Top agencies: Shutterstock, Dreamstime, iStock, Fotolia, BigStock
MEDium: StockFresh, DepositPhotos, CanStockPhoto, 123RF
Try: CutCaster
What is a stock photo or illustration?
It’s simply a well done and technically correct image with some idea behind (conceptual) or showing typical subject/object in the best possible way.
Top pictures contain an universal or stereotypical message and images too specific or ”too artistic” may not perform well.
It doesn’t mean that stock photos can’t be an art of course. Find out more about stock photography on Wiki.
Stock image must be of professional, high quality and high resolution according to each agency rules. In time You’ll know and understand all those terms and conditions.
Joining image market is free
There is no need to pay anything for the membership account, just submit Your work and if it is good and creative – wait for effects. You can sell photography, vector / raster illustrations, video footage and audio clips.
Top Photo Agencies
Here I present you few selected agencies and short descriptions, for a longer read please view: selling photos, graphics or video online article.
1 • Shutterstock
Power Seller – JOIN
If You just can get approved and You’re full of ideas then this is the place just for You. Submit photos, raster / vector illustrations or footage clips.
2 • Dreamstime
Quick and easy – JOIN
You don’t need to get approved to start uploading, but still each single image needs to get reviewed and accepted.
Complex statistics, friendly forums, blogs, profitable assignments and more.
View sample portfolio. Read the beginner quick start guide. Joining this agency as first is easiest way to try the microstock.
3 • Fotolia
It’s a good agency for training and for me takes 4th place in terms of earnings.
Check out as an example most needed images (old version) at Fotolia.
5 • Bigstock
Quality seekers – JOIN
In my case – higher single sale value, but a bit lower sales quantity
6 • Zazzle – a bit different site
Designers paradise – JOIN
Make money creating products from home, put your Own Designs or Photography to work using this great custom product design service.
Aside from selling your images on a Royalty Free license, You can make own designs real by putting them on real objects through the Zazzle store: T-shirts, posters, mugs, postage stamps, postcards, mousepads, binders and more.
What’s next?
► Read my first month at photo stock (back in 2009) report to compare
► View more earnings reports
If You really want to make money then create accounts on more than just one site, to check where does Your work performs best.
If one site slows down, another sells and with a single agency You could quickly get bored.
If You have no time to upload to all of them, still try them and then choose that one You like most.
It’s like four fishing-rods instead of one.
If You’ll choose for example i Stock, Dreamstime, Fotolia, You can get an exclusivity status. It means higher prices and more images approved because [You can get exclusive with just this choosen one agency] and You can’t sell anywhere else.
There is just one problem – You’ll have to work systematically, observe, learn, analyse and CREATE what others can’t..
Depending on Your needs it can be a hobby or a real work. If You want real results.. a very hard work indeed.
StockXpert - agency site is disabled, now it’s IStockPhoto
You can also share Your art for free if You wish. That’s a pretty good way to spread the word about own work. Free images just like free tips and tutorials can help others and You too.
Good luck!
This is a Great Post! Thanks for sharing!
You are so helpful with this side of photography. thanks for sharing what you know with the rest of us. I wish I had time, this has always been a dream to sell stock.
thank you for all your visits and comments on my blog
peace n abundance,
CheyAnne
now off to explore stats, love them
This is tremendously helpful to me. I’m the very stereotype of a visual artist who has spent decades producing work (pretty good stuff, too) but hasn’t any experience or knowledge of how to market or sell it. I’ve not given up hope of learning: when I see a site as specific and directive as yours, I begin to believe that I’m not too old a dog to learn a few new *good* tricks. I thank you for that!
Kathryn
I’m sure You’re not too old:) My over 60 auntie learned 3D graphics so anything is possible. If You would need some more information, I’m here