Best Side Hustles for Selling Stock Photography

Whether you're an amateur or a professional, you can leverage this side hustle to earn passive income by licensing your images to companies, marketers, and other creators. Here's a detailed guide to the best stock photography side hustles, including descriptions, income potential, tools, resources, and helpful links.

Shutterstock

Shutterstock is one of the most popular platforms for stock photographers worldwide. It allows you to upload and license your photos, earning royalties whenever someone downloads your work. The platform covers a wide range of categories, making it suitable for diverse photography styles.

Income Potential:

Photographers earn between $0.10 to $120 per download, depending on licensing terms and contributor levels.

Tools and Resources:

• A high-quality DSLR or mirrorless camera.
• Photo editing software (e.g., Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop).
• Shutterstock Contributor app to track sales.

How to Get Started:

• Shutterstock Contributor

Adobe Stock

Adobe Stock integrates directly with Adobe Creative Cloud applications, making it a go-to platform for creatives. Your photos will be accessible to millions of Adobe users worldwide.

Income Potential:

Adobe Stock offers contributors 33% of the sales price for their content, with photos typically priced between $1 and $10 per license.

Tools and Resources:

• Adobe Creative Cloud for photo editing.
• Knowledge of Adobe's submission guidelines.
• Keywording tools to enhance visibility.

How to Get Started:

• Adobe Stock Contributor

Getty Images

Getty Images and its microstock platform, iStock, are prestigious marketplaces for stock photographers. They have strict submission guidelines, ensuring high-quality content.

Income Potential:

Contributors earn 15%-45% royalties on Getty Images and a flat rate of 15% for iStock downloads. Exclusive contributors earn higher rates.

Tools and Resources:

• High-resolution camera equipment.
• Detailed knowledge of licensing models.
• Getty's Contributor by Getty Images app.

How to Get Started:

• Getty Images Contributor

Alamy

Alamy is known for its generous royalty rates and large customer base. The platform accepts a wide variety of images, from niche to commercial.

Income Potential:

Earn up to 50% royalties on each sale. Average earnings range from $15 to $200 per image.

Tools and Resources:

• A quality camera and lens.
• Proper metadata and keywording for uploads.
• Alamy Image Manager for contributors.

How to Get Started:

• Alamy Contributor

500px

500px serves as both a photography community and a stock photo marketplace. It offers opportunities to monetize your work while building a portfolio and engaging with other photographers.

Income Potential:

Earn up to 60% royalties on exclusive content and 30% for non-exclusive content.

Tools and Resources:

• A 500px profile to showcase your portfolio.
• High-quality editing software for polished images.
• Access to 500px Licensing to sell your work.

How to Get Started:

• 500px Licensing

Dreamstime

Dreamstime is a beginner-friendly platform that allows contributors to sell their photos, illustrations, and videos. It also supports mobile uploads for on-the-go photography.

Income Potential:

Earn 25%-50% royalties per sale. Exclusive contributors receive an additional 10% bonus.

Tools and Resources:

• DSLR or high-quality smartphone camera.
• Dreamstime Companion app for uploads.
• Captioning and keywording best practices.

How to Get Started:

• Dreamstime Contributor

EyeEm

EyeEm is a photography community and marketplace that uses AI technology to help your photos reach the right buyers. It’s an excellent platform for artistic and trendy images.

Income Potential:

Photographers earn 50% royalties for every sale. Typical earnings per photo range from $20 to $250.

Tools and Resources:

• EyeEm app for uploads and community engagement.
• Strong understanding of visual trends.
• Access to EyeEm Market for licensing.

How to Get Started:

• EyeEm Contributor

Depositphotos

Depositphotos is a global marketplace offering photographers an easy way to monetize their work. It supports contributors at all skill levels.

Income Potential:

Earn 34%-42% royalties per sale based on your contributor level.

Tools and Resources:

• Reliable photo editing software.
• Keywording strategies for better discoverability.
• Depositphotos Contributor app for tracking progress.

How to Get Started:

• Depositphotos Contributor

Tips for Success in Stock Photography:

1. Diversify Your Portfolio: Upload a mix of subjects, styles, and themes.
2. Focus on Quality: Ensure images are high resolution and free from noise or distortions.
3. Master Metadata: Use accurate and descriptive titles, captions, and keywords to improve visibility.
4. Stay Updated on Trends: Monitor what types of photos are in demand on each platform.

Stock photography can be a lucrative side hustle if you’re consistent and strategic. Start by signing up for one or more platforms and uploading your best work. Over time, your portfolio can become a valuable passive income stream.