How To Sell Stock Photos Online | Top 10 Websites To Earn Money

Have you ever taken an amazing photo and wondered whether you could make money with it? Good news-you can! Many businesses, websites, and designers need high-quality photos for their work. They would buy stock photos online instead of hiring a photographer. This is where you come in, you can sell your photos and earn money.

Selling stock photos is an easy way to make some money from photography. No need to be an expert in photography. Grab a decent camera, shoot stock-quality photographs and sell them on stock photography sites. These sites let people find and purchase your images to use in their projects, and you receive money any time someone downloads your image.

In this blog, we will look into how to sell stock photos, which kinds of photos sell well, where to sell them, and how you can make the most money from them. So let’s get started!

What are stock photos?

Stock photos are images that individuals can purchase for various projects. These images are captured by photographers and uploaded to platforms where anyone can buy them. Businesses, bloggers, and designers utilize stock photos for websites, advertisements, social media, and more. 

For instance, if someone requires a photo of a sunset but lacks the time to capture and edit sunset photos, they can buy a stock photo instead. Stock photos can depict anything, including nature, people, food, animals, cities, and even common items like books or coffee mugs. 

Photographers submit their images to stock photo websites, and each time someone buys a photo, the photographer receives compensation. Some platforms offer a small payment for each downloaded photo, while others provide more for exclusive images.

Marketing stock photos is an excellent way to generate additional income, particularly if you enjoy photography. The most rewarding aspect? You can continue to earn from a single photo for many years!

Also read: 12 Photo Manipulation Ideas To Bring Surrealism Into Your Photography

How can you earn money from photography?

If you enjoy photography, you can monetize your hobby! There are numerous ways to make money from photography, even if you’re just getting started. Here are some of the top methods:  

1. Market Stock Photos: Platforms like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, and iStock allow you to upload your images. When users purchase them, you receive compensation! The more images you submit, the greater your potential earnings over time.  
2. Offer Photography Services: Many individuals are in search of quality images for occasions such as weddings, birthdays, and special celebrations. You can provide your services and charge for each session.  
3. Sell Art Prints: If your photography captures stunning landscapes, nature, or artistic scenes, you can sell them as prints. People enjoy buying artwork to display in their homes or offices.  
4. Collaborate with Businesses: Companies require images for their websites, products, and social media platforms. You can capture & edit photos of food, apparel, or even real estate and receive payment for your work.  
5. Instruct Others in Photography: If you’re skilled at taking pictures, you can share your knowledge! You can create an online course or offer in-person lessons.  

Photography can be an excellent source of income. The more you refine your skills and showcase your work, the better your chances of making a profit! 

How much can you make selling stock photos?

Selling stock photos can be a great way to earn extra money, but how much you make depends on a few things. These include the quality of your photos, how many you upload, and where you sell them.

Most stock photo websites pay you a small amount every time someone downloads your image. This can be anywhere from $0.10 to $5 per download on popular sites like Shutterstock and Adobe Stock. If you sell exclusive photos or higher-quality images, you can earn even more, sometimes $50 or more per image.

Some websites, like Alamy, offer higher payouts, sometimes up to 50% of the sale price. If your photo sells for $100, you could get $50! However, these websites may not sell as many images as big platforms like Shutterstock.

If you have hundreds or thousands of photos uploaded, you can make a few hundred to thousands of dollars monthly. Some top stock photographers earn over $10,000 per year, but that takes time and effort.

The key to making more money is uploading regularly, taking in-demand photos, and using good keywords so buyers can find your images easily. The more photos you have, the more you can earn!

Also read: 10 Best Photography Portfolio Websites to Showcase Your Work

How can you sell stock photos online?

Selling stock photos online is easy, and you don’t need to be a professional photographer to start. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:

1. Take High-Quality Photos

Use a good camera or even a smartphone with a great camera. Make sure your photos are clear, bright, and sharp. Avoid blurry or dark images because they won’t sell well.

2. Choose a Hot Topic

Stock photos can be of people, food, nature, cities, technology, holidays, pets, and more. The more useful your photo, the better your chances of selling it.

3. Edit Your Photos

Basic editing can make your photos look more professional. You can use free apps like Snapseed or Lightroom Mobile to adjust brightness, colors, and sharpness. You can also use Photoshop actions or Lightroom presets for editing.

4. Pick the Right Website

Sign up on stock photo websites like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, or Alamy. These platforms let buyers find and purchase your photos.

5. Upload and Add Keywords

When you upload, add a title, description, and keywords so people can find your images easily. Good keywords help your photos show up in search results.

6. Earn Money

Every time someone downloads your photo, you earn a small fee. Over time, you can make good money by uploading more photos regularly.

Also read: Alignment Photography – Importance, Tips, and Examples

Best websites to sell photos online

1. Shutterstock: Stock Images Website

Shutterstock is one of the best websites to sell stock photos. It has been around for many years and is trusted by photographers and buyers worldwide. If you want to make money by selling photos, this is a great place to start.

Why Sell Photos on Shutterstock?

• Millions of Buyers: Many businesses, bloggers, and designers use Shutterstock to buy images. This means your photos have a high chance of selling.
• Earn Money Every Time Someone Downloads Your Photo: You get paid every time someone downloads your image. Even a single photo can make you money multiple times.
• Easy to Use: The website is simple to navigate. You can upload photos, add keywords, and track your sales quickly.
• Works for Beginners and Pros: Whether you are just starting or an expert photographer, you can sell on Shutterstock.

How Much Can You Earn?

Your earnings depend on how many photos you sell. Shutterstock pays between 15% to 40% commission per download. The more photos you upload, the more you can earn.

2. Adobe Stock: Stock Photos & Royalty Free Images

Adobe Stock is one of the best places to sell your photos online. It is owned by Adobe, the company behind Photoshop and Lightroom. This means many people who buy stock photos use Adobe’s tools, making it a great place to sell your pictures.

Why Sell on Adobe Stock?

• Good Earnings: Adobe Stock pays a 33% commission for photos. This is higher than what many other stock photo websites offer.
• Large Customer Base: Since Adobe is a big company, many designers, businesses, and marketers buy photos from their platform.
• Easy Uploading: You can upload photos directly from Photoshop or Lightroom. This makes the process simple if you already use Adobe’s editing software.
• Lifetime Sales: Once you upload a photo, it stays in the marketplace forever, meaning you can keep earning money from the same picture over and over.

How to Get Started

1. Sign Up: Create an account on Adobe Stock’s Contributor page.
2. Upload Photos: Add high-quality pictures with good lighting and sharp details.
3. Add Keywords: Use the right keywords so buyers can find your photos.
4. Submit for Review: Adobe Stock checks your photos before approving them for sale.
5. Start Earning: Once your photos are accepted, they are available for purchase!

3. Alamy: Get creative with stock photos

Alamy is one of the best places to sell stock photos. It has higher number of buyers looking for images, which means more chances for you to make money. Unlike other stock photo websites, Alamy has fewer rules and accepts many different types of photos.

Why Sell on Alamy?

• Higher Earnings: Alamy pays photographers up to 50% commission, which is more than many other sites.
• No Need for Exclusive Photos: You can sell the same photos on other websites too.
• Easy to Join: Signing up is simple, and you don’t need to be a professional photographer.
• More Photo Categories: Alamy allows all kinds of images, including landscapes, business, travel, and even editorial photos (like news and real-life events).

How to Sell on Alamy

1. Sign up for free on Alamy’s website.
2. Upload your photos (they must be high quality).
3. Add keywords so buyers can find your images.
4. Wait for approval (Alamy checks your photos before selling them).
5. Start earning when someone buys your image!

If you want to make money from stock photography, Alamy is a great choice because it gives higher payouts and has fewer restrictions than other platforms.

4. iStock (by Getty Images)

iStock is one of the best places to sell your photos online. It is owned by Getty Images, which is a well-known company in the photography world. Many businesses, bloggers, and designers use iStock to find high-quality pictures for their projects.

Why Sell Photos on iStock?

• Trusted by buyers: Since iStock is part of Getty Images, many people visit the website to buy photos. This means more chances for your pictures to sell.
• Earn money in two ways: You get paid when someone downloads your photo. If you choose to sell your images only on iStock (exclusive photos), you can earn even more.
• Many buyers worldwide: iStock has customers from different countries, so your photos can sell to people all over the world.

How to Start Selling on iStock

1. Sign up for a free account on iStock.
2. Upload your best-quality photos. Make sure they are clear and well-lit.
3. Add keywords so buyers can find your images easily.
4. Wait for approval. Once accepted, your photos will be available for purchase.

Selling photos on iStock is a great way to make extra money. If you upload high-quality images regularly, you can increase your earnings over time.

5. 500px: Photo Sharing Platform For Photographers

If you love taking pictures and want to make money from them, 500px is a great place to start. It is a popular website where photographers can upload and sell their photos. Many people visit this site to buy high-quality images for their projects, websites, and advertisements.

Why Sell Photos on 500px?

1. Easy to Use: You can create a free account and start uploading photos in just a few minutes.
2. 500px Licensing: The website has a marketplace called 500px Licensing, where buyers can purchase your images.
3. Earn Money Every Time Someone Buys Your Photo: Each time someone downloads your photo, you get paid. The more photos you upload, the better your chances of making money.
4. Sell to Big Companies: Many businesses, designers, and marketers use 500px to find the perfect images for their work.
5. Join Photography Challenges: 500px has contests where you can win prizes and get noticed by potential buyers.

How to Get Started

• Sign up for a 500px account.
• Upload high-quality photos that look sharp and professional.
• Add keywords and descriptions to help people find your images.
• Wait for buyers to purchase your photos and start earning!

Selling on 500px is simple, and with patience, you can turn your photography into a source of income.

6. Dreamstime: Sell Stock Photos & Images

If you want to sell your photos online, Dreamstime is a great place to start. It is one of the biggest stock photo websites where photographers can upload and sell their images. Many people and businesses visit this site to buy photos for their projects.

Why Sell on Dreamstime?

1. Easy to Join: Signing up is free, and you don’t need to be a professional photographer.
2. Good Earnings: You can earn up to 60% commission per sale. The more you sell, the more you make.
3. Millions of Buyers: Many companies, designers, and bloggers use Dreamstime to find photos. This means more chances for your pictures to sell.
4. No Exclusive Restrictions: You can sell your photos on Dreamstime and other stock websites at the same time.
5. Fast Approval Process: Your photos are reviewed quickly, so they can start selling sooner.

Selling on Dreamstime is simple. Just upload high-quality photos, add good descriptions, and wait for buyers. The more you upload, the better your chances of making money.

7. Depositphotos: Royalty Free Images

Depositphotos is a great place to sell your photos online. It is a well-known stock photo website where people buy images for websites, ads, and social media. If you like taking pictures, this is a good way to make extra money.

How to Sell Photos on Depositphotos

1. Sign Up: Create a free account on the Depositphotos website.
2. Upload Your Photos: Pick your best pictures and submit them.
3. Get Approved: Your photos will be checked to make sure they meet quality standards.
4. Start Earning: Once your photos are approved, they can be bought by customers.

Selling photos on Depositphotos is an easy way to turn your photography into cash. Keep uploading, and you can earn money while doing what you love!

8. SmugMug: Store & Sell Your Photos

SmugMug is a great website for photographers who want to sell their photos online. It allows you to create your own custom photo gallery and beautifully showcase your work. Unlike other websites that take a big percentage of your sales, SmugMug lets you keep most of your earnings.

With SmugMug, you can set your own prices and even offer your photos as prints, making it a flexible option for photographers. They also give you tools to help you protect your photos, like password protection and watermark options.

One of the best things about SmugMug is how easy it is to use. You don’t need to be a tech expert to upload and sell your photos. Plus, they have a mobile app, so you can manage your photo sales on the go.

If you’re serious about selling your photos, SmugMug is a reliable choice that lets you have full control over your work and sales.

9. EyeEm: Authentic Stock Photography

EyeEm is a great place to sell stock photos online. It is simple to use, and many photographers, both beginners and professionals, sell their pictures there. If you have good-quality photos, EyeEm can help you make money from them.

Why Sell on EyeEm?

1. Easy to Use: You can upload photos directly from your phone or computer.
2. AI Technology: EyeEm uses smart technology to find the best photos and match them with buyers.
3. Big Market: Many businesses and brands use EyeEm to find stock photos.
4. High Earnings: You can earn up to 50% commission for every photo sold.

How to Sell Photos on EyeEm

• Sign up for a free account on the EyeEm website or app.
• Upload your best photos.
• Add keywords and a good description so buyers can find your pictures.
• EyeEm will check your photos and add them to the marketplace.
• If someone buys your photo, you get paid!

EyeEm is a great choice for photographers who want to profit from their pictures. It’s easy, free to join, and has many buyers looking for good images.

10. Pond5: Sell & Download Stock Images

Pond5 is a great place to sell your photos online. It is well-known for selling stock images, videos, music, and other media. Many photographers use Pond5 because it offers good earnings and gives you control over your pricing.

Why Sell Photos on Pond5?

1. Set Your Own Price: Unlike many stock photo websites, Pond5 lets you decide how much to charge for your photos. This means you can earn more money per sale.
2. High Commission: You can keep up to 50% of the sale price, which is more than some other stock photo websites offer.
3. No Exclusivity Required: You can sell the same photos on other stock photo websites, allowing you to make money from different places.
4. Global Buyers: Many businesses, designers, and content creators use Pond5 to find best images. This increases your chances of selling more photos.
5. Easy to Use: Uploading photos is simple, and Pond5 helps match your images with buyers.

Top 5 Types Of That Photos Sell Best Online?

If you want to make money selling stock photos, you need to know what kind of pictures people want to buy. Here are the five best types of photos that sell the most online:

1. People in Everyday Life

Photos of people working, cooking, shopping, talking, or using a phone sell really well. Businesses and websites love using these images to show real-life situations. Try to take pictures that look natural, not too posed.

2. Nature and Landscapes

Beautiful pictures of mountains, beaches, forests, and sunsets are always in demand. Travel websites and bloggers love these kinds of photos. If you have a good view, take advantage of it!

3. Business and Technology

Laptops, office setups, people shaking hands, or someone using a tablet, these photos are used in ads, websites, and magazines. Companies buy them to show modern work life.

4. Food and Drinks

A cup of coffee, a fresh salad, a fancy cake, food photography is super popular. Restaurants, food bloggers, and ads use these pictures all the time.

5. Holidays and Celebrations

Christmas trees, birthday cakes, fireworks, and wedding moments sell well. People always need festive photos for greeting cards, wedding invitations, and ads.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Selling stock images can be a profitable venture for photographers, even without an expensive camera. A decent camera or smartphone, basic editing skills, and a platform for selling your pictures are all you need.

Once uploaded to a stock platform, your images can generate ongoing income. As you grow your collection and improve your skills, your earnings can increase. Remember, patience is key; significant sales might take time, but consistent, high-quality uploads will lead to results. The opportunities are endless, so keep capturing and sharing your photography!

If you enjoyed reading this blog, check out our other articles:

• How AI Photo Editing Tools Are Revolutionizing Photography In 2025
• 180+ Must-Read Photography Quotes for Creatives
• What is Aesthetic Photography | Elements, Tips & Examples