5 Apps 📲 That Pay 💵 You to Take Photos 📸 Around Your City 🏙️

Imagine turning your daily strolls around the city into cash. Sounds fun, right? Well, thanks to modern technology, it’s entirely possible. Several apps now pay users to take photos of local businesses, landmarks, or products. Over the years, this niche of earning money through photography has exploded, offering not only extra income but also a chance to explore your surroundings creatively.

In this article, I’ll guide you through five legitimate apps that pay for your photography, share personal insights, give practical tips, and show you how to maximize your earnings while having fun exploring your city.

How Can You Get Paid for Taking Photos?

Before diving into specific apps, it’s important to understand how this process works. Companies need fresh, high-quality images for marketing, listings, and social media. They don’t always have the resources to capture these photos themselves, so they turn to crowdsourcing.

Here’s how it works:

Photo Assignments: Apps post requests for photos in specific locations or of particular subjects.
Submission and Approval: You take a photo, submit it through the app, and wait for approval.
Payment: Once approved, the app pays you via PayPal, gift cards, or direct deposit.

This system allows almost anyone with a smartphone to earn money while exploring their neighborhood, shopping, or sightseeing.

1. Foap – Turn Photos Into Cash

Foap is one of the most popular apps for monetizing your photography. You simply upload your images, and brands or agencies can purchase them.

Earnings: $5–$100 per photo depending on licensing.
Tip: Focus on high-quality, clear, and aesthetically pleasing photos. Lifestyle, food, and cityscapes tend to sell well.

My Experience: I uploaded ten photos from a weekend walk in my city. Within a week, two photos sold for $10 each. It’s slow initially, but with consistency, it can add up.

2. Snapwire – Connect With Businesses Directly

Snapwire allows you to complete specific photo challenges set by brands and small businesses.

Earnings: $10–$100 per accepted photo or challenge.
Tip: Participate in weekly challenges to boost visibility and earnings.

Example: A local coffee shop requested artistic photos of latte art. I submitted three images, and one earned $25 after approval.

Snapwire is ideal if you enjoy a bit of creative challenge and want direct opportunities with businesses.

3. Shutterstock Contributor – Sell Stock Photos

If you’ve ever considered stock photography, Shutterstock Contributor is an excellent platform.

Earnings: Typically $0.25–$2 per download, scaling higher for popular content.
Tip: Capture diverse city scenes—architecture, street art, public spaces—to appeal to global buyers.

Personal Insight: I uploaded photos of local murals and cafés. After a month, I earned around $15 in micro-payments. Patience is key, but the platform provides consistent long-term potential.

4. Field Agent – Complete Photo Missions

Field Agent is unique because it assigns tasks in your city. You might photograph store displays, product placements, or menu items.

Earnings: $3–$12 per mission, sometimes more for complex tasks.
Tip: Pay attention to the app’s instructions carefully; rejected photos mean no payout.

Example: I photographed new snack displays at a nearby grocery store. Each mission took 10–15 minutes, earning me $8 per completed task.

Field Agent combines photography with light “mystery shopping,” making it both fun and profitable.

5. EasyShift – Quick City Photo Tasks

EasyShift is another app that pays for small photo assignments in your area.

Earnings: $2–$10 per task, depending on complexity.
Tip: Complete as many tasks as possible in one outing to maximize earnings.

Experience: During a walk downtown, I completed three shifts photographing restaurant menus and storefronts. Total earnings: $18 in under an hour. It’s fast money for simple work.

Tips to Maximize Earnings While Exploring Your City

Check App Updates Daily – New photo assignments appear frequently.
Plan Routes Efficiently – Combine multiple tasks in a single trip.
Focus on Quality – Well-lit, in-focus photos have higher acceptance rates.
Engage Creatively – Add unique perspectives or angles to stand out.
Stay Organized – Track submissions and payments to avoid confusion.

Benefits Beyond Money

Taking photos around your city isn’t just about earning cash:

Discover Hidden Gems – Exploring tasks can lead you to local spots you never knew existed.
Improve Photography Skills – Frequent practice hones your composition, lighting, and perspective.
Flexible Side Income – You choose when and where to complete assignments.

During my own city walks, I noticed places I’d never visited before and captured unique photos that sold on multiple apps. It’s a rewarding mix of work and adventure.

Potential Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Weather and Lighting – Poor conditions affect photo quality.

Solution: Plan assignments during daylight or carry a portable light source.

Rejection of Photos – Some submissions won’t be accepted.

Solution: Review instructions carefully and reshoot if necessary.

Competition – Popular apps have many users.

Solution: Focus on unique angles, trending subjects, and less-covered areas.

Time Management – Multiple assignments can be time-consuming.

Solution: Plan efficient routes and batch tasks during outings.

Realistic Expectations

While apps pay for city photography, it’s important to be realistic:

Earnings: $10–$50 per outing is typical for casual users.
Consistency: Daily or weekly engagement increases income over time.
Creative Advantage: Unique, high-quality photos stand out and earn more.

Patience is essential. This side hustle may start small but can grow into a steady supplemental income.

Conclusion: Is It Worth Trying?

Absolutely. Earning money by taking photos around your city is fun, flexible, and creative. It blends exploration with photography and provides a side income that’s enjoyable and rewarding. Whether you want to supplement your earnings or improve your photography skills, these apps offer a unique opportunity to turn your city walks into cash.

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My experience with these apps was exciting and surprisingly profitable. I explored new streets, captured beautiful moments, and earned cash along the way. How about you? Share your experiences in the comments!

Written by the author, Fatima Al-Hajri 👩🏻‍💻