If you possess a simple digital camera then it is very simple to learn how to make money from photography. You do not need to be an "expert" of any sort, whatsoever.

The Digital Camera

Digital cameras today are extremely cheap. Even the most basic models around the $50 range are of sufficiently good quality that they can be used to make money from. It is the ability to take as many pictures as you want for the cost of a few batteries that has opened the door to amateurs being able to make money from photography.

Stock Photography

Businesses need libraries of photographs to choose from for their marketing campaigns, be they in print media or online. These days the task is made even easier for them thanks to stock photography websites.

A stock photography website will have several categories of photos and can even be searched with a text string much like looking for something on Google. If your photograph turns up then you earn a commission/royalty.

Have a look at some of the most popular stock photography websites and you can see what sort of photos are in demand. Don't just stick to the popular topics either - you should also take photos of more rarely photographed subjects because this will increase your chances of getting your photo chosen by businesses looking for very specific subjects.

Sports Photography

Getting access to major sports events is extremely difficult for the beginner but there are many other events that you can cover instead.

The easiest place to start is locally. Find out what local sports events are going on and then attend them in person with your camera. Afterwards, contact your local newspapers and give them the rights to use your photographs in return for a modest fee.

Portraits

One of the nicest ways to make money from photography is to do family portraits. People are prepared to pay lots of money for good quality mementos that will be kept for decades and passed on to the next generation.

The only drawback with this method is that you need to invest in a higher quality camera as well as in lighting equipment and props.

Camera Knowledge

For the most part you need only develop a basic understanding of apertures, shutter speeds and lighting. This is much easier than you think and practice combined with reading a few websites or a good book should get you well up to speed in no time at all.