Looking for a side gig while working full-time? Selling your original photos to microstock agencies like Shutterstock and iStock could be an option. But is it worth the effort? Well, it’s not always a big earner, but with some dedication, it can be a promising venture.
Here’s the deal: many stock photographers make a decent amount of extra cash by selling their photos. The more effort you put in, the more you’re likely to earn. But before you dive in, consider these factors: your budget for photography equipment, the time you can dedicate to shooting and editing photos, your monthly earning goal, your patience for waiting to see significant income, and your talent for photography and marketing.
Most professional photographers don’t rely solely on stock photography for income. They often mix it with other paid work like freelance photojournalism, event photography, and modeling shoots. Every time a client buys their work, stock photographers earn income, and high-quality photos can continue to sell for years.
Stock photography can provide financial stability for freelance photographers who are used to inconsistent workloads. Over time, that income can become a significant part of a hardworking photographer’s earnings. But don’t expect to become rich overnight. After a few years of hard work and a bit of luck, you might earn around $1,000 per month in residual income. That’s not enough to live on for most people, but it’s a nice extra income.
Stock photographers earn a commission every time someone buys one of their photos. The photographer transfers the photo copyright to the microstock website, which then licenses that copyright to the buyer. Commissions can vary widely depending on the website, total annual download volume, and whether you license the work exclusively to one website or sell through multiple stock photography websites.
There are several factors that can affect your earnings as a stock photographer. These include the pricing method, buyer plans and payments, payout minimums, the subject matter of your photos, and their durability. Photos that feature human subjects or convey broad concepts tend to sell better than generic landscape photos. "Evergreen" photos that won’t become outdated quickly are more likely to earn more over time.
If you want to maximize your earnings as a stock photographer, here are some tips. Invest in good quality camera equipment and learn how to use it. Learn from more experienced photographers and understand the subjects, content, and keywords that are likely to sell. Cultivate profitable niches and treat stock photography like a business. Seek out other sources of photography and videography income if stock photography isn’t enough. And be prepared to work hard.
In conclusion, selling your photos to microstock websites won’t make you rich, but it can provide a reliable extra income over time. Plus, it’s a fun way to earn money. Whether you treat it as a legitimate side business or a modestly profitable hobby, it could be more enjoyable than your full-time job.
