Updated July 2023
Hey there, aspiring mobile photographers! Are you tired of scrolling through your camera roll filled with stunning shots and thinking, “Why let these gems gather digital dust when they could be earning you some extra cash?” Well, guess what? It’s time to unleash your inner shutterbug and turn your phone into a money-making machine! In this guide, we’ll show you how to transform your passion for photography into a fun and profitable side gig by selling stock photos. Get ready to snap, sell, and enjoy the sweet satisfaction of making money from your pocket-sized lens!
Embrace Your Photographic Prowess
First things first, let’s talk about your photographic skills. Whether you’re an amateur or an Instagram aficionado, everyone has a unique perspective to offer. Don’t be shy—embrace your style and let your creativity shine through! From breathtaking landscapes to adorable pet portraits, the world is your canvas, and your phone is your brush.
Nailing the Composition
Now that you’re ready to capture the world through your lens, let’s focus on composition. Remember, you’re not just taking snapshots; you’re creating images that potential buyers will fall in love with. Experiment with angles, lighting, and framing to capture captivating shots. Play around with the rule of thirds, leading lines, and negative space to give your photos that professional touch.
Mastering Editing Apps
Editing is where the magic happens! Luckily, you don’t need a fancy computer or expensive software to perfect your images. With the myriad of user-friendly editing apps available on your phone, you can transform an average photo into a captivating masterpiece. Experiment with filters, adjust exposure, tweak colors, and enhance details to make your photos pop. Remember, subtlety is key—don’t go overboard with effects!
Choosing the Right Stock Photo Platform
Once your photos are edited and polished, it’s time to find the perfect platform to showcase and sell your work. There are numerous stock photo websites out there, each with its own vibe and audience. Do your research and find the platform that aligns with your style and target market. Some popular options include Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, and Getty Images. Sign up, create an account, and start uploading your photos to gain exposure and attract potential buyers.
If you’re not ready for those mainstream platforms, that’s ok! There are mobile apps that pay whenever you upload breath-taking pictures. Some of the companies on this list even have requests on what pictures to take, Which is pretty cool and challenging to all photo enthusiasts. Here are just a few of the many places you can sell photos online:
This app has been very popular for buying photos straight from your camera. Photos are sold at $10 each and you get $5. Here’s a tip: Do not upload pictures just because they look pretty. Upload pictures that are awesome and sensible. Nobody buys a boring picture even if you have tons and tons of uploads. Quality over quantity.
There are two ways to make some extra dollars with this app. One is to sell your stock photos to the market. And second, is to join the challenges and request for specific photos and a chance to get nominated and win prizes. You get to keep 50% from portfolio and marketplace sales. They pay a lot better than many other photography sites.
This site claims to be the top photography site around and gives you 50% of your sales. They also have a ton of traffic, so be sure to check this one out if you’re a professional!
This website has been around for years and has been popular for selling photos. Photos are paid per download. Check their website to see their earnings breakdown. While it may seem low you have to consider the amount of traffic this site has, making the earning potential pretty great.
Istockphoto is another one of the most well-known sites when it comes to stock photography. Here, you can earn as much as 45% of commissions. And just like Shutterstock, they have a high amount of traffic so your pictures have a high chance of visibility and chance of getting a download.
The really cool thing about Clashot is you can sell your photos for $.50 cents or $80.00 depending on what you think your photos are worth. The app is downloadable on both Android and IOS. It doesn’t matter if you’re a pro or an amateur as long as you have some awesome photos to sell.
Another popular photography app is called Markedshot, also available on both Apple and Android. They do check for copyrights which is a good thing. They pay 50% royalties on sales.
This photography site has been around for years now and they now have the app version as well. You can sell your photos and get up to 60% of earnings which is a pretty good deal whether you’re amateur or a professional. They also have a ton of traffic which increases your earning potential.
Do you like taking photos of animals? How about earth scenes? Are you a nature lover? Here’s a site that pays for animal and nature photos and gives 50% commission. Your fur babies can finally start earning their keep.
Scoopshot is a site that sells photography and video assignments. All photo enthusiasts are welcome to join. Unlike other sites, Scoopshot will ask users to take photos based on the publisher’s wants. Then users will upload that specific photo. If the publisher likes it then it will be sold.
(If you’re feeling super adventurous, another way to take advantage of these stock photo sites is to sell feet pics. Yes, you read that right. You can earn extra cash selling pictures of your feet.)
Understanding Licensing and Copyright
Before diving into the world of stock photography, it’s crucial to understand licensing and copyright. Different platforms have different licensing models, such as royalty-free or rights-managed. Read the terms and conditions carefully to ensure you’re protecting your work while allowing it to be used legally by buyers. Watermarking your images is another way to deter unauthorized use and preserve your ownership.
Promoting Your Portfolio
To boost your sales potential, it’s essential to promote your stock photo portfolio. Leverage social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to showcase your work and attract potential buyers. Engage with photography communities, collaborate with influencers, and use relevant hashtags to increase your visibility. Building a strong online presence can significantly enhance your chances of making sales.
Conclusion
Congratulations, you’ve now unlocked the secrets to turning your phone into a profitable side gig selling stock photos! With a bit of creativity, the right tools, and a sprinkle of marketing know-how, you can transform your passion into a lucrative venture. So, grab your phone, venture into the world, and capture those priceless moments that can bring joy to others and money to your pocket. Remember, the journey of a thousand sales begins with a single snap—so go out there and make it happen! Happy shooting!
Thanks! Will try.
You’re welcome. Thanks for dropping by Ellie!
That’s nice article…I only join on 3 sites of them to make money…and 2 another again. you can check on my blog.
Still struggle to make good income from this method.
Thanks For dropping by Heru, It’s alright, not all side jobs are for everyone. We can always choose the one we enjoy the most. I will check your blog. Thanks again!
I am just starting my Art Rocktographer business (artistic images of rocks) and it is very confusing to know where to sell. this should help. thanks
Glad to help!
Once you sell your photos do they own them? Or can I still sell them to another place?
Hi Rebecca,
I’m not sure about that, I remember I sell different photos with different companies before. You can check their terms and conditions. Best of luck!
Going to give FOAP a try thank you!!!
Thanks, Kevin!