FROM SIDE-HUSTLE TO FULL-TIME DREAM JOB: HOW FOOD PHOTOGRAPHY & CONTENT CREATION CAN PAY YOU MORE!

 
Blog post image showing hands holding a bottle of sesame oil over a plate of delicious looking rice in a red sauce

Do you dream of turning your passion for food photography and content creation into a full-time income? Maybe, you’ve fallen in love with capturing food in the most delicious ways, and you know deep down this is your true calling; plus, the thought of spending your life stuck in a 9–5 job that barely excites you, staring at a screen under fluorescent lights, feels like a complete and utter nightmare compared to working full time on the one thing you love doing most!

And the good news is, if you’re reading these lines, it means you’ve probably already landed a few paying clients and gotten requests for a post in exchange for product. In short brands have started noticing you which feels great, BUT my guess is that the money you have made is not close to enough to replace your day job or give you the freedom you so crave. If this feels like the predicament you’re in, please don’t feel disheartened because the reality is that the business side of food photography and food content can feel so overwhelming, not just for you, but for so, so many creatives at the start of their journey.

But here’s the utterly exciting part: it is possible to grow your passion into a profitable, sustainable career as a food photographer or food content creator and I’m here to share the areas you need to focus on, to earn more doing what you love!

So in this week’s blog post, I’ll highlight the core money making junctions you need to pour your energy into so that you can bridge the gap between doing food photography as a hobby/side hustle and turning it into a thriving business that actually pays the bills. Now, let’s dig in, shall we?!

 
 

The First Step to Earning More DOING WHAT YOU LOVE: Consistent Enquiries

FOOD BRANDS AND BUSINESSES CAN’T HIRE YOU IF THEY CAN’T FIND YOU!

The very first step to earning real income from your food photography, food styling, or content creation is simple: your dream clients need to be able to find you. If you’re not getting regular enquiries from brands, restaurants, or food businesses, that’s your biggest clue that visibility is a key problem you need to solve first.

The good news? There are plenty of ways to boost your discoverability. One of the most effective strategies is increasing your content marketing output, especially if you’re hoping to work with food brands on social platforms like Instagram or TikTok. Another proven approach is sending more personalized pitches directly to prospective clients, which can be especially effective for food photographers and stylists.

Of course, when you’re deep in the day-to-day of your creative business, it’s easy to miss the marketing opportunities right in front of you. That’s where joining a mastermind group or working with a business coach can make a huge difference because it helps you spot gaps, stay accountable, which in turn can ensure more enquiries flow into your inbox!

TASK: CAN YOU THINK OF 3 WAYS TO IMPROVE THE AMOUNT OF ENQUIRIES YOU RECEIVE?

Blog post image showing a plate of food on a brightly coloured place mat, sitting on a white surface with dappled light reflected on it from a window.
 
 
Blog post showing a hand putting the finishing styling touches on a dish with rice, mushrooms and tofu

HURDLE NUMBER 2: Turning Enquiries Into Paying Clients

The Key to Turning Food Photography Leads Into Paid Work

Maybe you’re already getting a steady stream of enquiries from brands, restaurants, or food businesses. That’s a great start! But if you find yourself sending over your rate card only to be met with silence, or worse, getting completely ghosted, that’s an opportunity for reflection and pause. That said, many food photographers and food content creators struggle with this exact hurdle, converting interest into income, so please know you’re not alone.

Here’s the truth no one tells you: it’s totally normal for some potential clients to decide your services aren’t the right fit. That’s part of running a business. BUT, if ghosting happens often, it’s a clear sign that something in your approach is off and needs further looking into!

There are three key areas to delve deeper into if conversion is your area of weakness:

  1. Attracting the right clients from the start
    If your enquiries mostly come from clients who don’t value professional food photography or can’t afford your rates, then the problem begins at the visibility stage. Refine your marketing and the way you present yourself and your brand, so you’re reaching brands that truly need and value your work.

  2. How you communicate during the enquiry process
    Whether it’s over email or on a discovery call, your communication sets the tone. Are you simply sending a flat rate card, or are you showing the value behind your pricing? Small improvements in how you present yourself can make a huge difference in conversions.

  3. Following up after the initial enquiry
    This is where so many food photographers lose countless opportunities. A thoughtful follow-up - reminding the client of the benefits of working with you - can often turn a “maybe” into a “yes.”

TASK: REVIEW THE TYPE OF CLIENTS YOU ARE ATTRACTING AND YOUR COMMUNICATION STYLE TO SEE IF THERE ARE AREAS YOU CAN IMPROVE ON HERE!

 
 

THE THIRD STEP TO EARNING MORE: MAXIMISING YOUR EARNINGS FROM EACH CLIENT!

FROM PRICING TO PACKAGES, DON’T LEAVE MONEY ON THE TABLE!

You might be getting a steady stream of enquiries and even a healthy number of bookings, but when you check your bank balance at the end of the month, it still doesn’t add up.

This scenario is more common than you might think. Many talented food photographers and food content creators struggle with the same issue: pouring energy into projects but not seeing it reflected in their income.

The first step is to review your pricing structure. Are you charging rates that reflect your time, skill, and the value your images bring to clients? Beyond pricing, think about ways to increase the lifetime value of each client. Can you create long-term packages, offer incentives for repeat bookings, or add services that will support your clients’ content needs?

Remember: working with existing clients is often far more profitable than constantly chasing new ones. Clients who already trust you are more likely to invest in bigger projects, rebook, and recommend you to others. It’s a win-win: you deliver consistent, high-quality content, and they get a reliable creative partner. It’s one of the most rewarding ways to earn more doing what you love!

Your Task: Take a fresh look at your pricing and packages.

Blog post image showing a person preparing a strawberry tart
 
 
Profile image of blog post author and food photographer Kimberly Espinel

Before you go…

I truly hope this blog post has given you some ideas and a rough overview on how to earn more from your food photography, food blogging or food content creation work.

If you’d like my guidance on scaling your creative business as well as advice on further strategies that bring in consistent, high-paying clients, then consider applying to join my Fearless Focus Business Mastermind for Food Photographers.

You’ll receive personalised feedback on your creative business, proven marketing tactics, fool-proof pitching templates, and a supportive community of fellow food photographers and food content creators who are as committed to building thriving, profitable creative businesses as you are!

You can find out more and apply for the Fearless Focus program HERE!

 
 
 
food photography, Creative business, creativity, food bloggingK J Espinel