Shutterstock Photography Earnings: A Beginner’s Guide to Making Money

If you have a passion for photography and want to turn your hobby into a source of income, selling photos on Shutterstock could be the perfect opportunity. Shutterstock is one of the largest stock photography platforms in the world, where photographers can upload and sell their images to a global audience. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the process of selling your photos on Shutterstock and earning money from your work.

1. Sign Up and Set Up Your Contributor Account

The first step to selling your photos on Shutterstock is to create a contributor account. Here's how:

• Go to Shutterstock’s Contributor Page: Visit Shutterstock Contributor and click on “Sign Up.”
• Create Your Account: Fill in the necessary details, such as your name, email, and payment information. This is important because Shutterstock will pay you through PayPal, bank transfer, or other methods.

Once your account is set up, you’re ready to start uploading your photos!

2. Understand the Quality Requirements

Before you start uploading, it’s important to understand the quality standards Shutterstock expects. Here are some key points:

• Resolution: Your images must be at least 4MP in size. The higher the resolution, the better!
• File Format: Shutterstock accepts only JPG files. TIFF and RAW formats are not allowed.
• No Watermarks: Your photos should not contain watermarks, logos, or any text unless you have permission to use them.
• Photo Quality: Photos should be sharp, well-composed, and free of noise or blurriness. Avoid overly edited images and focus on natural, high-quality shots.

3. Prepare Your Photos for Upload

Once you’ve captured high-quality images, the next step is to prepare them for upload. Here’s what you need to do:

• Edit Your Photos: Use photo editing tools to adjust brightness, contrast, and sharpness. Ensure your images look professional and polished.
• Add Keywords and Descriptions: Keywords and descriptions help buyers find your photos. Be accurate and specific with the keywords, considering what people might search for when looking for a photo (e.g., "business", "nature", "technology").
• Model and Property Releases: If your photos include people or private property, you might need model or property releases. This proves you have permission to sell those images.

4. Upload Your Photos to Shutterstock

Once your photos are ready, it’s time to upload them. You can do this from your computer or use the Shutterstock Contributor app on your phone.

• Log In to Your Contributor Dashboard: Once logged in, click on “Upload Images.”
• Select Your Photos: You can upload multiple photos at once. Choose the ones you want to submit.
• Categorize and Tag: Shutterstock will prompt you to select the category that best fits your photo, such as "Business," "Lifestyle," or "Travel." Be sure to add relevant keywords and descriptions for better discoverability.

5. Review and Submit

After uploading your images, Shutterstock will review them to ensure they meet their standards. This process can take a few days. If your images are accepted, they will be listed for sale on the Shutterstock marketplace.

• Feedback and Rejections: If some of your images are rejected, Shutterstock will provide feedback on why. You can use this feedback to improve your future submissions.

6. Earn Royalties

Shutterstock operates on a royalty-based system. You earn money whenever someone downloads one of your photos.

• How Royalties Work: Shutterstock offers different royalty rates, which range from 15% to 40%, depending on your sales volume. The more downloads your images get, the higher your royalty percentage will be.
• Payment Method: You can receive your earnings via PayPal or bank transfer, but you must reach a minimum payout threshold (usually $35-$50) before Shutterstock releases the payment.

7. Promote Your Photos

While Shutterstock does a lot of the marketing for you, you can also help promote your work:

• Social Media: Share your Shutterstock portfolio on social media platforms to drive more traffic to your images.
• Personal Website: If you have a photography website or blog, showcase your Shutterstock portfolio and encourage visitors to buy your images.
• Networking: Connect with other photographers and potential buyers in photography communities to increase exposure.

8. Tips for Success

To maximize your success on Shutterstock, keep the following tips in mind:

• Focus on Popular Themes: Popular subjects such as business, lifestyle, food, and nature tend to sell well on Shutterstock.
• Upload Regularly: The more images you upload, the more chances you have of making sales. Regular uploads will increase your visibility.
• Diversify Your Portfolio: A diverse collection of images covering different themes and styles can attract a broader range of buyers.
• Track Your Sales: Use the Contributor dashboard to monitor your sales, see what types of images are performing best, and optimize your portfolio accordingly.

9. How Much Can You Earn?

The amount of money you can earn on Shutterstock depends on several factors, such as the number of photos you upload, the quality of your work, and how often your images are downloaded.

• Initial Earnings: When you start, you may earn around $50-$200 per month depending on the number of downloads.
• Experienced Contributors: If you have a large portfolio and your images are in demand, you could make anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000 per month or even more.

Conclusion

Selling photos on Shutterstock can be a rewarding way to make money from your photography skills. With high-quality images, a well-curated portfolio, and a bit of patience, you can start earning passive income through your photos. Keep uploading, stay consistent, and use the platform’s tools to your advantage to see your earnings grow over time. Happy shooting!