If you love photography, your hobby can also become a source of income. One way to make it happen is by selling your photos on Shutterstock.
This stock photo platform allows photographers from around the world to upload their works and earn commissions each time their photos are downloaded by other users. Interestingly, selling photos on Shutterstock lets you monetize your creativity without being limited by location.
Want to know how to sell photos on Shutterstock and earn extra income? Keep reading to find out!
What Is Shutterstock?
Before you start selling your photos on Shutterstock, it’s important to understand what the platform actually is. Shutterstock is a global company specializing in the sale of digital images.
The platform collects, sells, and distributes works from photographers worldwide through its website and app.
Founded by Jon Oringer in 2003, Shutterstock connects creative professionals with thousands of global contributors.
Today, Shutterstock is the world’s largest microstock platform, with an ever-growing number of creators—including many from Indonesia.
Photographers can sell their works on Shutterstock for commercial or promotional use and earn income from every sale.
For businesses, Shutterstock offers a practical way to obtain high-quality photos or designs at a lower cost compared to organizing their own photoshoots.
Earning Opportunities on Shutterstock
Even though Shutterstock already hosts millions of stock photos, it still welcomes new contributors.
Once approved as a contributor, you can start uploading your works and earning income. The amount you earn depends on the quality and type of content you upload.
For basic photos, contributors typically earn around USD 0.25 to USD 0.38 per download, while on-demand digital works can earn about USD 1.88 to USD 2.85 per download.
If your photos are downloaded multiple times, your total earnings increase accordingly—and prices may rise further as demand grows.
How to Sell Photos on Shutterstock
Instead of leaving your photos stored on your phone, you can turn them into a source of income. Here’s how to start selling photos on Shutterstock step by step:
1. Register as a Contributor
The first step to selling photos on Shutterstock is to sign up as a contributor via shutterstock.com.
If you don’t have an account yet, click Sign Up and fill in your personal details such as your name, email address, and password.
After completing registration, Shutterstock will send a verification email. Click the link provided to activate your contributor account.
2. Verify Your Account
To finalize your registration, upload a valid ID such as your national ID card, passport, or driver’s license, and create a secure password.
You’ll also need to set up a payment method—such as PayPal, Payoneer, or Skrill—to receive your earnings conveniently.
Make sure you already have an account on one of these payment platforms before continuing.
3. Set Up an International Payment Account
Since Shutterstock is an international company that pays in U.S. dollars, you’ll need an international payment account.
Available payment options on Shutterstock include PayPal, Payoneer, and Skrill.
4. Choose Photos to Upload
Next, select the photos you want to upload. Choose your best shots while paying attention to image quality—such as sharpness, lighting, and color balance—to make them suitable for sale.
There are no strict themes required; you can upload any subject as long as it complies with Shutterstock’s guidelines.
5. Upload Your Photos
Once you’re confident your photos meet the requirements, upload them to Shutterstock.
Each photo should include a relevant description and keywords so that users can easily find them in search results.
6. Wait for the Review Process
After submission, Shutterstock’s review team will evaluate whether your photos meet their standards. This process usually takes a few days.
If approved, your photos will go live on the platform. If rejected, you’ll receive feedback explaining why.
7. Receive Your Earnings
You’ll earn royalties every time your photos are downloaded by Shutterstock users. The amount depends on the type of subscription and number of downloads.
Funds can be withdrawn once your balance reaches USD 25 (approximately IDR 400,000).
Approved photos are automatically available for purchase, and your earnings will be transferred to your PayPal account once the payout threshold is met.
How Long Does Shutterstock Take to Approve Photos?
Although selling photos on Shutterstock sounds simple, each submission must go through a review process.
If your photos meet the criteria, you’ll receive a notification that they’ve been approved.
The approval process typically takes 1–3 business days, depending on the review queue and number of contributors worldwide.
Writing unique and engaging descriptions can also increase visibility and help your photos get discovered faster once approved.
Common Reasons Shutterstock Rejects Photos
For beginners, photo rejections are quite common and often caused by small, avoidable mistakes.
Here are some common reasons your photos might get rejected:
1. Blurry or Unfocused Images
Shaky or out-of-focus photos reduce image quality. Make sure your shots are sharp and stable. If using a phone, consider using a tripod to avoid camera shake.
2. Noise or Grain
Even subtle noise can affect image quality. Shutterstock reviewers pay close attention to this, so always zoom in to check for visual noise before submitting.
3. Incorrect Image Size
Shutterstock requires photos to have a minimum resolution of 4 MP (megapixels). If your photo is smaller, it will automatically be rejected.
Aim for at least 2000 x 2000 pixels, and double-check your image size before uploading—or adjust your camera settings beforehand.
Those are the complete steps on how to sell photos on Shutterstock and start monetizing your photography skills.
While it may sound simple, professional photography still requires quality equipment—so make sure you prepare sufficient capital in advance.
To support your hobby or creative projects that could also generate income, BFI Finance offers a variety of flexible financing options tailored to your needs.
You can apply for financing using your motorcycle BPKB, car BPKB, or house/shop certificate as collateral.
All BFI Finance services are officially licensed and supervised by the Financial Services Authority (OJK), ensuring a safe and transparent process.
So, what are you waiting for? Bring your creative plans to life and maximize your income today—because #SelaluAdaJalan with BFI Finance!
