How to Make Money with Your Camera

If you have an eye for the unusual, absurd or downright ridiculous, and you're reasonably good with a camera, you could be able to supplement your income by selling the results.

An increasing number of magazines pay for such photos with enthusiasm, and the rewards can be handsome. In the women's magazine market alone, there are several regular slots to which anyone with a camera could contribute.

A glance through your photo albums is sure to unearth some initial possibilities. Unusual animal behaviour tends to be popular among published snapshots — the more amusing the better. It's certainly worth keeping a loaded camera to hand if you're a pet owner.

Some magazines require photos to have captions, which are quite often humorous. Others ask that you send just the photo. Check each market for their individual requirements.

Signs and notices are another profitable source of snaps. I recently spotted one outside a public toilet, which politely informed users to 'please remove excess mud before entering'. The mind boggles. Excess mud from where, exactly?

A similar photo published recently in a woman's magazine had a WC sign pinned up next to a Pay and Display sign — the latter being intended for a car park, of course.

Such gems appear with pleasing regularity in many weekly and monthly magazines, but the competition is understandably fierce. Many hundreds of photos arrive at editorial offices countrywide every week, with only a small handful actually being published. So make sure you only submit your best photos.

Aside from the obvious opportunities, a great many snaps can be filed under 'human nature'. The escapades of children, your baby's first boy or girlfriend, or any scene which captures a bizarre or amusing moment can be suitable. Strap on a caption and any one could earn you some extra money.

On a more general note, it is always wise to make copies of any photos that you send out. Not all magazines return contributions, and there is always the risk of items getting lost in the post. The individual policy will be stated in the relevant section of the publication.

When sending photos for consideration, you can send several simultaneously. Make sure that your name, address and phone number, together with any relevant caption, appear on the reverse side of each. Sandwich them together between two pieces of cardboard and enclose an SAE for return if necessary.

Your chances of success can depend on your photo being on the right desk at the right time. Keep on submitting to suitable markets until you succeed.

Got the picture? Good luck and happy snapping.