Why Photography is a Fantastic Side Hustle (And How to Get Started)
Over the years, I’ve met countless people looking for ways to bring in a little extra income—some to get ahead financially, others to pay off debt, and some just to be able to afford that long-overdue vacation. And here’s what I often tell them: What if your side hustle could be something you actually enjoy? Something that allows you to meet new people, see the world a little differently, and express that creative spark that’s been waiting to be rekindled?
That’s where photography comes in. The image below is a screen print of a text from Jessica, a student of mine in Calgary. She LOVES photography and she’s thrilled that people are starting to pay her to do it!
Whether you’re working a full-time job, managing a household, or juggling both, photography is one of those rare side hustles that can not only fit into your schedule but also breathe a bit of life and joy back into your routine.
Let’s talk about why.
Photography: More Than Just a Hobby
I’ve been around the photography world long enough to know that what starts as a “fun thing to try” often becomes a passion. But more than that—it becomes profitable.
Today’s world runs on visuals. Businesses need sharp product photos. Realtors want great listing images. Professionals are looking for polished headshots. Pet owners? Well, they want their furry friends captured like royalty.
What this means is that there’s real, growing demand for people who know how to take a good photo—and not just good, but excellent. The kind that gets people to stop scrolling, to click, to buy, or simply smile.
If you’ve ever thought, Could I make money doing this? the answer is, yes—you really can.
The Joy of the Side Hustle
Let’s be honest: side hustles are not all created equal.
Some are purely about money—deliver this, sell that, hustle-hustle-hustle. There’s nothing wrong with that, but I’ve always believed that the best kind of work is the kind that also feeds your soul.
Photography gives you that chance.
You get to tell stories through images. You get to notice details that others miss—the way sunlight hits someone’s hair just right, the pride in a small business owner’s eyes as they hold their product, or the wag of a happy dog’s tail in a golden-hour glow.
You also get to meet people from all walks of life. Every shoot is a new connection, a new story, a new experience. And over time, your client list grows. Your skillset grows. Your confidence grows.
That’s the magic of a side hustle that aligns with your passions—it becomes more than a hustle. It becomes a calling.
But I Don’t Know Where to Start…
If you’re reading this and thinking, Well, that sounds great, but I don’t even know how to use my camera, don’t worry—you’re not alone.
That’s exactly why we created Learn Photography Canada.
Our mission is simple: to help everyday people become confident photographers through in-person, hands-on workshops. No online fluff. No guessing. Just real-world experience with an instructor by your side, guiding you every step of the way.
Whether you’re just starting out or wanting to sharpen your skills, we’ve got workshops that fit your pace and your schedule. The best part? You don’t have to wait for a weekend. We offer workshops any day of the week—yes, weekdays too—so even shift workers or busy parents can find a time that works.
We cover all the fundamentals: how to use your camera in manual mode, how to work with natural light, how to compose beautiful shots, and how to photograph people, products, pets—you name it. It’s practical, it’s personal, and most importantly—it’s doable.
Flexible Shoots for Busy Schedules
One of the best parts of turning photography into a side hustle is that you can build it around your life, not the other way around.
Have evenings free? Offer golden-hour mini sessions at the park. Weekends available? Schedule pet portraits or family sessions. Want to keep it simple during the week? Headshots and product photography can be done in under an hour.
Here are just a few of the high-demand photography niches that are perfect for side hustlers:
- Headshots – More people are working remotely, building their personal brands, and needing fresh, professional-looking photos.
- Product Photography – Small businesses are everywhere, and they need beautiful images for their websites and social feeds.
- Pet Photography – It’s not just a trend. People love their pets like family—and they’ll gladly pay to have high-quality memories captured.
- Event Photography – From baby showers to small business launches, there’s no shortage of moments that need documenting.
Once you’ve got a few shoots under your belt, referrals start rolling in. Your reputation grows—and so does your income.
The Extra Income (And Confidence) You Didn’t Know You Needed
For some, photography brings in a couple hundred extra dollars a month—enough to cover groceries or tuck away for a vacation. For others, it grows into a thriving business.
But beyond the dollars, something else happens: you grow.
You start seeing the world differently. You start showing up more confidently. You’re no longer “just” doing your 9-to-5. You’re building something on the side—something that reflects your creativity, your ambition, and your joy.
That changes how you walk into a room. That changes how you see yourself.
So, Is Photography Right for You?
Only you can answer that. But if you’ve ever:
- Felt drawn to creative work
- Wanted to earn extra income without clocking into another job
- Enjoyed connecting with people or telling stories
- Thought “I’d love to try photography someday”
…then I’d say: why not make someday today?
At Learn Photography Canada, we’d love to help you get started. Our workshops are fun, welcoming, and built for real people—just like you—who want to learn something new and maybe even change the course of their future.
So take the leap. Dust off that camera. Join a workshop. And discover the joy (and income!) a photography side hustle can bring.
📸 Ready to get started? Call 1.888.734.2641 or Visit Learn Photography Canada to find a workshop near you. Your creative journey—and your new side hustle—starts here.