Unveiling a Tested Strategy for Marketing and Selling Underwater Photography in Dive Travel Destinations. Join me as I provide insights, tips, and inspiration for fellow divers and underwater photographers who desire to embrace the freelance photographer lifestyle.
Balancing travel with a profitable side hustle can be both exciting and rewarding. With the right equipment like an underwater camera and proper lighting, you can capture breathtaking images that showcase your talent. Having confidence in the quality of your work is essential, as it will drive your passion and creativity. Moreover, being willing to promote and sell your services can help you reach a wider audience and turn your hobby into a successful side hustle. You can merge your passion for travel with your entrepreneurial drive to establish a rewarding side job that enables you to travel the world while engaging in what you adore.
Seems daunting or unattainable? It's not. By following my tried-and-tested program detailed in this piece, you can potentially earn a respectable freelance income, strengthen your rapport with your preferred dive operator, possibly secure complimentary diving opportunities, and offer clients enduring digital mementos. I do nearly every day.
To get started, above all else, tune out the naysayers. Brush off tips from those too shy to toot their own horn. Ignore anyone seeding doubts about this venture. If snapping underwater pictures and story telling with underwater videos lights your fire and you're on the hunt for a side hustle, get ready to beam with joy!
Regarding equipment, at a minimum, you should have a GoPro with a Dive Housing, Housing Lens Filters, and possibly video lighting (although not mandatory if you're skilled at leveraging natural light angles). The newer the GoPro the better. I am currently running a GoPro 11 with impressive results but I could easily run this same program with a GoPro 4 with a light. The most crucial elements are a solid marketing strategy, sales and promotional materials, and the readiness to secure sales.
The marketing materials required are straightforward. Create a concise one-page layout featuring some of your best shots. This page should outline your pricing structure, the package contents, and the method of delivery. Diving always fosters a wet environment so have the promotional sheets laminated. It's advisable to have a stock of memory chips and USB drives for quick image transfers. The images displayed should entice clients to engage your services, clearly state the sales process (usually cash-only), and explain how the images will be delivered. Additionally, having laminated sheets in various languages is recommended. Refer to the examples in this piece, featuring English and Arabic translations.
The pricing is up to you and your market. Make certain you factor in all your cost such as your promotional materials, memory devices, and any commission that goes back to the dive Opperator. At all cost, value your own work. Do not give away what you do. Set prices high and sell skillfully with confidence in your product and service.
The presentation starts by introducing yourself to clients and mentioning your affiliation with the dive operator. Have the promotional sheet at hand, display the camera system, and inform them that you'll be capturing content for social media during the dive (which is true). Secure their consent to use their images from the dive on social platforms. Subsequently, present the optional image service, showcasing the laminated portfolio and pricing sheet. Allow them time to review your marketing materials. Avoid appearing too eager; they'll either opt for the service or decline, but either way, you're set for an incredible dive to create content for the Dive Operator's social channels.
Typically, the sale is straightforward. The most likely buyers are Try-Dive or Discover Scuba Divers who lack their own camera or permission to dive with one. Don’t shy away from those who have their own cameras, they have already demonstrated they value good underwater images. You capturing images of them could be a highlight of their trip. Safety always comes first. Remind them that they can either spend the dive focusing on their screens or fully immerse themselves in the experience while you handle the imagery. Assure them of your lighting expertise, site knowledge, and ability to deliver exceptional results.
If they're not entirely convinced at the onset, mention that you'll have your laptop available post-dive for them to view the day's captures. Often, those initially hesitant will express interest once they see the day's highlights. This is also a great time to socialize with your new clients and friends and re-live the dives of the day.
For image delivery, offer three options: 1.) Memory Chip, 2.) USB Stick, or 3.) AirDrop (if you are on a Mac). A large portion of clients are likely to use iPhones, making AirDrop a convenient choice. For those without iPhones, have quality memory options available to download the images. I shoot between 60 to 160 images per dive and a small amount of video. Make sure you use good quality memory and rehearse your technical delivery process ahead of time so the image hand-off with the client is quick and simple. Long download wait times and failed Air Drops are a deal breaker.
That's it. By following this strategy, you'll foster a strong partnership with your dive operator, leave clients thrilled with the remarkable images you provide, and earn extra income while enjoying top-notch diving experiences at no cost.
I know this works because I use this system daily and I have a high success rate. If you are just starting out and having any struggles, do not hesitate to reach out me and I will be happy to coach you through it.
My personal mission is to inspire others through education, adventure, and exploration. Feel free to share your success story with me if this resonates with you.
Check out my latest images on Instagram: Depth Adventures, In-depth Scuba, Go Arab Divers
Balancing travel with a profitable side hustle can be both exciting and rewarding. With the right equipment like an underwater camera and proper lighting, you can capture breathtaking images that showcase your talent. Having confidence in the quality of your work is essential, as it will drive your passion and creativity. Moreover, being willing to promote and sell your services can help you reach a wider audience and turn your hobby into a successful side hustle. You can merge your passion for travel with your entrepreneurial drive to establish a rewarding side job that enables you to travel the world while engaging in what you adore.
Seems daunting or unattainable? It's not. By following my tried-and-tested program detailed in this piece, you can potentially earn a respectable freelance income, strengthen your rapport with your preferred dive operator, possibly secure complimentary diving opportunities, and offer clients enduring digital mementos. I do nearly every day.
To get started, above all else, tune out the naysayers. Brush off tips from those too shy to toot their own horn. Ignore anyone seeding doubts about this venture. If snapping underwater pictures and story telling with underwater videos lights your fire and you're on the hunt for a side hustle, get ready to beam with joy!
Regarding equipment, at a minimum, you should have a GoPro with a Dive Housing, Housing Lens Filters, and possibly video lighting (although not mandatory if you're skilled at leveraging natural light angles). The newer the GoPro the better. I am currently running a GoPro 11 with impressive results but I could easily run this same program with a GoPro 4 with a light. The most crucial elements are a solid marketing strategy, sales and promotional materials, and the readiness to secure sales.
The marketing materials required are straightforward. Create a concise one-page layout featuring some of your best shots. This page should outline your pricing structure, the package contents, and the method of delivery. Diving always fosters a wet environment so have the promotional sheets laminated. It's advisable to have a stock of memory chips and USB drives for quick image transfers. The images displayed should entice clients to engage your services, clearly state the sales process (usually cash-only), and explain how the images will be delivered. Additionally, having laminated sheets in various languages is recommended. Refer to the examples in this piece, featuring English and Arabic translations.
The pricing is up to you and your market. Make certain you factor in all your cost such as your promotional materials, memory devices, and any commission that goes back to the dive Opperator. At all cost, value your own work. Do not give away what you do. Set prices high and sell skillfully with confidence in your product and service.
The presentation starts by introducing yourself to clients and mentioning your affiliation with the dive operator. Have the promotional sheet at hand, display the camera system, and inform them that you'll be capturing content for social media during the dive (which is true). Secure their consent to use their images from the dive on social platforms. Subsequently, present the optional image service, showcasing the laminated portfolio and pricing sheet. Allow them time to review your marketing materials. Avoid appearing too eager; they'll either opt for the service or decline, but either way, you're set for an incredible dive to create content for the Dive Operator's social channels.
Typically, the sale is straightforward. The most likely buyers are Try-Dive or Discover Scuba Divers who lack their own camera or permission to dive with one. Don’t shy away from those who have their own cameras, they have already demonstrated they value good underwater images. You capturing images of them could be a highlight of their trip. Safety always comes first. Remind them that they can either spend the dive focusing on their screens or fully immerse themselves in the experience while you handle the imagery. Assure them of your lighting expertise, site knowledge, and ability to deliver exceptional results.
If they're not entirely convinced at the onset, mention that you'll have your laptop available post-dive for them to view the day's captures. Often, those initially hesitant will express interest once they see the day's highlights. This is also a great time to socialize with your new clients and friends and re-live the dives of the day.
For image delivery, offer three options: 1.) Memory Chip, 2.) USB Stick, or 3.) AirDrop (if you are on a Mac). A large portion of clients are likely to use iPhones, making AirDrop a convenient choice. For those without iPhones, have quality memory options available to download the images. I shoot between 60 to 160 images per dive and a small amount of video. Make sure you use good quality memory and rehearse your technical delivery process ahead of time so the image hand-off with the client is quick and simple. Long download wait times and failed Air Drops are a deal breaker.
That's it. By following this strategy, you'll foster a strong partnership with your dive operator, leave clients thrilled with the remarkable images you provide, and earn extra income while enjoying top-notch diving experiences at no cost.
I know this works because I use this system daily and I have a high success rate. If you are just starting out and having any struggles, do not hesitate to reach out me and I will be happy to coach you through it.
My personal mission is to inspire others through education, adventure, and exploration. Feel free to share your success story with me if this resonates with you.
Check out my latest images on Instagram: Depth Adventures, In-depth Scuba, Go Arab Divers
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