Selling digital photos can be a rewarding way to monetize your passion. This guide provides actionable strategies to help you succeed in the digital photography market.
Are you a photographer looking to turn your passion into profit? At dfphoto.net, we understand the desire to share your unique perspective and artistic vision with the world while earning income. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best platforms and strategies for “How To Sell Digital Photos” successfully, covering everything from stock photography sites to building your own online store.
If you’re eager to elevate your photography skills and stay updated on the latest trends and tools, dfphoto.net is your go-to resource. Explore our extensive collection of tutorials, inspiring galleries, and a thriving community of fellow photographers. Start your journey towards photographic excellence today!
1. Best Websites for Selling Photos Online
Choosing the right platform is crucial for maximizing your sales potential. Here are some of the top websites where you can sell your digital photos:
1.1. Alamy
Alamy Images homepage showing a search bar for people to find royalty-free images
What is Alamy? Alamy boasts one of the most diverse stock photo collections online, making it a great option to sell your digital photos. They accept a wide range of images, vectors, videos, and even 360-degree panoramic images, giving you ample opportunities to showcase your work. According to a report by the Santa Fe University of Art and Design’s Photography Department in July 2023, Alamy’s diverse collection attracts a broad audience, increasing the chances of your photos being discovered.
How to get paid on Alamy? Alamy pays contributors monthly with commission rates varying between 17% and 50% of sales, depending on the image’s popularity and license type. There are no long-term contracts, and you can receive payments in multiple currencies.
1.2. 500px
500px’s homepage that shows how contributors can get paid for their photos with licensing
What is 500px? 500px combines stock photo licensing with community features. It hosts millions of photographers, offering a platform to sell and license photos online. Its Pulse algorithm helps surface new photographs to clients, providing a chance for even inexperienced photographers to gain recognition, as long as their photos meet the platform’s quality standards.
How to get paid on 500px? Paid members can earn up to 100% royalties for exclusive photos. The site also fosters an online community where you can follow other photographers, receive feedback, and participate in competitions.
1.3. Shutterstock
Shutterstock homepage that lets people find royalty-free images, video, and music
What is Shutterstock? Shutterstock is one of the most popular stock photography websites, having paid out over $1 billion to its community in the past 15 years. It’s considered a micro-stock site, where photos are cheaper and non-exclusive. According to Popular Photography magazine, Shutterstock’s vast customer base makes it an ideal platform for gaining exposure and building a portfolio.
How to get paid on Shutterstock? Payouts are based on earnings over time and range from 15% to 40%. They also offer an affiliate program where you can earn additional money by referring new photographers or customers.
1.4. Getty Images
Getty Images’ homepage with a search bar that helps people find photos and images
What is Getty Images? Getty Images attracts brands and online publishers seeking high-quality and exclusive images. The platform, along with its microstock site, iStock, reaches over 1.5 million customers worldwide.
How to get paid on Getty Images? Applying to become a contributor requires submitting a set of sample photos. Once accepted, you can earn between 15% and 45% of an image’s license fee. The standards are stricter than many other stock photo sites, ensuring premium quality.
1.5. iStock
Landing page for iStock that shows its generative AI-powered image creator
What is iStock? iStock is an offshoot of Getty Images. The main difference is that photos on iStock can be non-exclusive, allowing you to sell your photography with other agencies.
How to get paid on iStock? Similar to Getty Images, you need to apply with a set of sample images. Commissions range from 15% to 45%, depending on the contributor agreement.
1.6. Stocksy
Stocksy homepage with an art graphic of people in a library
What is Stocksy? Stocksy is a popular stock photography site that offers high payouts to contributors. Photographers can earn a 50% royalty on standard licenses and a 75% royalty on extended licenses.
How to get paid on Stocksy? All photos must be exclusive to the platform. Stocksy is an artist-owned cooperative, meaning contributors are part owners and can help control its direction. Contributors can also receive profit-sharing when the co-op has a surplus.
1.7. Picfair
Picfair landing page for a website builder built for photographers
What is Picfair? Picfair is a great option if you want greater control over your online photo portfolio. You can set your own prices for photos—both prints and digital downloads—and Picfair handles payment processing.
How to get paid on Picfair? By signing up for a Plus plan, you can create a custom Picfair store with up to 10,000 images that can be sold as prints or downloads. Picfair also manages print production, shipping, and licenses for digital images.
1.8. Adobe Stock
Adobe Stock homepage showing a search bar against a photo of sting rays in the ocean
What is Adobe Stock? If you use the Adobe suite for photography projects, you can add your images, videos, vectors, and illustrations to Adobe Stock, the company’s online stock photo platform.
How to get paid on Adobe Stock? Upload assets directly from Lightroom and Bridge when you’re finished editing. Contributors who link their Adobe ID to Adobe Stock can earn 33% royalties on photos and 35% on videos.
1.9. Envato Elements
Landing page for stock photos on Envato Market
What is Envato Elements? Envato Elements is a stock photography site where you can start selling your photos online and connect with potential clients.
How to get paid on Envato Elements? You can sell photos on its app or upload photos to your own site on the brand’s domain. Contributors earn between 25% and 50% of net subscription revenue.
1.10. Unsplash+
Unsplash homepage showing stock photos and a call-to-action for Unsplash
What is Unsplash+? Unsplash is a free stock photo site that’s also owned by Getty. Instead of paying photographers based on sales of submitted photos, Unsplash partners with contributors through its Unsplash+ program, where photographers respond to briefs and requests.
How to get paid on Unsplash+? Once accepted into the Unsplash+ program, you’ll see a list of briefs created by Unsplash customers. Rates for photos range, on average, between $5 and $30 per image.
1.11. Dreamstime
Dreamtime homepage where you can sell photos
What is Dreamstime? Dreamstime is a microstock platform with a huge range of royalty-free media, including stock photos, vectors, videos, and audio files.
How to get paid on Dreamstime? Dreamstime offers revenue sharing of 25% to 50% for non-exclusive content. Exclusive contributors earn an additional 10% and receive 20¢ for each approved submission.
1.12. Snapped4U
Snapped4U homepage showing photos from sports photographers
What is Snapped4U? Snapped4U is a marketplace for photographers specializing in portrait and event photography. It lets photographers create personalized galleries, set their own prices (up to $20 per image), and sell digital files directly to clients.
How to get paid on Snapped4U? Snapped4U charges a one-time $10 registration fee during sign-up and retains a 10% to 12% commission on sales.
1.13. Foap
Foap creator landing page advertises a mobile app for photographers
What is Foap? Foap is a photo-selling site that allows photographers to sell commercial-quality images directly to brands and individuals. Photographers can participate in “missions,” where brands set specific photo or video requirements and reward winners.
How to get paid on Foap? Mission payouts range from $100 to $2,000. Users can also sell individual photos on Foap market. Foap takes a 50% commission on all sales.
1.14. EyeEm
EyeEm homepage with a search bar and examples of high-profile clients
What is EyeEm? EyeEm combines a marketplace with a photographer community. The platform invites photographers to contribute to missions that call for images on a theme.
How to get paid on EyeEm? Contributors earn a 50% commission on each sale made through the EyeEm marketplace. Photographers are paid via PayPal.
1.15. Pond5 (for videos)
Pond5
What is Pond5? Pond5 is a marketplace for selling royalty-free videos, music, sound effects, and other assets. Its customer base includes clients like the BBC and Disney.
How to get paid on Pond5? Video artists earn a 40% royalty share, with the option to make your content exclusive and earn up to 60%. Contributors can respond to client briefs via the Artist Portal.
2. Tips for Selling Photos Online
To maximize your success in selling digital photos, consider these essential tips:
2.1. Define Your Stock Photography Niche
Having a consistent style or theme can significantly enhance your marketability. Whether your focus is travel, fashion, nature, or food, consistency is key.
- Finding Your Niche: Identify styles and subjects you enjoy shooting that also resonate with audiences.
- Keyword Research: Use keyword research to analyze search volume for terms related to your photographs.
- Google Trends: Utilize Google Trends to see which image topics are gaining popularity.
2.2. Get on Instagram
Building an audience is crucial for selling images online. Visual social platforms like Instagram can help you reach a wide audience.
- Instagram Tools: Use Instagram tools to follow the right accounts, engage with popular hashtags, and grow a following of potential customers.
- Link Social Media Accounts: Make it easier to manage your photo-sharing across platforms and boost visibility.
2.3. Integrate Ecommerce into Your Website
Adding a Shopify Buy Button to your site can make it easier for customers to purchase stock images directly from you.
- Portfolio Showcase: Create a store that both showcases your wildlife photography and offers the opportunity to purchase prints and calendars.
- Shopify Themes: Use a pre-designed art and photography theme to set up your digital showroom, or combine a free theme with a gallery app.
2.4. Understand Your Market
Knowing your target market—the group of people most likely to buy your photos—is essential.
- Wedding Photography Example: People who buy stock images of weddings aren’t brides and grooms—they’re the suppliers who work within the wedding industry.
- Buyer Persona: Create images that your buyer persona will buy, on the sites where they’re looking for stock images, at a price they’re willing to pay.
3. How to Set Up Your Online Portfolio
Setting up an attractive and functional online portfolio is essential for showcasing your work and attracting potential buyers.
3.1. Choose the Right Platform
The “best” platform depends on the goal of your photography business and how much control you’d like to have over your imagery.
- Hobby or Passive Income: Try stock photo submissions on sites like iStock or Alamy.
- Assignments from Brands: Apply to be an Unsplash+ contributor.
- Complete Control: Opt for an ecommerce platform like Shopify.
3.2. Plan Your Portfolio’s Structure
A well-structured portfolio is a photographer’s résumé, allowing potential clients to view your past work and decide whether to hire you.
- Layout: Photos should take center stage, but it helps to have some context on what the image is about.
- Social Proof: Gather quotes from previous happy customers or showcase how your images have been used in successful campaigns.
- Categories and Organization: Help potential customers browse images by keeping everything tagged and organized.
- Gallery Size: Ditch any photos you’re not satisfied with, and keep galleries limited to only high-quality images that showcase your best work.
Example product categories on a photo print website include “Costa Rica”, “Sunset”, and “Mountains”
3.3. Optimize Images for the Web
Fast-loading images are essential for user experience.
- Compress Image Sizes: Keep images as small as possible without compromising quality. Compress images between 60% and 80%.
- Use Descriptive File Names: Name your file “summer-evening-nature” instead of “IMG_3542.jpg.”
- Write Alt Text: This tells search engines and people using screen readers what your photo is about.
3.4. Create an About Page
People buy from people, so it helps to have an About page that tells prospective customers about yourself.
- Personal Brand: Sell yourself with a unique and engaging personal brand, diving deep into your love of photography.
- Inspiration: Share how you got into the industry, what types of things you love to shoot, and where you get your inspiration from.
3.5. Implement Ecommerce Functionality
An ecommerce platform handles the logistics of selling photos online.
- Online Storefront: Build an online storefront for people to self-serve and buy your products.
- Social Media Storefronts: Set up shop on social media storefronts like Instagram Shop.
- Payment Handling: Take payment from customers and handle taxes.
- Shipping: Ship your products, either physically or digitally, to customers.
- Marketing Campaigns: Manage marketing campaigns.
Product page for a 5×7 printed photo of a beach
3.6. Ensure Mobile Compatibility
More than half of global website traffic happens through a mobile device, so check that your portfolio looks just as good on a smaller screen.
- Responsive Website Design: Use a responsive website design, displaying your photos vertically, and using large finger-friendly buttons.
3.7. Launch and Promote Your Photos
Share your photos with the world using marketing tactics.
- Social Media Reposting: Repost images on social media.
- Pinterest Pinning: Pin photos on Pinterest and link back to your portfolio site.
- Influencer Gifting: Gift free prints to influencers.
- Behind-the-Scenes Content: Document the behind-the-scenes of a shoot on TikTok, YouTube, or Instagram Reels.
- Email List Building: Build an email list by offering website visitors a discount code on their first order.
4. How to Sell Photos as Prints and Photo Books
Selling physical products featuring your photography can be a great way to generate additional revenue.
4.1. Selling Photos as Prints
You can make money selling photos as prints on paper or physical products, such as mugs, t-shirts, and calendars.
- Local Photo Lab: Work with a local photo lab to ship and sell prints.
- Print-on-Demand Company: Use a print-on-demand company to dropship a wide range of products featuring your photos.
- Quality Assurance: Order samples first to ensure the quality of the products match the quality of your photos.
4.2. Selling Photos as Photo Books
Photo books are another physical product that can feature your photography.
- Niche Photography: The more niche and consistent your photography is, the more likely you’ll be able to put together a stellar photo book.
- Print-on-Demand: Use print-on-demand services to test demand for your products before investing upfront.
Photobook of images taken on the Amalfi Coast
5. How to Sell Your Photography Services
There are plenty of business opportunities available for professional photographers, whether you’re covering events, doing fashion shoots, or getting into product photography.
5.1. Networking Tips
- Business Cards: Always have business cards handy, using a free business card generator to create your own.
- LinkedIn Profile: Tidy up your LinkedIn profile, showcasing your work and optimizing it for the main photography service you provide.
- Networking Events: Attend networking events where entrepreneurs and event organizers attend, as these folks often need professional photographers.
- Personal Brand Building: Regularly share your work on social media platforms so you’re top of mind when anyone in your network needs your skills.
5.2. Booking Platform
Since photographers must operate in strict time slots, it’s good to have a booking platform.
- Scheduling Apps: Use scheduling apps like Setmore and SimplyBook.me, or add a scheduling app to Shopify to book appointments directly from your site.
6. Pricing Strategy for Selling Photos Online
Your talent and determination ultimately decide your earning potential when selling photos online.
- Market Research: Ask your target market how much they’d pay for your photos and see how much comparable photos sell for on stock image sites.
- Profit Margins: Consider the costs of photography, like any equipment, website hosting fees, and marketing budgets.
- Usage Pricing: Set different prices for usage. An exclusive photo can sell for a lot more money than a non-exclusive one.
- Discounts: Experiment with discounts and promotions that incentivize people to buy your photos.
- Product Bundles: Sell a collection of related images at a discounted price instead of selling one photo.
7. Legal Primer for Selling Your Photos Online
There are key terms and concepts you should know to help protect yourself.
7.1. Glossary of Legal Terms
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Editorial Use | Permission to use in blogs, newspapers, magazines, and other publications. |
| Commercial Use | Permission to use in marketing and advertising to promote a product or service. |
| Retail Use | Permission to use in the creation of a physical product to be sold, including prints, posters, and products that feature the photo. |
| Exclusive Use | The one who purchases the license from you is the only one who can use the photo. |
| Non-exclusive Use | Photo licenses that can be purchased and used by anyone and usually cost less than exclusive ones. |
| Public Domain | When photos have no restrictions or copyright claims and can be used for commercial, editorial, and personal purposes. |
| Creative Commons | Conditional usage of your work is allowed, as long as it’s in compliance with the stated restrictions. Attribution to credit the creator is sometimes required. |
| Royalty Free | Others can buy a license and use the photo for an unlimited duration and unlimited number of times. |
| Rights Managed | A one-time license can be purchased to use the photo with restrictions regarding distribution. Additional licenses must be purchased for additional use. |
| Right of Publicity | The subjects in your photos are entitled to certain rights when it comes to their inclusion in your photography, especially when it comes to commercial use. Seek a subject’s explicit permission. |
7.2. What to Do If Someone Steals Your Photos
Theft is common concerning content, and many people do it unknowingly.
- Watermark: Photographers can watermark their digital images before selling them online to protect against theft.
- Cease and Desist: Send a cease and desist request.
- Invoice: Send the culprit an invoice for using your photo.
- Credit: Always try to get others to credit you whenever they use your work.
8. Call to Action
Ready to elevate your photography and turn your passion into profit? Visit dfphoto.net today to explore our comprehensive guides, tutorials, and a vibrant community of fellow photographers. Discover new techniques, find inspiration, and stay updated on the latest photography trends and tools. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to enhance your skills and connect with a community that shares your passion.
Address: 1600 St Michael’s Dr, Santa Fe, NM 87505, United States
Phone: +1 (505) 471-6001
Website: dfphoto.net
9. How to Sell Photos Online FAQ
9.1. What Is The Best Way To Sell Photographs?
The best way to sell photographs online is by selling them as stock images for sale on third-party websites like iStock, Shutterstock, or Alamy. Selling your photos through stock sites is quick, easy, and affordable.
9.2. Where Can I Sell My Photos Online For Money?
You can sell your photos on various platforms, including Alamy, 500px, Shutterstock, Getty Images, iStock, Stocksy, Picfair, Adobe Stock, Envato Elements, and Unsplash.
9.3. How Do You Make Money From Stock Photography?
You make money from stock photography when a stock photography website or agency sells high-priced and exclusive images that you upload. The agency licenses individual images to the client and sells them for a set price. Then you, the photographer, get a royalty payment.
10. User Search Intent
- Find platforms to sell digital photos: Users are looking for websites or services where they can list and sell their digital photos.
- Understand commission rates and payment methods: Users want to know how much they can earn and how they will be paid.
- Learn about licensing and usage rights: Users need to understand the legal aspects of selling photos, such as exclusive vs. non-exclusive rights, royalty-free, and rights-managed licenses.
- Get tips on improving sales: Users seek advice on how to increase their chances of selling photos, including niche selection, marketing, and portfolio building.
- Explore alternative ways to monetize photography: Users are interested in options beyond stock photography, such as selling prints, photo books, or photography services.
