How to Diversify Your Income as a Portrait Photographer with Joy Michelle
Feeling the slow season hit a little harder this year? Wondering if there's more you could be doing to create consistent income, even when bookings slow down?
In this episode, I’m joined by the incredibly wise and wildly practical Joy Michelle, educator, business coach, and host of the Called to Both podcast. Joy walks us through how she’s built multiple income streams as a working photographer and a mom of three, and how affiliate marketing became a surprisingly powerful piece of the puzzle.
We’re not just talking about side hustles. We're talking about sustainable income that fits your life and your brand. Whether you're just getting curious about affiliate links or want to understand how this works without needing a massive audience or becoming an “influencer,” Joy breaks it all down with so much clarity.
Here’s what we cover:
- Why photographers should be thinking about income streams beyond client bookings
- What affiliate marketing actually looks like for a photographer (hint: it's not just Amazon links)
- How Joy made $600 in affiliate income… while in labor
- The mindset shift that changed how she approached content and monetization
- The first steps you can take to start earning affiliate income, even with a small audience
Connect with Joy:
- Affiliate Marketing Jumpstart -- free resource!
- Instagram: @joymichelle
- Website: joymichelle.co
- Coaching: joymichelle.co/coaching
- Affiliate Boss: joymichelle.co/affiliate-boss
- Pitch Power: joymichelle.co/pitchpower
- Hobby-to-Pro Toolkit: joymichelle.co/hobby-to-pro-toolkit
Connect with Laura:
- Private Mentoring: lauraesmond.com/mentor
- Instagram: @reeseandcoportraits
- Website: lauraesmond.com
