Shutterstock is one of the world’s leading platforms for providing visual content, including photos, vectors, and videos. Many photographers and content creators use the platform to generate income from their work. In this article, we will cover detailed steps on how to sell photos on Shutterstock, including tips to increase your chances of selling. Let’s get started.
Registration and Account Creation
Before you can start selling photos on Shutterstock, the first step you need to take is to sign up and create an account.
Signing up for Shutterstock is quite simple. You only need to follow a few steps to create an account as a contributor. Make sure you use a valid email address and fill in the required fields correctly.
1. Visit the Shutterstock Registration Page
- Go to the official Shutterstock website and look for the option to become a contributor. Usually, there is a special link that will take you to the registration form.
2. Fill in the Registration Form
- Complete the required information, including your name, email address, and password. You may also be given the option to register using a social media account.
3. Email Verification
- After filling out the form, Shutterstock will send a verification link to your email. Click the verification link to activate your account.
4. Complete Profile
- After registration, complete your profile with relevant information, including a short biography and portfolio if any. A good profile can increase your credibility as a contributor.
Photo Quality Requirements and Standards
Before uploading photos to Shutterstock, you need to understand the requirements and quality standards set by the platform.
Shutterstock has a number of requirements that you must meet in order for your photos to be accepted. These standards are set to ensure that all uploaded content meets the quality that buyers expect.
1. High Resolution
- Uploaded photos must have a minimum resolution of 4 MP. However, it is better if you upload photos with higher resolution to increase the chances of selling.
2. Quality and Sharpness
- Make sure the photos you take are sharp and clear. Avoid blurry or poorly post-processed images.
3. Good Composition
- Photo composition is key to grabbing the attention of buyers. Make sure you take photos with good settings, proper lighting, and balanced elements.
4. Without any elements of violation
- If your photo contains trademarks, private property, or recognizable people, you need to get permission before uploading it.
Photo Selection and Editing
The right photo editing can make your images stand out among the thousands of other photos on Shutterstock.
In the process of selecting and editing, make sure that the photos you choose are really quality and relevant. You can also use some editing techniques to increase the appeal of the photo.
1. Choose the Best Photo
- Do a rigorous selection of all the photos you take. Choose the strongest ones and the ones that best fit the current trends on Shutterstock.
2. Use Editing Software
- Use software like Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop to edit your photos. Improving color, contrast, and lighting can increase visual appeal.
3. Accepted File Formats
- Make sure you save your photos in JPG format for uploading. Shutterstock supports specific formats, so be sure to check their technical guidelines.
Uploading and Tagging Photos
Once your photo is ready, the next step is to upload it to the Shutterstock platform and tag it with relevant keywords.
The uploading and tagging process is key to ensuring your photos are found by the right buyers. Using the right keywords can also increase the visibility of your photos.
1. Uploading Process
- Log in to your Shutterstock account and look for the option to upload photos. Select the files you want to upload and follow the steps given.
2. Marking
- After uploading, you will be asked to add a title, description, and keywords. Use relevant and popular keywords to help users find your photo.
3. Category
- Choose the right category for your photos to make them easy to find by image searchers. The right category helps in more specific searches.
Understanding Licenses and Royalties
Once your photos are uploaded, it's important to understand how licensing and royalties work at Shutterstock.
Shutterstock offers several types of licenses that affect how your photos are used and how much royalties you earn. Understanding these intricacies is essential for contributors.
1. License Type
- At Shutterstock, there are two main types of licenses: standard licenses and exclusive licenses. Standard licenses are used for most photos, while exclusive licenses give buyers specific rights.
2. Royalties
- The royalties you receive vary depending on the license the buyer chooses and the amount of sales. Typically, royalties range from 15-45% for a standard license.
3. Payment
- Be sure to set up your payment method in your Shutterstock account to receive royalties from photo sales. Shutterstock provides several payment options for you to choose from.
Promoting Your Photos
One step that is often overlooked is promoting your photos. As a contributor, you also have a responsibility to promote your work to make it stand out in the market.
Promotion can be done in various ways, from social media to collaboration with bloggers or other content creators. In this way, you can increase the visibility of your photos.
1. Use Social Media
- Take advantage of social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest to share your photos. Be sure to use relevant hashtags.
2. Build a Network with Other Creators
- Network with other photographers or content creators. Collaborations can increase your exposure and help you reach a wider audience.
3. Create a Blog or Website
- Consider creating a personal blog or website to showcase your work. This will give you more space to explain your creative process and give readers more insight.
Monitoring Photo Performance
After some time has passed, it is important to monitor the performance of the photos you uploaded.
Shutterstock provides analytics tools to monitor the performance of each photo you upload. With this tool, you can see which photos sell the most and identify trends.
1. Use Account Statistics
- Access statistics in your account to see the number of downloads, royalties earned, and sales trends.
2. Update Your Content
- Based on performance, improve your photo collection by uploading new photos or re-editing existing photos. Always update your portfolio to reflect current trends.
3. Study the Market
- Identify what is trending on Shutterstock and try to create relevant content. By understanding the market, you can produce more sought-after photos.
Patience and Consistency
Selling photos on Shutterstock is a journey that takes time and effort. To achieve success, you need to be patient and consistent.
Building a strong portfolio and attracting buyers takes dedication. Don't be discouraged if your photos don't sell right away. Keep uploading and improving your skills.
1. Keep Training
- Take photos regularly and experiment with different styles. The more you practice, the better your skills will be.
2. Learn from Experience
- Review the photos you upload and analyze what worked and what didn’t. Learning from each experience will help you grow as a photographer.
3. Stay Connected with the Community
- Join a photographers forum or group to share experiences and learn from each other. Community can provide invaluable support.
By following the steps above and keeping your spirits up, you can achieve success as a Shutterstock contributor. Good luck!
