Looking to monetize your photography skills? Whether you are a seasoned professional or a hobbyist eager to generate passive income from your passion, understanding Where To Sell Photos online is crucial. Numerous platforms exist to connect you with businesses, agencies, and individuals seeking high-quality stock images for commercial purposes.
Stock photo websites act as intermediaries, licensing your photos to clients and offering you a share of the revenue. This guide explores 15 of the top websites for selling your photos online, providing a step-by-step roadmap to transform your photographic talent into a profitable venture.
Top Platforms: Where to Sell Your Photos Online
1. Alamy
Alamy Images homepage showing a search bar for people to find royalty-free images.
Alamy stands out with its remarkably diverse collection of stock photos, making it a prime destination where to sell photos with broad appeal. Boasting millions of stock images, vectors, videos, and even 360-degree panoramic images, Alamy provides numerous avenues for photographers to contribute their work. For photographers who are mobile-first, Alamy also features Stockimo, an iOS application that allows for direct photo uploads and sales straight from your smartphone.
Payment Structure
Alamy offers monthly payments to its contributors with varied commission structures. Depending on the exclusivity of your images and the license type, photographers can earn between 17% and 50% of each sale. Alamy distinguishes itself with its flexible terms, offering no long-term contracts and payment options in multiple currencies.
2. 500px
500px’s homepage that shows how contributors can get paid for their photos with licensing.
500px offers a unique blend of stock photo licensing and community engagement, creating a dynamic space where to sell photos and connect with fellow creatives. Home to millions of photographers, 500px facilitates the sale and licensing of photos online while fostering a supportive network. Their proprietary “Pulse algorithm” is designed to highlight emerging photographs and photographers to potential buyers, offering visibility to even those new to the platform, provided their images meet 500px’s quality standards.
Beyond its marketplace, 500px functions as a vibrant online community for both amateur and professional photographers. Users can follow other artists, receive constructive feedback on their portfolios, list photos for sale, and participate in photography contests with prize opportunities, enhancing the overall experience of selling photos online.
Payment Details
For photographers with premium memberships, 500px offers the potential to earn up to 100% royalties on exclusive photos, making it a highly attractive platform for those looking to maximize their earnings.
3. Shutterstock
Shutterstock homepage that lets people find royalty-free images, video, and music.
As one of the most recognized names in the industry, Shutterstock is a leading stock photography website and a highly visible platform where to sell photos online. Shutterstock boasts a substantial track record, having distributed over $1 billion to its contributor community over the past 15 years, underscoring its position as a reliable marketplace.
Shutterstock operates on a micro-stock model, characterized by lower photo prices and non-exclusive licensing. Success on Shutterstock often hinges on contributing a large volume of images to increase download potential. While individual image earnings might be lower compared to some platforms, the sheer scale of Shutterstock’s market provides a robust entry point for photographers learning the intricacies of selling stock photos.
Payment and Affiliate Program
Shutterstock’s payout structure is progressive, ranging from 15% to 40% commission based on cumulative earnings. Additionally, Shutterstock offers an affiliate program, allowing contributors to earn extra income by referring new photographers or customers to the platform, creating multiple revenue streams.
4. Getty Images
Getty Images is synonymous with premium stock photography, attracting high-profile brands and publishers seeking top-tier, often exclusive, imagery. For photographers aiming to reach a discerning clientele, Getty Images is a premier destination where to sell photos of exceptional quality. Together with its microstock subsidiary, iStock, Getty Images extends its reach to over 1.5 million customers globally.
Maintaining its prestigious market position, Getty Images upholds stricter standards for photo submissions compared to many other stock photo sites. This selectivity ensures the platform remains a source of high-quality, sought-after images.
Application and Earnings
Prospective contributors must apply to Getty Images with a portfolio of sample photographs. Upon acceptance, photographers can earn between 15% and 45% of the image license fee, reflecting the platform’s premium nature and client base.
5. iStock
Landing page for iStock that shows its generative AI-powered image creator.
iStock, a subsidiary of Getty Images, provides a non-exclusive avenue for photographers to contribute to the Getty ecosystem. For those seeking flexibility in licensing, iStock presents itself as a valuable option where to sell photos while benefiting from the reach of the Getty Images network. The key differentiator between iStock and Getty Images is that iStock allows for non-exclusive photo licensing, meaning photographers can also sell their images through other agencies.
Contribution and Commissions
To start selling on iStock, photographers need to apply with a selection of sample images. Commission rates on iStock mirror those of Getty Images, ranging from 15% to 45%, depending on the specifics of the contributor agreement, offering a consistent earning potential.
6. Stocksy
Stocksy homepage with an art graphic of people in a library.
Stocksy distinguishes itself as an artist-owned cooperative, providing a unique platform where to sell photos with a focus on fair compensation and community governance. Stocksy is known for its generous payouts to contributors, offering a 50% royalty on standard licenses and an even higher 75% royalty on extended licenses. Exclusivity is a requirement on Stocksy; all photos must be exclusive to this platform.
As a cooperative, Stocksy allows contributors to become part owners, giving them a voice in the business’s direction. Contributors also share in the co-op’s financial success through patronage returns when surpluses are generated, fostering a sense of partnership and shared prosperity.
Payment and Application
Stocksy contributors receive monthly payments via PayPal, Payoneer, or check, with a minimum payout threshold of $100. Photographers interested in joining Stocksy can find detailed information in their contributor application FAQ, ensuring a clear understanding of the requirements and benefits.
7. Picfair
Picfair landing page for a website builder built for photographers.
Picfair offers a different approach, empowering photographers to create their own branded photography e-commerce websites. For photographers seeking greater control over their online presence and pricing, Picfair is an excellent option for where to sell photos and build a direct-to-customer business. Picfair allows you to set your own prices for both prints and digital downloads, handling payment processing, print production, shipping, and digital image licenses.
Plans and Customization
Picfair operates on a subscription model, with a Plus plan priced at $5 per month (billed annually). This plan enables photographers to create a custom Picfair store capable of hosting up to 10,000 images, all available for sale as prints or digital downloads, providing a comprehensive e-commerce solution.
8. Adobe Stock
Adobe Stock homepage showing a search bar against a photo of sting rays in the ocean.
Adobe Stock is seamlessly integrated with Adobe’s suite of creative software, making it a natural choice for photographers already working within the Adobe ecosystem. For users of Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop, Adobe Stock is a convenient and efficient platform where to sell photos, videos, vectors, and illustrations directly from their editing environment.
Integration and Royalties
Users can upload their assets directly from Lightroom and Bridge upon completing their edits. Contributors who link their Adobe ID to Adobe Stock can earn a 33% royalty on photo sales and 35% on video sales, making it a streamlined process for Adobe Creative Cloud subscribers.
9. Envato Elements
Landing page for stock photos on Envato Market.
Envato Elements operates on a subscription-based model, offering a different revenue-sharing approach for photographers. For those interested in tapping into a subscriber-based market, Envato Elements is a platform where to sell photos and potentially earn a consistent income stream. Photographers can sell photos through Envato Elements’ platform or integrate them into their own sites using the brand’s domain.
Subscription Revenue Share
Contributors to Envato Elements earn between 25% and 50% of the net subscription revenue, creating a model where earnings are tied to the overall success of the Envato Elements subscription service.
10. Unsplash+
Unsplash homepage showing stock photos and a call-to-action for Unsplash
Unsplash+, owned by Getty Images, takes a unique approach by directly commissioning photographers for specific assignments. While the original Unsplash is known for free stock photos, Unsplash+ is a premium offering where to sell photos through responding to targeted briefs and requests. Instead of relying solely on sales, Unsplash+ partners with photographers through its contribution program.
Briefs and Payments
Once accepted into the Unsplash+ program, photographers gain access to a list of briefs created by Unsplash customers. Photographers can select briefs that match their expertise, submit relevant photos, and get paid for each image accepted, with rates ranging from $5 to $30 per image on average.
11. Dreamstime
Snapped4U homepage showing photos from sports photographers
Dreamstime is a well-established microstock platform with an extensive library of royalty-free media. With over 250 million files and a user base exceeding 50 million, Dreamstime offers photographers a large and active marketplace where to sell photos, vectors, videos, and audio files.
Revenue Sharing and Affiliate Program
Dreamstime provides revenue sharing from 25% to 50% for non-exclusive content. Exclusive contributors receive a higher share, earning an additional 10% and a bonus of 20¢ for each approved submission. Dreamstime also features an affiliate program, offering 10% of transaction values for each referred contributor or customer, expanding earning opportunities.
12. Snapped4U
Foap creator landing page advertises a mobile app for photographers
Snapped4U specializes in serving event and portrait photographers, creating a niche marketplace. For photographers focused on capturing moments and people, Snapped4U is a targeted platform where to sell photos directly to clients from events or portrait sessions. It allows photographers to create customized galleries, set their own prices (up to $20 per image), and sell digital files directly to their clientele.
Niche Focus and Fees
Snapped4U is specifically designed for photographers selling to clients who attended events or portrait sittings, making it less suitable for general stock photography like landscapes or still life. Snapped4U charges a one-time $10 registration fee and takes a 10% to 12% commission on sales. Payments are processed via PayPal on the 1st and 15th of each month.
13. Foap
Foap creator landing page advertises a mobile app for photographers
Foap connects photographers directly with brands and individuals, offering a platform for commercial image sales. For photographers aiming to work directly with brands on specific projects, Foap provides a marketplace where to sell photos and participate in brand-driven “missions.” Photographers can participate in “missions” where brands outline specific photo or video needs and offer rewards to winning submissions. To date, Foap has distributed over $3 million to its creator community.
Missions and Market Sales
“Mission” payouts on Foap range from $100 to $2,000, offering substantial earning potential for successful submissions. Photographers can also sell individual photos directly on the Foap market, with Foap taking a 50% commission on all sales.
14. EyeEm
EyeEm homepage with a search bar and examples of high-profile clients
EyeEm blends a photography community with a commercial marketplace, offering a dual-purpose platform. For photographers seeking both community engagement and sales opportunities, EyeEm is a platform where to sell photos while connecting with a network of fellow photographers. EyeEm invites photographers to contribute to “missions” that seek images around specific themes, fostering creative participation and commercial opportunities.
Community and Commissions
Contributors to EyeEm earn a 50% commission on each sale made through the EyeEm marketplace. Payments are conveniently processed via PayPal, making it accessible for photographers globally.
15. Pond5 (for Videos)
Pond5
Pond5 specializes in video content, positioning itself as a key marketplace for video creators. While this article primarily focuses on photos, for photographers also working with video, Pond5 is a leading platform where to sell photos and other media assets, particularly video footage. Pond5 caters to a large customer base, including major brands like the BBC and Disney, with contributor content used in diverse projects from ads to films. Contributors can create personalized Pond5 storefronts to showcase their media portfolios.
Video Focus and Royalties
Video artists on Pond5 earn a 40% royalty share, with the option to increase earnings up to 60% by making content exclusive to the platform. Pond5 also provides an Artist Portal for responding to client briefs and features a referral program for additional income.
Tips for Selling Photos Online
To maximize your success in the online stock photo market, consider these essential tips:
Define Your Stock Photography Niche
Consistency in style and theme is crucial for photographers aiming to build a recognizable brand. Whether your passion lies in travel, fashion, nature, or culinary photography, establishing a niche helps attract a targeted audience.
Many photographers organically discover their niche by pursuing subjects and styles they enjoy while observing audience engagement. Keyword research tools can help gauge the demand for specific photo topics by analyzing search volumes. Google Trends is a useful starting point to identify trending image themes.
Leverage Instagram
Similar to bloggers and YouTubers, photographers aiming to sell images online should prioritize building their online presence. Visual platforms like Instagram are powerful tools for reaching a broad audience. Utilize Instagram tools to engage with relevant accounts, use popular hashtags, and cultivate a following of potential customers and clients.
Linking your social media accounts streamlines photo sharing across platforms and boosts overall visibility. Instagram’s account linking feature allows simultaneous posting to platforms like Facebook, expanding your reach efficiently.
Integrate Ecommerce into Your Website
Most photographers maintain a personal website to showcase their portfolio to prospective clients. Integrating e-commerce functionality, such as a Shopify Buy Button, directly into your site simplifies the purchasing process for customers interested in your stock images.
Photographer Dave Sandford, for example, effectively combines portfolio and e-commerce, showcasing his wildlife photography while offering prints and calendars for sale directly from his website.
Product page for a print of a moon with a red border against a black background.
Building a personalized portfolio or store on Shopify provides an easy way to sell photos online. Utilize pre-designed art and photography themes or combine free themes with gallery apps to create a compelling digital showroom.
Understand Your Market
Identifying your target market is essential for creating commercially viable photography. Knowing who is most likely to purchase your photos—their interests and needs—allows you to tailor your work to meet market demand.
For instance, wedding photographers targeting the stock photo market should recognize that their buyers are not typically couples getting married but rather businesses within the wedding industry. This could include stationery brands or suit retailers seeking royalty-free images of wedding celebrations for their marketing materials.
By understanding this buyer persona, you can create images that resonate with their needs, choose platforms where they search for stock photos, and set prices that align with their budgets.
How to Set Up Your Online Portfolio
Creating an effective online portfolio is a key step in selling your photos online. Follow these steps to establish a professional and marketable online presence:
1. Choose the Right Platform
The “best” platform for monetizing your photos depends on your business goals and desired level of control. Consider these options:
- Hobby or Passive Income: For casual photo uploads and minor income generation, stock photo sites like iStock or Alamy are suitable.
- Brand Assignments: To receive brand assignments without direct pitching, consider applying to Unsplash+.
- Full Business Control: For complete control over your photography business, opt for an e-commerce platform like Shopify.
2. Plan Your Portfolio’s Structure
Your portfolio serves as your photographic resume, showcasing your best work to potential clients. Pay attention to these key elements:
- Layout: While photos should be the focus, include brief descriptions to provide context. These mini product descriptions can influence purchase decisions and improve search engine rankings.
- Social Proof: Incorporate social proof to demonstrate your work’s popularity. Include testimonials from satisfied clients or showcase successful campaigns using your images.
- Categories and Organization: Make browsing easy by tagging and categorizing your images. Nature photographers, for example, can organize collections by location, environment, subject, and date.
- Gallery Size: Curate your portfolio to showcase only your highest quality images. Remove any photos you are not fully satisfied with to maintain a consistently strong impression.
Example product categories on a photo print website include “Costa Rica”, “Sunset”, and “Mountains”.
Well-structured categories, like those used by The Sunset Shop, enhance user navigation and discovery.
3. Optimize Images for the Web
Fast-loading images are essential for a positive user experience. Optimize your images for web use by:
- Compressing Image Sizes: Reduce file sizes without significantly sacrificing quality. Aim for compression between 60% and 80%.
- Using Descriptive File Names: Use relevant keywords in your file names, such as “summer-evening-nature.jpg” instead of generic names like “IMG_3542.jpg.”
- Writing Alt Text: Add descriptive alt text to each image to improve accessibility and SEO, helping search engines understand the content of your photos.
4. Create an About Page
Personalize your portfolio with an About page that connects with prospective customers. Share your story, your journey into photography, and what inspires your work. This is your opportunity to build a personal brand and engage potential clients on a deeper level.
5. Implement Ecommerce Functionality
Choose an e-commerce platform that handles the logistics of selling photos online. Platforms like Shopify offer features to:
- Create an online storefront for self-service purchasing.
- Integrate with social media storefronts like Instagram Shop.
- Manage payments and taxes.
- Facilitate digital or physical product delivery.
- Manage marketing campaigns.
Product page for a 5×7 printed photo of a beach.
Platforms like Shopify, used by The Bee & The Fox, streamline the online sales process.
6. Ensure Mobile Compatibility
With the majority of web traffic originating from mobile devices, ensure your portfolio is mobile-friendly. This includes:
- Using responsive website design.
- Optimizing for vertical image display.
- Implementing large, finger-friendly buttons for easy navigation on smaller screens.
7. Launch and Promote Your Photos
Once your portfolio is set up, promote it using various marketing tactics:
- Repost images on social media platforms.
- Pin photos on Pinterest with links back to your portfolio.
- Offer free prints to influencers for promotion.
- Share behind-the-scenes content on platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram Reels.
- Build an email list by offering discounts to website visitors.
How to Sell Photos as Prints and Photo Books
Expand your revenue streams by selling physical products featuring your photography, from prints to photo books.
Selling prints on paper or merchandise like mugs and apparel can be lucrative. Partner with local photo labs or use print-on-demand companies for dropshipping to manage production and shipping efficiently.
For photo books, niche photography with a consistent theme is ideal. While print-on-demand offers lower margins, it’s a low-risk way to test market demand before investing in larger print runs.
Photobook of images taken on the Amalfi Coast.
High-quality photo books, like those from Assouline, can be a premium product offering.
How to Sell Your Photography Services
Beyond stock photography, offering your services directly can be highly profitable. List your services on freelance platforms like Fiverr and Upwork, and network locally.
Networking tips include:
- Always carry business cards.
- Optimize your LinkedIn profile to showcase your work and services.
- Attend industry networking events.
- Build a strong personal brand through consistent social media engagement.
Utilize booking platforms like Setmore or SimplyBook.me, or scheduling apps within Shopify, to manage client bookings efficiently.
Pricing Strategy for Selling Photos Online
Develop a strategic pricing approach for your photography business:
- Market Research: Understand market rates by researching competitor pricing and asking your target market about their budget expectations.
- Profit Margins: Calculate your costs (equipment, website, marketing) to ensure your pricing covers expenses and generates profit.
- Usage-Based Pricing: Differentiate pricing based on license exclusivity, charging more for exclusive rights.
- Discounts and Promotions: Use discounts and promotions to incentivize purchases, rewarding new and loyal customers.
- Product Bundles: Offer bundled image collections at discounted rates to increase transaction value.
Legal Primer for Selling Your Photos Online
Understanding legal terms is essential for protecting your rights when selling photos online:
Glossary of Legal Terms
- Editorial Use: For use in news, blogs, and publications.
- Commercial Use: For marketing and advertising purposes.
- Retail Use: For creating physical products for sale.
- Exclusive Use: Licensee has sole usage rights.
- Non-Exclusive Use: Multiple licenses can be sold for the same photo.
- Public Domain: No copyright restrictions; free use.
- Creative Commons: Conditional usage allowed, often requiring attribution.
- Royalty Free: Unlimited usage after license purchase.
- Rights Managed: One-time license with usage restrictions.
- Right of Publicity: Permission needed from recognizable subjects, especially for commercial use.
What to Do If Someone Steals Your Photos
Protect your work by watermarking your digital images before selling or sharing them. If theft occurs:
- Send a cease and desist request.
- Issue an invoice for unauthorized usage.
- Always seek credit and backlinks when your work is used editorially to enhance SEO and drive traffic to your portfolio.
Shopify provides solutions for photographers at all levels, from beginners to established retailers. Explore their plans and pricing to find the best fit for your needs.
Read More
[Link to relevant articles on dfphoto.net]
How to Sell Photos Online FAQ
What is the best way to sell photographs?
Selling photographs as stock images on third-party platforms like iStock, Shutterstock, or Alamy offers a quick, easy, and affordable way to reach a broad market.
Where can I sell my photos online for money?
Consider these platforms to sell your photos online and generate income:
- Alamy
- 500px
- Shutterstock
- Getty Images
- iStock
- Stocksy
- Picfair
- Adobe Stock
- Envato Elements
- Unsplash+
How do you make money from stock photography?
Stock photography agencies license your uploaded images to clients for a set price, and you receive a royalty payment for each license sold, creating a passive income stream from your photographic work.
