Are you passionate about photography and wondering how you can make money from it? Shutterstock is one of the leading stock photography agencies in the world, and selling your photos on their platform can be a great way to monetize your passion. In this article, we will give you a comprehensive guide on how to sell your photos on Shutterstock.
What is Shutterstock?
Shutterstock is an American company that provides an online platform for businesses and individuals to access high-quality stock photos, vectors, illustrations, and video footage. The platform has over 350 million images and serves customers in more than 150 countries.
Why sell your photos on Shutterstock?
Selling your photos on Shutterstock comes with several benefits. First, Shutterstock has a vast customer base, which means that your photos are likely to reach a broader audience. Secondly, the platform offers competitive prices and pays contributors up to 30% of the sale price of each image, depending on their level of contribution. Finally, Shutterstock has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy for photographers to upload and manage their content.
How to get started on Shutterstock
To start selling your photos on Shutterstock, follow these steps:
Step 1: Create an account
The first step is to create an account on the Shutterstock website. You can sign up using your email address or Facebook account. Once you have created an account, you will need to complete your profile by providing your personal details and payment information.
Step 2: Submit your application
After creating an account, you will need to submit an application to become a contributor. To do this, go to the contributor dashboard and click on “Become a Contributor.” You will then be prompted to complete a short questionnaire and submit a sample of your work.
Step 3: Upload your photos
Once your application is approved, you can start uploading your photos to the platform. Shutterstock has strict guidelines on image quality, so ensure that your photos meet their requirements. You can upload images in various formats, including JPEG, PNG, and TIFF.
Step 4: Add keywords and descriptions
To increase the visibility of your photos, you need to add relevant keywords and descriptions. Shutterstock’s algorithm uses these keywords to match your images with the right customers. Make sure that your keywords accurately describe the content of your photos.
Step 5: Wait for approval
After uploading your photos, Shutterstock will review them to ensure that they meet their quality standards. This process can take up to 7 days. If your photos are approved, they will be added to the Shutterstock library, and customers can start purchasing them.
Tips for selling your photos on Shutterstock
Here are some tips that can help you sell more photos on Shutterstock:
Tip 1: Focus on quality
Shutterstock has strict guidelines on image quality, so ensure that your photos are of high quality. Use a high-resolution camera and pay attention to details such as lighting, composition, and focus.
Tip 2: Research your market
Before uploading your photos, research the types of images that sell well on Shutterstock. This will give you an idea of what customers are looking for, and you can tailor your content accordingly.
Tip 3: Be consistent
To build a reputation on Shutterstock, you need to be consistent in your uploads. Try to upload new content regularly, and ensure that it is of high quality.
Tip 4: Use relevant keywords
Adding relevant keywords and descriptions to your photos is crucial in making them discoverable. Research the right keywords and use them appropriately.
Tip 5: Promote your work
Promoting your work can help increase its visibility on Shutterstock. Share your portfolio on social media platforms and other websites to attract more potential buyers.
FAQs
Q1: How much can I earn by selling photos on Shutterstock?
A1: Shutterstock pays contributors up to 30% of the sale price of each image, depending on their level of contribution.
Q2: Can I sell photos that have been edited or retouched?
A2: Yes, you can sell edited or retouched photos on Shutterstock. However, ensure that the final image meets their quality standards.
Q3: What type of photos sell best on Shutterstock?
A3: Photos of people, technology, travel, and nature tend to sell well on Shutterstock. However, it is essential to research your market to know what customers are looking for.
Q4: How long does it take for Shutterstock to review my photos?
A4: Shutterstock usually takes up to 7 days to review photos.
Q5: Can I sell exclusive rights to my photos on Shutterstock?
A5: No, Shutterstock only allows non-exclusive licenses for photos.
Conclusion
Selling your photos on Shutterstock can be a great way to monetize your passion for photography. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can start uploading your photos and reach abroad audience of potential buyers. Remember to focus on quality, research your market, be consistent, use relevant keywords, and promote your work to increase your chances of success. With a bit of creativity and effort, you can turn your passion for photography into a lucrative business on Shutterstock.