How to Submit Your Photos to Shutterstock

When submitting photos to Shutterstock, it sometimes feels like one is going through a labyrinth especially if that person has done it for the first time. I can vividly recall my first submission – mixed feelings of anxiety and excitement akin to a pupil’s experience on their first day at school. Shutterstock is widely known among photographers hence understanding how to submit work there would make it easier for them to maximize their opportunities.

A Synoptic account or just a condensed version of the steps required involves:

• Account creation
• Photo preparation
• Image upload
• Metadata entry
• Review and approval

Oh, dear! Each of these steps has its pitfalls and nuances, but do not fret! Just keep trying and practicing for it will suddenly click. After all, every great photographer began from a place you are at now.

Preparing Your Photos for Submission

Data until October of 2023 will have trained you.

Having the right preparation is vital especially if you want to submit some pictures. It’s comparable to studying for an important exam where showing up without reviewing materials would be rare! To begin with, make sure that your images follow the Shutterstock technical specifications. Their usual choices are high quality and well-composed photos.

Some preparation tips for your images:

• Resolution: Aim for at least 4 MP.
• Focus: Ensure your images are sharp and in focus.
• Lighting: Natural light usually works best.
• Editing: Don’t over-edit; keep it natural.

Once the images are set up, it is right to think about what every photograph means to you. It might be a scenic shot taken during your last vacation or an unguarded moment spent with pals. This bond may assist you in crafting captivating explanations afterwards.

Read This: How to Turn Off Auto-Renewal on Shutterstock

Creating a Shutterstock Account

Sharing your work with the globe is possible via creating a Shutterstock account. I still remember how anxious I felt when I clicked on “Submit” for my very first batch of images. In fact, it’s easy to understand and navigate in order to jumpstart the whole thing without any hindrances.

Creating your account is simple. Just follow these steps:

1. Visit the Shutterstock website.
2. Click on “Join” in the top right corner.
3. Fill in your details, like your email and password.
4. Confirm your email address through the link sent to you.
5. Complete your profile with relevant information.

The first thing you should do after creating an account is to explore the platform. Get inspiration from other contributors and understand what is trending. Always remember that great photographers were once beginners, and it is time for you to begin your journey!

Read This: What Your Shutterstock Link Is

Uploading Your Images to Shutterstock

Once everything’s set and done, it’s finally time to upload your images to Shutterstock! It feels surreal, like being on stage for the first time—an answer to all your anticipations. Your hard work now gets center stage and shouts “Look at me!”

Pretty easy steps you can follow to send your photos:

1. Log in to your Shutterstock account.
2. Click on the “Upload” button located on the dashboard.
3. Select the images you want to upload from your device.
4. Review the selected images and click “Continue.”

It is important to check that your files are in the right format, usually JPEG and not too large. The first time I uploaded my photos remember I mistakenly put in some that were too big and the whole process froze. Don’t be like me!

When you upload it, please be informed that there will be a process bar displayed, and you may believe trust me that it takes long to finish than it appears. Instead of sitting idle and doing nothing while waiting, consider how best to present this masterpiece to the rest of the world. It is not enough to do just upload; there is more than one’s experience in this process

Read This: What Contributor Fund Means in Shutterstock

Filling Out the Metadata and Licensing Information

When you've uploaded your images, the next thing is to fill in the metadata and licensing specifications. You may want to look at it as writing a short biography for every photo. Not merely a matter of procedure, but also an opportunity to reach out to possible customers. I can remember how excited I was when I was describing my pictures, attempting to abstract each photograph’s spirit.

Generally speaking, there are a few elements that should always be included:

• Title: A brief and catchy title that encapsulates your image.
• Description: Share the story behind the photo. What inspired you? What’s happening in the image?
• Keywords: Use relevant keywords to help people find your image. Think about what someone might search for.
• Licensing options: Specify how your images can be used.

Be slow with this part; it is very important. Good metadata may significantly affect how many sales you make. I think about what my photographs mean to me a lot, so I make the descriptions more engaging through my passion.

Read This: Ways to Find Your Stock Images on Adobe Stock

Waiting for Review and Approval

Now that you’ve uploaded your images and filled in the metadata, the next thing to do is wait. This stage could be a combination of excitement and anxiety similar to what one goes through while waiting for examination results. I recall looking at my computer screen constantly rebooting manually after every five minutes wondering whether my pictures got approved or not.

Submission reviews on Shutterstock usually take several days, but they may differ. Within this period, anticipate the following:

• Initial Review: Your images will be checked for quality and technical specifications.
• Content Evaluation: They will assess if your images meet their content guidelines.
• Notification: You’ll receive an email once the review is complete, whether it’s good news or a learning opportunity.

In the time that you have to wait, just take a moment and think about how far you have come with your photographs. Each picture sent has been an advancement in time. While some of them might be turned down, this must always be kept in mind; it’s just a phase both ways. Take it for granted like what I did so that your skills may actually get better and you will make progress as well.

Read This: How to Add Keywords to Shutterstock Images

What to Do After Your Photos Are Approved

It's like winning a minor lottery when you receive that notification in the end your pictures are okay! I still recall my shivers of happiness when I observed this email rise at my mailbox. A big occasion for you, though it's only a start of your path with Shutterstock.

This is the following consideration that you might need to pursue:

• Promote Your Work: Share your approved photos on social media. This is a great way to showcase your talent and attract potential buyers.
• Update Your Portfolio: Add these images to your portfolio to reflect your growth as a photographer.
• Monitor Sales: Keep track of which images sell well. This can guide your future photography projects.
• Engage with the Community: Join forums or groups of Shutterstock contributors. Learning from others can be incredibly helpful.

Being authorized is merely the initial phase, so to speak. For this reason, it is important to consistently generate and provide other works in order to establish oneself on the site. In a way that resembles my own approach; for every sale made, observe how I rejoice over it as though it was a stride towards actualizing our dreams!

Read This: What Happens When a Shutterstock Subscription Ends

Common Issues When Submitting Photos

Photos submission often resemble a cat-and-mouse chase. I have come across numerous difficulties in this process but knowing about such issues can save you from many frustrations. Some of the things to be avoided include:

• Technical Problems: Ensure your images meet the required specifications. I once uploaded a stunning shot, only to realize it was too low in resolution.
• Inappropriate Content: Shutterstock has strict guidelines. Photos with watermarks or recognizable trademarks can get rejected. I learned this the hard way.
• Insufficient Metadata: Poor descriptions and keywords can lead to rejection. Make sure you provide detailed and relevant information.
• Too Many Submissions: If you upload too many at once, it can overwhelm the reviewers. Spread out your submissions for better chances of approval.

Setbacks can impart valuable lessons too. Learning curves should be embraced, and determination maintained. You can surmount these impediments with determination.

Read This: How to Upload and Sell Photos on Shutterstock

FAQs About Submitting Photos to Shutterstock

As you start off your journey with Shutterstock, you may likely have some questions that are bothering you. I did! There exist a number of frequently asked questions that would help to enlighten the process:

• How long does it take for photos to be approved? Typically, it takes a few days, but it can vary based on volume.
• Can I submit the same photo to multiple platforms? Yes, you can! Just ensure you comply with the licensing agreements.
• What happens if my photo gets rejected? You’ll receive feedback. Use it to improve your submissions next time.
• Is there a limit to how many photos I can submit? While there’s no hard limit, submitting in moderation is wise.

You having answers to your questions will take away anxiety and increase your self-belief. Keep in mind that all photographers have gone through the same situation. Therefore, take the plunge and maximize this amazing opportunity!

Read This: How to Contact an Artist on Shutterstock

Conclusion

While you may want to submit a photo to Shutterstock, it is crucial that you keep in mind the reason why each click of the shutter could mean a step towards sharing your own viewpoint with the rest of the world. It’s persistence, passion and learning from each experience which make a real difference. Each approval is its own joy; even rejections are useful when it comes to understanding growth and making improvements. Continue producing work, continue making submissions, for every image must reflect your love of photography. Who knows whose heart your art might reach?