How can I get paid $35/hour to teach people how to take better selfies?
You can earn $35/hour or more by teaching people selfie photography skills through freelance instruction. By positioning yourself as a freelance photography instructor specializing in smartphone selfie techniques, you create a profitable income stream that meets growing demand for personal content creation and social media presence optimization.
TL;DR
- Specialize in selfie photography: Focus on smartphone techniques, lighting, and natural posing to help clients take better selfies.
- Set competitive freelance photography instructor rates: Start at $35/hour and scale based on experience and market demand.
- Market your teaching services: Use social media, freelancing platforms, and local networks to attract photography students.
- Create value-added packages: Structure sessions with pose guides, editing tutorials, and group workshop options.
- Scale to make money teaching photography: Expand into online courses, workshops, and digital products for sustainable income.
1. Understanding the Market Demand
The demand for better selfie photography has exploded as people recognize the importance of quality personal content. From influencers building their brands to professionals updating LinkedIn profiles, everyone wants to learn how to take better selfies without investing in expensive equipment.
As a freelance photography instructor, you can tap into this market by teaching smartphone photography techniques that deliver professional-looking results. Most people don’t realize that great selfies come from understanding lighting, angles, and composition—skills you can easily teach.
The beauty of teaching selfie photography lies in its accessibility. Your students already have the primary tool (their smartphone), and you can help them unlock its potential through proven photography techniques.
Your Target Market for Selfie Photography Instruction
- Content creators: Aspiring influencers and TikTok creators seeking consistent, high-quality selfie content.
- Business professionals: Entrepreneurs, coaches, and consultants wanting better profile photos for their brand.
- Social media users: Individuals who want to improve their online presence and confidence on camera.
2. Setting Your Freelance Photography Instructor Rates
When determining how much to charge for teaching selfie photography, consider your experience level, session format, and the value you provide. Many freelance photography instructors successfully start at $35/hour for one-on-one selfie coaching sessions.
Your freelance photography instructor rates should reflect the transformation you provide. You’re not just teaching camera angles—you’re boosting confidence, improving online presence, and helping people present their best selves. This value justifies competitive pricing in the photography instruction market.
Cost Guide: Teaching Photography Session Rates
| Service Type | Low-End | Mid-Range | High-End |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-on-1 Virtual Selfie Tutorial | $25/hour | $35–$50/hour | $65+/hour |
| In-Person Photography Session | $45/hour | $55–$75/hour | $90+/hour |
| Group Selfie Workshop (per person) | $15 | $25–$35 | $50+ |
Remember, you’re providing specialized knowledge that saves your clients time and delivers measurable results. Price your selfie photography instruction accordingly to reflect this professional value.
Strategies for Setting Profitable Rates
- Research local freelance photography instructor rates in your market
- Start with beginner-friendly pricing and increase as you gain testimonials
- Offer package deals for multiple sessions to increase client lifetime value
3. Tips for Monetizing Your Teaching Services
To successfully make money teaching photography, you need multiple revenue streams beyond hourly instruction. Smart freelance photography instructors diversify their offerings to maximize earning potential while serving different client needs and budgets.
Proven Monetization Strategies
- Private selfie coaching: Offer personalized one-on-one sessions via video calls or in-person meetings.
- Digital selfie courses: Create comprehensive video tutorials covering lighting, posing, and editing techniques.
- Group workshops: Host themed sessions for friends, corporate teams, or special interest groups.
- Educational partnerships: Collaborate with community centers, libraries, or schools to teach selfie photography classes.
Each monetization method allows you to scale your expertise differently—from high-touch personal instruction to passive income through digital products.
4. Strategies to Boost Your Profits
Once you start teaching selfie photography regularly, focus on maximizing your profit margins while delivering exceptional value. Successful freelance photography instructors know how to increase earnings without proportionally increasing their time investment.
Value-Added Services That Increase Revenue
- Create downloadable selfie pose guides and lighting cheat sheets
- Develop custom photo editing presets for popular apps
- Offer monthly follow-up sessions for ongoing improvement
Marketing Your Selfie Photography Instruction
- Share before-and-after transformations from your teaching sessions
- Post quick selfie tips on Instagram and TikTok to attract potential students
- Partner with makeup artists, stylists, and other image professionals for cross-referrals
Your goal is to position yourself as the go-to expert for anyone wanting to improve their selfie game, building a reputation that commands premium freelance photography instructor rates.
Building Strategic Partnerships for Growth
- Collaborate with beauty professionals to offer complete image makeover packages
- Partner with social media managers who can recommend your selfie instruction services
These partnerships help you reach new audiences while providing additional value to your existing clients, creating win-win scenarios that boost your photography teaching business.
5. Tools and Resources for Teaching Photography
Teaching selfie photography effectively requires the right tools to demonstrate techniques and create professional learning experiences. Fortunately, you don’t need expensive equipment to start your freelance photography instruction business.
Essential Equipment for Teaching Selfie Photography
- Ring light and smartphone tripod: Demonstrate proper lighting and stable camera positioning during lessons.
- Video conferencing platform: Use Zoom, Google Meet, or Skype for remote selfie photography instruction.
- Online scheduling system: Streamline bookings with tools like Calendly or Acuity Scheduling.
- Secure payment processing: Accept payments easily through PayPal, Stripe, or similar platforms.
Educational Materials That Add Value
- Downloadable guide: “10 Selfie Angles That Flatter Every Face Shape”
- Video tutorial: “Mastering Natural Light for Better Selfies”
- Resource sheets: Best selfie editing apps and step-by-step editing workflows
Final Thoughts
Teaching selfie photography represents a unique opportunity to make money teaching photography while helping others feel confident and look their best. As a freelance photography instructor specializing in selfie techniques, you can build a rewarding business that combines creative expression with solid earning potential.
The key to success lies in understanding your market, setting appropriate freelance photography instructor rates, and consistently delivering value that justifies your pricing. Whether you start with $35/hour individual sessions or develop comprehensive online courses, the path to profitable selfie photography instruction is entirely achievable.
Remember, you’re not just teaching camera techniques—you’re empowering people to present themselves confidently in our increasingly visual world. This meaningful impact, combined with strong earning potential, makes selfie photography instruction an excellent choice for photographers ready to monetize their expertise.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I charge for a 30 minute photography session?
For a 30-minute freelance session teaching selfie skills, consider charging $20–$30 as a starting point. You can raise rates as your expertise and demand increase.
Is there really demand for selfie coaching?
Absolutely. With the rise of influencers and remote professionals, demand for personal branding and better photos is growing fast.
Do I need professional credentials to teach photography?
No degree is required. Experience, a strong portfolio, and positive client reviews matter more in this space.
What platform is best to teach selfies online?
Zoom and Google Meet work well for live sessions. You can also record sessions and offer them on platforms like Gumroad or through your site.
Can I teach both in-person and virtual sessions?
Yes! Many photographers mix both. Virtual sessions offer flexibility and scale, while in-person may allow higher personalized pricing.