Making Money with Photos

Wildlife control operators (WCOs) and pest control operators (PCOs) make their money providing vertebrate and pest control services to their clients. But most do not know about or perhaps are afraid of making money with photos. That’s right. WCOs and PCOs can make money with photos they take on the job. How is that possible? Let me provide several ways it can be done.

1. 1. Use photos on your website.  Too many times, people populate their websites with photos “borrowed” from someone else. I have had this happen to me. I visited a site only to see my photo being used on another person’s site without permission. If you are doing the work anyway, why not use your own photos to drive money (i.e., customers) to your site? In addition, using your own photos will save you money by avoiding lawsuits for copyright infringement.
   2. Sell your photos to other businesses. This should be obvious. Sometimes people “borrow photos” because they can’t find the photos for sale. I have encountered this problem. I have needed photos of this or that (for a list of photos I am looking for visit Photos Wanted). It is amazing how “fearful” PCOs and WCOs are about selling their photos. I can’t completely explain why, but there really shouldn’t be any fear. Here is why. Don’t sell ownership rights to the photos. Sell non-exclusive use rights to the photos. Use rights just means that the purchaser can use the photo for his/her needs. But you the owner, can use the photos for your own purposes as well as sell them again. It’s easy. Granted you don’t make as much money with photos sold with non-exclusive use rights but you are not selling the complete value either. In addition, watermark your photos when you sell them so that your name/business is always mentioned with the photo. Again that lowers the price of the photo but you will get some marketing out of it as well. It’s your call. If you would like to have your photos watermarked, contact me. I provide watermarking services.
   3. How much money can you make with photos? I am not claiming you will become rich selling your photos. But it may help you buy dinner with your spouse. I have paid anywhere from 10 to 30 dollars for the use rights to photos. As I recall, one photographer made over 300 dollars on my purchase of his photos. I would love to buy more photos but, as I said before, too many WCOs and PCOs are afraid of selling their photos.

Hopefully, this post will help you get over the fear regarding making money with photos.

Stephen M. Vantassel, CWCP, ACE, is the owner of Wildlife Control Consultant, LLC. He helps people restore their balance with nature through publishing, training, consulting, and the internet. He has published numerous articles in trade and academic publications available at {Stephen’s Academia.edu Page} along with several books {WCC Store}). Listen to his podcast “Living the Wild Life” at {Pest Geek Podcast}. Please subscribe to {Stephen’s YouTube Channel} He is a sought after speaker and trainer. If you would like to have Stephen speak at your event or use his consultation services, send an e-mail to [email protected] Copyright All postings are the property of Stephen M. Vantassel and Wildlife Control Consultant, LLC. Text (not images) may be reprinted in non-profit publications provided that the author and website URL is included. If images wish to be used, explicit and written permission must be obtained from Wildlife Control Consultant, LLC.