Adventure photography is exciting, creative, and deeply rewarding — but it’s also a business. One of the best ways to keep your photography career sustainable is to create multiple revenue streams. Not everything will be “hot” all the time, so having different income sources gives you balance, consistency, and room to grow.
Here’s how I personally break down my income streams:
1. Passive Income (low effort, long-term returns)
These are the revenue streams that keep working in the background with little ongoing effort. For adventure photographers, passive income might look like:
Selling prints of your best adventure shots
Publishing photography books or e-guides
Creating online courses or workshops
Long-term investing
The goal: put in work once, and let the sales continue while you focus on other projects.
2. Semi-Passive Income (some effort required)
Semi-passive income takes a bit more maintenance but can scale well. Examples include:
Image licensing (brands or publications buying rights to your photos)
Contracted side work (like video editing for past clients or partners)
Gear rentals (renting camera or outdoor equipment you already own)
Social media collaborations and sponsorships
These streams are flexible and often bring in steady income when bigger jobs slow down.
3. Working Income (active, hands-on work)
This is the income that requires your full energy and attention. For many adventure photographers, it’s the core of their career:
Commissioned photography projects
Creative development for brands or expeditions
Marketing or content consulting
Speaking engagements or guided adventure workshops
Working income is often the most rewarding — but it’s also the most time-intensive.
Balancing Business and Creativity
When you become a photographer, you also become an entrepreneur. That means thinking like a business of one:
Track profit vs. loss
Stay updated on market trends
Do your taxes correctly (or hire a pro)
Market yourself consistently
Outsource when needed
Regularly audit your business health
And here’s the key: work ON your business as much as you work IN your business.
On = CEO, COO, CFO tasks — planning strategy, marketing, finances, and growth.
In = Creative employee tasks — editing, updating your website, designing newsletters, producing photos.
Making time for both ensures you’re not just creating, but also building a foundation for long-term success.
This lesson comes from my ebook "The Adventure Photographer's Playbook" and it costs $10. Why so cheap? The goal is to help as many new to mid level photographers as possible go from nothing to getting booked in 18 months:
