Do you love taking photos? What if your hobby could become a source of income? Thanks to the internet, it’s easier than ever to make money taking photos online. From stock photography websites to mobile apps that connect you with buyers, photographers of all skill levels can turn snapshots into real earnings.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best platforms and apps that pay photographers, explain how each one works, and give you practical tips to increase your chances of making consistent income. Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned photographer, you’ll find plenty of opportunities here.
Why make money with photography?
Photography is more than just an art, it’s a growing online business. Here’s why many people are jumping into it:
- Low entry barrier – You don’t need expensive equipment; even a smartphone can work.
- Flexible work – Sell photos part-time or full-time.
- Passive income potential – Once uploaded, photos can sell repeatedly.
- Global reach – Your pictures can be bought by people worldwide.
Best Platforms to Sell Photos Online
1. Shutterstock
Shutterstock is one of the largest stock photo marketplaces in the world. Millions of buyers, from businesses to bloggers, purchase images daily.
- How it works: Upload your photos, add keywords, and once approved, they become available for sale. Each download earns you royalties.
- Earnings: Between 15% and 40% per sale, depending on your contributor level.
Why it’s great: Huge customer base = more chances to sell
Upload a variety of photos, especially lifestyle, travel, business, and food—they’re always in high demand.
2. Adobe Stock
Adobe Stock is integrated with Adobe Creative Cloud, which millions of designers use daily.
- How it works: Upload your photos, and they become searchable within Adobe programs like Photoshop and Illustrator.
- Earnings: Photographers earn 33% commission on each sale.
- Why it’s great: Exposure to professional buyers who need high-quality visuals.
Tip: Use descriptive titles and keyword tags—this makes your images easier to discover.
3. iStock by Getty Images
iStock is owned by Getty Images, a trusted platform for stock photography.
- How it works: Apply to become a contributor. Once accepted, your photos are listed for sale.
- You can earn between 15% and 45% in royalties. Moreover, you get higher earnings when you are an exclusive contributor.
- Why it’s great: Strong reputation and wide global reach.
As a result, going exclusive can give you higher royalties and less competition.
4. Alamy
Alamy is known for its diverse stock image collection and high contributor payouts.
- How it works: Sign up, upload your photos, and set titles and keywords.
- Earnings: Up to 50% commission per sale.
- Why it’s great: Higher payouts compared to many competitors.
👉 Pro Tip: Upload unique, less common subjects to stand out in the marketplace.
5. Dreamstime
Dreamstime is beginner-friendly and has a broad customer base.
- How it works: Register, upload your photos, and wait for approval.
- Earnings: 25%–50% royalties, with potential bonuses for exclusivity.
Why it’s great: Easy to get started and supportive contributor community.
Best Apps That Pay for Photos
If you prefer using your smartphone, these apps make it easy to sell photos on the go.
6. Foap
Foap is a mobile app that connects photographers with brands looking for authentic images.
- How it works: Upload your photos into your Foap portfolio. Buyers can purchase them for commercial use.
- Earnings: $10 per sale, shared 50/50 (you get $5).
- Why it’s great: Includes “Missions” where brands request specific photos and pay higher rewards.
Tip: Focus on real-life, authentic images—brands love natural photography.
7. EyeEm
EyeEm is both a marketplace and a creative community.
- How it works: Upload photos, and EyeEm distributes them to major partners like Getty Images.
- Earnings: 50% commission per sale.
- Why it’s great: Access to large networks and professional buyers.
👉 Pro Tip: Participate in EyeEm Missions to increase visibility and earn more.
8. Snapwire
Snapwire connects photographers with businesses seeking custom content.
- How it works: Clients post requests called “Challenges,” and you submit photos that match.
- Earnings: 50%–70% commission depending on licensing.
- Why it’s great: Offers direct client work, not just passive stock sales.
👉 Pro Tip: Be quick to respond to Challenges—early submissions often catch buyers’ attention.
9. Agora Images
Agora is a global app where photographers can earn money through contests.
- How it works: Upload photos, enter contests, and compete for prize money.
- Earnings: Prize pools can range from $50 to $25,000.
- Why it’s great: Big potential payouts for high-quality, creative photography.
👉 Pro Tip: Enter multiple contests—more entries = higher chances of winning.
10. Clashot (by Depositphotos)
Clashot is an app for turning casual smartphone shots into stock photos.
- How it works: Upload photos directly from your phone. They’re then sold via Depositphotos.
- Earnings: Between 44%–50% commission.
- Why it’s great: Perfect for beginners or hobbyists who take lots of everyday photos.
Other Ways to Make Money with Photography
Beyond apps and stock sites, here are more methods to monetize your photos:
- Print-on-demand platforms (like Redbubble and Society6) – sell your photos on merchandise like mugs, t-shirts, and phone cases.
- Personal website or blog – build your own portfolio and sell directly to clients.
- Freelancing platforms – offer photography services on Fiverr or Upwork.
Social media monetization – grow an Instagram or Pinterest account showcasing your photography and partner with brands.
Tips to Maximize Your Earnings
- Upload consistently – The more photos you have, the greater your chances of making sales.
- Research demand – Use stock photo sites to check what buyers are currently looking for
- Optimize metadata – Add accurate tags, titles, and descriptions to improve search visibility.
- Focus on quality – Clear, well-lit, high-resolution images always sell better.
- Diversify platforms – Don’t rely on one marketplace. Spread your work across several.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting blurry or low-quality photos.
- Using copyrighted material without permission.
- Ignoring keywords and metadata.
- Expecting instant results—building a photo income takes time.
Conclusion
Making money taking photos online is no longer just a dream—it’s a real opportunity. With platforms like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, and apps such as Foap and EyeEm, you can turn your passion for photography into income.
Start small, upload consistently, and improve your skills along the way. Over time, your photo portfolio can generate passive income and even grow into a full-time business.
AI image creation is changing the stock photo market, with studies showing that about 13% of contributors now upload AI images, and their sell-through rate is about 20–30% lower than traditional photos. However, many buyers still prefer authentic, real-life photos that AI cannot fully replace. Therefore, if you keep focusing on quality, creativity, and unique subjects, you can still make steady money online with your photography.
👉 Ready to start? Pick one platform today, upload your best shots, and take the first step toward making money with your photos!