The Top 10 Websites to Sell Photos Online and Make Money

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of daily life. We rush from one task to another, constantly connected to our devices, and often forget to pause and savor the simple pleasures that make life truly meaningful. But what if we could rediscover the joy of slow living while pursuing our passion for photography? In this blog post, we’ll be exploring the top 10 websites where you can sell photos online and make money, all while enjoying a more deliberate and fulfilling approach to life.

1. Shutterstock (www.shutterstock.com)

Shutterstock is a powerhouse when it comes to providing stock media, including images, vectors, video, and music. Over the last 15 years, it has paid out an astonishing $1 billion to its contributors. The platform not only allows you to submit content but also offers tools to create and share a personalized portfolio page, as well as track your earnings.

Contributors at Shutterstock enjoy an increasing earning rate as more of their content gets licensed. With six earnings levels for stock photos and videos, contributors can earn a commission ranging from 15 to 40%. Besides direct sales, the users have an opportunity to earn money by referring others to Shutterstock. You earn $0.04 on images and 10% on videos for every download of their work when a person signs up using your referral link. If a buyer signs up using your link, you can even earn up to $200 on their first payment.

2. Adobe Stock (stock.adobe.com)

Adobe Stock is like a treasure trove for designers and businesses, which has been seamlessly integrated into the Adobe Creative Cloud platform. This stock website has a vast collection of top-notch, high quality, royalty-free resources, such as photos, videos, illustrations, vector graphics, 3D elements, and customizable templates, for all kinds of personal or business projects.

The best part about this website is that you can use these assets across multiple projects without any worries about royalties or restrictions. You can also directly import albums from Adobe Lightroom, streamlining your workflow. Regarding revenue share, Adobe Stock offers contributors a competitive 33% in royalties for images, vectors, and illustrations, and 35% for videos.

Additionally, you can join the Adobe Affiliate Program to supplement your income. By promoting Adobe Stock on your platform using its marketing banners or text links, you will be paid $72 for each monthly payment or 8.33% of every purchase.

3. Getty Images (www.gettyimages.com)

 Getty Images Holdings, Inc. runs three different stock photography websites: Getty Images, iStock, and Unsplash. Getty Images, as a stock photography website, offers a significant platform for photographers to sell their work online.

Although it’s in the same family as iStock, there are some distinctions to consider. Stock photo websites generally yield fewer sales compared to microstock platforms, but they often offer higher prices per image. Getty Images contributors earn a competitive 20% for still images and 25% for video clips.

Unsplash, acquired by Getty Images Holdings, Inc. in 2021, started as a free stock photography website. It has now introduced Unsplash+, a paid tier that gives customers access to curated content for commercial use. When you sell stock photos on Unsplash+, you will earn on average a  non-recurring one-time payment of $5 to $30 per image.

4. Alamy (www.alamy.com)

Alamy is a British stock photography website offering numerous images, vectors, and videos. With over $1 million paid out every month to its contributors, it’s a lucrative platform for photographers. What sets Alamy apart is its commitment to giving creators full control over their works. They don’t edit submissions, allowing you to showcase your unique style.

One of the notable features of Alamy is its contributor contract, which requires only a 45-day notice period. This means you can start selling your images online within just 24 hours after uploading them. Alamy offers three commission models – Alamy Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Alamy Silver contributors can earn a commission of 17-20%, while Gold contributors get an impressive 34-40% from a sale. If you reach the Platinum level, you can enjoy a commission ranging from 40-50%.

For students looking to dive into the world of photography, Alamy is an excellent choice, offering a remarkable 100% commission for the first two years.

5. iStock by Getty Images (www.istockphoto.com)

iStock by Getty Images is the microstock branch of the renowned Getty Images, making it a great place for beginners looking to sell stock photos online. What sets iStock apart is its commitment to education. It offers popular forums and resources that can guide you if you’re unsure about how to start selling photos online. It’s a valuable resource for those just starting their photography journey.

The royalty payment structure starts at 15% per download and can increase up to 45%, depending on the popularity of your photos. It’s worth noting that if a customer purchases an image using their subscription credits, you’ll receive the base 15%. For those interested in exclusivity, iStock offers a higher rate, ranging from 22% to 45%. Keep in mind that this rate works under a contract with a 30-day notice period.

6. Etsy (www.etsy.com)

Etsy is one of the most popular online marketplace for handmade and vintage items, arts and crafts supplies. Etsy also allow photographers to sell photos online. You can offer your work in various formats, including digital images and physical prints.

If you become a seller on Etsy, you will be subjected to three different fees viz; listing, transaction, and payment processing fees. Listing an item on Etsy costs $0.20, and if it sells, the website charges a 6.5% transaction fee based on the sale price, including shipping. If sellers choose Etsy Payments to receive the earned money, they will be subjected to an additional 3% + $0.25 payment processing fee. Starting a shop on Etsy is free, but for extra perks, you can consider Etsy Plus, available at $10 per month.

Besides this, sellers also have the option to join Etsy’s Offsite Ads program through which sellers’ products are advertised across the website. But all sales from this Ads program are subject to a 15% fee.

7. 500px (500px.com)

500px is more than just a platform to sell photos online; it’s a vibrant photo-sharing community designed for photographers. It’s a place to connect, seek feedback, and discover work opportunities. One of 500px’s standout features is its Pulse algorithm, constantly showcasing fresh photos and emerging photographers. The Statistics feature offers valuable insights into your photo’s performance, helping you fine-tune your portfolio.

Moreover, 500px hosts Quests, engaging weekly creative photo challenges that allow participants to compete for prizes. 500px has a unique membership system, consisting of three levels: Free, Awesome at $3.99/month, and Pro at $7.99/month.

Regardless of the membership level you may opt for, you will have the opportunity to become a contributor. Free members can earn an impressive 60% of net sales when they exclusively license photos on the platform. For Awesome and Pro members, it gets even better, with a full 100% commission.

8. SmugMug (www.smugmug.com)

SmugMug is an ideal platform for professional and entrepreneurial photographers who want more control over pricing. One of the most prominent features of SmugMug is that you can set your own prices for your photos, and you get to keep a remarkable 85% in commissions.

To start selling your photos on SmugMug, you’ll need to subscribe to their Pro plan, which starts at $12.50 per month. While there’s no free option, the potential for earning a passive income from your photography hobby may make it well worth the investment.

9. EyeEm (www.eyeem.com)

If your photographic journey leans towards the professional and commercial side, then EyeEm is a fantastic platform to consider for selling your photos and earning money. EyeEm offers three distinct licenses under which you can sell your photos: Social, Web, and Full, with prices ranging from $20, $50, to $250, respectively.

What sets EyeEm apart is its generous commission structure. You’ll earn a remarkable 50% commission on each image you successfully sell on the platform. This is a significantly higher rate compared to many other stock agencies, which often offer commissions in the 20 to 30% range.

To further boost your visibility within the industry, you can also join EyeEm Magazine. Submitting your work to this publication can open doors to major clients and exciting opportunities in the world of commercial photography.

10. Foap (www.foap.com)

Foap offers a comprehensive package for photographers, with several advantages for its users. The platform even offers a free mobile app available on major app stores, making it extremely accessible for smartphone photographers.

What makes Foap engaging is its themed missions sponsored by various brands. These missions cover a wide range of subjects, from adorable dog photography to captivating shots of bikes and cars or nature. Participating photographers have the chance to win awards, including extra income. When you sell a photo on Foap, it typically goes for around £7 to £8, with you receiving approximately 50% of the earnings after taxes and commissions are deducted.

Conclusion

In a world where visual storytelling is more powerful than ever, these top 10 websites provide diverse opportunities for photographers to sell their work online and make money. Whether you’re capturing moments with a smartphone or wielding a professional camera, these platforms offer something for everyone. To boost your sells, most photographers turn to social media marketing platforms like Facebook, Instagram. Check this detailed guide post on how you can develop a social media marketing strategies and use these tools to ramp up your profits as a professional photography and contributor.

Embracing the joy of slow living while pursuing your passion for photography is not just a dream; it’s a tangible reality. So, take the leap, showcase your unique perspective, and let your creativity shine. Selling your photos online isn’t just about making money; it’s about sharing your vision and perspective with the world. So go ahead, capture the moments, tell your stories, and enjoy the journey. Happy selling!