In the digital age, selling photos online has become a viable way for photographers, whether hobbyists or professionals, to earn a significant income. With the right platforms and strategies, it’s possible to make $1,000 (or more) per week by selling your photos online. Whether you’re capturing breathtaking landscapes, portraits, or niche content, there’s a marketplace for your work. In this post, we’ll explore 29 of the best places to sell photos online and maximize your earnings.
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1. Shutterstock
Shutterstock is one of the largest and most popular stock photo websites in the world. With millions of images available, Shutterstock offers photographers the opportunity to earn royalties each time their photos are downloaded. Photographers can make between 15% and 40% commission depending on their earnings tier. The large user base ensures constant demand for fresh content.
2. Adobe Stock
Adobe Stock is integrated with popular Adobe products like Photoshop and Lightroom, making it an excellent platform for creatives who are already using Adobe’s software. You can earn between 20% and 60% in commissions, and since it’s integrated into Creative Cloud, there’s a steady stream of potential buyers.
3. Alamy
Alamy offers one of the highest commission rates for photographers, paying up to 50% for each sale. While the competition can be fierce, it’s a great place to showcase high-quality images. The platform is known for accepting a wider variety of styles and content types than other stock photo websites.
4. iStock by Getty Images
iStock, owned by Getty Images, is a popular platform where photographers can sell royalty-free images. Getty Images is well-known for catering to both editorial and commercial buyers. With iStock, contributors can earn between 15% and 45% in royalties.
5. 500px Marketplace
500px is not only a photography community but also a marketplace where you can sell your images. The platform is known for promoting high-quality images, and it allows photographers to earn up to 60% royalties. You can sell both royalty-free and exclusive licenses here.
6. Etsy
Etsy is primarily known as a marketplace for handmade goods, but it’s also a great place to sell digital downloads of photos. This platform allows you to set your own prices, and you can earn 100% of the profits after fees. Selling on Etsy gives you creative freedom, and it’s especially popular for art prints, lifestyle, and vintage photography.
7. SmugMug
SmugMug is a platform designed for professional photographers. You can create your own customizable online storefront to sell prints, digital downloads, and photo books. SmugMug allows photographers to set their own prices and take home 85% of the profits after printing costs.
8. Foap
Foap is a user-friendly app that allows photographers to upload and sell their photos directly from their smartphones. Photos sell for $10, and photographers get a 50% commission on each sale. The platform also runs “Missions,” which are photo contests where brands look for specific types of images, offering larger rewards.
9. Dreamstime
Dreamstime is a popular microstock agency where photographers can earn between 25% and 50% royalties. The platform is known for accepting a wide variety of content, making it accessible to both beginners and seasoned professionals.
10. Bigstock
Bigstock is another option for photographers looking to sell their images. It’s a subsidiary of Shutterstock, which means that it shares a large customer base. The commission rates vary depending on the type of license sold, but photographers can expect to earn a reasonable income over time as their portfolio grows.
11. EyeEm
EyeEm is a global photography community and marketplace. The platform uses advanced technology to help your photos reach the right buyers. EyeEm partners with Getty Images and other agencies, allowing photographers to sell their images to a broader audience. The platform offers a 50% commission on sales.
12. Twenty20
Twenty20 is a stock photography platform that focuses on authentic, real-world images, making it popular with brands and marketers who want more relatable photos. The platform allows photographers to sell their images as royalty-free content and enter photo challenges for larger payouts.
13. Can Stock Photo
Can Stock Photo is a lesser-known platform but is highly effective for selling stock photos. The platform offers a 50% commission on each sale and pays photographers via PayPal once they reach $50 in earnings. It’s a great platform for those who want to expand their reach beyond the more popular sites.
14. PhotoShelter
PhotoShelter is a platform built for professional photographers who want complete control over how they sell their work. You can sell prints, digital downloads, or even offer subscriptions to your content. The platform also allows you to set your own prices, giving you full control over your earnings.
15. Picfair
Picfair offers a unique model that allows photographers to set their own prices and keeps only a small commission. Photographers retain full copyright of their images and can sell licenses for editorial, commercial, or personal use. Picfair’s simple interface makes it easy for photographers of all levels to get started.
16. 123RF
123RF is a large stock photography marketplace where photographers can upload their images and earn commissions ranging from 30% to 60%, depending on the exclusivity of the content. The platform caters to a wide range of industries, ensuring that your photos have a good chance of being sold.
17. Fine Art America
Fine Art America is one of the largest marketplaces for artists and photographers to sell their work. Photographers can upload their images and sell prints, framed photos, canvas prints, and even home decor items. You set your own prices for the products, and Fine Art America handles production and shipping.
18. Zenfolio
Zenfolio is a platform designed for photographers who want to sell their work online. You can set up a personalized portfolio and sell prints, digital downloads, and even photo packages. The platform takes care of printing and shipping, and photographers can earn up to 80% profit on each sale.
19. Stocksy
Stocksy is a high-end stock photography platform that focuses on authenticity and creativity. They have a more selective application process, but photographers who are accepted can earn up to 50% on each sale. Stocksy is known for catering to premium brands and agencies, so the potential for high earnings is significant.
20. Snapped4U
Snapped4U is a specialized platform for event photographers, particularly those who cover weddings, parties, and concerts. You can upload event photos and sell them to attendees. The platform charges a small commission, and photographers keep the majority of their earnings.
21. PhotoMoolah
PhotoMoolah is a unique platform that hosts photography contests where you can win cash prizes. Brands post specific photography needs, and photographers can submit their work for a chance to win. It’s a great way to make money by entering contests that match your style or niche.
22. TourPhotos
TourPhotos is an excellent platform for travel photographers. The platform is designed for those who take photos during tours or adventure activities. You can upload your photos and sell them to participants in the tour or to a global audience interested in travel photography.
23. Instaprints
Instaprints is a marketplace that allows photographers to sell Instagram photos as high-quality prints. It’s connected with Fine Art America, so your work will also be available on that platform. This site is ideal for photographers with a strong Instagram presence.
24. Getty Images
Getty Images is one of the most prestigious stock photography platforms. While it’s difficult to get accepted, the earnings potential is substantial. Getty Images offers a royalty rate of 20% for non-exclusive content and 40% for exclusive content. It’s a great platform for professional photographers with unique, high-quality images.
25. Your Own Website
One of the best ways to sell photos online is through your own website. Platforms like WordPress, Squarespace, and Wix make it easy to set up an e-commerce store where you can sell digital downloads, prints, or other photography products. You’ll keep 100% of the profits, minus transaction fees, and have full control over pricing and presentation.
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26. Depositphotos
Depositphotos is a popular stock photography platform that offers photographers a chance to sell their images globally. Photographers earn between 34% and 42% depending on their contributor level and the type of license sold.
27. Pond5
Pond5 is a marketplace primarily known for video content, but it also allows photographers to sell their images. The platform offers flexible pricing options and allows photographers to keep 60% of the sale price. It’s a great option for photographers who also dabble in videography.
28. Stockimo
Stockimo is an app-based platform designed for mobile photographers. If you enjoy taking high-quality images with your phone, Stockimo allows you to sell your work through Alamy’s marketplace. It’s perfect for photographers who want to monetize their everyday photography.
29. Dreamstime App
Dreamstime also offers a mobile app that allows you to upload and sell photos directly from your phone. This app is ideal for photographers who are always on the go and want a quick way to get their images in front of potential buyers.
Conclusion
Selling photos online has never been easier, and with these 29 platforms, you can turn your passion into a profitable business. Whether you’re a professional photographer or just starting out, there’s a platform that fits your needs. By diversifying where you sell your photos and creating a strong portfolio, you can increase your chances of making $1,000 per week—or more.