Introduction
If you’re a photographer looking to turn your camera into cash, stock photography is one of the most accessible ways to start. With millions of businesses, bloggers, marketers, and designers needing quality visuals every day, the demand for stock photos is only growing. Whether you’re using a DSLR or a smartphone, getting started in stock image photography is easier than you might think.
In this guide, we’ll walk through everything a beginner needs to know — from what types of photos to take, where to upload them, and how to make the most of licensing.
What is Stock Photography?
Stock photography refers to professional-quality photos that are licensed for specific uses. Instead of hiring a photographer for a shoot, companies and individuals can buy or download stock images from large libraries like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, or Getty Images.
Photographers earn royalties or one-time payments when users license their work. It’s a great way to generate passive income — your photo could be downloaded hundreds (or thousands) of times.
Getting Started: Gear and Basics
You don’t need the latest camera to start — though higher image quality and resolution will help your chances of approval and sales. Here’s what you do need:
- Camera: A DSLR, mirrorless camera, or a smartphone with a high-res camera.
- Editing Software: Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, or free options like GIMP or Snapseed.
- Consistent Quality: Make sure images are well-lit, in focus, and free of noise or artifacts.
Before submitting, always check for:
- Correct image sizes
- Correct exposure
- Sharp focus
- Clean backgrounds
- Dust spots or lens flare
- Proper model/property releases (when applicable)
Each stock image website/company will have their own strict criteria for the photo they accept (what they’re looking for, technical aspects as mentioned above, etc.). Refer to each companies website for specific information regarding their policies.
What Photos Should You Take/Upload?
I recommend starting with photos you have already taken. If you have an archive or catalog of photos, go through it and pick out the ones that could be used as a stock photo. Most of the photos I upload weren’t taken specifically for stock image use, but maybe a shot I took while out and about that fits what people are looking for.
Stock images that sell tend to fall into a few categories. Think about what businesses or content creators might need.
Some Potentially High-Demand Categories:
- Business & Technology – Offices, laptops, people working, remote work setups
- Health & Wellness – Fitness, healthy food, meditation, doctors and clinics
- Lifestyle – Real people doing everyday things, diversity, relationships
- Seasonal & Holiday Themes – Christmas, New Year, Halloween, summer activities
- Nature & Travel – Landscapes, destinations, local culture
- Abstract & Backgrounds – Textures, patterns, light bokeh, minimalist scenes
Tip: Authenticity sells. Instead of stiff poses, aim for natural, candid shots.
Best Stock Photography Websites to Use
There are two types of platforms — microstock (low-cost, high-volume sales) and macrostock (higher prices, exclusive content).
Top Microstock Sites (Easy to Join):
- Shutterstock – High traffic, beginner-friendly, monthly royalties
- Adobe Stock – Integrates with Lightroom/Photoshop, good earnings
- iStock by Getty Images – High exposure, more selective
- Dreamstime – Decent earnings, long-standing platform
- 123RF, Alamy, Depositphotos – Additional platforms to consider
Macrostock / Premium Sites:
- Getty Images – Invitation-only, higher earnings per sale
- Stocksy – Highly curated, focuses on unique and artistic content
- Cavan Images – An exclusive stock distributing agency
Exclusive vs. Non-Exclusive Licensing
When uploading to stock photo websites, you’ll usually be asked to choose between exclusive and non-exclusive licensing.
Exclusive:
- Your photo can only be sold on one platform.
- Often higher royalties or placement in premium collections.
- Limits exposure to that single site.
Non-Exclusive:
- You can upload the same photo to multiple platforms.
- Increases your chances of sales across markets.
- Lower royalty rates, but more overall potential downloads.
What do I use? Mostly Cavan Images and Adobe Stock. Cavan Images is an exclusive platform that distributes your images to many other licensing platforms. So anything you upload to Cavan will automatically show up on multiple stock image websites/libraries. My highest earning platform is definitely Adobe Stock though!
I also really like that I still have the ability to sell my images myself through my online galleries – you can find prints, wall art, photo books and more, all completely customizable to fit your space. It’s actually pretty cool and another way to sell your art work. You can learn more about my online gallery setup here.
Tips for Success
- Upload Regularly – The more photos you have online, the more you can earn.
- Tag Accurately – Use relevant keywords to help users find your images.
- Trends Matter – Stay current with social, design, and seasonal trends.
- Diversify – Don’t just upload travel photos — cover different categories.
- Get Releases – If your photo includes recognizable people or private property, you’ll need signed model/property release forms.
Final Thoughts
Stock photography isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme, but it is a solid way to build passive income from your passion. Like any business, consistency and strategy matter. Focus on quality, variety, and relevance — and don’t be discouraged if your first few photos don’t take off.
Whether you’re snapping shots on a lunch break or setting up professional photo sessions, the world needs more great images. Why not make yours part of it?
Got questions about uploading or taking photos? Want me to review or walk you through your first submission? Just let me know and we’ll set something up!
As always, thank you for reading, and don’t forget to follow along for more content like this!
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