Adobe Lightroom is a great software for photographers to organize, optimize, and share their photos. Lightroom was developed specifically for photographers, and is a great step up from Photoshop for a professional photographer. Adobe Lightroom is a great photography tool that can increase efficiency for any photographer.

Combined with other photography tools such as online photo galleries, professional print labs, and monitor calibration, Lightroom can take your photography final products to a new level.

There are many schools of thought for how to sell photography. Some photographers exclusively do commissioned works (portraits, weddings, school photos) that by nature have a defined customer. Other photographers struggle with marketing their photography as art.

1. Stock Photography – this works best with generic subjects or often-represented images (think beaches, corporate images, etc.) There are stock photography partners who will market your photos to anyone looking for the ideal image. iStockPhoto is the most popular example of stock photography, and with a large enough portfolio, you can make decent money selling stock photos. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the terms of your agreement; some photography must be exclusive to be eligible for stock sales, etc. This is a great photography tool every serious photographer should have in his arsenal.

2. Retail Photography – you can sell your own prints (at art fairs, in local shops or restaurants) or partner with a retail establishment to sell your photos. You will either need to research local venues for selling art photography (festivals, etc) and evaluate the cost of leasing a space, and make sure to have a tent, a table, and the other items you will need to properly display your work and draw a crowd. The visual impact of having a product already printed can translate to more sales, but you’ll also be out the printing price until your items sell.

3. Sell Photography Online – this option combines the ability to sell your photography at premium art rates, while saving you the cost of printing and displaying your photography yourself. You can upload your photos to an online photo proofing service for a minimal fee and direct customers from your website or in person to this site to view and order your prints. There are many variables that go along with this model, read more about  selling photography online.

1. The Camera – this is of course, the most important investment you will make as a photographer. Do your research, choose wisely, and don’t be afraid to spend some money. Think Canon and Nikon. A good camera will make for good photos, and more sales. And if you skimp, you’ll end up buying a new one sooner, and spending more money in the long run.

2. Online Photo Proofing – This is a must-have service. You need to have the ability to store, proof, and sell photos online in order to maximize your efficiency and profit. We recommend ShootProof as a high-quality option that is less expensive than online photo proofing tools that charge a commission or set up fee. ShootProof is easy to use, looks professional for your clients, and you can start with an inexpensive plan an increase your subscription as your business picks up.

3. Photo Editing Software – Even the most perfect photographer needs to retouch some photos occasionally. Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop are good software for the retouches you’ll need, take the time to learn your software. Again, it is an investment, but a few minutes of erasing a blemish or lightening a too-dark photo will result in more sales.

4. Lighting Equipment – If you’re doing portraits or indoor photography, lighting is a must. A lightstand, perhaps a reflector, all to supplement your camera flash. You may want to experiment with different areas indoor and out before deciding what lighting equipment you will need.