As photographers, we tend to be very visual people. So we market ourselves through visual means – we show our work.
Yet the internet allows us to do so much more. Lately, I’ve become very interested in podcasting, and what it could do for my business. Already, I co-host The Circle of Confusion with Peter Cox and Neil McShane. We use it to keep interest going between releases of Dynamic Range, our video series.
But I think I could do more and I’m currently exploring the possibility of a new podcast.
Be everywhere
At the heart of my interest in podcasting is what it could mean for my potential to earn passive income.
There was a time when for a photographer the route to passive income (income earned continuously for work done once) was through stock libraries. That avenue is now choked with enthusiasts and microstock. Don’t get me wrong. The work being produced and sold is of a standard. But the flood of photographs has destroyed pricing structures and photographs can now be had for a few dollars instead of hundreds.
There are alternatives, though. If you are willing to think laterally and put in the hard work up front.
Smart Passive Income
I’ve started following Pat Flynn of Smart Passive Income. I really like his combination of good advice, transparency and emphasis on hard work.
Pat runs a blog, YouTube channel and a podcast as part of a three-pronged strategy to reach and grow his audience. I recently spent my hours driving to and from Dublin (about 18 hours in total over the past month) listening to all of Pat’s podcast episodes.
As a photographer who is interested in writing, video and audio, it makes sense for me to develop a similar strategy. The most obvious space in which to do this is in photography, which is, after all, my passion. However, I have other interests that I could also develop into passive income streams.
Something’s brewing
So, behind the scenes, that’s what I’m working on. The Dynamic Range series of videos is one example. It has the potential to grow into something significant.
There is also another one. It’s not ready for prime time yet, but if you know me and if you look around a little, it’s there to be found.
And I keep coming back to podcasting. There is scope there, but I need to do some more groundwork.
Meanwhile, there’s always the latest episode of The Circle of Confusion. You can listen to it using the player below.
The lesson
One important thing that Pat Flynn has reminded me of is that whatever we do online must make the internet a better place. He stresses quality content and helping others to grow.
So, for this blog post, I hope you’ll take this away with you: check out Smart Passive Income.
And once you’ve done that, have a think about how you could apply your talent to earn while you sleep.
***ADDENDUM*** Just minutes after publishing this post last night, I got an email to say someone had left a comment. I sensed who it was, and was impressed. Click on the Comment tab below to see who it was.
