How Matt Earns $12,000 Every Month by Reviewing Photography Gear

How I Earn $12,000 Every Month by Reviewing Photography Gear On Youtube

If you had told me a few years ago that I’d be earning $12,000 a month by reviewing photography gear on YouTube, I wouldn’t have believed you. What started as a hobby—sharing my thoughts on cameras and lenses—has turned into a full-time career that I love. I now get to combine my passion for photography with helping others make informed decisions, all while earning a substantial income.

I’ve always been into photography. I started taking pictures when I was a teenager and quickly became obsessed with the technical side of it—camera bodies, lenses, lighting setups, you name it. I loved testing new gear and figuring out what worked best for different types of photography, whether it was landscapes, portraits, or street shots. But I never thought of turning that passion into a business until a few years ago.

One day, I was researching a new camera I wanted to buy and realized that there weren’t many in-depth reviews that explained things in simple, relatable terms. Many reviews I found were either too technical or didn’t cover the real-world usability of the gear. That’s when the idea hit me: I could create my own review videos, focusing on the practical aspects of photography gear that fellow photographers would care about.

I started my YouTube channel with a simple video review of the camera I was using at the time. I didn’t have fancy equipment or a professional setup—just my camera, a tripod, and a passion for sharing what I knew. The video wasn’t perfect, but it resonated with other photography enthusiasts. People started commenting, asking for my thoughts on other gear, and giving me feedback. That’s when I knew I was onto something.

I began uploading reviews regularly, covering cameras, lenses, and accessories like tripods, lighting gear, and even editing software. What made my channel stand out was the way I approached the reviews. I focused on how the gear performed in real-world situations, showing examples of the photos and videos I captured with the equipment. My viewers appreciated the honest, straightforward reviews and trusted my opinions because I wasn’t afraid to point out both the pros and cons of each product.

As my channel grew, I hit 1,000 subscribers and was able to join the YouTube Partner Program, which allowed me to start earning ad revenue. While ad earnings were small at first, I saw the potential for growth. I stayed consistent, uploading new content every week, and engaged with my audience by answering questions and responding to comments. This interaction built a loyal community of photographers who trusted my reviews and kept coming back for more.

One of the biggest boosts to my income came from affiliate marketing. I joined several affiliate programs for the photography gear I was reviewing, and I included affiliate links in my video descriptions. Every time someone clicked on one of those links and made a purchase, I earned a commission. Since photography gear can be expensive, these commissions added up quickly, especially as my channel’s viewership increased.

Sponsorships soon became another key source of income. As my channel gained more attention, photography companies reached out, offering to sponsor my videos in exchange for showcasing their products. I was selective about which brands I worked with, ensuring I only promoted gear that I genuinely believed in and had tested myself. This authenticity helped maintain the trust I had built with my audience.

To diversify my income even further, I started creating online photography courses. Many of my viewers were beginners or enthusiasts looking to improve their skills, so I developed courses on topics like camera settings, composition techniques, and post-processing. These courses became a hit and provided another substantial revenue stream outside of YouTube ads and affiliate marketing.

Fast forward to today, and I’m earning $12,000 a month by doing what I love—reviewing photography gear and helping others improve their craft. It’s been an incredible journey, and I still get excited every time I test a new piece of gear or share a tip that helps someone take better photos.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from this experience, it’s that turning your passion into a business is possible if you’re willing to put in the time and effort. My advice to anyone thinking about starting a YouTube channel is simple: find what you’re passionate about, be authentic, and provide real value to your audience. It might take time, but the rewards—both financial and personal—are worth it.

For me, reviewing photography gear turned into a $12,000-a-month business, and I couldn’t be happier!