How Hard It Is to Sell Photography on Shutterstock

Selling photography on Shutterstock can be an exciting and profitable venture for photographers of all levels. It’s one of the largest stock photography platforms, offering millions of images for users to license worldwide. Photographers can earn money by uploading their photos, illustrations, and videos, which are purchased by customers for use in various projects. However, it’s not as simple as just uploading a photo and waiting for sales to roll in. There are factors like image quality, market demand, and SEO optimization that influence success. Let’s dive deeper into how you can start and what you need to know to succeed.

How Shutterstock Works for Photographers

Shutterstock operates as a marketplace where photographers upload their content, and users purchase licenses for it. When someone buys your image, you receive a percentage of the sale, which is known as a royalty. The platform works on a contributor-based model, meaning you need to be an approved photographer to sell your images. Once you become a contributor, you can upload your photos to Shutterstock’s library, where they’ll be available for customers to browse and purchase.

Here’s a basic overview of how Shutterstock works for photographers:

• Upload your content: Submit high-quality images, videos, or vectors to Shutterstock.
• Set pricing: Shutterstock sets the prices based on a licensing model, but you’ll receive a percentage of each sale.
• Earn royalties: When a customer purchases your content, you earn a royalty, which varies depending on your contributor level and the type of sale.
• Track your earnings: You can track your earnings, see what content sells best, and optimize your portfolio.

To succeed, it’s important to understand what kind of content sells the best and how to make your images discoverable on the platform.

Requirements for Becoming a Contributor on Shutterstock

Before you can start selling your photos on Shutterstock, there are a few requirements you need to meet. The platform has certain standards for content, as well as some basic technical specifications. Here’s a breakdown of the key requirements:

• Account creation: You must create a Shutterstock account, which is free to sign up for.
• Content submission: You need to submit a minimum of 10 images to get started. These images will be reviewed by Shutterstock’s team to ensure they meet the quality standards.
• Image quality: Your images should be of high resolution (at least 4 megapixels) and free from noise, blurriness, and other technical issues. Sharp, well-composed photos are essential for success.
• Technical specifications: Files must be in JPG format, with a color profile of sRGB or Adobe RGB. Images should also have proper exposure, white balance, and no over-editing.
• Originality: Only original content can be uploaded, so avoid using copyrighted material. Ensure your work complies with intellectual property laws.
• Model and property releases: If your photos feature people or private property, you need written consent (releases) to avoid legal issues.

Once you’ve met these criteria, your account will be approved, and you can start uploading your content. Keep in mind that Shutterstock also has a review process, and not all submitted images will be accepted. Quality, relevance, and adherence to Shutterstock’s guidelines are key to getting your work approved.

Challenges Photographers Face When Selling on Shutterstock

Selling photography on Shutterstock may seem straightforward, but there are several challenges that photographers must navigate. While the platform offers a massive audience, the competition is fierce, with millions of images available for licensing. This makes it harder for new contributors to stand out and make sales. Let’s explore some of the most common hurdles photographers face on Shutterstock.

• High competition: With thousands of new images being uploaded every day, it can be challenging to get your content noticed. As a new contributor, you’ll be up against experienced photographers with well-established portfolios.
• Strict quality control: Shutterstock has high standards for image quality. Photos that don’t meet these standards, like those with technical issues (e.g., poor exposure or sharpness), are rejected, which can be discouraging for beginners.
• Low earnings at the start: When you’re starting out, your royalty per sale can be quite low, especially if you’re in a lower contributor tier. It can take time to build a large enough portfolio and customer base to see significant earnings.
• Finding the right niche: It’s not just about taking great photos; you also need to create content that buyers are looking for. Identifying market trends and targeting specific niches can be tricky, but it’s necessary for success.
• Understanding licensing and copyright: Navigating the complex world of licensing can be confusing, especially when it comes to model and property releases. You must ensure your content complies with legal standards to avoid issues.

While these challenges can be discouraging, many photographers find ways to overcome them by refining their skills, staying patient, and adapting their strategies.

How to Increase Your Chances of Success on Shutterstock

Becoming a successful contributor on Shutterstock requires more than just uploading random photos. To increase your chances of making sales, you need to adopt a strategic approach. Here are some tips to help you succeed:

• Focus on quality: Ensure every image you upload meets Shutterstock’s high standards. Use proper lighting, sharp focus, and well-composed shots. Avoid over-editing your images and focus on creating natural, appealing photos.
• Research market trends: Pay attention to what types of images are in demand. Look at best-selling images on Shutterstock to get an idea of what buyers are searching for. Adapt your portfolio to these trends while still maintaining your unique style.
• Use relevant keywords: Adding the right keywords to your images makes them discoverable. Be specific and accurate with your keywords, as irrelevant or misleading tags can hurt your sales.
• Build a diverse portfolio: Don’t limit yourself to one type of photo. A diverse portfolio that includes various subjects, styles, and formats can attract a broader audience and increase your chances of making sales.
• Optimize your metadata: In addition to keywords, make sure your image titles and descriptions are clear and relevant. Proper metadata helps Shutterstock’s search algorithm understand your images and makes them easier to find.
• Upload regularly: Consistency is key. Upload new images regularly to keep your portfolio fresh and increase your chances of being noticed by buyers.

By following these tips and staying dedicated to improving your craft, you’ll gradually increase your visibility and sales on Shutterstock.

Benefits of Selling Photography on Shutterstock

Selling your photography on Shutterstock offers a range of benefits that make it an attractive platform for many photographers. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional, Shutterstock provides a way to monetize your work. Here are some of the key benefits:

• Global exposure: Shutterstock is one of the largest stock photography platforms in the world. By uploading your images, you gain access to a massive, global audience of buyers from various industries, including advertising, media, and design.
• Passive income: Once your images are uploaded and accepted, you can earn passive income every time someone purchases a license for your content. This means your work can continue to generate money long after you’ve submitted it.
• Exposure to businesses and professionals: Shutterstock’s customers include not just individuals, but also businesses, marketing agencies, publishers, and designers. These professionals need high-quality images for various projects, providing a steady market for your work.
• Flexible work hours: As a contributor, you have control over when and how much you work. Whether you’re a full-time photographer or just starting out, you can upload content at your own pace.
• Opportunities for growth: As you contribute more images and gain a reputation on the platform, you can increase your earnings. Shutterstock also offers higher royalty percentages for top-tier contributors, giving you more earning potential as your portfolio grows.
• Support and resources: Shutterstock offers contributors educational resources, including tutorials and tips on how to improve your photography and increase sales. This can be especially helpful for those new to stock photography.

For many photographers, selling on Shutterstock is not just a way to make extra money, but a way to build a long-term business. With the right approach, you can turn your passion for photography into a sustainable income stream.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Selling on Shutterstock

While selling on Shutterstock can be a rewarding experience, many photographers make common mistakes that can hold them back from succeeding. Understanding and avoiding these errors can help you save time, improve your chances of making sales, and increase your earnings. Let’s look at some of the most common mistakes to avoid when selling your photography on Shutterstock:

• Uploading low-quality images: One of the most common mistakes is uploading images that don’t meet Shutterstock’s quality standards. Poorly lit, blurry, or over-edited photos are often rejected. Always double-check your images for technical issues before submitting them.
• Ignoring keywords and metadata: Keywords are essential for helping potential buyers find your images. Using irrelevant or overly general keywords can hurt your discoverability. Make sure your metadata is accurate and descriptive to improve your chances of getting found in searches.
• Focusing on quantity over quality: It’s tempting to upload as many images as possible, but quality should always come first. A smaller, high-quality portfolio will have more success than a large one filled with mediocre images.
• Ignoring market trends: The types of images buyers are looking for change over time. Not staying updated on current trends and consumer needs can lead to stagnant sales. Take the time to research what types of images are in demand.
• Neglecting model and property releases: If your images feature people or private property, make sure to get the proper releases. Failing to do so can result in your images being rejected or even removed from the platform later on.
• Being inconsistent with uploads: Consistency is key when building a portfolio. Uploading images sporadically can hinder your growth. Aim to upload regularly to keep your portfolio fresh and increase your chances of gaining visibility.

Avoiding these common mistakes will give you a better chance of succeeding and making the most out of your Shutterstock experience.

FAQ

How much can I earn selling on Shutterstock?
Your earnings on Shutterstock depend on factors like your contributor tier, the number of sales you make, and the type of licenses purchased. On average, contributors earn between 15% to 40% of the sale price.

Do I need to be a professional photographer to sell on Shutterstock?
No, you don’t need to be a professional photographer to sell on Shutterstock. However, your images should meet high quality standards and be marketable to increase your chances of making sales.

How long does it take for my images to be approved?
Shutterstock typically takes 1-2 days to review your images. If your content meets their standards, it will be approved and listed for sale. Rejected images can be re-submitted once they are improved.

Can I sell the same images on other platforms?
Yes, Shutterstock allows you to sell your images on other stock photography platforms as well. This is known as "multi-platform" selling, and it can help you reach a wider audience.

What happens if my image is rejected?
If your image is rejected, Shutterstock will provide feedback on why it was not accepted. You can make the necessary adjustments and re-submit it for review. Focus on improving your images based on the feedback to increase your approval rate.

Conclusion

Shutterstock offers a great opportunity for photographers to earn money by sharing their work with a global audience. While it’s not always easy, with patience, quality content, and the right strategies, selling on Shutterstock can be a rewarding experience. By avoiding common mistakes, focusing on creating high-quality images, staying updated with market trends, and uploading regularly, you can increase your chances of success. Keep learning, experimenting, and refining your approach, and over time, you’ll see the fruits of your effort. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a beginner, Shutterstock can help turn your passion for photography into a profitable venture.