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When we think of photography, a lot of times we just lump everything together. Whatever picture you take with a camera is photography. But there are a variety of sub genres of photography. The words “commercial photography” get thrown around a lot, but some people aren’t quite sure what they mean, or how it is differentiated from other types of photos.

Commercial photography is best defined as photography where the photographer gets paid for the image rather than just a work of art. Usually these photos are of specific  items or places. Underneath this category are wholesale, retail and professional use photos. This can run a gamut of subjects, from advertising, food and still life photos to even crime scene photos or other pictures sold for photojournalism. The photos the paparazzi take of celebrities would be considered commercial photography, as they are doing it only for the end payment and not for any artistic value.

Getting into commercial photography can be as easy as taking your camera and going freelance. There are always businesses who need photographs, and as long as you have a good eye and worth ethic, you may find that you can make a bit of cash with freelance commercial photography projects.