Photographers can earn a wide variety of income from selling their images online.
At a time when just about every business needs content for their digital marketing efforts, photographers have unprecedented opportunities to monetize their work by selling photos online. Whether you’re an amateur or a professional, there are numerous platforms where you can sell your photography online and turn your passion into a paycheck. These platforms cater to a wide range of photographic styles and niches, from stock photography websites to specialized marketplaces. Selling your stock photography online not only provides a passive income stream but also exposes your work to a global audience.
Image And Photo Selling Websites
There are numerous ways to go beyond Instagram or Pinterest and utilize one of the many online platforms to earn money by selling photos and images. You can join stock photography websites or sell directly to brands and consumers. Diversifying your approach and not relying solely on one platform or method is advisable, as this can maximize your exposure and income potential.
The methods that make the most money often depend on your niche and the quality of your work. Stock photography sites like Shutterstock and Getty Images offer consistent income opportunities, while platforms like Foap allow earning through brand-specific gigs. While having a background in photography can be beneficial, it is not strictly necessary. Anyone can start selling photos online with the right equipment, creativity and understanding of market demand.
1. Shutterstock
Shutterstock is a leading platform for selling photos, illustrations and vector art. To start selling, photographers must apply and submit a portfolio for review. Once accepted, they can upload their images to the marketplace. There is no upfront cost, but Shutterstock takes a commission on sales.
The site best suits photographers with a knack for commercial and editorial content. It offers a diversified audience, which increases the likelihood of sales. Shutterstock requires high-quality images, and contributors should be familiar with digital editing and stock photography standards. Earning potential varies, with contributors earning between 15% to 40% commission per download.
2. Adobe Stock
Adobe Stock integrates seamlessly with Adobe Creative Cloud, making it a preferred choice for many creatives. To start selling, contributors need to create an Adobe ID, upload their photos, and tag them with relevant keywords. There are no upfront fees; Adobe Stock takes a percentage of each sale.
The platform is ideal for photographers who are already using Adobe software because of its easy-to-navigate integration with the Adobe editing platforms. Adobe Stock looks for high-quality, royalty-free images, including photos, illustrations and vector art. The earning potential ranges from 20% to 60% commission on each sale, depending on the image license type.
3. Alamy
Alamy is known for its diverse collection of photos and generous contributor commissions. Photographers can start selling by creating an account and uploading images for review. There are no upfront costs, but Alamy takes a commission on sales.
This platform is suitable for photographers specializing in unique and niche subjects, as Alamy accepts a wide range of content. Contributors should be skilled in capturing high-quality images and keywording them effectively. The site offers a high earning potential, with contributors receiving up to 50% commission on direct sales and 40% on distributor sales.
4. Getty Images
Getty Images is one of the most prestigious stock photo agencies, known for high-quality editorial and commercial content. Photographers must apply and be accepted as contributors, often requiring a portfolio review. Getty Images covers upfront costs, but takes a significant commission on sales.
Ideal for professional photographers with experience in news, sports and commercial photography, Getty Images seeks high-resolution, impactful images. The platform is best suited for those with advanced photography skills and industry knowledge. The earning potential includes commissions ranging from 20% to 30% of the sale price.
5. iStock
iStock, a subsidiary of Getty Images, offers a more accessible platform for selling photos online. To become a contributor, photographers must apply and submit work samples. There are no upfront fees, but iStock takes a commission on sales.
iStock is best suited for photographers who produce high-quality, commercially viable photos, illustrations and videos. Contributors should understand stock photography well and the types of images that sell well. Earning potential varies, with contributors earning between 15% to 45% commission per sale, depending on exclusivity and image type.
6. 500px Marketplace
500px Marketplace is a popular platform for photographers to sell their images and build portfolios. To start, photographers need to create an account and upload high-quality images. The platform takes a commission on each sale but does not charge upfront fees.
This site is ideal for photographers showcasing and selling fine art and creative photography. 500px looks for high-quality, artistic images and offers tools for photographers to engage with the community. The earning potential is competitive, with contributors receiving up to 60% commission on sales, depending on their membership level.
7. Foap
Foap is a unique platform that allows photographers to sell images directly to brands and individuals. To start selling, photographers need to download the Foap app, create an account, and upload their photos. The platform takes a 50% commission on sales.
Foap is best suited for amateur and professional photographers who enjoy capturing everyday moments and commercial-quality images. The platform offers “missions” where brands set specific photo requirements and reward winners. Earning potential varies, with mission payouts often reaching $100 or more per selected image.
8. Dreamstime
Dreamstime is a well-established stock photo agency. To sell on Dreamstime, photographers must create an account and submit their images for review. There are no upfront costs; the platform takes a commission on sales.
This platform is ideal for photographers with a range of high-quality images, from commercial to editorial content. Dreamstime seeks photos with clear concepts and strong visual appeal. Contributors should have good technical skills and an understanding of stock photography trends. The earning potential includes a 25% to 60% commission, depending on the contributor’s exclusivity agreement and the type of sale.
9. EyeEm
EyeEm combines a photo community with a marketplace where photographers can sell their images. To start selling, photographers must create an account, upload their best shots, and join the marketplace. The platform takes a commission on sales, but there are no upfront fees.
EyeEm is best suited for photographers interested in artistic and commercial photography. The platform offers features like photo missions and partnerships with brands. Contributors should have a strong portfolio and an eye for creative content. Earning potential includes a 50% commission on each sale, with opportunities for additional income through missions and brand collaborations.
10. Canva
Canva, known for its design tools, also offers a marketplace for photographers to sell stock images. To start, photographers must apply and submit their portfolio for review. Canva does not charge upfront fees but takes a commission on sales.
This platform is ideal for photographers who create images that can be used in designs and marketing materials. Canva looks for high-quality, versatile images that fit into templates and designs. Photographers should have experience in creating aesthetically pleasing and functional content for various uses. The earning potential is competitive, with contributors earning a royalty percentage based on the image’s usage and sales.
Tips For Selling Pictures Online
To ensure your images are being sold, it’s crucial to understand market demand and trends. Focus on creating high-quality, visually appealing images that cater to in-demand niches such as travel, lifestyle, food and business. Proper keywording and tagging of your images are also essential, as they improve the discoverability of your photos on search engines and within the platforms themselves.
Additionally, consistently uploading new content can keep your portfolio fresh and relevant, attracting more potential buyers. Engaging with the community on platforms like 500px and EyeEm can also help increase visibility. Finally, diversifying your portfolio across multiple websites can increase your chances of sales, as different platforms attract different audiences. The true key to success is a combination of quality, consistency, and strategic marketing of your photos.
Bottom Line
Selling photos online offers photographers a lucrative way to monetize their skills, with most making it one of their multiple streams of income. From stock photography to direct sales, diverse platforms cater to different styles and niches. Photographers can significantly boost their income potential by understanding market demands, maintaining quality and leveraging multiple sites.