On August 31, 2020, I received a common question that many street photographers are asked: "How do you make a living as a street photographer?" After reflecting on this, I decided to create a vlog called How I Make a Living as a Street Photographer. While I enjoy the informal tone of the vlog, I realized it didn’t fully cover the extensive ways in which I transformed my love for street photography into a viable, sustainable career. This article provides an in-depth guide for those wondering how to turn their passion for street photography into a profitable endeavor. Here, I’ll break down the avenues that have allowed me to earn a living, all while staying connected to my roots in urban exploration and candid photography.
1. Photography Tours and Workshops: Teaching While Earning
The bedrock of my career as a street photographer is built on a venture I started with my co-founder Axel. Back in 2014, we combined our talents and expertise to create a photography business, which officially took shape in 2015. Our service offering, called Photo Adventures, blends the immersive experience of a city tour with the educational benefits of a photography workshop. The sessions, which span from 3 to 6 hours, are structured to enhance the participants' photography skills while simultaneously offering a deep dive into the urban landscape of Tokyo.
This business model has allowed me to pursue my passion for street photography while sharing that passion with others. It’s a hybrid experience that perfectly serves travelers looking to improve their photography in an authentic, real-world setting. These short but engaging tours allow participants to not only hone their craft but also gain a new perspective on the city’s streets—its vibrant energy, diverse culture, and spontaneous moments. The Photo Adventures are designed to cater to both beginners and more experienced photographers, with a focus on developing technical skills, mastering the art of composition, and capturing the essence of the urban environment.
Running this business has become my primary source of income, offering the flexibility to work around my own schedule. While the spring and fall seasons are particularly busy due to a higher influx of tourists, it still allows me the freedom to balance my time between photography projects and workshops. The flexibility of being able to teach street photography while simultaneously practicing it out in the streets of Tokyo is what makes this career so fulfilling.
However, the global pandemic significantly impacted the tourism industry, which in turn affected the Photo Adventures business. With international travel coming to a halt and restrictions limiting group gatherings, the once-thriving business faced substantial setbacks. Despite these challenges, I remain optimistic about the future. The demand for experiential travel and educational tourism is bound to grow again, and when tourism resumes, I anticipate a strong recovery. For now, I continue to offer online workshops and one-on-one sessions, adapting to the changing landscape while maintaining a connection to my passion for photography.
2. Freelance Photography for Editorial and Commercial Projects: Capturing Stories for Brands
Alongside my workshops, I also find substantial income through freelance photography. My work has taken me beyond street photography into the realm of editorial and commercial assignments. Collaborating with a variety of clients, including magazines, travel agencies, and corporations, has opened up many opportunities to further expand my reach and diversify my income streams.
Freelance editorial photography typically involves capturing images for travel magazines, lifestyle articles, or other media outlets. These projects often require a balance of creativity and professionalism, where I bring my distinctive street photography aesthetic into more structured, editorial settings. The beauty of street photography lies in its candidness—the way it captures spontaneous moments, raw emotions, and fleeting interactions in public spaces. These characteristics are highly sought after by many publications, which are looking for authenticity and a fresh perspective to connect with their audience.
Throughout the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with renowned brands such as Nikon, Toshiba, and Van Moof, among others. In many cases, these brands reach out because they are drawn to the unpolished, genuine nature of my street photography. My portfolio serves as a reference for creative directors, who often ask me to adapt my approach to suit their brand vision. They may say something like, “We love your style, but we need it to fit this concept.” It’s a balancing act of maintaining the essence of my street photography while accommodating the more polished, brand-oriented objectives of commercial clients.
One of the most rewarding experiences in my freelance career was my collaboration with Nikon for their Cutting Through the Chaos campaign. This project allowed me to photograph Tokyo in my true street photography style while promoting Nikon’s cameras and gear. The campaign was a dream come true, as it gave me creative freedom and the chance to photograph candid moments that truly encapsulate the city’s vibrant, chaotic energy. Being able to merge the world of commercial photography with street photography in such a seamless way was a powerful experience.
Although the structure of commercial photography is far more planned and controlled compared to the free-flowing nature of street photography, the core principles remain the same. The key to success in both fields is the ability to capture emotion, the perfect composition, and the decisive moment. The process of seeing the world through a photographer’s lens—whether it’s a planned shoot or a spontaneous moment in the street—requires an understanding of light, timing, and human interaction.
Through these editorial and commercial projects, I’ve also learned how to collaborate with creative teams, understand their vision, and integrate my personal style into a broader concept. The lessons I’ve gained from my street photography work, particularly around anticipating moments and capturing the essence of everyday life, have been invaluable. The ability to pivot between different styles of photography—whether it’s a highly structured editorial shoot or a candid street moment—has been essential in developing my versatility as a photographer.
Working with commercial clients has also opened doors to more consistent work. While street photography can sometimes feel like a solitary endeavor, freelance projects bring collaboration and the opportunity to contribute to larger creative visions. Over time, these relationships have not only helped establish my reputation as a photographer but have also provided a steady stream of income that supports my artistic pursuits.
3. Street Photography as a Gateway to Other Photography Opportunities
Another key takeaway from my experience as a street photographer is how it can serve as a gateway to other related photography opportunities. While street photography itself doesn’t directly generate consistent revenue, it serves as the foundation for all the other work I do. The skills I’ve developed—understanding human behavior, recognizing fleeting moments, and capturing the essence of urban life—are transferable to various other photography genres.
For instance, my event photography work is another area where street photography techniques come into play. Shooting business events or corporate conferences requires a similar approach to street photography—capturing candid moments, interesting compositions, and the atmosphere of the event. The difference, of course, is that events often demand a more polished and professional approach, but the fundamental principles of storytelling and composition remain unchanged.
Similarly, licensing my work for use in print, advertising, and online media has become a key source of income. Licensing street photography allows me to generate passive income from photos I’ve already taken, while simultaneously keeping my portfolio active and relevant in the marketplace. The same goes for selling fine art prints. By offering high-quality prints of my work, I can share my vision with a broader audience and generate additional income. Though selling prints may not yet constitute a major revenue stream, it’s a growing aspect of my business, and I see it as an exciting way to share my work with art collectors and photography enthusiasts.
Ultimately, the beauty of street photography lies in its ability to transcend boundaries. Whether working with clients on editorial projects, shooting candid moments at events, or licensing images for commercial use, the core of what I do as a street photographer remains unchanged: it’s about capturing the real, unfiltered moments of life. The journey has been an exciting one, filled with challenges and rewards, and I’m incredibly grateful to be able to live a life centered around my passion for photography. As I continue to explore new avenues for growth, I look forward to the next chapter of my journey—one that will surely be filled with new experiences, creative challenges, and unforgettable moments.
4. Event Photography: A Street Photographer’s Approach in Corporate Settings
While the essence of street photography revolves around capturing candid, unposed moments in public spaces, I also earn income through event photography. At first glance, corporate event photography might seem far removed from the spontaneous nature of street photography, but I approach both with a similar mindset. Whether I’m shooting corporate conferences, private business gatherings, or networking events, my goal remains the same: to capture authentic, unscripted moments that tell a story.
In the world of corporate event photography, the approach may be more structured, but the skills I’ve honed from years of street photography come into play in a big way. Event photography is about capturing key moments that reflect the atmosphere of the gathering, the emotions of the participants, and the energy of the environment. Just like street photography, it requires a keen understanding of human behavior, the ability to anticipate decisive moments, and a strong sense of composition. These are the core skills that make the transition from street photography to corporate events seamless.
The main difference between shooting street photography and event photography lies in the environment and the technical requirements. Corporate events often take place in controlled, well-lit spaces such as conference halls, seminar rooms, and banquet venues. In contrast to the chaotic and unpredictable nature of street scenes, these settings offer more structure, but they still require the photographer to remain agile and responsive. The use of longer lenses becomes essential in event photography, as maintaining a degree of distance and discretion is key. The ability to photograph candid moments while respecting privacy is critical when shooting at business events.
While the pressures of shooting in such controlled environments are higher, the core of my approach remains unchanged. I focus on capturing genuine, fleeting moments that would often go unnoticed—an unguarded laugh between colleagues, a speaker lost in thought, or the intensity of a handshake. In many ways, I view corporate event photography as an extension of street photography, where the focus remains on human interaction and the rawness of the moment. The challenge is to find these decisive moments amidst a highly structured environment, where the opportunity for spontaneity may seem limited.
Event photography in the corporate world requires more than just technical skill; it demands a keen understanding of the subject and the event itself. Whether it’s a high-profile seminar or a team-building event, every gathering has its own unique energy and flow. Just as street photography demands an intuitive understanding of a city’s rhythms, event photography requires a sensitivity to the dynamics of the corporate world. This allows me to adapt my style to capture the essence of each event—without making it feel staged or artificial.
Through this approach, I’ve had the opportunity to work with numerous prestigious brands and organizations, providing them with photographs that authentically capture the mood and essence of their events. From leadership conferences to product launches, each assignment allows me to apply my street photography instincts in new ways. By anticipating moments, being mindful of composition, and staying alert to human interactions, I continue to create images that resonate with clients, while maintaining the authenticity and raw emotion at the heart of street photography.
5. Licensing Your Photography: Unlocking Passive Income
Many street photographers often find themselves focusing on two primary revenue streams: selling prints and offering photography workshops. However, a powerful yet often overlooked income opportunity lies in licensing images. Licensing provides a method to monetize your existing portfolio without the need for new photoshoots. Through licensing agreements, your photographs can be used across a wide array of platforms, including magazine features, advertisements, album covers, and digital campaigns. This model enables you to earn passive income from photos that have already been taken and opens doors to long-term financial sustainability.
Over the years, licensing has grown to be a fundamental aspect of my photography business. It has allowed me to maximize the potential of my street photography and generate steady, residual income. Unlike one-off projects that require continuous effort and new shoots, licensing enables me to benefit from my archive of images. The typical licensing agreement involves a one-time fee for a specific usage, but recurring licensing arrangements offer a far more lucrative and sustainable income stream. These recurring agreements are especially valuable, as they allow photographers to continue receiving payments for their work long after the original photograph was captured.
A memorable case of recurring licensing that stands out in my career was my collaboration with a Swedish fashion brand. For over a year, they licensed several of my street photos each month for their social media campaigns and digital marketing materials. This was not just a one-time deal, but an ongoing partnership where the brand would choose images from my archive or request new shots based on their seasonal art direction. This collaboration provided me with consistent, monthly income and kept my work visible in the digital marketplace. The agreement benefited both parties: the fashion brand gained access to fresh, authentic visuals for their campaigns, while I earned reliable income and increased exposure.
Although licensing is not my largest income source, it plays a pivotal role in maintaining a balanced revenue model. The beauty of licensing is that it allows me to continue creating without the pressure of constant new projects. My existing body of work remains monetized, even as I focus on other creative endeavors. For photographers, this form of income is particularly valuable because it provides the freedom to work on long-term personal projects without worrying about immediate financial needs.
However, there are important considerations when it comes to licensing. Photographers need to understand their intellectual property rights and take proactive steps to protect their work. Licensing agreements should be clear, and photographers should ensure that their rights are properly outlined to avoid any misunderstandings. In my own practice, I use copyright protection services to monitor how and where my images are being used. It’s essential to ensure that images are not exploited without compensation. Copyright infringement is a serious issue, and it can sometimes require legal action to protect your work from unauthorized use.
The rise of online platforms that facilitate image licensing has made it easier than ever to tap into a global market. Licensing offers an opportunity to extend your reach beyond local clients and allows you to work with international brands. The more exposure your images get, the more likely it is that new clients will approach you for licensing opportunities. For street photographers looking to expand their businesses, licensing can open doors to new and exciting markets. Whether your images are used in advertisements, blogs, or social media campaigns, the more visibility your work gets, the more opportunities arise.
Moreover, licensing images for commercial purposes also strengthens your personal brand. The more frequently your images are used in high-profile campaigns, the more recognition you gain as a photographer. Licensing doesn’t just generate passive income; it also provides long-term exposure that can lead to additional paid opportunities.
6. Selling Fine Art Prints: Turning Passion Into Tangible Art
Selling fine art prints has recently become an exciting and evolving aspect of my photography business. While this venture is still in its early stages, it holds significant potential for future growth. Initially, I relied on online fulfillment services to handle print orders, but as demand increased, I partnered with a local print studio in Tokyo to produce high-quality, custom prints. This new collaboration has allowed me to offer a more personalized experience to my customers, ensuring the highest standards in print quality and craftsmanship.
Fine art photography prints offer collectors and art enthusiasts the chance to own tangible, physical representations of my work. Unlike digital images that exist only in virtual spaces, printed photographs allow people to experience my photography in a more intimate way. There is a unique sense of permanence and authenticity in a print, which digital formats can sometimes lack. As someone who has spent years capturing moments on the streets, there’s something deeply rewarding about seeing those fleeting moments transformed into physical pieces of art that can be appreciated for years to come.
The process of selling fine art prints has been a fascinating journey. The feedback I’ve received from customers has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing their appreciation for the emotional depth and rawness of my street photography. For collectors, these prints serve as a window into another world—a view of life captured in its most unguarded moments. Through print sales, I’m able to share a deeper, more lasting connection with my audience. Photography can evoke emotions and stir memories, and selling fine art prints is a way to create a lasting impact that extends beyond digital screens.
Although selling fine art prints is not yet a dominant revenue stream in my business, it’s an area I’m excited to grow. As I continue to refine my portfolio and expand my collection of prints, I plan to make this side of my business a more substantial source of income. The transition from digital to physical sales is a natural step for many photographers, and the fine art market continues to grow as more people appreciate the beauty and value of original photographic works.
One of the things that makes selling prints particularly rewarding is the personal connection it fosters with my audience. By working directly with a local print studio, I can ensure that each print meets my high standards and captures the essence of my work. The ability to engage with collectors directly—answering their questions, offering recommendations, and sharing the stories behind the images—adds a layer of intimacy to the transaction. Each print sold feels like a small piece of my journey shared with someone else, and that connection is priceless.
In the future, I plan to continue expanding this facet of my business. There’s an undeniable charm in owning a piece of original art, and I hope that my work can find its place in homes and offices around the world. As I continue to grow as an artist, I aim to reach more people who are interested in owning fine art prints of street photography. With the right marketing strategies, improved partnerships, and a growing online presence, I believe that fine art prints will become a key component of my business model.
Selling prints also offers the added benefit of diversifying my income. By having multiple revenue streams, including licensing, workshops, and print sales, I can weather fluctuations in the market and keep my business financially stable. While selling prints won’t likely become the sole focus of my business, it provides an important supplemental income stream that helps ensure long-term success.
As I continue to refine my craft and explore new photographic techniques, I am excited to share my work with a broader audience. Fine art prints offer not only a new income stream but also a tangible way to showcase the beauty and raw emotion of the streets, making the work I love accessible to people all over the world.
Final Thoughts:
In conclusion, it’s clear that while street photography itself doesn’t directly pay the bills, it is the bedrock of everything I do professionally. From the street photography workshops and private tours I lead to the editorial and commercial projects I take on, and even the licensing agreements and fine art print sales, each of these income sources is deeply connected to the skills and perspective I’ve developed as a street photographer.
What I love about street photography is its unpredictability. It’s an art form that requires you to be constantly alert, reactive, and present. The ability to capture fleeting moments and unspoken stories in public spaces has shaped not only my personal style but also the way I approach all my professional work. Whether I’m shooting an intimate editorial feature for a travel magazine, creating content for a major brand, or capturing candid moments at a corporate event, the lessons learned on the streets are always at play.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my journey is being able to share my passion with others. Through my Photo Adventures and workshops, I’m fortunate to guide people from all over the world as they learn to see the city through the lens of a photographer. Teaching, for me, is an enriching experience because it allows me to see familiar scenes with fresh eyes, and it keeps me deeply engaged with the ever-evolving landscape of photography. The joy of helping others grow in their craft is something I hold dear, and I can’t imagine doing anything else.
However, turning a passion for photography into a career is not without its challenges. The road to success in this field can be unpredictable, with periods of feast and famine. There are times when bookings are sparse, or when a project doesn’t go as planned. That’s when resilience and adaptability come into play. It’s crucial to embrace a mindset of continuous learning and growth. For me, the key to staying motivated has been the constant evolution of my craft. Photography is a field that demands you to evolve, adapt, and keep pushing the boundaries of what you can do.
One important lesson I’ve learned is the need for balance. While it’s exciting to be able to make a living doing what I love, I’ve had to set boundaries to prevent burnout. The blend of creativity and business can be overwhelming at times, so I make sure to take breaks and allow myself time to recharge. Whether it’s exploring new neighborhoods for inspiration or simply taking a walk outside without a camera, these moments of stillness are just as important for maintaining the long-term sustainability of my career.
The impact of the global pandemic has certainly tested my adaptability. With travel restrictions and a halt in international tourism, the photography workshop business faced a significant slowdown. Yet, this challenge taught me to diversify and look for new opportunities. It pushed me to explore selling fine art prints and licensing more of my work—both of which are now integral parts of my income. This ability to pivot has been crucial, and it reinforced the lesson that a photographer’s journey is rarely linear.
Looking forward, I’m excited about the potential for growth in every aspect of my career. Whether it’s expanding my workshop offerings, collaborating with new brands, or exploring new markets for my prints, I see endless possibilities. But more than that, I see the potential to deepen my connection with photography as a craft and as a way of life.
