Whether you’re a professional photographer, or a talented amateur photographer, you can make extra income if you sell your photos online.
You will need to understand how to compose a compelling photo that is properly lit and, most importantly, in focus. It’s also helpful if you’re proficient in using photo editing software so you can make each photo the best it can be.
There are a variety of sites where you can sell your photos online, and your selection will depend primarily on the type of photos that you like to take.
Before starting with any company, make sure you thoroughly understand the terms and conditions. You’ll especially want a firm grasp on how and when you’ll be paid.
Start with the well-established companies for your first venture into selling photos online. If you try two or three, you’ll get a better feel for which are the best fit with your style of photography.
Sell Your Photos Online (And With Your Smartphone, Too!)
iStockPhoto
This company offers a 15% royalty for each downloaded photo, but you could earn up to 45% if you are an exclusive contributor. It appears that iStockPhoto may have a stringent vetting process. They request that you provide three samples of your work for evaluation before you can be accepted as a contributor.
Fotolia
Your earnings on Fotolia will depend on your ranking on the site and the exclusivity of your photo. You can earn 20% – 63% in commission per photo sold.
123RF
Once you’re accepted as a 123RF contributor, your commissions will start at 30% and could rise as high as 60% if your photos are downloaded regularly.
Dreamstime
This site might be the best place to get your feet wet, since anyone can join. Once the editors have approved your work, you can start selling your photos.
Photos sell for as little as $0.20 each, of which you’ll receive 25% – 50% revenue share. Exclusive images will earn you an extra 10%, and if you sell your photos exclusively through Dreamstime, you’ll earn 60% commission on everything you sell, plus an additional bonus.
Shutterstock
If your photos pass Shutterstock’s fairly stringent vetting process, you could earn from $0.25 to $120.00. Shutterstock offers a free Contributor Success Guide with helpful tips for those new to selling stock images online.
Alamy
With Alamy, you’ll earn 50% commission on the photos you sell, and you can sell the photos to other stock sites as well.
Like taking pictures with your phone?
From nature photos to a picture of last night’s dinner, download these apps, and you can sell your photos direct from your smartphone.
Foap
Foap sells your photos for $10 and splits the money with you 50/50, meaning you earn $5 for every photo you sell. Foap is available for Android or iOS.
Clashot
Clashot’s mobile app for iOS or Android smartphones allows you to upload photos of interesting objects or events. You will earn commission of approximately 44%.
Twenty20
Selling your photos through Twenty20 will earn you a commission of 20% – 100%, depending on the type of sell. You can upload photos via an iPhone app or on the web.
If you already sell your photos online, I’d love to hear about it in comments.
Find more ways to make extra money from home!
I am selling royalty images and earning well. I read your article and found helpful topics. Thanks buddy.
Thank you for that feedback!