Got an eye for making photos pop?
Photo editing skills are in high demand. The best part?
You can learn the basics quickly, and start earning money while you improve.
Here are some of the easiest side hustles to break into, plus tips to get you started.
Stock Photo Editing
- What it is: Cleaning up and keywording photos for stock photo websites (think Shutterstock, iStock).
- Why it’s beginner-friendly: Focused on basic edits: color correction, removing imperfections, etc.
- How to get started: Stock sites often have their own guides and quality requirements.
Social Media Photo Editing
- What it is: Helping small businesses, influencers, and individuals make their social posts look amazing.
- Why it’s beginner-friendly: You can focus on a specific platform (Instagram, Pinterest) and the trendy styles for each.
- How to get started: Offer your services to friends, network in local business groups.
Real Estate Photo Enhancement
- What it is: Making real estate photos brighter, removing clutter, even those ‘virtual staging’ services.
- Why it’s beginner-friendly: There’s specialized software to help, and tons of online tutorials.
- How to get started: Reach out to individual realtors or small agencies in your area.
Essential Skills (You Can Learn These Free!)
- Start with free editors like GIMP or Canva. Paid options (Adobe Photoshop) are industry standard long-term.
- Understanding white balance, and how to make colors look natural.
- A few basics make a huge difference.
- Learn about different file formats (JPEG, PNG, etc.)
Build Your Portfolio as You Learn
- Edit your own photos: Landscapes, still lifes… get practice!
- Volunteer: Offer basic edits to a local non-profit or community event.
- Document your progress: Show clients your ‘before and after’ work.