How to Make Money Selling Photos on Shutterstock

Shutterstock is a popular platform that allows photographers to sell their images and earn money. With millions of buyers and contributors, it offers a great opportunity for photographers, both beginners and professionals, to showcase and sell their work. If you're passionate about photography and want to make money from your photos, Shutterstock is a solid choice. By becoming a Shutterstock contributor, you can upload your photos, videos, and illustrations, and earn royalties every time your work is downloaded. It's a straightforward process that can lead to a steady stream of income over time.

Setting Up Your Shutterstock Contributor Account

Before you can start selling your photos on Shutterstock, you need to set up a contributor account. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Create an Account: Visit the Shutterstock Contributor page and sign up. You'll need an email address and password to get started.
2. Submit Your Portfolio: Shutterstock requires you to submit a portfolio of images for review. This helps them assess the quality of your work before you can start uploading more.
3. Agree to the Terms: Be sure to read and understand Shutterstock's contributor agreement, which outlines your rights and responsibilities as a contributor.
4. Upload Your First Images: After your account is approved, you can upload your first set of images. Make sure they meet Shutterstock’s technical and quality requirements.

Once your account is set up, you can begin uploading photos and tracking your sales through the contributor dashboard.

Understanding Shutterstock’s Revenue Model

Shutterstock’s revenue model revolves around royalties from image downloads. Here's how it works:

• Royalty Payments: Shutterstock pays contributors a percentage of the revenue generated from each download of their images. The percentage varies based on your contributor level and the type of subscription the buyer has.
• Contributor Levels: As you sell more images, you can move up in contributor levels. Higher levels result in higher royalty percentages. Initially, you earn a 15% royalty for each image sold. As you reach milestones, this percentage can increase to as high as 40%.
• Download Types: Shutterstock offers different types of downloads, including standard and extended licenses. Extended licenses, which allow buyers to use the image in more commercial ways, typically generate a higher royalty for the contributor.

In addition to royalties, Shutterstock sometimes offers bonuses based on sales volume, giving contributors even more earning potential. By consistently uploading high-quality, in-demand images, you can increase your earnings and establish a successful stream of passive income.

How to Upload Your Photos to Shutterstock

Uploading your photos to Shutterstock is a simple process, but there are a few steps you should follow to ensure your images meet their standards and are ready for sale. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Log into Your Contributor Account: First, make sure you’re logged into your Shutterstock contributor account. If you haven’t created one yet, follow the steps in the previous section to set up your account.
2. Prepare Your Images: Before uploading, make sure your images are high-quality and meet Shutterstock's technical requirements. These include minimum resolution (4 megapixels), proper focus, and no visible noise or pixelation.
3. Go to the Upload Page: Navigate to the 'Upload' section in your contributor dashboard. Here, you can select the images you want to upload from your computer.
4. Apply Keywords and Categories: After selecting your images, Shutterstock will ask you to add keywords and categories that describe your photos. This is important for making your images discoverable by buyers.
5. Submit for Review: Once you've added all the necessary information, click 'Submit.' Shutterstock will review your photos to ensure they meet their quality standards. This process usually takes a few days.

Once your photos are approved, they’ll appear in the Shutterstock marketplace, ready to be downloaded and purchased by users.

Tips for Optimizing Your Photos for Shutterstock

Optimizing your photos for Shutterstock is crucial to increase their visibility and chances of being sold. Here are some tips to make sure your images stand out:

• Focus on Quality: Ensure that your images are sharp, well-composed, and have good lighting. Avoid over-editing, and ensure they are free from any visible distractions.
• Use Relevant Keywords: The right keywords are essential for discoverability. Think about what buyers might search for and include both broad and specific terms. Use up to 50 keywords per image if possible.
• Submit a Variety of Content: The more diverse your portfolio, the better. Include a mix of landscapes, portraits, objects, and conceptual images to attract different types of buyers.
• Be Mindful of Trends: Pay attention to the trends in the stock photography market. Images related to seasonal events, technology, and current social issues often perform well.
• Avoid Watermarks: Never upload images with watermarks or logos. Shutterstock requires clean, watermark-free images for submission.

By following these tips, you can increase the likelihood that your images will be approved and perform well in Shutterstock's marketplace.

How to Track Your Earnings on Shutterstock

Shutterstock makes it easy to track your earnings through their contributor dashboard. Here's how you can keep an eye on your income:

1. Access the Earnings Page: After logging into your contributor account, navigate to the 'Earnings' section. This page shows you a breakdown of your total earnings, including royalties from downloads, bonuses, and other incentives.
2. View Your Sales Data: You can see detailed information about your sales, including the number of downloads, the type of license purchased, and the royalty amount you earned for each image.
3. Check Your Balance: Your earnings will be displayed in your Shutterstock account balance. You can see how much you’ve earned for the month, and your total balance available for payout.
4. Track Earnings Over Time: Shutterstock allows you to view your earnings over different periods, such as daily, monthly, and annually. This can help you spot trends and understand which types of images are performing well.
5. Set Up Payout Preferences: You can select your preferred payment method (PayPal, Skrill, or bank transfer) and set up the minimum payout threshold. Shutterstock typically processes payments once your earnings reach $35.

By regularly checking your earnings, you can adjust your strategy, upload more of what works, and maximize your income on Shutterstock.

How to Increase Sales on Shutterstock

Increasing sales on Shutterstock requires a mix of strategy, creativity, and consistency. To get your photos in front of more potential buyers, you need to optimize your content, stay active, and track trends. Here are some effective ways to boost your sales:

• Upload High-Quality, In-Demand Images: The better the quality, the higher the chances of your images being purchased. Make sure your photos are sharp, well-lit, and relevant. Additionally, consider the current trends and market demands, such as images related to business, health, or technology.
• Consistency is Key: The more images you upload, the more likely you are to get noticed. Regularly add new content to your portfolio to keep it fresh and to increase your chances of sales.
• Use Trending Keywords: The right keywords will help potential buyers find your images. Do some research to identify keywords that are currently trending in the Shutterstock marketplace. Include a mix of broad and specific terms related to your images.
• Focus on Niche Markets: While generic photos are popular, niche markets often have less competition. Think about specialized categories like pet photography, local landmarks, or emerging trends that aren't oversaturated.
• Engage with the Community: Join Shutterstock's contributor forums and social media groups to stay connected with other photographers. You might find new insights, tips, and trends that can help you improve your content and sales strategy.
• Offer a Range of File Sizes and Formats: Some buyers prefer images in large formats, while others may want smaller versions. Providing multiple file sizes can increase your chances of meeting different buyer needs.

By following these tips and staying committed, you’ll increase your visibility on Shutterstock, leading to more downloads and higher earnings over time.

FAQ

How much can I earn by selling photos on Shutterstock?
Your earnings on Shutterstock depend on factors such as your contributor level, the number of downloads, and the type of license purchased. Generally, you can earn between 15% and 40% of the sale price for each image.

How often does Shutterstock pay contributors?
Shutterstock pays contributors on a monthly basis. However, you must reach the minimum payout threshold of $35 before you can receive a payment. Payments are made through PayPal, Skrill, or bank transfer.

Can I sell the same photo on other platforms while contributing to Shutterstock?
Yes, Shutterstock allows you to sell your photos on other stock photography platforms as well. This is known as "non-exclusive" content. However, if you choose to go exclusive with Shutterstock, you may earn higher royalties in exchange for selling your content only on their platform.

What happens if Shutterstock rejects my photos?
If Shutterstock rejects your photos, they’ll provide feedback on why. It could be due to quality issues, technical problems, or failure to meet their content guidelines. You can make improvements and resubmit the photos for review.

Conclusion

Making money by selling photos on Shutterstock is a great opportunity for photographers, whether you're just starting out or already have a portfolio. By uploading high-quality images, understanding the platform’s revenue model, and using strategies to boost sales, you can start earning passive income. Consistency and staying updated with trends are key to growing your portfolio and increasing your earnings. Be patient, and remember that success on Shutterstock builds over time as you grow your image library and attract more buyers. So, start uploading, stay active, and watch your earnings grow!