Want to sell your photos online? You can turn your photography passion into profit more easily than ever in 2025.
Your own website could be the best option to sell photos online if you want to keep all your profits. Stock photography platforms give you access to established audiences with impressive payouts. Shutterstock stands out as one of the largest photo selling websites and has paid its contributors more than $1 billion in the last 15 years. On top of that, Alamy sends over $1 million each month to its growing photographer community. Their commission rates range from 17% to 50% based on how popular your images become.
I tested and analyzed the best sites to sell photos by comparing their submission processes and payout structures. This piece will help you pick the perfect platforms to showcase your work, whether you’re new to selling photos or already doing it. We’ll look at great options like Adobe Stock with its competitive 33% royalty rate and Foap, which has paid creators $3 million so far.
Adobe Stock
Image Source: Adobe
Adobe Stock has become one of the most available platforms where photographers can monetize their work. The Adobe-owned marketplace provides smooth integration advantages for creatives who already use their software ecosystem.
Adobe Stock submission process
Adobe Stock requires contributors to meet some simple criteria. You must be at least 18 years old, own all rights to your content, and have an Adobe ID. The platform makes uploading easy through the Contributor portal, Lightroom Classic, or Adobe Bridge. Your images should be at least 4MP (1600×2400 pixels) saved as JPEG, while vector images need a minimum of 15MP (3000×5000 pixels). Adobe’s moderation team reviews each asset to check visual quality, commercial potential, and proper permissions.
Adobe Stock commission and payouts
The platform rewards contributors with competitive compensation. Photos, vectors, and illustrations earn 33% royalty rates, while video content gets 35%. Your earnings from each download depend on the customer’s subscription plan, typically ranging from $0.66 to $3.30 per standard license. The platform sets minimum royalty amounts based on contributor ranking. New contributors start at $0.25 and can increase up to $0.33 as they become more established. Contributors can request payment through PayPal, Payoneer, or Skrill once their account reaches $25 in royalties and 45 days have passed since their first sale.
Adobe Stock best features
Adobe Stock’s advantages go beyond just earning potential. The non-exclusive partnership lets you keep full ownership of your work while selling on other platforms. Contributors receive free access to Adobe Portfolio to showcase their work professionally. The platform’s smooth integration with Creative Cloud applications exposes your content to millions of potential buyers who can preview and license images directly in their design workflows.
Shutterstock
Image Source: Shutterstock
Shutterstock stands as one of the most popular platforms to sell photos online, with its massive library of over 500 million images and videos. The platform has paid contributors worldwide more than $1 billion since 2003.
Shutterstock submission process
Anyone 18 or older can become a Shutterstock contributor. The process starts with registration at submit.shutterstock.com, where you’ll need to provide simple personal information and verify your email. Your account becomes fully active after your first submission gets approved. You can upload JPEG and TIFF files directly through your browser if they’re at least 4 megapixels and under 50MB. Professional photographers can use FTPS for larger submissions. Each upload needs a title, 7-50 keywords, and at least one category to help buyers find your content. The team usually reviews submissions within 72 hours.
Shutterstock commission and payouts
Shutterstock’s earnings structure works on six tiers, with commission rates from 15% to 40% of the license fee. Your yearly download count determines your tier:
- Level 1 starts at 15% royalty rate
- You can earn up to 40% at Level 6 as you move up
The more quality content you share, the more you can earn. Monthly payments start once you reach $25 in earnings. You’ll get paid through Payoneer, PayPal, or Skrill. Remember that contributor levels reset to Level 1 every January 1st.
Shutterstock best features
Shutterstock goes beyond just being a marketplace. It offers Creative Flow, a detailed suite of editing tools similar to Canva. The platform has AI-powered features like background removal, smart resizing, and image expansion. Contributors get valuable marketing insights about trending topics they should shoot. You can sell your images on other platforms at the same time, thanks to the non-exclusive agreement. The platform’s referral program lets you earn extra income – 20% of a referred customer’s first payment, up to $200.
Alamy
Image Source: Alamy
Alamy, a 24-year-old stock photo library, has built its reputation on fair pricing and photographer-friendly policies. Their library now includes over 300 million images from more than 100,000 contributors worldwide.
Alamy submission process
Becoming an Alamy contributor is a simple process. You create an account and submit your first batch of images to Alamy’s Quality Control team. After approval, you can upload images regularly. Your images must be at least 6 megapixels (17MB uncompressed). New contributors should start with smaller batches. Quality checks for first-time submissions are strict – if one image fails, the entire batch gets rejected. Your images will be available for sale within 24 hours once you add captions and at least 5 tags.
Alamy commission and payouts
The platform rewards contributors with generous royalties. You earn 40% commission on direct sales and 20-30% when distribution partners make sales. The platform has three tiers: Silver (20% commission), Gold (40% commission), and Platinum (50% commission for exclusive images). You need to sell at least $250 gross yearly to keep your Gold status. The payment process takes time – sales clear in 45-90 days before withdrawal, with a $50 minimum payout threshold.
Alamy best features
Alamy sets itself apart by accepting editorial images without model releases. News-related and documentary-style photography work well on the platform. Sales might be less frequent than microstock sites, but individual sales range from $12 to $250, and some reach $400. The higher per-image revenue makes up for fewer sales. Contributors can track customer search patterns through Alamy’s “Measures” tool.
Getty Images
Image Source: Getty Images
Known for its premium position in the industry, Getty Images serves photographers who want high-end representation for their work. The platform connects photos with major brands, international media, and leading advertising agencies worldwide.
Getty Images submission process
The first step to become a Getty Images contributor is submitting a portfolio through their contributor portal. Getty maintains strict quality standards, which makes the acceptance process more selective than other platforms. Their editorial team will assess your portfolio after you submit professional examples of your work. They will reach out if they see potential for working together. Getty has a separate submission process for archival content created before 2010, showing their interest in historically important imagery. Photographers can also join through mutually beneficial alliances with platforms like EyeEm, which sends selected images to Getty’s marketplace.
Getty Images commission and payouts
Getty Images pays contributors through a tiered royalty structure based on content type and license model. Still image contributors earn 30% on Rights-Managed creative and editorial content, 20% for Royalty-Free creative and editorial images, and 30% for Rights-Ready creative and editorial content. Video content brings higher rates at 25% for Royalty-Free licenses. Contributors can view detailed monthly statements in the Contributor Portal, which shows complete royalty statistics, summaries, and export options. Monthly payments start when reaching the $50 USD minimum threshold. Earnings below this amount move forward to the next period.
Getty Images best features
Getty’s most valuable offering is its unmatched client base. Your photos could appear in major publications, advertising campaigns, websites, and films. Yes, it is possible to become an exclusive contributor, which brings higher royalty rates (up to 45%) and extra incentives. The platform values unique editorial photography that captures newsworthy events. Getty also offers Custom Content opportunities. Established contributors can create custom imagery for international brands, which opens new revenue streams.
iStock
Image Source: iStock
iStock, a Getty Images company, helps photographers connect with major brands, media outlets, and advertising agencies worldwide. The platform strikes a balance between quality standards and makes photography accessible to creators of all skill levels.
iStock submission process
Photographers need to submit 3-6 sample images through the Contributor by Getty Images app to join iStock. Getty Images will send you a non-exclusive contract after approval. The platform accepts JPEG photos up to 50MB, with a minimum size of 3 megapixels. Your work must be original – iStock looks for authentic content that hasn’t been created or changed using generative AI. The contract signing allows you to upload files, and after quality review, your work appears on both iStock and Getty Images platforms.
iStock commission and payouts
The platform’s royalty structure changes based on your contributor status. Non-exclusive contributors get a 15% base royalty per download. Exclusive contributors earn more – between 15% and 45% for each licensed file. Your earnings depend on the license type, product category, and usage rights. These can range from under $1 to hundreds of dollars per license. Some photographers might see royalties as low as $0.14 through Premium Access licenses. Monthly earnings can grow to $100 or more as you build your portfolio. The platform pays monthly through Payoneer or PayPal in USD once you complete your tax information.
iStock best features
iStock’s extensive distribution network sets it apart – your work appears on istock.com, gettyimages.com, and their global partner network. Exclusive contributors get access to custom content briefs from global brands like American Express, Google, and Toyota. The platform values authenticity and looks for photographers who create inclusive, genuine visuals that tell compelling brand stories. Regular uploads of niche content in popular categories like technology, business, healthcare, and lifestyle can boost your earning potential.
500px
Image Source: 500px Blog
500px combines community features with commercial opportunities through its strong licensing program. The platform equips creators to earn from their existing portfolio and create passive income streams.
500px submission process
The photo submission process to 500px Licensing is straightforward. You can upload new images or pick photos from your existing profile. Your photos need at least 3MP size and 5 keywords to qualify for licensing. After you select “License this photo,” you’ll answer questions about any recognizable people or properties. Photos with identifiable individuals need model releases. 500px provides digital releases that models can complete online. The Content Team then reviews each photo to check its commercial potential.
500px commission and payouts
The commission rates at 500px change based on exclusivity. Photographers get 60% of net sales from exclusive content. Awesome or Pro subscribers receive the full 100% of net sales on their exclusive submissions. Contributors earn 25% of net sales on non-exclusive content whatever their membership level. You’ll need to set up your payout details with contact information and tax documents. Payouts start once you reach $30 USD.
500px best features
500px distributes photos through major partners like Getty Images to reach buyers worldwide. The platform welcomes various photography styles from commercial to editorial content. Unlike other sites, 500px lets you sell photos privately while licensing them through their platform. Stock photos can sell multiple times over several years, so your portfolio generates long-term income. You can track sales and performance of accepted images through the Licensing Manager.
Stocksy
Image Source: DIYPhotography
Stocksy distinguishes itself from other photo selling websites through its cooperative business model. The platform makes photographers co-owners instead of regular contributors.
Stocksy submission process
The journey begins when photographers fill out an application form and submit 10 sample images to review. Their selection standards are high – the team reviews applications based on quality, originality, and how well they match their collection needs. The professional team will get back to you within one to two weeks after you submit your application. Successful applicants can then create their contributor account by picking a portfolio URL, filling out their profile, and choosing how they want to get paid.
Stocksy commission and payouts
Photographers can earn a solid 50% commission on standard licenses (USD $15-400). The extended licenses (USD $100-10,800) offer an even better deal with 75% royalty. The platform processes payments on the first Canadian business day each month once your account reaches USD $100. You’ll keep complete ownership and copyright of your work.
Stocksy best features
Stocksy’s artist-focused cooperative structure makes contributors co-owners, which sets it apart. Members gain access to a global network of creative professionals and get customized guidance from their editor team. While you don’t need to give Stocksy exclusive rights to your entire portfolio, any specific series you upload can’t appear on other stock sites. The platform values authentic shots of real people in real situations and welcomes diverse views and underrepresented groups. Stocksy’s well-curated collection and premium pricing often lead to better per-image earnings compared to bigger competitors.
Picfair
Image Source: Focus | Picfair’s – Picfair
Picfair is different from other photo selling platforms because photographers can create their own stores. The platform attracts both beginners and professionals with its user-friendly interface and clear commission structure.
Picfair submission process
You can upload high-resolution images up to 50MB per file to your store. The platform takes one business day to moderate each photo and verify its quality and licensing requirements. Plus subscribers get their images reviewed faster in the moderation queue. Picfair ensures your content is genuinely photographic and checks for personal watermarks during this review. The platform protects your copyright rights by automatically assigning appropriate licensing based on your content.
Picfair commission and payouts
Picfair’s pricing model is different from other platforms. You set your price, and Picfair adds a 20% commission that buyers pay directly. This means you keep 100% of your set price. PayPal or UK bank transfers process your cash-out requests within 14 days. Payment processing might extend to 30 days during busy periods.
Picfair best features
Picfair manages all print sales operations from production to packaging and shipping, alongside digital downloads. Plus subscribers can make their stores unique with custom themes, personal watermarks, and full-screen slideshows. The platform has helped many photographers generate steady monthly income. One photographer earned £560 in their first few weeks.
Envato Elements
Image Source: Envato
Photographers can earn passive income through Envato Elements’ subscription model. The platform connects creative work with millions of subscribers to generate recurring revenue.
Envato Elements submission process
Content experts review portfolio submissions from photographers who want to join Envato Elements. The platform looks for photographers who maintain consistent, quality collections and can upload more than 50 photos each month. Natural lighting, real people, and fresh points of view are key selection criteria. Approved photographers must sign up as Envato authors, submit tax forms, and add payment information before their first upload.
Envato Elements commission and payouts
Envato Elements shares 50% of its net subscription revenue with contributors based on how often their work is downloaded. Photographers who create versatile, high-volume content can earn steady passive income through this subscriber system. Monthly payments go through PayPal, Payoneer, or Skrill when earnings reach $50. The platform’s affiliate program lets creators earn up to $120 for each eligible annual subscriber they bring in.
Envato Elements best features
Subscribers can use your photos in multiple projects thanks to the platform’s broad commercial license. Your work reaches a large design community that values authentic images. The platform now includes AI-powered tools like ImageGen and ImageEdit that expand creative options. Envato Elements gives photographers a chance to earn long-term passive income without requiring exclusive rights to their work.
Dreamstime
Image Source: Dreamstime.com
Dreamstime helps photographers earn passive income through its vast image marketplace. The company started as a stock photography agency and now connects content creators with clients worldwide.
Dreamstime submission process
You can register and upload images at no cost. The platform lets you submit content right after registration through its web interface or FTP for bigger portfolios. You must own full copyright of all content and provide model releases when people are identifiable in the images. Your submissions go into a review queue that takes a few days to process based on volume. The platform accepts many content formats, so you won’t need to convert your files.
Dreamstime commission and payouts
Contributors earn 25-50% revenue share for non-exclusive content. Exclusive files get an extra 10% bonus, and exclusive contributors receive a higher 60% revenue share. The platform rewards exclusive contributors with a $0.20 bonus for each approved submission. You can withdraw your earnings once you reach $100 through PayPal, Payoneer, or Skrill.
Dreamstime best features
The platform’s analytics tools help track your sales and search terms effectively. The level-based pricing system increases your image’s value as downloads grow. You can upload various media types beyond photos, including illustrations and videos. The platform sends monthly trend newsletters that highlight popular keywords and content themes.
Foap
Image Source: Foap
Foap is a mobile-first platform that connects 4.5 million creators with brands looking for authentic visual content. The app marketplace makes selling your photography simple and straightforward.
Foap submission process
Getting started is easy – just download the free Foap app on your iOS or Android device. You can start uploading photos from your phone right after creating an account. Your photos need really good tagging – about 5-100 relevant tags work best for each photo. Good tags help others find your photos in searches. Remember to submit model releases through Foap’s release panel when your images show people who can be identified.
Foap commission and payouts
The payment structure is refreshingly simple:
- Photos sell at USD 10.00 flat rate
- You get USD 5.00 (50%) from each sale
- Photo contests called Missions pay much more, starting at USD 50.00
PayPal handles all payments, and you’ll usually see your money within five business days.
Foap best features
Missions are the platform’s biggest draw – these brand-sponsored contests offer prizes up to USD 150.00. Your photos might still sell even if they don’t win. The platform lets photographers rate each other’s work and share inspiration. Smart sellers study photos that have sold well to learn about market priorities. Brands love authentic, everyday moments that show real situations.
EyeEm
Image Source: Moblivious
EyeEm brings together photographers and buyers in a unique marketplace. Creators can share their work and make money at the same time. The platform’s distribution model sets it apart from others in photo sales.
EyeEm submission process
You’ll need two accounts to get started – a Contributor’s Account and a Seller’s Account for marketplace access. The platform makes photo uploads easy with their web uploader and automated tagging system. Your images go through a quality review process to check content and licensing requirements. Photos with identifiable people need model releases. The same applies to images with logos or trademarks, which require company permissions.
EyeEm commission and payouts
The revenue structure is clear and simple:
- You get 50% of license fees after tax and cost deductions
- You need $10 USD minimum to cash out
- Money reaches you within 30 days after requesting a payout
- PayPal was the only payment method available before
EyeEm best features
The platform’s distribution network gives you an edge – your photos can sell on both EyeEm’s marketplace and partner sites like Getty Images. Their auto-tagging technology helps you save time by suggesting relevant tags. Beyond the regular marketplace, photographers can join “Missions” – these are brand-sponsored contests that create extra earning opportunities.
Snapped4U
Image Source: Snapped4U
Snapped4U is a simple platform that caters to photographers who capture weddings, parties, and portrait sessions.
Snapped4U submission process
You can create galleries on Snapped4U at no cost. The platform gives you two options: Event Galleries that work great for special occasions and portrait shoots, and Fundraising Galleries that help support charitable causes. Your gallery stays live for 4 months, and you can extend it after that. The size limit for photos is 8MB, and you can upload them at any resolution. You’ll need to pay a $10.00 one-time registration fee when you start.
Snapped4U commission and payouts
The commission structure is simple. US accounts pay $0.50 for photos priced at $3.00 or less, and 15% for everything else. The money from your sales goes straight to your account, and PayPal payments happen twice monthly – on the 1st and 15th. Just make sure your Snapped4U and PayPal accounts use the same email address.
Snapped4U best features
Photographers can price their photos up to $20.00 each. The platform lets you create private galleries with password protection that only your clients can access. Since Snapped4U was built with event photographers in mind, it’s really good at helping you sort, tag, and market photos from special events.
Unsplash+
Image Source: Unsplash
Unsplash+ works differently from regular stock photo sites. The service runs on a premium subscription model that pays select photographers for their work. This new offering from the popular free photo platform gives contributors a way to make money.
Unsplash+ submission process
You’ll need to fill out their official application form to become an Unsplash+ contributor. After acceptance, you can access creative briefs based on current market trends and popular topics. The platform welcomes both professional photographers and hobbyists who show originality and deliver high-quality images. The process starts when you agree to the Unsplash+ artist supply agreement that spells out your duties. Each image goes through a detailed review to match Unsplash’s “Editorial feed standard” and must include proper model/property releases.
Unsplash+ commission and payouts
The platform pays a simple one-time fee between $10-$50 for each accepted image. Complex shots with models or special locations usually earn more. A brief might pay $10 per image, so 50 accepted submissions would earn you $500. The platform processes payments monthly after accepting your images. You can still use your images elsewhere, but accepted content must stay exclusive to Unsplash+.
Unsplash+ best features
Photographers keep full copyright ownership of their images. The platform lets you pick briefs that match your style and fit your schedule. Search data, future trends, and rare concepts shape these creative briefs. Your payment is guaranteed when your image gets accepted, no matter how many downloads it receives.
Pond5
Image Source: Pond5
Pond5 is perfect for photographers who want to control their pricing while selling photos online. This marketplace gives contributors more flexibility with pricing than most stock photo sites.
Pond5 submission process
After registration, you can upload images through the web interface or use FTP for larger portfolios. The system automatically checks resolution, file type, and file size of your files. You need to add detailed metadata with titles, descriptions, and keywords before sending them to curators. Your uploads will show as “Needs Edits” until you tag them properly and submit them for review. A curator reviews each file individually, and this takes several days based on the queue size.
Pond5 commission and payouts
The platform has a simple revenue structure for photographers: 30% commission for non-exclusive content and 40% for exclusive content. Payments are processed monthly on the 15th once you reach the $25 minimum threshold. You can get paid through PayPal, Payoneer, or Skrill. The platform introduced “Dataset Earnings” that give contributors 20% revenue share when their content helps train computer vision datasets.
Pond5 best features
Pond5 stands out because contributors can control their content pricing completely. The “My Uploads” section has reliable tools to manage your portfolio quickly. You can track views, collection adds, and cart adds for each item through detailed analytics. The referral program is a great way to earn extra income—you get 20% from first purchases and 5% from subsequent purchases for a full year.
Comparison Table
| Platform | Commission/Royalty Rates | Minimum Payout | Payment Methods | Image Requirements | Key Unique Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adobe Stock | 33% for photos/vectors, 35% for videos | $25 | PayPal, Payoneer, Skrill | Min 4MP (1600x2400px) | Integration with Creative Cloud, free Adobe Portfolio access |
| Shutterstock | 15-40% (tiered system) | $25 | Payoneer, PayPal, Skrill | Min 4MP | Creative Flow suite, AI-powered features, referral program |
| Alamy | 40% direct sales, 20-30% distribution | $50 | Not mentioned | Min 6MP (17MB uncompressed) | Editorial images without model releases, high per-image revenue |
| Getty Images | 20-30% standard, up to 45% exclusive | $50 | Not mentioned | Not mentioned | Premium client base, custom content opportunities |
| iStock | 15% non-exclusive, 15-45% exclusive | Not mentioned | Payoneer, PayPal | Min 3MP, max 50MB | Distribution on Getty Images platform, custom content briefs |
| 500px | 60% exclusive, 25% non-exclusive | $30 | Not mentioned | Min 3MP | Getty Images distribution, private sales allowed |
| Stocksy | 50% standard, 75% extended licenses | $100 | Not mentioned | Not mentioned | Co-operative structure, higher price points |
| Picfair | 100% of set price (20% buyer fee) | Not mentioned | PayPal, UK bank transfers | Max 50MB | Custom store creation, print fulfillment |
| Envato Elements | 50% of net subscription revenue | $50 | PayPal, Payoneer, Skrill | Not mentioned | Subscription-based model, affiliate program |
| Dreamstime | 25-50% non-exclusive, 60% exclusive | $100 | PayPal, Payoneer, Skrill | Not mentioned | Level-based pricing system, trend newsletters |
| Foap | 50% flat rate ($5 per sale) | Not mentioned | PayPal | Not mentioned | Mobile-first platform, brand missions up to $150 |
| EyeEm | 50% of license fees | $10 | PayPal | Not mentioned | Auto-tagging technology, Getty Images distribution |
| Snapped4U | $0.50 (<$3 photos), 15% (>$3) | Not mentioned | PayPal | Max 8MB | Event-focused, password-protected galleries |
| Unsplash+ | $10-50 per accepted image | Not mentioned | Not mentioned | Not mentioned | Guaranteed payment per acceptance, trend-based briefs |
| Pond5 | 30% non-exclusive, 40% exclusive | $25 | PayPal, Payoneer, Skrill | Not mentioned | Contributor-controlled pricing, dataset earnings |
Conclusion
You now have several excellent options to monetize your photography skills in 2025 after learning about these 15 platforms. Each website brings unique advantages based on your specific needs and photography style. Getty Images or Stocksy might work better for photographers seeking premium pricing, while Adobe Stock or Foap tends to be more beginner-friendly.
Your unique goals will help determine the best fit. Looking for maximum exposure? iStock or EyeEm’s extensive distribution networks could be your answer. Want control over pricing? You can set your own rates with Pond5 and Picfair. Envato Elements offers steady passive income through subscription models once you’ve built a solid portfolio.
Smart photographers boost their earnings by listing on multiple platforms at once. This approach lets you test different marketplaces and find which ones match your particular style best. My research shows successful photographers swear by diversification as their secret to hitting and surpassing that $500 monthly target.
Your portfolio’s quality matters most, whatever platform you pick. Sharp, well-laid-out images with commercial appeal always perform better than others. Good keywording and categorization will boost your visibility in a variety of platforms substantially.
The comparison table makes it easy to match commission rates, payout thresholds, and unique features. Pick business models that fit your workflow and financial goals naturally. Success boils down to regular quality uploads and market understanding, whether you like Shutterstock’s high-volume approach or Stocksy’s cooperative structure.
Stock photography needs patience, but photographers who build substantial portfolios across mutually beneficial platforms can create reliable income streams that grow steadily. Begin with platforms that match your current skills, then expand with experience. Your photography passion can turn profitable with persistence and smart platform choices.
