonts, and layouts until it feels just right for your brand.

1. Customize the Essential Pages:
   • Most themes come with pre-designed pages like “About,” “Contact,” and “Home.” These are great starting points. Personalize them with your photography style, background, and contact info to give your blog a personal touch.
2. Start Creating Content:
   • Once your pages are ready, dive into writing and publishing your first blog posts. Share your photography tips, project highlights, behind-the-scenes stories, or photo galleries.

Congratulations! You’ve built a fully functional photography blog, and it’s now live for the world to see. Your site is visible on Google, ready to attract visitors, and you can start sharing your passion for photography online!

Find High-Converting Photography Blog Post Ideas

A successful photography blog balances education, inspiration, and monetization.

Below, we break down the best post types into traffic drivers (SEO/ad-friendly) and affiliate money-makers (gear reviews, courses).

1. Traffic & SEO-Optimized Posts [Best for ads]

These attract organic traffic and ad revenue.

📸 Tutorials & How-To Guides

• “Long Exposure Photography for Beginners (Step-by-Step)”
• “How to Edit Photos in Lightroom Like a Pro”
• “10 Portrait Posing Tips for Flawless Shots”

SEO Tip: Target “how to” keywords like “how to take sharp photos in low light.”

🌍 Location-Specific Guides

• “Best Places to Take Photos in [City]” (Local SEO gold)
• “Sunrise vs. Sunset: Best Time to Shoot at [Landmark]”

Bonus: Add a Google Map embed for better engagement.

🖼️ Inspiration & Idea Lists

• “50 Creative Photography Project Ideas” (Pinterest-friendly)
• “10 Unique Wedding Photo Poses You Haven’t Tried”

Tip: 250+ Examples of Photography Blog Topic Ideas

2. Affiliate-Focused Money Posts

These directly earn commissions from gear/course recommendations.

📷 Gear Reviews & Roundups

• “Best Cameras for Travel Photography (2025 Budget to Pro)” (Amazon/Adorama links)
• “Sony A7 IV vs. Canon R6 II: Which Should You Buy?”
• “Best Lenses for Portrait Photography Under $1,000”

Must Include:
✔ Real sample images taken with the gear
✔ Pros/cons table
✔ “Who Should Buy This?” section

🛒 Software & Preset Reviews

• “Lightroom vs. Capture One: Which Editing Software Wins?” (Adobe affiliate program)
• “Best Free Lightroom Presets for Landscape Photos”

🎓 Online Course & Workshop Promos

• “MasterClass Photography Courses Ranked (Annie Leibovitz vs. Jimmy Chin)”
• “Is [Photographer]’s Editing Workshop Worth It?”

3. Content Calendar for Consistent Growth

Free Resource: 200+ Photography Blog Post Ideas

4. Tools to Speed Up Workflow

• Imagen AI – Auto-editing tool reviews
• Shotkit – Gear comparison templates
• Pexels/Unsplash – Free stock for examples

Tip: How to write a blog post step-by-step as a beginner.

Need writing help? Learn how to hire a quality blog writer to scale how often you publish blog posts.

5. Monetization Timeline

• First 3 Months: Publish 5-10 detailed gear guides (build trust).
• 3-6 Months: Add online course reviews.
• 6+ Months: Pitch brand sponsorships (camera companies, presets).

Wondering how many posts you need? 50+ quality posts = steady income.

Final Tip: Show, Don’t Just Tell

• Include your own photos (no stock images).
• Film behind-the-scenes videos (builds authenticity).
• Update old posts with new gear releases.

How to Monetize Your New Photography Blog

If you’ve just started a photography blog and published a few posts, it’s time to turn your traffic into income. Below, you’ll find a detailed, step-by-step breakdown of how to apply for monetization methods, set them up, and start earning.

💰 Method 1: Monetize with Google AdSense (Display Ads)

Step 1: Apply for Google AdSense

Display advertising is one of the easiest ways to start monetizing your photography blog. Services like Google AdSense automatically place relevant ads on your site, and you earn money whenever visitors view or click them.

✅ Before Applying:

• Have at least 10–20 high-quality blog posts (e.g., camera reviews, photography tips).
• Ensure your site has:
  • A privacy policy page.
  • No copyrighted images (use free stock photos from Unsplash/Pexels).
  • No broken links or empty pages.

🔹 How to Apply:

1. Go to Google AdSense.
2. Click “Start Now” and sign in with your Google account.
3. Enter your blog URL and select your content language.
4. Fill in your payment details (AdSense pays via bank transfer or check).
5. Submit for review (takes 24–72 hours).

📌 Approval Tips:
✔ Avoid excessive ads before approval.
✔ No AI-generated or plagiarized content.
✔ Remove any illegal/restricted content.

Step 2: Place Ads on Your Blog

Once approved:

1. Go to AdSense Dashboard → Ads → Ad Units.
2. Choose ad type (e.g., Display, In-Article, Auto Ads).
3. Copy the ad code and paste it into:
   • Header (for maximum visibility).
   • Sidebar (best for desktop users).
   • Within blog posts (after the first paragraph).
4. Use WordPress plugins (like “Ad Inserter”) for easy placement.

Step 3: Optimize Ad Revenue

• Enable Auto Ads (Google optimizes placement).
• Test different ad sizes (300×250, 728×90 perform well).
• Track performance in AdSense Analytics.

💡 Earnings Estimate:

• $5 – $15 per 1,000 visitors (RPM).
• $500 – $2,000/month with 10K–50K monthly traffic.

📌 Want higher payouts? Upgrade to Mediavine (50k+ sessions required) or use other ad networks.

🛍️ Method 2: Affiliate Marketing (Earn Commissions on Gear & Software)

Affiliate marketing lets you earn commissions by recommending photography products you love. When readers purchase through your special links, you get paid.

Why It Works for Photography Blogs:
Photographers constantly research and buy:

• Cameras, lenses, and accessories
• Editing software (Lightroom, Photoshop)
• Online courses and presets
• Print services and stock photo platforms

Step 1: Join the Best Affiliate Programs

📌 Top Programs for Photography Blogs:

Find More: High-Paying Photography Affiliate Programs

🔹 How to Apply:

1. Visit the affiliate program’s website.
2. Click “Join Now” or “Affiliate Program.”
3. Fill in your blog details (URL, niche, monthly traffic).
4. Some programs require manual approval (wait 1–3 days).

Step 2: Add Affiliate Links to Your Blog

✅ Best Places to Insert Links:

• Camera/Lens Reviews (e.g., “Sony A7 IV Review – Buy Here [Affiliate Link]”).
• “Best Of” Lists (e.g., “10 Best Lenses for Portrait Photography”).
• Tutorials (e.g., “Lightroom Presets I Use [Get Them Here]”).

💡 Pro Tip: Use Pretty Links (WordPress plugin) to shorten & track clicks.

Step 3: Boost Conversions

✔ Disclose affiliate links (FTC compliance).
✔ Compare products (e.g., “Canon vs. Nikon – Which is Better?”).
✔ Use banners (most programs provide them).

💵 Earnings Potential:

• Beginners: $700 – $2,500/month (with 5K–20K traffic).
• Advanced: $15k+/month (with SEO-optimized reviews).

📌 Need high-paying programs? Check Best Photography Affiliate Programs.

📸 Method 3: Sponsored Posts (Get Paid by Brands)

Making money through sponsored posts simply involves collaborating with photography brands to create paid posts featuring their products or services on your blog.

Here is how you can do this, but this is better done for those who have grown their blog to some extent traffic level, and it’s not ideal for beginners.

Step 1: Find Sponsorship Opportunities

🔹 Where to Get Sponsored Deals:
✔ Direct Outreach (Email brands like Canon, Nikon, Adobe).
✔ Join Influencer Platforms (e.g., Fohr, AspireIQ, Upfluence).
✔ Facebook Groups (Search “Photography Blog Collaborations”).

Step 2: Pitch to Brands

📝 Sample Email Pitch:

“Hi [Brand Name],
I run [Your Blog Name], a photography blog with [X] monthly readers. I’d love to feature [Product Name] in a sponsored post/review. My audience consists of [describe your readers]. Let me know if you’re interested in collaboration!”

💰 Pricing Guide:

• 100–500/post (for 10K–50K monthly traffic).
• $1,000+/post (for 100K+ traffic).

Step 3: Deliver & Get Paid

✔ Follow brand guidelines (some require drafts for approval).
✔ Disclose sponsorship (#Ad or #Sponsored).
✔ Track engagement (brands may rehire you).

📌 Want more strategies? Read How to Get Sponsored Deals as a Photographer.

📈 Final Tips to Maximize Earnings

✅ Publish 2–3 posts/week (more content = more traffic).
✅ Use SEO (rank for keywords like “best camera for beginners”).
✅ Repurpose content (YouTube, Pinterest, Instagram).
✅ Track income (use Google Analytics + affiliate dashboards).

🚀 Now it’s your turn! Start applying these steps today and watch your blog income grow.

📌 Need more help? Check out:

• Blogging Strategies for Photographers
• How Long Will it Take You to Make Money From Your New Blog
• How Many Blog Posts Do You Need to Publish to Make a Reasonable Income

📸 How to Promote Your Photography Blog to Increase Traffic

You’ve put in the work—stunning photo galleries, in-depth tutorials, and gear reviews that photographers actually want to read. But if your blog isn’t getting traffic, it’s like displaying your best work in an empty gallery.

The truth? Great content alone isn’t enough. You need a strategic promotion plan to attract the right readers—photography enthusiasts, aspiring shooters, and potential clients.

🚀 The Only 2 Ways to Grow Your Blog Traffic

1. 🔍 SEO (Search Engine Optimization) – Get free, consistent traffic from Google for years.
2. 📢 Social Media & Community Engagement – Build a loyal following that keeps coming back.

Let’s break these down so you can start driving real traffic today.

1. SEO: The #1 Way to Get Free, Long-Term Traffic

🔍 Keyword Research (Find What Photographers Search For)

• Use the right tools:
  • Google Keyword Planner (free)
  • Ubersuggest (affordable)
  • Ahrefs (advanced SEO tracking)
• Target high-intent keywords like:
  • “Best mirrorless camera for portraits 2025” (not just “best cameras”)
  • “How to shoot in low light without noise”
  • “Street photography settings for beginners”

📌 Pro Tip: Check our [best SEO tools for photographers] to find untapped keywords.

📝 Create Content That Ranks (And Keeps Readers Hooked)

• Write ultimate guides (e.g., “The Complete Guide to Manual Mode Photography”)
• Answer common questions (e.g., “Why Are My Photos Blurry? Fixes & Tips”)
• Optimize for featured snippets (Google loves step-by-step tutorials)

🔗 Smart Linking Strategy (Keep Readers & Google Happy)

• Internal links (e.g., link “Best Lenses for Portraits” to “Posing Tips for Beginners”)
• External links to authority sites (DPReview, PetaPixel, manufacturer guides)

🚀 On-Page SEO Must-Dos

✔ Optimize images (compress with TinyPNG, use descriptive filenames like “night-photography-settings-nikon.jpg”)
✔ Improve loading speed (slow sites kill rankings—use a fast theme)
✔ Use schema markup (helps Google display your images in search)

📖 Dive deeper: Read our [photography blog SEO checklist] for a full optimization guide.

2. Social Media: Where Photographers Hang Out (And How to Stand Out)

📌 Pinterest (Best for Blog Traffic)

• Create vertical pins (1000x1500px) with bold text overlays.
• Use keywords in descriptions (e.g., “Learn how to edit photos in Lightroom – step-by-step tutorial”)
• Join group boards like “Photography Tips & Tutorials.”

📸 Instagram (Visual Storytelling)

• Post Reels (quick tips, before/after edits)
• Use hashtags (#PhotographyTips, #LearnPhotography)
• Engage in photography challenges (#WeeklyPhotoChallenge)

Tip: How to Use Instagram to Promote Your Blog

🎥 YouTube (Massive Reach for Tutorials & Gear Reviews)

• Film behind-the-scenes shoots
• Create editing walkthroughs (Lightroom, Photoshop)
• Review cameras & lenses (high search volume!)

💬 Facebook Groups & Reddit (Community Engagement)

• Share your posts in photography groups (e.g., “Digital Photography Beginners”)
• Answer questions on Reddit (r/photography, r/AskPhotography)

📢 Want more? Read how to promote your photography blog on social media.

Bonus Traffic Boosters (Extra Strategies That Work)

✍️ Guest Posting (Get Backlinks & Authority)

• Write for photography magazines & blogs
• Include a link back to your site
  📌 Find sites: Check our best guest posting sites for photographers.

📬 Email List (Direct Traffic You Control)

• Offer a free Lightroom preset pack
• Send weekly photography tips
  📩 Learn how: Build an email list for your photography blog.

📊 Track What Works (Double Down on Success)

• Use Google Analytics to see top-performing posts
• Monitor traffic sources (SEO, social, referrals)

Must-Have Tools for Photography Bloggers

• SEO: Keysearch, SEMrush
• Photo Editing: Lightroom, Photoshop
• Social Scheduling: Tailwind (Pinterest), Buffer
• Email Marketing: ConvertKit, MailerLite

🛠 See all: [Best blogging tools for photographers].

Avoid These Common Photography Blogging Mistakes

❌ Only posting photos (no written content) → Google needs text to rank you
❌ Ignoring Pinterest → One of the best traffic sources for photo blogs
❌ Not optimizing images → Slow load times hurt SEO

📉 Learn from failures: [Why most photography blogs fail] & [Common blogging mistakes].

📅 Your Action Plan (Start Today!)

1. Optimize 3 old posts (better keywords, internal links)
   • Schedule 5 Pinterest pins for your best tutorial
2. Engage in 1 photography community daily

🚀 Want faster growth? Read [best blogging strategies for photographers].

Benefits Of Starting A Photography  Blog

Here are some of the benefits that can make you interested in starting a photography blog;

• Low Startup Cost – You can launch a professional photography blog for under $3/month with affordable web hosting like HostGator, which is cheaper than a Netflix subscription.
• High Earning Potential – Photography blogs can earn tens of thousands of dollars monthly. It might take 6 months to a year to hit $10,000 per month, depending on your strategies.
• Global Reach – You can manage your blog from anywhere worldwide, except regions with different major search engines like China and parts of Russia.
• No Academic Requirements – Unlike professional photography jobs, starting a blog doesn’t require degrees or formal experience. Success depends on following proven strategies from other successful bloggers.
• Promote Your Products – Use your blog to market photography-related products or services. This will help to increase our sales instead of going for paid ads or other means of paid advertising.

How Much Money Do Photography Blogs Make?

Here’s a breakdown of how much money photography blogs can make, categorized into beginner, average, and established blogs.

[a]. Beginner Photography Blogs

• Income: $0 – $500 per month
• Traffic: 1,000 – 10,000 visitors per month
• Number of Posts: 20 – 50 posts
• Time to Reach: 6 months – 1 year
• Common Monetization Methods:
  • Display ads (Google AdSense)
  • Affiliate marketing (camera gear, photography courses)
  • Sponsored content (camera reviews, tutorials)

Beginners often see limited income as they focus on building content and audience engagement.

[b]. Average Photography Blogs

• Income: $500 – $3,000 per month
• Traffic: 10,000 – 50,000 visitors per month
• Number of Posts: 50 – 150 posts
• Time to Reach: 1 – 2 years
• Common Monetization Methods:
  • Affiliate marketing (camera equipment, editing software)
  • Display ads (Mediavine, Ezoic)
  • Sponsored posts (camera brands, photography products)
  • Selling digital products (eBooks, presets, photography tutorials)
  • Online courses or workshops (photography techniques, editing)

Average blogs start to see consistent income through diversified revenue streams and growing traffic.

[c]. Established Photography Blogs

• Income: $3,000 – $15,000+ per month
• Traffic: 50,000 – 500,000+ visitors per month
• Number of Posts: 150+ posts
• Common Monetization Methods:
  • Premium ad networks (Mediavine, AdThrive)
  • High-ticket affiliate marketing (professional gear, premium software)
  • Selling high-value digital products (advanced courses, comprehensive guides)
  • High-value sponsored content and brand partnerships (camera brands, travel companies)
  • Selling physical products (branded prints, photography gear)

Time to Reach: 2 – 5+ years

Established blogs can generate substantial income through premium ad networks, high-ticket affiliate sales, and significant sponsorship deals.

Note: These figures provide a general overview; actual earnings can vary based on different factors.

Examples of Successful Photography Blogs

Here are some examples of photography blogs to inspire you.

[a]. The Phoblographer

Overview: The Phoblographer focuses on gear reviews and photography techniques, attracting photography enthusiasts. The blog monetizes through affiliate commissions and sponsored content.

Blog’s Insights

• Estimated Monthly Income: $5,000 – $15,000
• Monthly Traffic: 400,000+ visitors
• Number of Published Posts: 1,000+
• Monetization Methods:
  • Affiliate marketing (cameras and lenses)
  • Advertising
  • Sponsored reviews and articles

[b]. Digital Photography School

Overview: One of the largest photography blogs, Digital Photography School provides tutorials, courses, and ebooks aimed at beginners and intermediate photographers. The site generates income through affiliate sales and paid products.

Blog’s Insight

• Estimated Monthly Income: $50,000 – $100,000
• Monthly Traffic: 3 million+ visitors
• Number of Published Posts: 5,000+
• Monetization Methods:
  • Affiliate marketing
  • E-books and courses
  • Advertising
  • Sponsored content

[c]. Chase Jarvis

Overview: Chase Jarvis shares creative insights and resources for photographers, offering paid courses on photography and creative entrepreneurship.

Blog’s Insights

• Estimated Monthly Income: $10,000 – $30,000
• Monthly Traffic: 100,000+ visitors
• Number of Published Posts: 500+
• Monetization Methods:
  • Online courses and workshops
  • Affiliate marketing (photography gear)
  • Sponsored content
  • Book sales

[d]. Joe McNally

Overview: Joe McNally’s blog offers professional insights, photography tips, and behind-the-scenes stories. Monetization comes from workshops, book sales, and partnerships with camera brands.

Blog’s Insights

• Estimated Monthly Income: $7,000 – $20,000
• Monthly Traffic: 150,000+ visitors
• Number of Published Posts: 500+
• Monetization Methods:
  • Workshop and seminar sales
  • Book sales
  • Sponsored content
  • Affiliate marketing

Simplified Summary

You now have all the tools to create, grow, and profit from a successful photography blog. Here’s everything we’ve covered:

✅ Blog Setup – From choosing your photography niche to installing WordPress
✅ Content Creation – Post ideas like gear reviews, editing tutorials, and client tips
✅ Monetization – Multiple income streams including affiliates, prints, and online courses
✅ Audience Growth – SEO and social media strategies to attract photography enthusiasts

Quick Start Guide:

1️⃣ . Pick Your Niche (wedding, portrait, landscape, etc.)
2️⃣ . Sign up with HostGator (use our link for best pricing)
3️⃣ . Choose Hosting Plan (Baby plan works for new blogs)
4️⃣ . Register Domain (ex, “ShutterProTips.com”)
5️⃣ . Install WordPress (1-click setup)
6️⃣ Select Photography Theme (look for portfolio-friendly designs)
7️⃣ Create Key Pages (About, Portfolio, Contact)
8️⃣ Publish First Posts (gear reviews or shooting tutorials)

First 90-Day Plan:

• Week 1: Launch with 5 pillar posts
• Month 1: Set up Google Analytics to see your site’s traffic
• Month 2: Join Amazon Associates & photography affiliates
• Month 3: Offer presets or editing services

You can facilitate this with some blogging tools to help you scale faster.

Why Start Now?

• Photography equipment affiliates pay 5-8% commissions
• Online courses can earn $500 − $5,000 per launch
• 72% of photographers get clients through their blog

Your photography business starts today! With consistent effort, you could be making life-changing income just like some of these blog income reports.

Want to Start Another Blog and Make Money?

Check out these step-by-step guides to launch (and monetize) blogs in other niches:

Photography & Creative Arts

• How to Start a Photography Blog and Make Money
• How to Start a Wedding Blog and Make Money
• How to Start a Disney Blog and Make Money
• How to Start a Home Decor DIY Blog and Make Money

Lifestyle & Fashion

• How to Start a Fashion Blog and Make Money
• How to Start a Beauty/Makeup Blog and Make Money
• How to Start a Lifestyle Blog and Make Money
• How to Start a Travel Blog and Make Money

Business & Money-Making Blogs

• How to Start a Profitable Blog and Make Money
• How to Start a Product Review Blog and Make Money
• How to Start a Real Estate Blog and Make Money
• How to Start a Coaching Blog and Make Money

Food & Entertainment

• How to Start a Food Blog and Make Money
• How to Start a Wine Blog and Make Money
• How to Start a Music Blog and Make Money
• How to Start a Gaming Blog and Make Money

Health & Wellness

• How to Start a Health and Wellness Blog and Make Money
• How to Start a Fitness Blog and Make Money
• How to Start a Mom Blog and Make Money
• How to Start a Relationship Blog and Make Money

Tech, Sports & Education

• How to Start a Tech Blog and Make Money
• How to Start a Sports Blog and Make Money
• How to Start a Golf Blog and Make Money
• How to Start a Teaching Blog and Make Money

Unique & Niche Blogs

• How to Start an Anonymous Blog and Make Money
• How to Start a History Blog and Make Money
• How to Start an Outdoor Blog and Make Money
• How to Start a News Blog and Make Money