Considering the need for great visuals in today’s world, the sale of photos online is now a great way for photographers, regardless of their experience level. Regardless of the level of experience with woodworking, whether you are a professional or an amateur who likes to do business on the side, many outlets are available to display and sell your creations.
Here is a guide on the 12 best websites to sell your photos, how each works, some pro tips and the commission or royalty you stand to gain.
Top 12 Websites to Sell your Photos Online
If you’re looking to turn your photography skills into a source of income, selling photos online is an excellent option. Here’s a detailed guide to the top 12 sites to sell pictures where you can sell your photos and earn money.
| Apps | Pros | Cons |
| Alamy | 1. High royalty rates. 2. No exclusivity requirement, allowing you to sell the same images on other platforms. | 1. Highly competitive due to the vast number of contributors. 2. Withdrawals after a minimum amount. |
| Getty Images | 1. High visibility and potential for large sales, particularly with premium content. 2. Provides extensive resources & support. | 1. Low commission rates, with contributors earning between 15-20%. 2. Strict submission guidelines. |
| Dreamstime | 1. Easy to get started. 2. Increased earnings potential over time due to the tiered royalty system. | 1. Lower royalty rates initially, starting at 25-50%. 2. High competition. |
| Shutterstock | 1. Large customer base ensures higher chances of sales. 2. Multiple earning opportunities, including photo, video, and editorial content. | 1. Lower commission rates, ranging from 15-40%. 2. High competition and frequent updates to the payout structure. |
| Adobe Stock | 1. High-quality platform with a strong focus on creative professionals. 2. Reliable payment system. | 1. High-quality standards, which can make it difficult for some contributors to get accepted. 2. Limited exposure. |
| 500px | 1. Strong community engagement with opportunities for exposure through contests and featured galleries. 2. Flexible licensing options for contributors. | 1. Lower royalty rates for non-exclusive images, starting at 30%. 2. Smaller customer base. |
| Snapped4U | 1. Low fees, with photographers retaining the majority of their earnings. 2. Easy to use and set up. | 1. Limited to event photography, which restricts potential earnings. 2. Smaller platform with less visibility. |
| Fotomoto | 1. Full control over pricing and selling process. 2. Customizable storefront that matches the design. | 1. Requires your own website, which may involve additional costs & maintenance. 2. Less exposure. |
| iStock Photo | 1. Affiliation with Getty Images provides high visibility and credibility. 2. Flexible licensing options. | 1. Lower commission rates for non-exclusive contributors, starting at 15%. 2. High competition. |
| PhotoShelter | 1. Full control over your brand and pricing with your own website. 2. Advanced tools for marketing, sales, and client management. | 1. Subscription fees required, making it more expensive. 2. Requires time and effort to set up and maintain your own website. |
| 123RF | 1. High-volume sales potential. 2. Simple and user-friendly platform. | 1. Lower royalty rates. 2. High competition. |
| Stocksy | 1. High royalty rates Profit-sharing opportunities. 2. Strong emphasis on artistic integrity & quality. | 1. Highly selective, making it difficult to get accepted as a contributor. 2. Smaller customer base. |
1. Alamy
Alamy is among the largest stock photo agencies, with over 240 million stock photos, vectors, and Videos. If a person signs up to be a contributor, the author can post pictures that are checked for quality. Such images can be bought and are posted for sale on the site. Alamy’s model does not demand exclusivity, meaning the same material can be sold on similar websites.
Features
- Alamy has one of the largest and most diverse collections of images, with over 240 million images available.
- It offers a 50% royalty rate for contributors, which is higher than many other stock photo platforms.
Tips for Success
- Upload a diverse range of high-quality images.
- Use detailed and accurate keywords to increase discoverability.
- Participate in Alamy’s contributor community to stay updated on trends and tips.
Commission/Royalty
Alamy offers one of the most generous commission structures in the industry, with photographers earning 50% of each sale. Images on Alamy typically sell for ₹1,000 to ₹9000 per image. Given this high commission rate, it’s an attractive platform for photographers looking to maximize their earnings.
2. Getty Images
Getty Images is one of the well-known sites to sell pictures for its editorial and commercial photography of the highest caliber. To join the contributor community, you must apply and send in samples of your work. Once approved, you can upload the photos you’ve taken, which are selected by the Getty staff. Although the platform is extremely selective, it provides unparalleled exposure, possibly utilizing your photographs by prominent media organizations, advertisers, and companies globally.
Features
- Known for high-quality, premium images, often used by large corporations and media outlets.
- Offers both Rights-Managed (RM) and Royalty-Free (RF) licensing options.
Tips for Success
- Focus on capturing high-resolution, professionally edited images.
- Specialize in niches like editorial photography, which are in high demand.
- Stay updated on trending topics to capture images that are more likely to sell.
Commission/Royalty
Photographers who have an exclusive or non-exclusive arrangement with Getty might earn a royalty of 20% to 30%. The usual price range for images is ₹3000 to ₹40,000. Getty is a top platform for professional photographers because of its high price point and prestige.
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3. Dreamstime
Dreamstime is an accessible stock image selling website with a worldwide clientele. You can contribute your photographs as a contributor, and they will be evaluated and put to the marketplace if accepted. Dreamstime allows you to select how you wish to market your work by providing exclusive and non-exclusive choices.
Features
- Dreamstime has a large community of contributors and buyers, focusing on affordable pricing for consumers.
- Offers a tiered royalty system, with royalties increasing as your images sell more frequently.
Tips for Success
- Upload consistently to increase your portfolio size and visibility.
- Focus on trending topics and popular categories.
- Engage with Dreamstime’s community to gain insights and improve your sales.
Commission/Royalty
Dreamstime provides a royalty rate ranging from 25% to 50%, with exclusive contributors receiving higher royalties. Images often sell for between ₹83 and ₹3,300. Dreamstime is an excellent platform for novice and seasoned photographers because of its adaptability and friendly community.
4. Shutterstock
Shutterstock is one of the best websites to sell photography with an extensive collection and international presence. Photographers who have registered may submit their photos for approval afterwards. After being authorized, you can sell your photos. Shutterstock rewards photographers according to their lifetime profits through a tiered royalty structure.
Features
- One of the most popular and widely used stock photo platforms globally, with millions of monthly visitors.
- Offers detailed analytics for contributors to track image performance.
Tips for Success
- Consistently upload high-quality, varied content.
- Focus on commercial viability—images businesses and advertisers will likely buy.
- Utilize Shutterstock’s keywording tool to optimize your image tags for better visibility.
Commission/Royalty
Photographers receive a royalty rate based on their lifetime revenue on the site, varying from 15% to 40%. Shutterstock is a dependable source of steady sales due to its large user base, particularly for well-liked or in-demand photos. It’s one of the best ways to make 10K a month online by selling photos.
5. Adobe Stock
Adobe Stock is connected to Adobe Creative Cloud, which makes Adobe Stock one of the best sites to sell photography for designers and creatives. Upon uploading your images, they are distributed not only on the Adobe Stock site but on all Adobe products, which means reaching millions of potential customers. Adobe Stock is also designed to be easily integrated into the company’s other tools and is very easy to use.
Features
- Seamlessly integrates with Adobe Creative Cloud, making it easy for users to upload and sell images directly from Photoshop or Lightroom.
- Offers a straightforward royalty structure with a flat 33% rate.
Tips for Success
- Create content that resonates with creative professionals, such as designers and marketers.
- Take advantage of Adobe’s keywording tool to increase your images’ visibility.
- Focus on quality and creativity, as Adobe Stock caters to a more discerning audience.
Commission/Royalty
The photographers can earn a 33% commission on each product sold. Images on Adobe Stock are normally available at a price between ₹25 and ₹5500 per download. It also has the added advantage of being integrated with Adobe’s software to guarantee that your photographs get to an energetic target market for those images, thus increasing the chances of a sale.
6. 500px
500px is the best site to sell photos that also functions as a stock photo marketplace. Photographers can post their photos, which customers can subsequently license. With 500px’s distinctive mix of social networking and marketplace capabilities, you can sell your photography and network with other photographers.
Features
- 500px is both a photo-sharing community and a marketplace, allowing photographers to build a following while selling their work.
- It offers a unique licensing model where photographers can choose between exclusive and non-exclusive sales.
Tips for Success
- Engage with the 500px community to build your reputation and network.
- Focus on creating high-quality, unique images that stand out.
- Participate in 500px’s photo challenges to gain exposure and potentially earn more.
Commission/Royalty
500px is one of those websites to sell your photos that charges a 60% royalty; for non-exclusive photographs, the rate is 30%. The cost of a photograph might vary from ₹250 to ₹8000. Because of the platform’s community-driven model, photographers may sell their work in a friendly setting and increase their visibility.
7. Snapped4U
A specialized best photo selling website known as Snapped4U was created especially for event photographers covering weddings, parties, and other noteworthy events. Event galleries are created by photographers so that their clients can browse and buy digital downloads of their images. It’s one of the websites to sell photos online and an easy-to-use platform perfect for event photographers who capture events regularly.
Features
- Specializes in selling event photography, such as weddings, concerts, and parties.
- Provides a simple platform specifically designed for event photographers to sell their images to clients.
Tips for Success:
- Market your Snapped4U galleries to your event clients for direct sales.
- Keep your pricing competitive to encourage bulk purchases from event attendees.
- Use high-quality watermarking on previews to protect your work.
Commission/Royalty
Event photographers can save money using Snapped4U, which costs a commission of ₹830 per gallery. Depending on the event, you can earn money in one day online between ₹400 to ₹4000 per photo. Photographers looking to rapidly and effectively market their event photos will find the site very helpful.
8. Fotomoto
Photographers can now sell prints, canvases, and digital downloads straight from their websites on Fortomoto, thanks to this best website to sell your photos. You can concentrate on making and advertising your work because Fotomoto handles everything, including printing, shipping, and customer support. It’s a flexible platform to sell photos online and earn money that integrates easily with most website builders.
Features
- Fotomoto allows photographers to sell prints, canvases, and digital downloads directly from their own website.
- Integrates seamlessly with various website platforms, including WordPress and Shopify.
Tips for Success:
- Set up a professional-looking website to attract potential buyers.
- Promote your website and prints through social media and other online channels.
- Offer limited edition prints to create a sense of exclusivity and urgency.
Commission/Royalty
The commission charged by Fotomoto varies based on the plan you select, from 10% to 15%. The cost of prints might vary based on the material and size, from ₹1000 to ₹25000. Fotomoto is the best option for photographers who want to use a professional e-commerce system but yet have control over their identity and client interaction.
9. iStockPhoto
If you are a photographer and looking for websites to sell your photos online then you can sell stock images on iStockPhoto, and make money online on laptop provided by Getty Images. You can upload your photos once you sign up as a contributor, and they will be selected and added to the marketplace. Photographers frequently choose iStock because of its extensive reach and adaptable license choices.
Features
- Operates under Getty Images, offering a mix of affordable Royalty-Free images and premium content.
- Provides an exclusive program with higher royalties for exclusive contributors.
Tips for Success
- Focus on uploading images that fit commercial needs, such as lifestyle or business-themed photos.
- Use iStock’s keywording suggestions to ensure your images are easily discoverable.
- Consider offering exclusive content to earn higher royalties.
Commission/Royalty
Photographers who enter under an exclusive or non-exclusive arrangement may receive a royalty of 15% to 45%. iStock images usually sell for between ₹83 and ₹1,650 each. Even though iStock’s revenues per image might not be as high as those of other platforms, frequent sales are possible due to the platform’s enormous customer base, especially for in-demand images.
10. PhotoShelter
Professional photographers who wish to sell their work directly to clients can use PhotoShelter. It is one of those photography selling websites that provides safe cloud storage, marketing tools, and a storefront that can be customized. You have complete control over your sales with PhotoShelter since you can establish your prices. For photographers who wish to establish a brand and keep a direct line of communication with their clientele, it’s a great choice.
Features
- PhotoShelter is a comprehensive platform that allows photographers to create their own websites with e-commerce capabilities.
- Offers cloud storage and advanced tools for managing and selling photography.
Tips for Success:
- Take advantage of PhotoShelter’s SEO tools to drive traffic to your portfolio.
- Offer various products, including digital downloads, prints, and licensing options.
- Keep your portfolio updated with fresh content to attract repeat customers.
Commission/Royalty
PhotoShelter charges a minimal transaction fee, but photographers keep up to 90% of the sale price. PhotoShelter offers various image prices, usually between ₹3500 and ₹40000. Photographers who like to have complete control over their client interactions and sales process should use this platform.
11. 123RF
123RF is the best site to sell photos online that provides a wide selection of pictures, cartoons, and videos. Once registered as a contributor, you can upload your images; they will then be examined and added to the marketplace. All levels of photographers can utilize 123RF because of its easy-to-use interface and simple upload procedure.
Features
- 123RF is known for its extensive collection of affordable stock images, targeting budget-conscious buyers.
- Offers a credit-based purchasing system, which appeals to a wide range of customers
Tips for Success
- Focus on creating high-quality, high-demand content like business, technology, and lifestyle images.
- Use detailed, relevant keywords to increase your images’ visibility.
- Participate in 123RF’s referral program to earn additional income.
Commission/Royalty
Depending on their contribution level, photographers’ royalties on 123RF might vary from 30% to 60%. Generally, each photo sells for between ₹83 and ₹4,125. Photographers wishing to sell a wide range of content will find the platform a good choice due to its big user base and competitive royalty rates.
12. Stocksy
Photographers share ownership of Stocksy, a premium and one of the best place to sell photos online based on a cooperative business model. This model makes more control and profitability possible. Because of its reputation for well-selected, superior collections, buyers looking for distinctive and creative photos frequently turn to Stocksy.
Features
- Stocksy is a cooperative, artist-owned platform that focuses on high-quality, curated images.
- Offers some of the highest royalty rates in the industry, with contributors earning up to 50-75%.
Tips for Success
- Focus on creating unique, artistic images that align with Stocksy’s aesthetic.
- Consider offering exclusive content to take advantage of Stocksy’s high royalty rates.
- Engage with the Stocksy community to gain insights and collaborate with other photographers.
Commission/Royalty
Stocksy gives contributors 50% of every sale, which is among the highest royalty rates in the business. Commissions may be even higher for exclusive photographs. Images on Stocksy usually sell for between ₹1,240 and ₹41,250. This image selling website is a fantastic option for professional photographers looking to break into a premium market because of its emphasis on quality and originality.
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Tips for Selling Photos Online
Selling photos on any image selling website can be a rewarding way to turn your passion for photography into a source of income. To maximize your success, here are some essential tips that can help you stand out in the competitive world of online photography sales.
1. Focus on Lighting and Composition
Lighting and composition are two concepts that determine the quality of the photos that you intend to take. Lighting is something that, if done correctly, can improve the aesthetics of your pictures just enough to grab a buyer’s attention. It is always preferable to work with natural light, which studies have repeatedly shown to be the most effective. Still, on the other hand, it is useful to understand how artificial light can also make a pretty big difference as well. Another area is composition; being familiar with the rules of thirds, leading lines, and framing can also contribute to the success of the photo.
2. Define Your Specialty in Photography
Being unique from the competition in photography can be achieved by having a well-defined expertise or niche. Specializing in photography, portrait, landscape, macro, or editorial, allows you to become an authority in your field and draw a devoted following. Identifying your area of expertise will help you make more sales, as buyers are frequently on the lookout for photographers who are experts in specific genres.
3. Use Appropriate Keywords and Descriptions
The ease of finding and purchasing the images in question is another important consideration when selling photos online. Here’s where descriptions and keywords come into play. Select keywords that directly connect to your images’ subjects, photographic style, and content. Correct tagging makes an image more visible in search results, which raises the possibility that people may view and purchase it. Additionally, by providing a backdrop for your images, you can increase their appeal by writing concise, evocative captions or titles.
4. Market Your Photos on Social Media
Marketing your photos through various social media platforms is an effective way of advertising photography. To sell photos online for money and market your work, intending visitors can follow specific social networks such as Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest and guide them to the online portfolio or sales sites. Adding comments on the articles, using the appropriate hashtags, and attending photography forums may also lead to greater exposure. Social media marketing does not just feature your work but also helps in branding the photographer.
5. Diversify Your Portfolio
Having a diversified financial portfolio to cover all the possible interested parties is also important. Specifically, it is important to have a focus but several pictures within that focus—that or dabble in other styles—to appeal to several audiences. For instance, if the theme is landscaping, the results must contain pictures made in different seasons, at different times of the day, or in different areas. Diversification: you can provide clients with a wide range of services, from editorial publishers to commercial advertisers.
6. Consistently Upload New Photos
Patience is also important when selling photos online since you must continuously sell to meet your targets. Continuing to post new content sends your portfolio to the top of the feeds, ensuring you retain, if not expand, the populace that follows the portfolio. Most platforms also provide enhanced visibility of active participants in search results. Deciding beforehand when to upload new photos, for example, weekly or monthly, will keep you planned, and your selection will keep growing.
7. Know Your Legal Rights and Responsibilities
It is essential to comprehend the legal ramifications of selling photographs online. Learn the terms and conditions of websites to sell your photos, such as the copyright rules and license agreements. Ensure you have the required authorizations before selling identifiable personas, exclusive properties, or trademarks in your images. Awareness of your rights and obligations guarantees that you abide by the law and helps prevent unlawful use of your work.
Applying these tips can increase your chances of success in the competitive world of online photography sales. Whether you’re just starting or looking to refine your approach, these strategies will help you maximize your talent and creativity.
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FAQs – Websites to Sell your Photos
How do photo selling websites work?
Photo selling websites allow photographers to upload and sell their images to buyers. After signing up on websites to sell your photos, you upload photos, which are reviewed and listed for sale. Buyers purchase licenses to use the photos, and the photographer earns a commission or royalty from each sale.
Where can you sell photos for money?
You can sell photos on platforms like Alamy, Getty Images, Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, iStock Photo, 500px, Dreamstime, Fotomoto, and more. These websites to sell your photos connect photographers with buyers looking for high-quality images for commercial, editorial, and personal use.
How do I choose the right photo selling website?
Choose a website based on its commission structure, the type of content it accepts, its audience reach, and whether it requires exclusivity. Consider your photography style and goals to find a platform that aligns with your needs and maximizes your earning potential.
Do I retain copyright of my photos when selling on these websites?
Yes, photographers typically retain the copyright to their photos when selling on these websites. You’re selling licenses for usage, not the ownership of the image. However, some platforms may require exclusivity, meaning you can only sell the photo on their site.
Are there any costs or fees to sell photos on these websites?
Some platforms may charge a commission on sales or fees for premium features. Most sites are free to join, but they take a percentage of each sale as their fee. It’s important to read the terms of each platform to understand any potential costs.
How much money can you make selling photos online?
Earnings vary widely depending on the platform, the quality and demand for your photos, and how much you upload. You can make anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand rupees per month. Consistent uploading and targeting high-demand niches can significantly increase earnings.
Disclaimer: The earnings mentioned in this article are estimates and may vary based on individual effort, time invested, and other factors. Readers are advised to conduct their own research and not rely entirely on this information.