Whether you’re a newcomer or an experienced professional in the world of stock photography and creative digital assets, it’s essential to know the best platforms for selling your work. Adobe Stock recently joined the game, emphasizing the continued relevance of stock photography. This article is a valuable guide for those looking to kickstart their journey into selling photos, offering insights into some of the top platforms.
Creativemarket
Creativemarket, a platform where many start their journey in selling digital assets, offers a straightforward commission structure. Sellers can set their own prices, earning 60% of the final sale, with no exclusivity lock-in. Despite recent changes in commission rates, Creativemarket remains a community-focused platform, actively promoting a variety of products to its audience.
In conclusion, the choice of platform depends on individual preferences and goals. Each platform has its unique features and commission structures, catering to different contributor needs. Consistent uploads and engagement with the community are key elements to success in the competitive world of stock photography.
Depositphotos
Established in 2009, Depositphotos stands out as one of the premier platforms for selling photos. Renowned for its extensive collection of high-quality stock photos and popularity among top design agencies, Depositphotos provides a robust platform for photographers. The tiered plan hierarchy, ranging from Green to Platinum based on the number of photos sold, and distinct royalties for On Demand and Subscription downloads contribute to its appeal.
Adobe Stock
While relatively newer to the industry, Adobe Stock, backed by Adobe’s reputation, is known for its exceptional quality. Offering a commission structure starting at 33%, Adobe Stock allows contributors to sell not only photos but also PSD mockups, text effects, and other templates and illustrations.
iStockPhoto
A major player in the stock photography game, iStockPhoto, stands out as a platform allowing the sale of illustrations and templates. Despite not offering the highest commissions due to its size, iStockPhoto’s substantial subscriber base makes it a lucrative option for those capable of maintaining a regular upload schedule.
Envato Elements
Envato Elements, a subscription-based service from the graphic assets giant Envato, competes directly with Shutterstock. With a 50% payout of net subscription revenue and a subscriber share model, contributors can earn commissions every month. Envato’s community-focused approach ensures active promotion of contributors’ work, maximizing visibility.
Shutterstock
This isn’t your typical «Top 10 Best Stock Photos Websites» article; instead, it provides a general overview of the best platforms. Shutterstock, a veteran in stock photography since its establishment in 2003, boasts a massive user base, making it an ideal choice for selling photos. With a tiered pricing structure, contributors can earn from $.81 to $2.85 per download, and enhanced license downloads yield a 20% commission, while footage downloads offer 30%.
Dreamstime
A veteran in the stock photography realm since 2004, Dreamstime remains a stalwart platform for selling photos. Boasting a well-established presence and offering both exclusive and non-exclusive pricing structures, Dreamstime presents a compelling option for photographers. The platform’s commission structure scales up to an impressive 60% for exclusive users, prompting contributors to consider the exclusivity of their offerings.
Questions & Answers
The potential earnings from selling stock photos depend on various factors, including the number of platforms you choose to sell on. While some photographers rely solely on stock photography for income, it’s advisable for newcomers to diversify their revenue streams initially. Building a portfolio gradually through regular client work and then incorporating stock photography can be a strategic approach.
Why are stock photos so expensive
Although stock photos might seem expensive to the average person, the value lies in the effort and time invested by photographers. From spending hours capturing a single shot to enduring challenging conditions for the perfect wildlife photograph, the price reflects the dedication and skill of the photographer. With a plethora of stock photos flooding the market daily, photographers must recognize and assert the value of their work.
How to take good stock photos
While a comprehensive guide is warranted, here are some quick tips on capturing quality stock photos:
- Be Unique: Stand out by creating unique and memorable photos that catch the viewer’s attention.
- Shoot High Res/Quality Images: Ensure your photos meet quality standards with proper resolution, focus, and contrast.
- Follow Trends: Anticipate and align your content with current trends to enhance sales opportunities.
Conclusion
This list encompasses some of the best sites to sell photos, including iStock, Adobe Stock, Depositphotos, and Dreamstime. While there are more platforms available, focusing on key players can optimize your income stream in the competitive world of stock photography.