Are you interested in making some money on your photography skills and looking for legitimate places to sell photos and earn money? If yes, you are in the right place. Nowadays, the art of photography has found new avenues for expression and revenue generation. Selling photos online has become a lucrative venture for both professional and amateur photographers, Whether you are capturing breathtaking landscapes, artistic compositions, or everyday moments, numerous platforms allow you to monetize your creativity. In this article, we will explore the best places to sell photos online and turn your passion into profit.
If you have a creative eye and good camera sense, selling stock photos makes an ideal online income opportunity for anyone. Web designers, publishers, and advertisers are always looking for quality images, and often pay a good amount of money to get the perfect images for their projects.
Read: How to Sell Photographs and Make Money
Where to Sell Photos?
Now the most important question is where to sell those photos. The first option indeed would be to create your site and sell your photos online. In doing so, you will have certain advantages like total control of setting your terms and conditions, no commissions to be paid to intermediaries, setting your price, etc.
Creating a site is easy nowadays. You can check our detailed guide on How to Start a Photography Website Make Money to learn more.
Here are the most popular photography sites offering photo-selling earning opportunities:
List of 18 Places to Sell Photos Online
1. Photodune
PhotoDune is the photo marketplace and is powered by Envato Market. Envato’s top authors make over $20,000 per month selling digital products and stock to a growing community of over 7 million users across seven marketplaces. They offer non-exclusive authors 55% of each sale. This percentage increases if photos are posted exclusively on the site.
2. Shutterstock
Shutterstock is a powerhouse in the stock photography industry. It is a global marketplace for artists and creators to sell royalty-free images, footage, vectors, and illustrations. Shutterstock boasts a vast customer base and offers a straightforward way to sell your images. This photo-selling website serves customers from 150+ countries and has paid over $350 million to its contributors. Contributors can earn money each time their photos are downloaded. The platform is known for its strict quality standards, ensuring that only high-quality images make it to the marketplace.
3. iStock
You need to be an iStock member before you can contribute your stock photos. If you are eligible for exclusivity, your royalty rate can reach up to 45%. To become an exclusive photographer or illustrator, you must have 250 downloads and a minimum 50% approval rating, or 500 downloads.
4. Dreamstime
Dreamstime is a popular stock photography platform with over 140 million users. It offers a simple upload process and competitive compensation for contributors. You can earn based on the exclusivity of your content. You have to create an account and upload your media files. Non-exclusive contributors in general receive 25% – 30% revenue share. Exclusive contributors enjoy a 60 % Revenue Share for all sales and an additional bonus of $0.20 for each approved submission.
5. Flickr
The Flickr community is home to 13 billion photos, 120 million people, and 2 million groups and still growing. You will need a Yahoo ID to sign up on Flickr. Make sure the profile is public. Find the phrase “Want to license your photos through Getty Images?” in the “Additional Information” section.
Choose the Flickr licensing options you like best in Getty Images’ Request to License program. Save and sign out from Flickr. You will find a “Request to License” link underneath your photos when you view your profile when not signed in.
You have to wait for someone who wants to license your photo. They will email you to ask if you want to accept the license and furnish the terms.
6. Alamy
Alamy is renowned for its fair compensation for contributors. It offers one of the highest royalty rates in the industry, with photographers earning up to 50% of each sale. The platform is known for its editorial and news imagery but also welcomes creative and conceptual images. This online photo-selling website at present has a community of more than 20,000 photographers.
7. Adobe Stock
Adobe Stock formerly known as Fotolia has been a leader in the stock marketplace worldwide for the last 10 years. Now with 70 million images and an ever-growing. You will get 33% off every sale on an Adobe Stock subscription. The actual payout will depend on the price of the image paid by the buyer. Adobe Stock is seamlessly integrated with Adobe Creative Cloud applications, making it a convenient choice for photographers who work with Adobe software. Selling your photos on Adobe Stock gives you access to millions of potential buyers, making it a robust platform for monetizing your work.
8. Crestock
Your royalty rate is calculated on a progressive scale, based on your total number of images sold since joining Crestock. The royalty income ranges from 20% to 40% on single-image license photos.
9. 123RF
This reputed photo-selling platform at present offers up to 60% commissions to the contributor. 123rf is a royalty-free stock site. There are various categories like celebrations, lifestyle, and fashion to choose from.
10. Getty Images
Getty looks for images based on concepts and emotions. If you want to sell photos here, you will have to register with the site. Then check the review guidelines for submission. You will be asked to take a quiz and then submit a link to a gallery of your finest images. Getty Images is a prestigious platform that caters to a diverse clientele, including advertising agencies and media outlets.
11. Etsy
Etsy, primarily known as a marketplace for handmade and unique items, is also an excellent platform for selling photographic prints. If you have a penchant for printing and framing your images, Etsy provides a storefront to showcase and sell your work to a global audience.
12. 500px
500px is a photography community that allows photographers to sell their images through its marketplace. The platform is recognized for its aesthetically discerning audience, making it a great choice for photographers with a passion for artistic and fine art photography.
13. SmugMug
SmugMug is a comprehensive platform that not only enables you to sell your photos but also builds your photography website. You can customize your site, set your pricing, and keep 85% of the profit. This platform offers creative control and a direct connection with your audience.
14. Foap
Foap is a user-friendly platform that’s ideal for mobile photographers. It allows you to upload your photos directly from your smartphone. Foap also features missions and contests where you can earn substantial rewards.
15. EyeEm
EyeEm is a thriving photography community that offers both stock and premium licensing options. The platform’s “market” feature allows photographers to sell their photos to a broad range of buyers, including major brands and agencies.
16. Fine Art America
If your focus is on fine art photography, Fine Art America is the go-to platform. You can sell your prints and products, such as canvases and home décor items, through their marketplace, while also having the flexibility to set your pricing.
17. Redbubble
Redbubble is a versatile platform that allows you to sell your photography as prints, apparel, home decor, and more. It’s an excellent choice for artists who want to see their work on a wide range of products and sell them to a global audience.
18. Picfair
Picfair is a photographer-friendly platform that allows you to set your pricing for your photos. It provides a clean and straightforward interface for showcasing your work and reaching a diverse range of buyers, from individuals to media outlets.
Suggested Read: How to Start Photo Editing Business from Home
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get started with selling photos online?
To get started, you’ll need to choose a platform or multiple platforms to sell your photos. Sign up as a contributor, upload your images, and follow the platform’s guidelines for image submission. Once approved, your photos will be available for purchase by buyers.
Do I need to be a professional photographer to sell photos online?
No, you don’t need to be a professional photographer. Many online platforms welcome photographers of all skill levels, from amateurs to professionals. Your creativity and the quality of your photos are more important than your formal qualifications.
How much can I earn by selling photos online?
Your earnings depend on several factors, including the platform you choose, the demand for your photos, and the quality of your work. Earnings can vary from a few dollars to significant income, especially if your photos are in high demand. Some of the best stock photographers and illustrators make as much as $100,000 per year. However, as a beginner, you can earn by selling stock photos for an average of $500 to $1000 a month provided you have a good amount of creativity.
Can I sell the same photo on multiple platforms?
In many cases, yes, you can sell the same photo on multiple platforms. However, it’s essential to check the terms and conditions of each platform, as some may require exclusivity for certain images. Selling on multiple platforms can increase your visibility and potential earnings.
What types of photos are in high demand?
High-demand photos often include images of people, lifestyle, technology, business, travel, and everyday life. However, the demand can vary based on current trends and market needs. It’s a good practice to diversify your portfolio to cater to different niches.
How do I protect my photos from unauthorized use online?
While watermarking your images is one option, it can deter potential buyers. Most platforms have mechanisms in place to protect your photos from unauthorized use. Additionally, registering your photos with copyright agencies can provide legal protection.
Do I need model or property releases for my photos?
If your photos contain recognizable people or private property, it’s advisable to have signed model and property releases. These releases give you the legal right to sell and use the images for commercial purposes.
8. How and when do I get paid for my photo sales?
Payment methods and schedules vary by platform. Typically, you’ll receive payments via PayPal, bank transfer, or check. Some platforms offer regular monthly payments, while others have a threshold that you must reach before receiving earnings.
Are there any upfront fees to sell photos online?
Most reputable platforms do not charge upfront fees to join or upload photos. They earn a commission from your sales instead. Be cautious of platforms that request payment to start selling your photos.
Can I sell my photos worldwide?
Yes, most online platforms allow you to sell your photos to a global audience. However, it’s essential to consider international copyright laws and licensing agreements when selling photos internationally.
Editorial Team at 99BusinessIdeas is a team of experts led by Rupak Chakrabarty with over 25 years of experience in starting and running small businesses. Started in 2010, 99BusinessIdeas is now one of the largest free small business resources in the industry.
