How I make a living as a Street Photograher
This is a recurring question. Today I want to answer once and for all through this post.
Biker - Mexico City, 2022
First of all let me clarify a thing: not all of my earnings come from street photography, but they are a direct consequence of it. I am a published photographer. By that I mean actually published in actual editorials and commissioned as a photographer. Obviously self-publications and fanzines cannot be considered.
As a commercial photographer I do portraits and photo sessions ranging from fashion to erotica and books for professionals are part of my services. In any case, I consider this commitment and the success that I have direct consequence of my photographic style, clearly linked to a more realistic, spontaneous photography. And this undoubtedly comes from my being a street photographer.
Then I run photography experiences: my street photography workshops in Mexico City are my best selling product that you can find on my shop. Counting with over ten years of experience as a photo coach, I consider this commitment not a fallback at all but a real mission, an activity to which I undertake with the utmost commitment and passion, that passion that is stimulated by my wanting to share my experience with other photographers.
My freelance activity as photojournalist is deeply connected with my Street Photography too, by the moment my approach is of a documentary and humanist type. This allows me to never take street photography as a game but rather it is linked to an idea of documenting the human condition. And this is to the full advantage of the agencies I work with or clients who can ask me for images for magazines.
Fine Art prints are part of the business too. You can check out my shop here and maybe you can buy a print.
If you visit my shop, you will find other sources of income, from books to photographic expeditions.
Let me conclude with a reflection: there is not a formula to make a living with Street Photography. I can tell you that I have carved out a particular profile and have worked hard to maintain it. But the commitment is not over and I cannot sit down. Every holy day is a day that will take me away a lot of time, taking care of every aspect of my business: relationship with clients and other photographers, blog articles, marketing, emails, study, writing and…of course to go out and making photos! It doesn't matter if I'm busy doing my street photography or a few sessions with a client, I derive fun from everything and I always do it with passion and energy that distinguishes me, and I believe that this is one of the secrets that continues to make me obtain economic results from this way of life. Because it is a way of life. It cannot be considered just a job. It would stop, at least for me, before it even started. You have to love it seriously and know no breaks. Only through this tireless motivation do I continue to love what I do.
While others suggest to have a real job (but mine is a real job 7 days a week) I can say you that my business core allows me to make only what I love and I am getting paid for that!
