Step-by-Step How To Make Money Selling Stock Photos
Have you ever considered how to make money selling stock photos and earning extra income with your photography?
Stock photography is one of the easiest ways to monetise your photos, whether you’re just starting out or already established as a photographer.
From high street chains to charities, businesses of all sizes use stock images daily. Instead of paying hundreds to commission a photographer, they can purchase ready-made high-quality images from a stock photography site for just a few pounds.
That’s where the opportunity lies. You can sell one of your stock photos hundreds of times, making it an ideal source of passive income.
Whether you’re capturing content on a DSLR or a mobile device, you can start building a portfolio of high resolution images and sell them as digital downloads to a global audience.
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Exclusive vs Non-Exclusive: What’s Right for You?
When starting out, one of the first decisions on how to make money selling stock photos is whether to be exclusive with a single stock photography site or work with multiple. Here’s the difference:
- Exclusive: You’ll earn a higher commission per sale, but that image can only be licensed by that one site.
- Non-exclusive: You’ll earn a lower commission per sale, but can list your images across several stock photo sites.
Personally, I’ve always chosen the non-exclusive route. For me, it offers the flexibility of working with multiple platforms, which in turn gives my photography business wider exposure. That said, there’s no right or wrong approach here, so take your time, do your research, and choose the option that aligns best with your goals.
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Top Stock Photography Sites
Each stock photography site has its own contributor requirements and payment structures. Here’s a breakdown of some of the best stock photo sites to consider:
- Adobe Stock – Sign up with your Adobe ID and upload sample images.
- High-quality photos, correctly exposed and well composed. 33% commission per sale.
- Paid via PayPal once you reach a minimum threshold
- Shutterstock – Submit 10 images for review.
- At least 7 must be accepted.
- Must meet their high-quality and technical standards. 15%–40% commission, based on sales volume.
- Monthly payments via PayPal or Payoneer.
- Alamy – Create an account and upload a test submission.
- Images must be high resolution and pass their quality check.
- Up to 50% for exclusive images; 40% for non-exclusive.
- Monthly once you reach the payment threshold.
- Getty Images – Via their partner platform, iStock.
- Strong visual storytelling, professional-grade work.
- Varies; exclusive content earns more.
- Through PayPal, once minimum threshold is met.
- EyeEm – Create a profile and start uploading.
- Curated by editors; creative and trendy visuals perform well.
- 50% of the selling price.
- Monthly via PayPal.
- Picfair – Simple sign-up and upload process.
- Open to all photographers, though quality matters.
- Set your own prices; they add a 20% markup.
- PayPal when a sale is made.
- Envato Elements – Apply to be a contributor through Envato’s portal.
- High creative standards; commercial-ready content.
- Based on subscriber share.
- Monthly via PayPal.
- Unsplash – Very open and easy to join.
- Quality still matters, despite being a free stock photo site.
- Exposure only—no direct payments, but great for visibility.
- Not applicable.
Step-by-Step: Getting Started as a Stock Photographer
Sign Up and Verify Details.
Stock libraries will ask for your business and tax information. This is a business, and it should be treated as such.
Submit Initial Images.
Most platforms require a test submission (around 10 images). If rejected, they’ll tell you why, use this feedback to improve.
Build Your Portfolio.
Once accepted, keep uploading consistently. Don’t wait for reviews to finish before submitting more content.
Tag and Describe Images Properly.
Accurate and descriptive keywords, titles and tags help your high-quality images get discovered.
Understand Licensing.
It’s important to know the difference between editorial, royalty-free, and commercial licences when exploring how to make money selling stock photos. Each serves a different purpose and has its own set of usage rules. Additionally, for images involving people or property, model or property releases are often required to ensure they can be used legally, especially for commercial purposes.
Tips to Make Your Stock Photography Stand Out
Define Your Style
Your best work often reflects your personal style. Whether it’s food photography, lifestyle images, or conceptual work, lean into what you enjoy, but stay open to exploring other types of images that perform well.
Do Your Research
To identify trending topics, start by using tools like Google Trends, Answer the Public, or even the built-in keyword tools on stock photography sites. These can give you a quick overview of what’s currently in demand. For deeper keyword analysis and more advanced insights, tools like Moz and Semrush can be incredibly helpful.
Batch Process and Upload.
When editing, use tools like Lightroom, where you can easily sync titles, tags, and metadata across multiple images. This not only saves time but also ensures consistency throughout your portfolio. Once your images are ready, aim to upload in batches regularly, it’s a great way to keep your content fresh and maintain visibility on stock platforms.
Think Like a Buyer
Where would someone use this image? Is there room for text? What message does it convey? Considering potential clients when you shoot and edit will help you take images that actually sell.
What Kinds of Photos Sell Well?
- Food & Drink – Especially lifestyle shots or healthy food trends.
- Lifestyle – Natural moments of people at work, rest or play.
- Conceptual – Symbolic visuals representing emotions or ideas.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Poor Image Quality: Blurry or underexposed photos won’t be accepted.
- No Model Release: Images with recognisable people need a signed release. Try the Easy Release app (£12.99 one-off cost) for managing permissions.
- Overediting: Avoid heavy filters or stylised effects. Buyers prefer clean, natural edits.
- Bad Keywords: Be specific. Describe what’s in the photo, its location, mood, and more.
Tips for Boosting Sales When Making Money Selling Stock Photos
Stay on Trend.
To stay ahead, keep a close eye on current events, seasonal moments, and trending topics. It’s worth thinking ahead, for example, if Christmas is a big seller, you’ll want those images prepared and uploaded several months in advance. By planning around future trends, you can position yourself strategically and gain a competitive edge.
Upload Regularly and Consistently.
Stock libraries reward active contributors. The more often you upload, the more visible your portfolio becomes in search results and new uploads sections. Aim to upload something weekly if possible.
Optimise Your Keywords and Descriptions.
When adding keywords, make sure they’re relevant and specific. Be sure to include the subject, mood, location, season, and the intended use of the image. Remember, buyers search with intent — so the more accurate your keywords, the easier it is for them to find exactly what they need.
Vary Your Portfolio.
Rather than sticking to just one subject or style, aim to diversify your portfolio. The broader your range of high-quality photos, the more likely you are to appeal to a wider variety of buyers. Try experimenting with different compositions, themes, and locations to see what resonates.
Promote Your Work Outside Stock Sites
Share links to your stock portfolios on your website, social media, and email newsletters. More traffic = more potential sales.
Review Analytics.
Most stock photography sites provide data on your top-performing images, giving you valuable insight into what buyers are looking for. Make the most of this by creating more of the types of images that are already generating sales — it’s one of the simplest ways to grow your income over time.
Think Like a Designer or Marketer.
Many buyers are specifically looking for images they can use in commercial projects. With that in mind, consider how your image might be used — in advertising, on websites, or within presentations. Wherever possible, leave space for copy, use clean backgrounds, and avoid visual clutter to make your images more versatile.
How Much Can You Earn from Stock Photography?
This is the golden question when thinking about how to make money selling stock photos and the answer varies. Some images sell once for hundreds, others might sell hundreds of times for just pennies. While it’s tempting to focus on the big sales, the real power lies in volume.
For example, if you build a portfolio of 1,000 high resolution images, and each one earns an average of just £0.50 per month, that’s £500 in monthly income. Double your portfolio and you could double your income.
That said, sales depend on a range of factors:
- Quality and relevance of your images
- Timing—uploading seasonal content ahead of time
- Your niche and how saturated it is
- Keyword effectiveness
- Your commitment to consistency and improvement.
My own stock images have been used in magazines, online publications, charity campaigns, and even by food chains. Over time, I’ve learned that the real key is persistence. The photographers who succeed are usually the ones who treat this like a business, focus on building a strong portfolio, and commit to continuous learning.
Don’t be discouraged if you don’t make much at the start. Treat every image as an investment—each one has the potential to earn for years to come.
Final Thoughts.
Stock photography isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme, however, it is a fantastic way to create an additional income stream for your photography business. Along the way, it encourages you to think more commercially, sharpen your skills, and rediscover the joy of capturing a wide variety of content.
I recently returned to stock photography after a break and have completely fallen back in love with the process. It’s helped me rediscover creativity, explore new types of images, and expand my income, all from the comfort of my home office.
Get Your Free Downloadable PDF Guide.
If you’d like to keep this step-by-step guide on how to make money selling stock photos, I’ve put everything from this blog into a beautifully designed PDF guide. It’s perfect to download and refer back to as you build your stock photography portfolio — whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow – Download it here.
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Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, getting started with stock photography is one of the best ways to create ongoing income with your images. So pick up your camera, explore new subjects, and start uploading your best work today!
Wishing you all the success in your photography journey.
Nicky x
If you want to read more great blogs to help you start and grow your photography business, you can find more here.
