Best Affiliate Programs for Photographers

Here are a few of my top recommendations on the best affiliate programs for photographers. In our world today pretty much everything we own or programs we use have affiliate or referral programs where if we recommend something we use we can get a kickback of commission. It’s noted that typically millionaires have at least 7 streams of income so affiliate marketing can be another lucrative income stream for photographers. There is seriously nothing better than waking up and checking an account realizing you made $100+ while you were sleeping. It’s so incredibly helpful as well during photography slow season where I still have income coming in even if it means I haven’t booked a session.

The golden rule: Only recommend products or programs you love. Don’t just join an affiliate program that has a high commission rate if you don’t actually like their products. For me there are still programs I use currently but wouldn’t recommend to others so I’m not apart of their affiliate programs/don’t share those thinks.

In a lot of cases, programs will already give you a referral link automatically just upon purchasing a product while others may have you apply. Sometimes you’ll get a specific discount code, other times a link, and sometimes both. In the best case scenarios, the affiliate programs will offer some benefit to a future customer (like a percentage off or first month free) which incentivize them to use your link.

Best Affiliate Programs For Photographers

B&H Photo and Amazon Storefront – Basically every piece of gear you own can be linked from camera bodies to memory cards. I currently have an Amazon Storefront since I wasn’t accepted into B&H’s affiliate program (but will definitely switch over if they do). With my Amazon Storefront I link gear, coastal living items (since my couples love that), wedding day snacks, business books, etc.

The Legal Paige Contract Shop: I have made over $6000 so far being apart of her affiliate program and can’t recommend it enough. Her team also makes it super easy by sending you the copy & graphics any time she does a sale. It’s also great that her website isn’t for photographer’s specifically so literally everyone needs some type of contract when starting a business.

Think Tank Camera Bags If you have a bag through Think Tank they are great- I use their rolling suitcase for all my weddings (domestic and international).

Kamrette Camera Bags Similar to the above, so many of my photographer friends have a Kamrette Lyra backpack. Not only are they the perfect bag for sessions, but they also have a laptop case.

Wandering Weddings Directory for elopement photographer or adventure weddings.

Social Templates Co– If you hate making reels then this is the program for you. Not only does she send tempaltes with trending audio she also provides hook ideas based on that type of photographer you are. Here’s the 1st month free promo code to share with your followers – MEGHAN

CRMS/Client Management Systems: Both Honeybook and Dubsado (and others like Sprout Studio) have programs as well so check to see if yours does. Most photographers use a CRM so if you love what you’re using this can be great to recommend to newer photographers.

Other Ways To Make Passive Income

If you don’t see an affiliate program on a business’s website (but you love their product) definitely reach out and see if they’d be willing to do one with you. For example, I reached out to Chasing Stone so now I’m an affiliate for Chasing Stone products where if you use my code MEGHAN you get 10% off. It never hurts to reach out and companies love extra promotion!

Create a referral program: If there is a photographer who has the same level of experience as you, a similar top client experience, and a similar shooting & editing style you could create a referral program with them. A photographer reached out to me saying they were struggling with bookings and getting more leads, so currently what we do is if I can’t photograph a session or wedding I recommend the couple to them. If the couple reaches out to the other photographer and they book, I get $100-$200 depending on whether it was a session or wedding booking.

Where To Promote Your Affiliate Links

Promote them everywhere and often. I recommending sharing your links on social media stories, create a linktree in your instagram bio with the links or discount codes, create blog posts and then pin them on Pinterest, share them in facebook groups, and put them in the description of youtube videos, etc. The more areas you share the link, the better your chances of someone purchasing through your affiliate link or using your code.

Top tips: If you are writing a blog post before you hit publish stick the discount code in the meta description of the wordpress blog post so they can see it right when they do a google search without even clicking on the link. That way you are the first discount code someone searching will see and they are most likely to use yours to save them time.