RV-Based Income: Using the Camera You’ve Got to Get the Results They Want
What’s RVing without a camera or videocam? Most RVers have a camera of some type, so what makes more sense than earning an income from what you already own?
If you’re considering one of the photography income opportunities that are so appropriate for RVers, you may wonder if you need an expensive camera with all the bells and whistles. The answer is, “No.” You can use just about any camera if you take the time to learn some skills.
I’ve been digging out legitimate income opportunities since 1977, and the various photo niches are some of the easiest and most fun. The income will be based on quality and volume, so it’s an income source you’ll be building up as time goes on. But if you have a camera and know how to use it, why not make an income on the side, too? Work as much or little as you like, or need to meet your goals.
Whether you prefer stock photography, product photography, or photo editing you’ll need to learn how to get the right angle, lighting, and exposure for each project from the camera in your bag or the software you use for final editing.
Camera Types
There are countless cameras on the market, but the main types you are most likely to have are film (e.g., 35mm or disposable); disposable digital; cell phone; inexpensive or expensive digital, SLR digital.
These all have models within the consumer line of cameras, though the SLRs begin to cross the line into professional quality–and price.
Since some RVers use videocams more than still cameras, it’s good to know you can still get in on these income opportunities.
Even a HD videocam could be used to pull stills of acceptable quality, but use caution with lower resolution videocams. Try pulling some stills to see if you can get high enough quality. If you don’t like the results, then look into video promos or clips. I once did a project for a company making infant teaching videos. I took short clips of everyday things like a train, truck, car and motorcycle passing by, a puppy, a school bus, etc.
If you use a film camera you’ll be at a bit of a disadvantage. You won’t know what your pictures look like until they’re developed. By then your photo op might be gone. Even if you can restage your photo, using film takes much longer to finish a project. But many photographers swear by film and produce their best work in this medium.
Film photos, also, are more expensive. Digital photos can be deleted and the card space used to take more shots during the shoot session. If you choose to use film, you will need a scanner to digitize your photos. Alternatively, you can have the developer scan them, but that just adds to your costs. At least you can use the scanner for other projects, and more if it’s an “all-in-one” printer/scanner/copier.
Even digital cameras with resolutions as low as two megapixel (MP) are useful, but more limited than eight to twelve MP cameras. You’ll need to use your best photography and photo editing skills to compete, but it can be done.
Equipment Needed
In addition to your camera, or videocam, you’ll need a computer with photo editing software. Some cameras come with editing software, so be sure to try it out to see if it will do the job well.
See “Alternatives to Workcamping: Stock Photos, Illustrations, Videos“ for a list of photo editing freeware. Some software has features that rival PhotoShop saving you hundreds of dollars. Corel is under $100 and some packages are well under $50. All are suitable for photo editing.
You may need a scanner and printer. An all-in-one unit could come in handy. Sometimes you have to print out agreements, test prints, and other documents.
A sturdy tripod is a must. I also use a table-top tripod.
Learn to Use Your Camera
As with software and specific types of photography, there are countless free and inexpensive training materials available in addition to the manual. Much is available through the Internet.
From a search using my title as keywords I found a site with a nearly identical title: “How to take Good Pictures: How to Use the Camera You’ve Got.” This site describes how to get clear shots using a variety of cameras with different features and settings.
Having scoured the photography and camera sites, signing up for newsletters and webinars, I get a steady stream of invitations to free one-hour online seminars. A recent one came from Sekonic, a company that sells light meters.
Search around the Internet. In no time you’ll have to choose, because you won’t have time to take advantage of all of the offerings.
If you sign up for some of the stock photo sites you will find many include training articles. Among these are tips for proper lighting, the rule of thirds, framing for stock photo uses, getting good shots of reflective surfaces, avoiding stark shadows, overexposure, underexposure and all the other factors that will affect your photos.
Don’t let inexperience in selling your work stop you from trying. There are dozens of ways to make an income using the camera, computer and equipment you already own. Join the many thousands of people who refuse to limit their incomes to their salaries, retirement or savings.
If you’re considering one of the photography income opportunities that are so appropriate for RVers, you may wonder if you need an expensive camera with all the bells and whistles. The answer is, “No.” You can use just about any camera if you take the time to learn some skills.
I’ve been digging out legitimate income opportunities since 1977, and the various photo niches are some of the easiest and most fun. The income will be based on quality and volume, so it’s an income source you’ll be building up as time goes on. But if you have a camera and know how to use it, why not make an income on the side, too? Work as much or little as you like, or need to meet your goals.
Whether you prefer stock photography, product photography, or photo editing you’ll need to learn how to get the right angle, lighting, and exposure for each project from the camera in your bag or the software you use for final editing.
Camera Types
There are countless cameras on the market, but the main types you are most likely to have are film (e.g., 35mm or disposable); disposable digital; cell phone; inexpensive or expensive digital, SLR digital.
These all have models within the consumer line of cameras, though the SLRs begin to cross the line into professional quality–and price.
Since some RVers use videocams more than still cameras, it’s good to know you can still get in on these income opportunities.
Even a HD videocam could be used to pull stills of acceptable quality, but use caution with lower resolution videocams. Try pulling some stills to see if you can get high enough quality. If you don’t like the results, then look into video promos or clips. I once did a project for a company making infant teaching videos. I took short clips of everyday things like a train, truck, car and motorcycle passing by, a puppy, a school bus, etc.
If you use a film camera you’ll be at a bit of a disadvantage. You won’t know what your pictures look like until they’re developed. By then your photo op might be gone. Even if you can restage your photo, using film takes much longer to finish a project. But many photographers swear by film and produce their best work in this medium.
Film photos, also, are more expensive. Digital photos can be deleted and the card space used to take more shots during the shoot session. If you choose to use film, you will need a scanner to digitize your photos. Alternatively, you can have the developer scan them, but that just adds to your costs. At least you can use the scanner for other projects, and more if it’s an “all-in-one” printer/scanner/copier.
Even digital cameras with resolutions as low as two megapixel (MP) are useful, but more limited than eight to twelve MP cameras. You’ll need to use your best photography and photo editing skills to compete, but it can be done.
Equipment Needed
In addition to your camera, or videocam, you’ll need a computer with photo editing software. Some cameras come with editing software, so be sure to try it out to see if it will do the job well.
See “Alternatives to Workcamping: Stock Photos, Illustrations, Videos“ for a list of photo editing freeware. Some software has features that rival PhotoShop saving you hundreds of dollars. Corel is under $100 and some packages are well under $50. All are suitable for photo editing.
You may need a scanner and printer. An all-in-one unit could come in handy. Sometimes you have to print out agreements, test prints, and other documents.
A sturdy tripod is a must. I also use a table-top tripod.
Learn to Use Your Camera
As with software and specific types of photography, there are countless free and inexpensive training materials available in addition to the manual. Much is available through the Internet.
From a search using my title as keywords I found a site with a nearly identical title: “How to take Good Pictures: How to Use the Camera You’ve Got.” This site describes how to get clear shots using a variety of cameras with different features and settings.
Having scoured the photography and camera sites, signing up for newsletters and webinars, I get a steady stream of invitations to free one-hour online seminars. A recent one came from Sekonic, a company that sells light meters.
Search around the Internet. In no time you’ll have to choose, because you won’t have time to take advantage of all of the offerings.
If you sign up for some of the stock photo sites you will find many include training articles. Among these are tips for proper lighting, the rule of thirds, framing for stock photo uses, getting good shots of reflective surfaces, avoiding stark shadows, overexposure, underexposure and all the other factors that will affect your photos.
Don’t let inexperience in selling your work stop you from trying. There are dozens of ways to make an income using the camera, computer and equipment you already own. Join the many thousands of people who refuse to limit their incomes to their salaries, retirement or savings.
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