With the rise of stock photography and the constant demand for fresh, authentic images, there’s never been a better time to turn your photo-taking hobby into a side hustle or even a full-fledged business.
But where do you start? The internet is full of platforms promising to help you sell your photos, and it can be overwhelming!
Worry not! I’ve done the legwork to bring you a list of the best sites and apps for selling your photos online.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro with a DSLR or an amateur with a keen eye and a smartphone, there’s a platform out there that’s perfect for you.
Let’s dive in and explore your options!
1. EyeEm
EyeEm is more than just a photo-selling platform — it’s a vibrant community of photographers from all walks of life.
What sets EyeEm apart is its unique approach to connecting photographers with potential buyers.
Here’s how it works: You upload your photos to the platform, and EyeEm’s AI technology analyzes them to suggest relevant tags and categories.
This smart tagging system increases the chances of your photos being discovered by buyers.
One of the most appealing aspects of EyeEm is its generous revenue share model. As a contributor, you get to keep 50% of the sale price when your photo is licensed.
And here’s the kicker: you can sell the same image multiple times, potentially earning recurring income from a single shot.
Pro Tip: For extra cash, try EyeEm’s “Missions,” which are essentially themed photo challenges sponsored by brands.
These missions not only give you a chance to earn extra cash but also provide creative prompts to inspire your photography.
2. Alamy
When it comes to stock photography heavyweights, Alamy is a name that commands respect.
With over 215 million stock images, vectors, and videos in its library, it’s a go-to resource for publishers, advertisers, and designers worldwide.
What makes Alamy stand out is its photographer-friendly approach. Unlike some platforms that offer measly commissions, Alamy pays a generous 50% royalty on direct sales.
That means half of what the customer pays goes straight into your pocket. And if you’re an exclusive contributor, that rate can go up to 60%.
Alamy doesn’t just cater to professional photographers with high-end equipment.
They’ve embraced the smartphone revolution with their Stockimo app, allowing iPhone users to upload and sell their mobile shots directly from their devices.
Alamy’s submission process is refreshingly straightforward. As long as your images meet their basic technical requirements, you’re good to go.
This open approach means you can build up a substantial portfolio quickly, increasing your chances of making sales.
3. Shutterstock
Shutterstock is arguably the most recognizable name in the stock photo world, and for good reason.
With over two million active buyers across 150 countries, it offers unparalleled exposure for your work.
Here’s what sets Shutterstock apart:
- Diverse content types: Beyond photos, you can also sell vectors, illustrations, and video footage.
- Contributor-friendly tools: Their mobile app and web-based upload system make submitting content a breeze.
- Regular payouts: Get paid monthly via PayPal, Skrill, or direct deposit once you reach the minimum threshold.
While the initial royalty rates start lower than some competitors (15% for images), they increase as you make more sales. You can check out their earnings breakdown here.
Hit certain download milestones, and you could be earning up to 40% per download.
As a longtime Shutterstock user for my blog, I’ve noticed authentic, story-telling images really stand out. Lifestyle shots and photos with consistent aesthetics often catch my eye.
Don’t forget about the power of good keywording! The easier it is for buyers like me to find your images, the more likely they are to be purchased.
And lastly, consistency is key. I’ve noticed that contributors who regularly upload new, high-quality content seem to build a strong presence on the platform over time.
4. Foap
In the world of photo-selling apps, Foap stands out as a user-friendly option that’s tailor-made for smartphone photographers.
It’s like Instagram meets a marketplace — a place where your casual snapshots can turn into cold, hard cash.
The concept is simple: upload your photos through the Foap app, price them at $10 each, and when someone buys your image, you split the profits 50/50 with Foap.
It’s a straightforward model that takes the guesswork out of pricing and ensures you get a fair shake.
But Foap isn’t just about passive sales. They’ve gamified the experience with “Missions” — brand-sponsored photo challenges that can net you serious cash if your submission is chosen.
These missions not only provide a fun creative outlet but also the potential for bigger paydays (some missions offer prizes up to $100 or more).
What’s particularly appealing about Foap is its low barrier to entry. You don’t need a fancy camera or years of experience — just a smartphone and an eye for interesting shots.
5. Picfair
Picfair is shaking up the stock photo world with its refreshingly transparent approach. Unlike many platforms that set prices and take hefty cuts, Picfair puts you in the driver’s seat.
Here’s the deal: you upload your photos and set your own prices. Picfair then adds a 20% commission on top.
So if you price a photo at $50, it’ll be listed for $60, and you’ll get your full $50 when it sells. No complicated royalty structures or tiered pricing — just straightforward math that favors the photographer.
But Picfair isn’t just about selling individual images. They offer a unique “Plus” membership that turns your Picfair portfolio into a fully-fledged photography store.
For a small monthly fee, you get a customizable storefront, complete with your own domain name if you want it.
This means you can direct potential clients to your personal branded site, all while leveraging Picfair’s robust e-commerce backend.
What’s particularly cool about Picfair is their commitment to authenticity.
They have a strict no-Photoshop policy for documentary and editorial images, ensuring that buyers can trust the integrity of the photos they’re purchasing.
6. iStockPhoto & Getty Images
When it comes to prestige in the stock photo world, it’s hard to beat the one-two punch of iStockPhoto and Getty Images.
iStockPhoto, the more accessible of the two, is an excellent starting point for many photographers.
The platform accepts a wide range of images, from everyday snapshots to highly polished commercial photos. What’s great about iStock is its tiered contributor system.
As you sell more images and improve your acceptance rate, you can climb the ranks from “Bronze” to “Diamond” level, with each tier offering higher royalty rates.
Getty Images, on the other hand, is the crème de la crème of stock photography. Getting accepted as a Getty contributor is no small feat — their standards are exceptionally high.
But if you make the cut, you’re in for some serious earning potential. Getty’s images often command premium prices, and as a contributor, you can earn anywhere from 20% to 45%, depending on your agreement.
One of the coolest features of the iStock/Getty ecosystem is its mobile app, which allows you to upload photos directly from your smartphone.
7. Etsy
When you think of Etsy, handmade crafts and vintage finds probably come to mind.
But this popular marketplace is also a surprisingly great platform for selling photography — especially if you’re interested in selling prints rather than just digital files.
What makes Etsy unique in the photo-selling space is its focus on the artisanal and the personal.
Here, your photography isn’t just stock imagery — it’s art. This shift in perspective allows you to price your work based on its aesthetic value rather than its utility for commercial buyers.
Setting up a shop on Etsy is straightforward. You create your store, upload your images, and decide how you want to sell them.
You could offer digital downloads for buyers to print themselves or go the extra mile and sell physical prints.
Many successful Etsy photographers offer a range of products featuring their images — think canvas prints, framed photos, and even photo-printed merchandise like tote bags or phone cases.
8. Smugmug
For photographers who want more control over how their work is presented and sold, SmugMug offers a compelling solution.
It’s not just a platform for selling photos — it’s a complete package for building your own beautiful, professional photography website.
SmugMug provides a range of customizable templates that allow you to create a stunning portfolio site with just a few clicks.
But don’t let the ease of use fool you — these sites can look incredibly slick and professional.
You can showcase your work in elegant galleries, protect your images with watermarks, and even password-protect certain areas for client proofing.
When it comes to selling, SmugMug really shines. They offer a variety of ways to monetize your work:
- Print sales: SmugMug integrates with professional print labs, allowing you to sell high-quality prints, canvases, and other photo products directly from your site.
- Digital downloads: Easily sell digital files in various sizes and resolutions.
- Packages: Create bundles of prints or digital files for events like weddings or portrait sessions.
One of the best things about SmugMug is its pricing structure. While you do pay a monthly or annual fee for your site, you keep 85% of the markup on your sales.
9. BigStock Photo
BigStock Photo might not be the biggest name in the stock photo game, but it’s certainly a contender worth your attention.
This Shutterstock-owned platform offers a straightforward approach to selling your images, making it an excellent option for photographers just dipping their toes into the stock photo waters.
What sets BigStock apart is that their submission process is refreshingly simple.
New contributors can submit up to 10 images for review. Once approved, you’re free to upload more. It’s a gradual approach that allows you to learn the ropes without feeling overwhelmed.
The platform also provides useful insights into what sells. They regularly update their list of top-performing categories and keywords, giving you a clear direction for your photographic efforts.
Fancy capturing some business professionals in action? Or perhaps some mouth-watering food shots? BigStock will let you know what’s hot.
When it comes to earnings, BigStock offers a tiered royalty system. You start at 30% for image downloads and can work your way up to 44% as your lifetime earnings increase.
It’s not the highest in the industry, but the potential for volume sales can make up for it.
Plus, with a minimum payout of just $30, you won’t be waiting long to see some return on your efforts.
10. Stocksy
In a sea of stock photo sites, Stocksy stands out as a breath of fresh air.
This artist-owned cooperative takes a curated approach to stock photography, focusing on authentic, high-quality images that break away from the typical stock photo clichés.
Stocksy’s business model is unique in the industry. As a contributor, you’re not just selling your photos — you’re becoming part of a cooperative.
This means you get a say in the company’s direction and can even receive dividends based on the company’s performance.
It’s a refreshing take that puts photographers front and center. The platform’s commitment to quality means they’re selective about who they accept.
But if you make the cut, you’re in for some attractive benefits:
- High royalty rates: 50% for standard licenses and 75% for extended licenses.
- Exclusive licensing: Your images won’t be found on other stock sites.
- Fair pricing: Stocksy ensures your work is priced at what it’s worth.
Stocksy’s curated approach means your work won’t get lost in a sea of millions of images.
Instead, it’ll be part of a carefully selected collection that attracts discerning buyers looking for something special.
11. Adobe Stock
Adobe Stock, integrated seamlessly with Adobe’s Creative Cloud suite, offers a unique proposition for photographers already embedded in the Adobe ecosystem.
The platform’s standout feature is its integration with other Adobe products.
Using Lightroom? You can submit your edited photos directly to Adobe Stock without leaving the app. Working in Illustrator? You can access Stock images right from your workspace.
Adobe Stock’s royalty structure is competitive, offering 33% for photos and vector art, and 35% for videos.
These rates aren’t the highest in the industry, but they’re respectable — especially when you consider the potential volume of sales due to Adobe’s massive user base.
One of the coolest aspects of Adobe Stock is its AI-powered search capabilities.
The platform uses machine learning to analyze and tag images automatically, increasing the chances of your work being discovered by the right buyers.
12. ShootProof
ShootProof takes a different approach to helping photographers make money.
Instead of being a traditional stock photo platform, it’s an all-in-one solution for photographers to manage their business, including selling their photos directly to clients.
At its core, ShootProof is a client gallery service. You upload your photos, create beautiful galleries, and share them with your clients. But it’s the sales features that really make it shine.
You can sell digital downloads, prints, and other photo products directly through your galleries. Set your own prices, create packages, and even offer promotions to boost sales.
What sets ShootProof apart is its flexibility. You’re not locked into using their lab for prints — you can integrate with a variety of professional print labs or even fulfill orders yourself.
ShootProof also offers some nifty features to streamline your business:
- Contracts and invoicing tools
- Email marketing capabilities
- Mobile apps for on-the-go management
While it’s not a platform for selling stock photos to a wide audience, ShootProof is an excellent option for photographers looking to monetize their client work more effectively.
Whether you’re shooting weddings, portraits, or events, ShootProof provides the tools to turn your shoots into sustainable income.
13. Dreamstime
Dreamstime has been a player in the stock photo game since 2000, and they’ve built up quite a reputation.
With over 177 million files in their library and more than 30 million users, they offer photographers a vast marketplace for their work.
What makes Dreamstime stand out is its commitment to photographers’ success.
They offer a wealth of resources to help you understand what sells, including detailed statistics on popular searches and downloads.
This insight can be invaluable in guiding your shooting and uploading strategy.
The platform’s royalty structure is tiered and can be a bit complex, but it’s designed to reward both quality and quantity.
Rates start at 25 to 50% depending on whether you’re an exclusive or non-exclusive contributor and can increase based on your number of downloads and your level.
One of Dreamstime’s unique features is its “assignment” system. Buyers can request specific types of images, and photographers can submit their work to fill these requests.
14. Envato Elements
Envato Elements is a bit different from your typical stock photo site. It’s part of the larger Envato ecosystem, which includes various digital asset marketplaces.
What sets Elements apart is its subscription model — buyers pay a flat monthly fee for access to a vast library of digital assets, including photos.
For photographers, this model has pros and cons. On the plus side, it can lead to more downloads of your work, as subscribers are more likely to experiment with different images.
The downside is that the per-download payout tends to be lower than on traditional stock sites.
However, Envato Elements makes up for this with volume. With over 500,000 subscribers, there’s potential for your work to be seen and used by a wide audience.
Plus, Envato has a strong reputation in the design community, which can lead to valuable exposure.
15. Snapwire
Snapwire brings a fresh, dynamic approach to the stock photo world. It’s part stock agency, part social network, and part creative challenge platform.
The result? A vibrant community where photographers can showcase their work, compete in photo challenges, and connect directly with buyers.
Here’s how it works: Buyers can post requests for specific types of photos, and photographers can submit their work to fulfill these requests.
It’s like a reverse auction, where the best image wins. This direct connection between buyers and photographers can lead to higher payouts and more satisfying creative experiences.
But Snapwire isn’t just about fulfilling requests. The platform also features ongoing challenges, called “Challenges” and “Missions,” which provide creative prompts and the chance to win cash prizes.
These can be a fun way to push your creative boundaries and potentially earn some extra cash.
16. Canva
You might know Canva as a user-friendly graphic design tool, but did you know it’s also a platform where photographers can sell their work?
Canva’s stock photo marketplace is a growing opportunity for shutterbugs to monetize their images.
What makes Canva unique is its integration with the design platform. When you sell your photos on Canva, they become available to millions of users who are actively creating designs.
This means your images could end up in anything from social media posts to business presentations, expanding your reach far beyond traditional stock photo uses.
What you need to do is upload your high-quality images, add relevant tags, and wait for approval.
Once approved, your photos will be added to Canva’s library. The platform handles all the licensing and payments, making it a hassle-free way to earn from your photography.
While Canva doesn’t disclose specific royalty rates publicly, many photographers report competitive earnings.
Pro Tip: You can integrate your photography skills with these 22 different ways to earn with Canva and make more money in the process!
17. 123RF
123RF is a well-established player in the stock photo world, offering a vast library of images, vectors, footage, and audio to a global audience.
For photographers, it presents a solid opportunity to reach a wide range of potential buyers.
The platform stands out for its user-friendly interface and straightforward upload process. You can easily tag and categorize your images, increasing their chances of being found by buyers.
123RF also provides helpful analytics, allowing you to track which of your images are performing well and adjust your strategy accordingly.
Here’s what you can expect from 123RF:
- Non-exclusive agreements, allowing you to sell your images on other platforms.
- A tiered commission structure, with rates increasing as you sell more.
- Regular payouts via PayPal or wire transfer once you reach the minimum threshold.
123RF’s royalty rates range from 30% to 60%, depending on your contributor level.
18. Agora Images
Agora Images isn’t just another stock photo site — it’s a photography social network with a competitive twist.
This innovative platform combines elements of Instagram, stock photography, and photo contests to create a unique experience for photographers.
At its core, Agora is about photo challenges. The platform regularly hosts themed contests where photographers can submit their best work.
These aren’t just for fun — winners can earn significant cash prizes. It’s a great way to push your creative boundaries and potentially earn some serious money.
But Agora isn’t all about competition. The platform also functions as a marketplace where you can sell your images.
The best part is that you set your own prices and keep 100% of the earnings from your sales. No commissions, no complicated royalty structures — just straightforward pricing.
19. Zenfolio
Zenfolio takes a different approach to helping photographers make money. Instead of being a marketplace, it’s a comprehensive platform for building your own photography business website.
Think of it as your personal online gallery, portfolio, and store all rolled into one.
With Zenfolio, you can create a professional-looking website to showcase your work without any coding knowledge.
Choose from a variety of templates, customize your design, and voila — you’ve got a sleek online presence. But the real power of Zenfolio lies in its e-commerce capabilities.
The platform allows you to sell digital downloads, prints, and photo products directly through your site.
You set your own prices, and Zenfolio handles the payment processing and, if you choose, the printing and shipping. This gives you complete control over your pricing and product offerings.
20. PhotoShelter
PhotoShelter offers a robust set of tools for professionals looking to showcase and sell their work.
It’s more than just a portfolio site — it’s a complete business solution for serious photographers. PhotoShelter provides beautiful, customizable websites to display your images.
When it comes to selling, PhotoShelter shines. You can sell prints, digital downloads, and even rights-managed licenses directly through your site.
The platform integrates with a variety of professional print labs, ensuring high-quality products for your clients.
Plus, its robust image protection features (like watermarking and right-click disabling) help keep your work secure.
PhotoShelter also offers some unique features for working photographers:
- Client proofing galleries
- Integrated model releases
- Ability to submit to stock agencies directly from your archive
While it’s one of the pricier options out there, many photographers find that PhotoShelter’s comprehensive feature set justifies the cost.
It’s particularly well-suited for established professionals looking for a one-stop solution to manage and monetize their photography business.
21. Pixieset
Pixieset started as a client gallery service but has evolved into a comprehensive platform for photographers to showcase, deliver, and sell their work.
It’s particularly popular among wedding and portrait photographers, but its features make it suitable for various photography niches.
The standout feature of Pixieset is its clean, modern client galleries. These allow you to present your work beautifully and make it easy for clients to view, select, and purchase their favorite images.
When it comes to selling, Pixieset offers flexible options. You can sell digital downloads, prints, and photo products.
The platform integrates with professional labs for fulfillment, or you can choose to self-fulfill if you prefer. You set your own prices, and Pixieset takes a small commission on sales.
22. Scoopshot
Focusing on real-time, newsworthy content, Scoopshot takes a unique approach to photo selling.
It’s less about artistically composed stock photos and more about being in the right place at the right time to capture moments of interest.
The concept is simple — users upload photos or videos of noteworthy events happening around them. These could be anything from a local festival to breaking news events.
Media outlets and businesses can then purchase these images for use in their publications or marketing materials.
What sets Scoopshot apart is its emphasis on timeliness. The app uses location data to alert photographers to nearby opportunities, and buyers can request specific types of content from users in particular areas.
Scoopshot also features “Tasks” — specific photo requests from buyers that users can fulfill for a set price.
These can range from simple product shots to coverage of local events, providing diverse opportunities for photographers to earn money.
23. Artfinder
Artfinder takes a different approach to selling photos online. Instead of focusing on stock photography, this platform is all about selling your photos as art pieces.
It’s a digital marketplace where photographers can showcase and sell their work alongside painters, sculptors, and other visual artists.
What sets Artfinder apart is its commitment to supporting independent artists.
When you join, you’re not just uploading photos to a database — you’re opening your own online art gallery.
You have control over pricing, presentation, and which pieces you want to offer. This level of autonomy can be refreshing for photographers who are used to the rigid structures of stock photo sites.
The platform caters to art lovers and collectors, which means your work could end up adorning the walls of homes and offices around the world.
24. Wirestock
Do you find the process of uploading and keywording images across multiple platforms tedious? Wirestock offers a unique solution to this common problem by photographers.
This innovative service streamlines the process, allowing you to distribute your photos to several stock photo sites with just one upload.
As you upload your photos to Wirestock, their team takes care of the rest — keywording, categorizing, and distributing your images to partner sites like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, and Alamy.
Instead of managing multiple accounts and reaching payout thresholds on each platform, Wirestock consolidates your earnings.
You can cash out as soon as you reach $30, regardless of how that money was earned across different sites.
For photographers who value efficiency, Wirestock can be a game-changer. It allows you to cast a wide net without multiplying your workload, potentially increasing your chances of sales.
However, it’s worth noting that this convenience comes at a cost — Wirestock takes a cut of your earnings in exchange for its services.
25. Instaproofs
Instead of being a traditional stock photo site, Instaproofs is a platform that allows you to create your own personalized photo store.
The standout feature of Instaproofs is its seamless integration with Instagram.
You can easily import your Instagram photos to your Instaproofs store, turning your social media presence into a potential revenue stream.
It’s a clever way to monetize the platform where many photographers showcase their best work.
Setting up your store is straightforward. You choose your photos, set your prices, and Instaproofs handles the rest — from secure payment processing to customer service.
They even take care of printing and shipping if you’re selling physical prints, allowing you to focus on what you do best: taking great photos.
Instaproofs offers flexible pricing options. You can opt for a free account where Instaproofs takes a 12% commission on sales, or choose a paid plan with a monthly fee but no commission.
26. Fine Art America
Fine Art America stands out in the world of online photo selling by focusing on print-on-demand services.
This platform allows photographers to upload their images and sell them as prints, framed artworks, and even on products like phone cases, throw pillows, and tote bags.
What’s unique about Fine Art America is the sheer variety of products you can offer.
Your photos aren’t limited to just paper prints — they can be transformed into canvas prints, metal prints, acrylic prints, and more.
The platform handles all the production, shipping, and customer service, making it a hassle-free way to sell physical products featuring your photography.
You set your own prices by deciding on the markup you want above the base price of each product. Fine Art America then handles the rest, from production to delivery.
What Kinds of Photos Sell the Most?
Understanding market demand is crucial when selling photos online. While tastes can vary, certain types of images consistently perform well across various platforms.
Here’s a breakdown of some popular categories:
- Lifestyle Images: Authentic photos of people in everyday situations are always in demand. Think friends enjoying coffee, families at the park, or professionals in modern work environments.
- Nature and Landscapes: From serene beaches to majestic mountains, natural beauty never goes out of style. Seasonal shots are particularly valuable.
- Food Photography: Whether it’s artisanal cuisine or comfort food, appetizing food photos are perennial favorites.
- Business and Technology: Images depicting modern workplaces, technology in use, and business concepts are crucial for many industries.
- Travel Destinations: Iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and local culture shots are popular among travel publications and tourism businesses.
- Conceptual Images: Abstract representations of ideas like teamwork, success, or innovation are always in demand for business and marketing materials.
Remember, the key to success often lies in finding a niche that aligns with your interests and skills. Specializing can help you stand out in a crowded market.
Tips for Selling Stock Photos Online
Selling stock photos can be a rewarding venture, but it requires more than just good photography skills.
Here are some tips to help you succeed:
- Quality is king: Ensure your images are sharp, well-composed, and properly exposed. Most platforms have strict quality standards.
- Keywords are crucial: Use relevant, specific keywords when tagging your photos. This helps buyers find your images more easily.
- Stay current: Keep an eye on current trends in photography and popular topics in the news. Timely images often sell well.
- Quantity matters: The more quality photos you have available, the higher your chances of making sales. Aim to upload consistently.
- Understand licensing: Familiarize yourself with different types of licenses (editorial, commercial, etc.) to ensure you’re offering the right permissions for your images.
- Diversify your portfolio: Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Try selling on multiple platforms to maximize your exposure and earnings.
- Learn from analytics: Most platforms provide data on which of your photos are performing well. Use this information to guide future shoots.
- Be patient: Success in stock photography rarely happens overnight. It takes time to build a substantial portfolio and start seeing regular sales.
Remember, selling stock photos is as much about business acumen as it is about photographic skills.
With persistence and strategic thinking, you can turn your passion for photography into a viable income stream.
How to Sell Stock Photos as Prints and Photo Books
Selling your photos as physical products can be a rewarding way to monetize your work. To get started, consider using a print-on-demand service like Printful or CafePress.
These platforms handle printing, shipping, and customer service, allowing you to focus on creating great images.
They offer a wide range of products, from paper prints to canvas wraps and even photo-adorned merchandise.
For a more curated approach, look into Fine Art America. This platform specializes in selling photography as art, offering high-quality printing options and a built-in customer base of art enthusiasts. You set your prices, and they handle the rest.
If you’re interested in creating photo books, consider services like Blurb or Shutterfly, which allow you to design and sell your own books.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can I start selling photos on these apps?
To start selling photos, choose a platform, create an account, and familiarize yourself with their submission guidelines.
Prepare your photos, ensuring they meet quality and format requirements, and then upload them with relevant titles, descriptions, and keywords.
Some platforms may require a review process before your photos are available for sale. Always read each platform’s specific instructions carefully, as processes can vary.
2. How much can I earn from selling photos on these apps?
Your earnings vary widely depending on factors like the platform, photo quality, and how actively you contribute.
Some photographers make a few dollars a month, while others earn substantial incomes.
For example, on Shutterstock, you might earn 15% to 40% of the sale price, while on Alamy, it could be up to 50%.
Building a substantial portfolio and consistent sales takes time, so it’s important to approach this as a long-term endeavor.
3. Are there any fees associated with selling photos on these apps?
Most stock photo sites are free to join and upload, and they earn money by taking a percentage of each sale.
However, some platforms may charge submission fees (though rare), membership fees for enhanced features, or transaction fees when withdrawing earnings.
Always read the terms and conditions carefully to understand any potential costs associated with using the platform.
4. What is the difference between microstock and regular stock sites?
Microstock sites like Shutterstock typically offer lower-priced images, have less stringent acceptance criteria, and rely on high-volume sales.
Regular stock sites like Getty Images usually sell images at higher prices, have stricter acceptance criteria, and focus on quality over quantity.
Microstock can be easier to get into but may require more sales to generate significant income, while regular stock sites can offer higher per-image earnings but may be more challenging to break into.
5. Do I retain the copyright of my photos when I sell them on these apps?
In most cases, you retain copyright when selling photos through stock sites. You’re typically granting a license for the use of your image, not transferring copyright.
However, it’s crucial to read and understand each platform’s terms, as some may require exclusive rights for a certain period or have specific restrictions on how you can use or sell the image elsewhere.
Always carefully review licensing agreements before uploading your work to any platform.
Final Thoughts
Selling photos online can be a rewarding way to monetize your passion for photography. However, success in this field requires more than just good photography skills.
You’ll need to understand market demands, master the art of keywording, and consistently produce high-quality content.
It’s also important to diversify — don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Try different platforms and approaches to see what works best for you.
Remember, building a successful online photo-selling business takes time and patience.
What about you? Have you chosen which platforms to use to sell your photos? Tell us about it in the comments below!
