Best Websites to Sell Photos Online and Make Money
Are you a photographer looking to make money by selling your photos online? Wondering where to start or which platforms are the most profitable?
In this guide, we’ll explore the top websites where you can sell stock photos and earn income—whether as a side hustle or a full-time business.
Why Sell Photos Online?
Many photographers—both amateur and professional—generate consistent income by selling stock images. All you need is a decent camera, creativity, and access to interesting subjects like landscapes, people, or urban life.
Even if you live in a local or rural area, vintage and culturally unique images are in demand. Businesses, bloggers, designers, and marketers are constantly seeking fresh visuals.
Who Buys Stock Photos?
- Bloggers
- Small and medium-sized business owners
- Marketing agencies
- Designers and publishers
- Corporate brands and startups
What Types of Photos Sell Best?
- People – Diverse cultures, ages, and activities (e.g., working, meetings)
- Food – From gourmet dishes to raw ingredients or even messy plates
- Tools and Objects – DIY, machinery, industrial parts
- Urban Life – Buildings, streets, daily routines
- Nature and Wildlife – Forests, beaches, mountains
- Travel Destinations – Landscapes, monuments, local traditions
Top Websites to Sell Your Photos Online
1. Shutterstock
- Over 400 million royalty-free assets [1]
- Contributors earn 15%–40% per sale (tiered earnings structure) [2]
- Weekly payouts via PayPal, Payoneer, or Skrill [3]
- Global reach with copyright protection tools [4]
2. Alamy
- Commission: 20-50% standard royalty; 100% for students first 2 years [1]
- Payout Threshold: $20 minimum [2]
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Key Features:
- Specializes in editorial content
- Live News program ($250/breaking news shot) [3]
- Non-exclusive content allowed
- Best For: Journalistic and niche photography [4]
3. Envato Elements
- Commission: 50% subscriber-share model for Individual/Teams subscriptions; 25% for Enterprise subscriptions [1]
- Key Features: Subscription-based, 98% contributors earn monthly [2]
- Minimum payout threshold: $50 via PayPal/Bank Transfer [3]
- Items can't be resold "as-is" (e.g., standalone posters) [4]
- Best For: Consistent passive income – earnings continue for registered projects even after subscription ends [4]
4. Adobe Stock
- Integrates with Adobe apps like Photoshop
- Earn 20%–60% per sale
- No exclusivity required
- Large buyer base via Creative Cloud
5. Getty Images
- One of the oldest and most trusted platforms
- Offers high pricing: up to $499 per image
- Commission: 20% for photographers
- Known for editorial and high-quality visuals
6. iStock
- Microstock version of Getty Images
- Offers 15%–45% commission
- Exclusive photos earn more
- Ideal for beginner and intermediate photographers
7. Cavan Images
- Focuses on bold, authentic imagery
- 50% commission
- Images must be exclusive to Cavan
- Slower review process, but strong community
8. Fotomoto
- Widget for selling directly from your own website
- Sell prints, digital files, and canvases
- Handles packaging and delivery
- Customizable branding and easy WordPress integration
Final Thoughts
There are dozens of websites where you can sell your photos, but these platforms are some of the best to start with.
Photographs have power—they inspire travel, evoke emotion, and fuel creativity. If you have a collection of stunning photos sitting on your hard drive, it’s time to turn them into income.
I hope this guide helped you discover where and how to sell your photos online and make money.
Shutterstock Official References:
Alamy Official References:
References for Envato Elements:
- Envato Elements Author Terms
- Envato Elements 2022 Year in Review (Updated stats for 2025 pending official release)
- Envato Payment Terms
- Envato Elements License FAQ
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