How To Sell Photos Online and Make Money

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced photographer, selling images online is a terrific way to earn money. The best part is that online photo sales don’t have to be a full-time business. It’s now even more superficial than ever. 

Thanks to stock photography websites and online markets, you can turn your passion for photography into an extra source of income.

In this article, I’ll show you how to sell photos online and make money in five simple steps.

• Pick a niche for your photography
• Select an online store platform
• Verify the legal requirements
• Build an audience and identify your prospects
• Expand the sources of your earnings

We’ll go through the different strategies you can use to maximize your new online business and make money, regardless of whether you sell prints or digital photographs.

If you want to know how to sell photos online successfully, follow these simple five steps.

1. Pick a Niche for Your Photography

Photos are among the most lucrative digital products you can sell online.

The first step to finding the correct audience and attracting prospects is to pick a niche for your photography.

Take your time to experiment with different photographic techniques if you’re yet to decide on a niche.

Find out what customers want by researching the most popular photography trends.

 Use keyword research to see how many people search for a specific style of photography.

All these will help you decide on the most profitable niche. 

Below are some examples of photography niches you can sell online:

People – People’s portraits and candid photos are perfect for news websites, posters, and billboards. They can also be used as stock photos for governmental, non-profit, and educational websites.

Business – Photos with business or office themes are often suitable for advertising websites, posters, and landing pages.

Food – Many companies use food photography for various commercial purposes. Some of which include publishing and advertising.  

Architecture – Travel blogs, hotel websites, and educational institutions frequently use photos of famous structures and landmarks to promote their brand.

Objects – Many business owners search for single-subject images of things like books, clothes, or other goods to feature on their page.

Nature – Landscapes and floral photographs are famous for picture prints and tourist destinations.

2. Select an Online Marketplace

There are various ways you can sell photos online.

You can create your photographic website, use a stock agency, or engage in a marketplace community.

Generally speaking, there are two types of eCommerce platforms where you can sell digital photos; stock photography platforms and non-stock photography platforms.

It’s easier to sell your images on stock websites because they often handle everything from web hosting to sales and marketing.

Examples of the marketplace where you can sell photos online include Deposit Photos and Getty Images.

3. Verify the Legal Requirements

Many photographers protect their photos with copyright laws.

Even private images on social media are subject to copyright laws. 

Although the sale of photos online doesn’t include the exchange of tangible goods, there are still specific legal ramifications.

If you want to sell pictures online safely, you need to know what laws apply to this eCommerce business.

Remember that even if you sell your photos online, you typically retain ownership of their rights.

You can only release the license to allow anyone to use your images in specific ways.

In other words, you get to decide how customers use your photos when they buy them.

4. Build an Audience and Identify Your Prospects

Use the various social media platforms to your advantage.

This will help you grow your audience and attract prospects to your online photography business.

Ensure your online presence appropriately portrays your profession.

If you intend to use your existing profiles, fashion them in a way that aligns with your branding plan.

Alternatively, you can create a portfolio to highlight your most outstanding pictures and use hashtags to get more exposure.

Utilise social media tools, such as hashtags, to learn more about popular products or subjects in your niche.

Expand your reach by creating an online presence on social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, Tumblr, Pinterest, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Furthermore, consider opening accounts on photography-specific websites like Flickr and VSCO.

And participate in discussions in different photography communities.

It allows you to connect with other people in the industry and get new ideas.

If you have the money, consider paying for sponsored posts.

Use sponsored posts on Tumblr or Instagram to increase your brand’s popularity.

These strategies allow you to build an audience and identify your prospects.

5. Expand the Sources of Your Earnings

You can make money selling photos online through several means. The following are ways to sell photos online and make more money.

i. By Selling Prints

While individual photography enthusiasts don’t fancy prints, brands, publishers, and businesses are looking for them in high demand.

You can improve your earnings by selling your photos as physical prints.

Print them on everyday products like T-shirts, phone cases, or cushion covers to expand your reach and attract a wider audience. 

An excellent way to sell your photography prints is to open an account on platforms such as Printful, CafePress, and Redbubble.

ii. Sell Photo Books

Photo books are considered luxury photo products.

They serve as an alternative for those with extensive collections of photos in a particular niche.

Consider selling your photos as books if you want to develop your photography brand further.

Other ways to utilize your photography skills include providing photography services and creating an online store to sell your photos.