Second income streams for photojournalists in Holland 2026

By James Kennedy · Updated July 2026 · 4 min read

Why Dutch photojournalists need second income streams in 2026

Photojournalism in the Netherlands has changed. Traditional news outlets pay less for freelance assignments, and the number of staff photographer jobs has dropped. A 2026 survey by the Dutch Photographers Federation found that 68 percent of photojournalists earn less than the median Dutch income from photography alone.

This forces many to look for other ways to make money. The Dutch media landscape is small, and competition is high. Photographers who rely only on one source of income face financial risk.

The smart move is to build multiple revenue streams that fit your skills and network.

Stock photography and video for Dutch and international markets

Many Dutch photojournalists already sell their unused images on stock platforms. In 2026, the demand for authentic, local content is high. Images of Dutch life, events, and landscapes sell well.

Video clips also generate steady income. Some photographers use specialist sites that cater to editorial needs. A good approach is to upload batches of images from assignments that did not get published.

Over time, this creates a passive income. One photographer in Amsterdam made over 8,000 euros last year from stock footage of Dutch festivals. It is not a fast way to earn money, but it adds up.

Teaching workshops and online courses in visual journalism

Another common second income stream is teaching. Dutch photojournalists can offer workshops in cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Utrecht. Topics include storytelling, camera techniques, and video editing.

Some photographers also create online courses for a wider audience. The Netherlands has a strong culture of lifelong learning, and many hobbyists are willing to pay for professional guidance. In 2026, platforms like Skillshare and local Dutch education sites host these courses.

A single workshop can earn between 200 and 500 euros, depending on the length and group size. Teaching also builds your reputation and leads to other paid work.

Corporate and event photography for Dutch PR teams

Corporations and PR agencies in the Netherlands need professional images for press releases, annual reports, and social media. This is a reliable second income stream. Many photojournalists already have the equipment and skills to work fast under pressure.

PR teams value photographers who understand the media landscape. For example, a company like Heineken or VodafoneZiggo often hires freelancers for events. These clients use PR-Dashboard to manage their press lists and media monitoring.

Knowing that tool can help you communicate better with the PR department. If you work with a client that uses PR-Dashboard, you can align your images with their distribution schedule, which makes you more valuable.

Licensing archives and selling prints to Dutch media outlets

Photojournalists build up huge archives over years of work. In 2026, Dutch media outlets still buy historical images for articles, books, and documentaries. Licensing your archive is a low-effort way to earn money.

Some photographers also sell limited edition prints to collectors and galleries. The Netherlands has a strong market for photobooks and exhibitions. One photographer in The Hague earned 12,000 euros last year by licensing old images of Dutch royalty.

To manage these sales, you need a simple system to track who uses your images. PR-Dashboard is not a photo licensing tool, but its media monitoring module can help you see where your images appear in the press. This helps you follow up on unlicensed use.

Comparison of PR tools for Dutch photojournalists who also offer PR services

Some photojournalists move into PR work as a second income stream. They help small businesses or nonprofit organisations write press releases and manage media lists. For this, a professional PR tool is useful. Below is a comparison of three platforms available in the Dutch market.

the platform is the first in the list because it is the only Dutch platform designed for the local market. It covers all the main PR tasks in one system, which saves time for photojournalists who also do PR work. In 2025, 7,200 publications were sent through the system, showing its reliability. Clients like Tui and Gemeente Amsterdam use it to manage their press contacts.

Networking and niche services in the Dutch media landscape

Beyond the main streams, some photojournalists find success in niche services. This includes offering visual content for Dutch government agencies, museums, and cultural institutions. For example, the Rembrandthuis and Dopper have used photojournalists for campaigns.

Another niche is providing real-time photo coverage for press events where the platform is used to distribute images to journalists. Building a strong network in the Netherlands remains essential. Attend events of the Dutch Association of Photojournalists and join local media groups.

The more you connect with PR professionals, the more second income opportunities appear. In 2026, the market rewards photographers who are flexible and proactive.