How to make money as a landscape photographer: Top selling tips

Turning your passion for landscape photography into a profitable venture might seem overwhelming at first. The market is competitive, and standing out can feel like a real challenge. But with creativity, persistence, and a variety of income strategies—including selling prints, offering workshops, and even entering photography contests—it’s absolutely possible to make a living from your art.

In this guide, we’ll break down proven, top-selling tips and practical strategies to help you succeed and grow your landscape photography business.

• Successful landscape photographers maximize earnings by selling prints, offering workshops, licensing images, and creating digital products like presets and ebooks.

• Platforms like Gelato simplify selling custom products (prints, calendars, and merchandise) without managing inventory or shipping logistics.

• Build a strong online presence through social media, email marketing, and collaborations to attract clients and promote your photography business.

• Selling premium products such as fine art prints, custom books, or branded merchandise helps position your work as valuable and unique.

• Building relationships with local businesses, tourism boards, and brands can open doors for commissioned work and collaborations, boosting your visibility and income.

The landscape photography market has taken giant leaps over the past decade. While traditional avenues like print sales and licensing remain strong, new opportunities have emerged with the rise of online platforms, print on demand services, and digital content creation.

From selling prints to monetizing YouTube channels, there are many ways for a landscape photographer to generate income. The key is diversification—utilizing multiple income streams to create a stable financial foundation.

Whether you're just starting or looking to expand your revenue streams, these 18 income strategies will help you transform your passion into profit.

1. Sell prints

Selling prints of your best work is a great way to make money as a landscape photographer. People love to decorate their homes and offices with beautiful images of nature, making high-quality prints in high demand.

To start, you’ll need a platform to sell your prints. You can create a website or use third-party print on demand services. These services, like Gelato, handle the production and shipping of prints. This lets you focus on taking and editing stunning photos without worrying about logistics. 

It’s crucial to ensure your images are print-ready, which means high resolution, carefully edited, and suitable for large-format printing.

Gelato’s print on demand service allows you to sell custom wall art without managing inventory or shipping. With impressive global reach, it handles everything from printing to delivering your artwork to customers.

2. Sell photo calendars

Calendars are a practical and visually appealing product, making them a great way to earn extra income. You can feature your landscape photos each month, making it a year-round showcase of your best work.

Designing a calendar doesn’t have to be complicated. With platforms like Gelato, you can easily create and sell custom photo calendars using templates that best highlight your images. Plus, calendars are popular around the holidays, which makes them a great seasonal product.

3. Design greeting cards

Your landscape photography can make stunning greeting cards, perfect for holidays, birthdays, or special occasions. Nature scenes often evoke feelings of serenity, making them a popular choice for heartfelt messages.

Creating and selling greeting cards can be done on platforms like Etsy or using a print on demand service like Gelato. You can design cards for various occasions, adding your unique touch with compelling captions or quotes that complement your images.

4. Create branded merchandise

Branded merchandise featuring your landscape photography can expand your income streams. Products like mugs, t-shirts, phone cases, and tote bags offer affordable and practical items that people love to use daily.

To get started, use platforms like Gelato, which offer a wide range of customizable products. Simply upload your images and create unique designs that appeal to your audience. This approach allows you to offer a variety of items without holding inventory.

5. Publish a coffee table photo book

Publishing a coffee table book is a fantastic way to showcase your best landscape photography in a tangible, curated format. These books are often seen as collectors’ items, perfect for display in homes and offices.

If you have a solid following, you can self-publish using platforms like Blurb or even Gelato’s photo book printing services. You could even approach a publisher if you’ve developed a substantial portfolio. Pricing for coffee table books tends to be higher, but they can be a profitable investment with the right audience.

6. Offer photography workshops

Once you’ve gained experience and built a solid portfolio, offering workshops can be a great way to supplement your income. Many people are eager to learn landscape photography but may not know where to start. 

While workshops can be in-person or virtual, topics could range from photography basics like composition and lighting to more advanced techniques like long exposures and post-processing. If you’re comfortable teaching, this can become a significant revenue stream.

7. License your images

Licensing your landscape photography to stock photography websites, publishers, and brands is another way to earn passive income. Platforms like Adobe Stock, Getty Images, or Alamy allow you to add photos and earn royalties any time someone downloads or licenses your image.

Though stock photography can be competitive, unique and high-quality images that offer something different from the typical fare will stand out. 

8. Create and sell photography ebooks

If you have the knowledge to share or want to showcase your best photos in a digital format, creating a photography ebook can be a great way to make money. Topics could include landscape photography techniques, location guides, tips on editing, or even a marketing handbook on how to sell landscape photos. You can sell your ebooks on your website or through platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing.

By creating multiple ebooks over time, you can build a passive income stream, reaching audiences all over the world. 

9. Shoot commissioned landscapes

Some clients or companies prefer bespoke images tailored to their specific needs. Real estate companies, hotels, and tourism boards may commission you to shoot particular landscapes for marketing materials. Commissioned work usually pays more than selling stock photos or prints, but it requires careful coordination and delivery of client expectations. 

10. Partner with tourism boards

Tourism boards are always looking for fresh nature photos to showcase their region’s natural beauty. By partnering with local or national tourism boards, you could land paid gigs to shoot promotional material. These partnerships often come with opportunities to travel and work in stunning locations.

11. Sell photography presets

Presets for editing software like Adobe Lightroom are popular among photographers and hobbyists looking to streamline their editing process. If you have a unique editing style, creating and selling your own set of presets can be an easy way to generate passive income. You can sell them through your website, Etsy, or photography platforms like Gumroad.

12. Offer online courses

Online courses are another excellent way to monetize your knowledge and experience. With platforms like Teachable or Udemy, you can create and sell comprehensive courses on all the aspects of landscape photography—from shooting techniques to post-processing.

The beauty of online courses is that you can record the material once and sell it indefinitely. As your course grows in popularity, so will your income.

13. Collaborate with brands

Outdoor gear, photography equipment companies, and travel brands are often on the lookout for talented photographers to collaborate with. These collaborations might involve sponsored posts, product reviews, or social media partnerships, and they often come with attractive pay.

To get started, pitch your services to companies that align with your photography style and audience. Social media is an excellent tool for building relationships with brands.

14. Create time-lapse videos

Time-lapse photography is a powerful way to capture the beauty of changing landscapes. These videos are popular in commercials, documentaries, and social media campaigns. You can sell your time-lapse videos to media companies or directly to clients like tourism boards or environmental organizations.

15. Launch a Patreon page

Patreon allows creators to earn money from their most dedicated fans through monthly subscriptions. By offering exclusive content such as behind-the-scenes footage, photography tips, or limited-edition prints, you can build a steady income from loyal supporters.

16. Provide editing services

If you’re proficient in photo editing, offering editing services to other photographers or businesses can be a lucrative side hustle. Many people lack the time or skills to perfect their landscape photos, making this a valuable service.

17. Build a successful YouTube channel

YouTube offers several ways to monetize your content, including ad revenue, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing. You can create a channel focusing on tips, gear reviews, or vlogs about your adventures in nature photography. Though it takes time to grow a channel, once you gain a following, it can become a significant income source.

18. Write articles

Writing articles about landscape photography for blogs, magazines, or websites can provide both income and exposure. Many photography and travel websites pay for content, and including your photos in the articles gives you a dual opportunity to sell your work and expertise.

Maximizing your income as a landscape photographer isn’t just about taking beautiful shots—it requires smart strategies that go beyond the camera.

Let’s explore the techniques that can truly make a difference.

1. Diversify your income streams

Having multiple sources of income helps stabilize your business, especially in an unpredictable market. Here are some ways to diversify:

• Sell physical products: Offer prints, calendars, photo books, and branded merchandise through print on demand services like Gelato.

• Offer services: Photography workshops, editing services, and private commissions provide consistent revenue and expand your expertise.

• Digital products: Create photography presets, ebooks, and online courses that can be sold on platforms like Gumroad, Udemy, or your website.

• Licensing: License your images to stock photography sites or directly to brands and tourism boards for promotional use.

2. Invest in self-promotion and marketing

A strong marketing strategy is essential for attracting clients and growing your photography business. Focus on these areas:

• Social media presence: Build an engaging Instagram, YouTube, or TikTok presence to showcase your work and attract followers. Consistently post behind-the-scenes content, photography tips, and beautiful landscape shots.

• Email marketing: Grow an email list by offering freebies like wallpapers or tips in exchange for sign-ups. Regularly send newsletters to your audience to promote new products, workshops, and special offers.

• Content marketing: Start a blog or YouTube channel where you share photography tutorials, gear reviews, and travel stories. These platforms can also bring in additional revenue through ad monetization, affiliate marketing, and sponsored content.

3. Collaborate with other creatives

Partnering with other professionals can expose you to new audiences and create exciting business opportunities:

• Collaborate with brands: Work with outdoor gear or travel brands on social media campaigns, photo shoots, or sponsored blog posts. This expands your reach and generates income through brand partnerships.

• Co-host workshops: Partner with other photographers or local businesses to co-host workshops or events, which can bring in more attendees and increase profitability.

• Join photography networks: Engage with communities of photographers, either online or in-person, to exchange ideas, receive feedback, and uncover potential job opportunities.

4. Network and build relationships

In photography, networking is critical for generating leads and building your reputation. Some networking strategies include:

• Attend industry events: Photography conferences, exhibitions, and art fairs offer great networking opportunities. Build connections with gallery owners, brand representatives, and fellow photographers.

• Leverage local networks: Partner with local businesses like cafes, hotels, and tourism boards that may need landscape images for their marketing or decor. Offer to display your work or shoot commissioned projects.

• Engage with clients: Keep in touch with past clients through personalized follow-ups or exclusive offers. A good relationship can lead to repeat business or referrals.

5. Build a strong online portfolio

Your website is the hub of your business and the first impression many clients will have of your work. Key tips for your portfolio:

• Showcase your best work: Select your most compelling landscape images and organize them into a clean, user-friendly portfolio.

• Optimize for SEO: Use targeted keywords (e.g., "landscape photography," "fine art prints") to help potential clients find your site through search engines.

• Enable ecommerce: Incorporate an online store on your website where customers can easily buy prints, books, or other products. Platforms like Shopify or Squarespace make this process easy to set up.

6. Focus on high-quality work and customer experience

Delivering exceptional quality, both in your photography and customer service, will set you apart from the competition:

• Invest in equipment: High-quality gear and editing software are essential for producing professional-level images that clients want to buy.

• Customer experience: From the buying process on your website to communication and packaging, ensure every step is smooth and satisfying for your clients. Positive reviews and word-of-mouth can significantly boost your business.

7. Price your work strategically

Pricing can make or break your ability to sell products or book services. Consider these tips:

• Research competitors: Look at the pricing strategies of similar photographers in your niche to understand market expectations.

• Value your time and skill: Don’t undersell yourself—price your products and services based on the value of your work, time spent, and the quality of your portfolio. Higher prices can position your work as premium, which can attract clients looking for quality.

• Offer tiered pricing: Provide different price points for various products or services. For example, you can offer small prints at an affordable price and larger, limited-edition prints at a premium rate.

Growing your landscape photography business with Gelato is a smart way to expand your reach without the complexities of managing inventory and shipping. Gelato's print on demand services allow you to sell high-quality prints, calendars, and other custom products, like t-shirts, wall art, mugs, and phone cases, to a global audience. 

Our tiered subscription plans offer scalable options to meet different business needs. 

Ready to turn your photography into profit? Sign up for Gelato today and grow your photography business with ease!

Is it hard to be a professional landscape photographer?

Yes, being a professional landscape photographer is challenging due to high competition, the need for diverse skills (shooting, editing, marketing), and financial uncertainty from inconsistent income streams. Success requires dedication, creativity, and diverse revenue strategies like print sales, workshops, and collaborations to build a sustainable business.

What landscape photos sell best?

Landscape photos with dramatic lighting, unique compositions, and vivid colors sell best. Popular subjects include sunsets, mountains, forests, and seascapes. Images that evoke emotion or tell a story, such as misty mornings or striking contrasts in nature, tend to attract more buyers and generate higher sales.

How much should I charge for landscape photos?

Pricing for landscape photos depends on the market, your experience as a professional photographer, and the format. For prints, prices can range from $100 to over $1,000 for fine art. Digital licensing fees vary widely, starting around $50 for small uses, but larger or exclusive licenses can garner much more.