Where to post your photos? How to make money online by selling photos Where to share your photos

Users of one of the most popular sites for photographers, art lovers, and design ambiguously evaluate the redesign, moreover, for many, it has become an occasion to start looking for a new platform for publishing their work.

Look At Me explored alternative photo sharing platforms for personal and professional use and the communities that have developed around them.

Exposure, unlike Stampsy, was created as a platform for photographers with an emphasis on narratives, series of photographs united by one thought. In general, for photographers who want to tell stories, and not just upload photos as they come. This description includes not only sequentially arranged photographs, but also the actual description of what is happening on them. Of several such photo stories, in principle, it’s more than realistic to put together a kind of portfolio (even without buying a pro account - a free one allows you to publish three photo stories), if you don’t get around to making your own website. Although the latter, in general, in 2014 is a rather pointless undertaking.

Main plus

The ability to tell stories that are easy to read thanks to the illustrative series, and not just upload photos.

Also a kind of online photo storage, something like Tumblr, but for author's photos; the main difference from its predecessors is the ability to sell photos directly through the site. To do this, select the For Professionals option, and then set the price of the photo, etc. The service promises to take care of all legal aspects, take care of protecting your copyrights and provide round-the-clock support if, for example, selling photos is a new business for you.

Main plus

Ability to sell photos directly through the site.

A platform for creating your own portfolio website for mobile and web versions, with a separate focus on iPhone and iPad. On the basis of the Viewbook, in fact, your own site is created, within the framework of the given design variations. Viewbook has 3 types of memberships, the cheapest one starts at $4 per month.

Main plus

Create a website with your own url.

The French-based site is arguably the most popular among those who fled Flickr because they didn't want to control how their page looked. Ipernity, indeed, is very similar in appearance and functionality to Flickr and, most importantly for the established community, the presence of groups (where any user can add their photos) and discussions - in general, it is the exchange of experience within the forum, supported by the visual part, and Flickr was strong the most.

Main plus

A photography community where many former Flickr users migrated to.

The VSCO app is remarkable not only for its filters (and tutorials on how to use them) and the purpose of reminding you that photos can still be beautiful, even if no one needs cameras anymore, but also for its attempts (quite successful) to develop a photo community. To do this, the team maintains VSCO Journal, where they share the best photos selected over the past week or weekend, and also created a special social network and at the same time a photo platform - VSCO Grid, in which each user of the application can post their photos, and the most beautiful of them can get into in Editor's Choice.

Main plus

VSCO does not just provide a platform for photos, but constantly publishes tutorials and interviews with professionals, that is, it tries to give users new knowledge.

Simply put, it's Learn from photography. Website slogan: a photo a day. The photos are sorted by the date you posted them and are side by side on a calendar. That is, it’s rather not even a platform, but a photo diary, which, with its functionality, reminds you that it’s time to update a couple of photos already. Well, the feedback system works according to the same principle: subscribers write comments by analogy with the same Livejournal.

"Micro" in the word "microstocks" means, sadly, a fee. You only get a small percentage of your photos sold on microstock. However, you will not need to look for buyers - they will find you themselves. Plus, you don't have to compete with famous photographers: Microstock buyers come primarily for the image, not for the photographer's popular name.

Microstocks are also ideal for beginners because they allow you to practically understand which of your photos are more commercially in demand.

Sergei Zolkin/Unsplash.com

Before you upload your photos to microstock, you should carefully read the rules (including the fine print) to ensure you are comfortable following them. The following rules are the same for all:

• You must be over 18 years of age.
• You must be the author of all files you upload.
• You must have all rights and permissions to the depicted elements (objects, people, places, and so on).
• You must not sell images containing logos or protected trademarks.
• You must not sell photographs that contain images of structures, buildings, or other places protected by intellectual property law.

Oliver Berghold/Unsplash.com

The biggest and most popular microstocks are Fotolia, DreamsTime, Shutterstock, Depositphotos and, of course, iStockPhoto. Let's see what awaits you upon registration.

Fotolia

The registration form is quite simple, but in order to become an image seller, you need to upload a scan of an identity document (passport, driver's license). Without a copy of the document, your files will not be accepted for consideration. On the other hand, there is no exam. Unfortunately, new photos are not sold very quickly here, and your earnings depend on the ranking on the site. Income is calculated in points, which can be cashed out after the figure reaches 50. You can get from 20 to 63% for the sale of images by the piece, or from 0.25 to 0.40 points for the sale of images by subscription. Payouts are made using PayPal or Skrill. The site supports Russian.

Dreamtime

DreamsTime is very good for beginners, as here the verification process is perhaps the softest among the bestsellers: registration does not require confirmation by documents, there is no exam. But the requirements for image quality are quite high. Website commission ranges from 70 to 40%, while an image can be sold for 0.2%. Payment can be received via Payoneer, PayPal, Skrill. Among the shortcomings of this photo bank, it should be noted that the interface is not very convenient, as well as possible problems with uploading images in some browsers (Firefox).

Shutterstock

Shutterstock pays the most and sells the fastest. For registration, you must provide a scan of your passport. The service has a wide audience, which contributes to high sales. But at the same time, it requires higher quality and uniqueness of images. To become a Shutterstock Contributor, you will have to pass an exam - 10 shots, of which a minimum of seven must be accepted. Beginning authors usually receive $0.25 per work through PayPal, Skrill. But the works are sold quickly due to the fact that the site is focused on new images. The amount of payment increases with the growth of the total amount of earnings. Automatic payouts start when the minimum amount of $100 is reached. Of the shortcomings, it is worth noting the low speed of work.

Matthew Wiebe/Unsplash.com

Depositphotos

Registration on the actively developing Depositphotos requires the provision of a scan of any identity document. The exam consists of five papers and is very strict. But working with Depositphotos is quite pleasant. According to the site incentive program, for each accepted image, the author receives $0.2. It is possible to receive payment not only through PayPal and Skrill. Thanks to its Russian roots, Depositphotos has a user-friendly Russian interface, which will be very useful in the initial stages of working with microstocks.

iStockPhoto

iStockPhoto has the most stringent review and exam policy. At the same time, he also pays the highest. For registration, you must provide a scan of the document (passport, international passport or driving license). The exam consists of ten photographs. Photographers receive from 15 to 45%, but when concluding exclusive contracts, earnings can be quite high. Payment methods: PayPal, Payoneer. There is also a Russian version of the site.

Also worth noting are a couple of rapidly developing resources - 123 Royalty Free and BigStockPhoto. Registration on 123RF requires confirmation by scanned documents. However, the 10-photo exam is much easier to pass than the aforementioned iStockPhoto or Shutterstock. Payment is possible via Payoneer, PayPal or Skrill. And the BigStockPhoto exam is a theoretical test (without supporting documents).

If you are a photographer, then building a portfolio is one of your primary concerns. With its help, you can show your work online, attract new clients, as well as more detailed and widely declare yourself as a professional.

Unfortunately, not all photographers have the technical skills needed to create a portfolio. Some people are put off by their lack of coding skills, while others find the process too complicated and time consuming.

The good news is that there are dedicated platforms online where you can create a portfolio online without any special skills and saving you valuable time.

1. Photoshelter

One of the most popular portfolio building platforms. You can effortlessly adjust fonts, your portfolio images, and page layout.

The most attractive side of the site is the lack of coding required. Photoshelter not only offers tools for posting your work, but also helps you attract new clients. Integration of the platform with social networks and SEO has a positive impact on the development of your business.

2. Orosso

A tool for creating professional and amateur portfolios and further work with them. You do not have to spend a lot of time creating an online portfolio. With Orosso, this process is simple, unpretentious and takes a matter of minutes. Here you can create a portfolio that fully meets your tastes and needs.

Artists, designers and architects can use Orosso to post their work online. To get started, you can use the trial version (14 days) to decide whether it is worth paying for this program in the future.

3. Foliolink

An online portfolio building tool designed specifically for photographers and artists who want to sell their work online and with minimal time and effort. You don't need to be an expert in HTML or CSS coding to get started with Foliolink.

Fotolink offers iPad and iPhone versions, e-commerce tools and search engine optimization for your portfolio. You can create a free seven-day account to see which plan suits you best.

4. Zenfolio

Another tool that will help you quickly create amazing portfolios online. If you're a photographer looking to build your portfolio or get serious about selling your shots, this is definitely your option.

User-friendly point-and-click interface, ease of setup - these are the features that will allow you to create a site with your photos in the blink of an eye.

The minimum subscription cost per year is $30, but you can also use a trial free-premium account (you will not lose anything).

5. Folio HD

It is a resident platform for photographers, artists, architects, models and designers. It offers basic options for creating a website. FolioHD has three plans: basic, power and pro. The basic plan is free and includes 36 media downloads.

The pro and power plans, in turn, have a wider range of options, including Google Analytics, access to Fotomoto, and more. The only difference is the download volume, which is 1000 for power and 2000 for pro.

6. Folio Websites

Another website that will help your mobile or professional photos appear as a portfolio. It differs from its competitors primarily in its simple and uncluttered design.

They work through WordPress, which means that you can customize your settings and take advantage of SEO benefits for search optimization and mobile compatibility. You can choose a premium account which costs $14.60 per month.

7. 1X

More like a social network or online community for photographers than a portfolio tool. One way or another, users can resort to his help so that as many people as possible on the network get acquainted with his work.

You will probably be interested in the fact that not every photo you upload is published in 1X. The fact is that this question (to publish or not) is decided by the curator. 1X has a dedicated community forum where professional designers discuss the projects they are working on and share helpful tips. Your 1X account will cost you nothing.

8. 500px

A personalized portfolio building software and marketing platform where photographers can sell their work. With this platform, they can easily and quickly create an online portfolio.

With 500px you can design and control your website without having to deal with coding. Users get at their disposal such indispensable options as an advanced visitor tracking system, the ability to upload an unlimited number of files, a photo store, a custom domain name.

9. SmugMug

10. Pixpa

This is a portfolio site that allows photographers to share their work with other users. Here you will find hundreds of ready-made templates, among which there will no doubt be one that will catch your attention. The ability to change the font, color, background, menu is one of the few options that make creating a website a simple and enjoyable experience.

If you want to have your own domain name, then Pixpa can help you with that too. Among other things, you can sell your photos using the Fotomoto e-commerce platform. Get a free 15 day trial and build your own portfolio.

A photo bank is an image repository that simultaneously acts as an intermediary between the photographer and the buyer: websites, print media, design and advertising agencies. He negotiates with existing clients, looks for new ones, makes all financial calculations.

According to the ratings of photobanks, frames with everyday scenes, emotional showdown are in great demand. Business sketches will not be left without attention: working meetings, the head at the table, employees in time pressure. The topic of happy old age is relevant - grandparents surrounded by grandchildren. And object shooting of fruits, decorations, interior details is always in demand. Uploaded photos are checked by the editor and only after his approval are published in the catalog. You can upload pictures to several photobanks at once, if this is not prohibited by the terms of the copyright transfer agreement.

All images must be accompanied by keywords (usually at least five) that make it clear what is captured in the photo and allow you to quickly find the right picture. Many photographers duplicate the description in English in order to collaborate not only with Russian-speaking buyers.

Keep in mind that if the photo is of a person, you must attach a model release without fail. This is the agreement of the model for the free use of the image. If you photographed minors, you will need a contract signed by their parents. A sample of this document can be found on the website of the photo bank.

head of PR department at Fotobank/Getty Images:

In print and online publications

Major newspapers and magazines either use the services of trusted photographers or collaborate with certain photo banks. Therefore, it is quite difficult for a beginner or inexperienced amateur photographer to publish in them. But smaller ones may well buy your pictures. Do you have a favorite magazine or news site? Contact the editor and offer your services. Don't forget to attach a link to your portfolio, without it the photo editor most likely won't consider your application.

Publishers and advertising agencies

Do not limit the circle of customers. Your photos may be in demand, for example, by publishers of postcards and calendars or by advertising agencies. They have their own bases of photographers, and it is from them that they begin their search. Getting into this number is not very difficult: offer your work. Remember at the same time that it is easier and faster for editors to view them on your website or in a profile on a special resource than through an archive attached to a letter.

At the device

Remember: before you start making money from your pictures and videos, you will have to buy quality equipment.

In your right

The main document in cooperation with a photo bank is an agreement on the transfer of copyright. When transferring exclusive rights, you should delete the photo from the databases of other photo banks for the period specified in the agreement - you will not be able to sell this photo within the specified period, but the fee will be higher. Non-exclusive rights do not impose such restrictions: you will receive money for your picture as many times as it is bought from you.

Showed everyone

Commercials and documentaries often use videos made by non-professionals, and instructional videos, for example, on how to do your hair, are popular. Local TV channels and news websites sometimes buy footage from the scene that illustrates or even becomes a story. Main requirements: the video must be shot by you personally, and it must not contain copyrighted content.

Remember that the photo must be:

• copyright;
• high-quality (no overexposure and dips in the shadows, no digital noise and compression artifacts);
• without dates, signatures, copyrights, frames, borders;
• with well built composition and plot.

Photo prices

Photo banks: the price varies depending on the size of the image and the purpose of its use. The photo bank will evaluate your picture according to its price list and after the sale will pay you a fee of 30-50% of the total cost - from 10 to several thousand rubles per photo.

Printed and online editions: depends on the magazine/newspaper/website. On average, one photo can earn from 300 rubles.

Publishers and advertising agencies: you can bargain here, but remember that it will be more profitable for you to sell more frames at a low price than not to sell one because of the exorbitant cost. Advertisers and publishers pay about 500 rubles per picture.

You can post your work...

In photobanks:

• http://www.fotobank.ru/
• http://www.profimages.ru/
• http://lori.ru/
• http://www.microstock.ru/
• http://www.clipartbank.ru/
• http://www.fotostoki.ru/
• http://club.foto.ru/
• http://photoxpress.ru/
• http://ru.depositphotos.com/

In videobanks:

• http://lori.ru/
• http://shop.565.ru/
• http://www.shutterstock.com/
• http://www.pond5.com/
• http://www.revostock.com/

TEXT: Irina Styufeeva

The best praise for a photographer is when their work is in demand. For those who are engaged in photography to order, the success criterion is real money from clients - for example, I filmed a wedding, received a fee, and that's another success. But not everyone can shoot weddings, and it’s not so easy to break into other genres of offline photography. And what about those who are just good at photographing nature, landscapes, animals? Or your friends, your children, for example? Have you ever thought about where to sell photos on the Internet? Of course it is possible. Such sites are called photobanks, or microstocks.

Photobank is an Internet agency that allows users to sell photos, videos, drawings, vector images online. A large number of images are used daily in the world, which are printed in newspapers, magazines, brochures and other promotional products, as well as on websites. It is for this reason that the demand for photography is quite large. Photobank is the main source of illustrations, because it is much cheaper than ordering work from a professional photographer.

In general, there are many photobanks, and new ones appear every year. I will mention only the most famous ones.

1. . This is the undisputed leader among all photo agencies and the main goal of all beginner photo stockers. Got to Shutterstock - consider your career a success. 🙂 Here, many photographers start earning almost immediately after successful registration. Every day Shutterstock sells a huge number of photos, more than anywhere else. According to statistics, most of the users who cooperate with this microstock earn from 100 to 500 dollars a month, and the income of especially successful authors reaches 10, and 15 thousand dollars, and sometimes more. However, getting here is not easy, you need to pass an exam of 10 papers, and they pass it far from the first attempt.
2. . It is the oldest photo bank in the industry. There was a time when getting to Aystok was very prestigious. Now it is gradually losing ground under the pressure of young and energetic photo stocks, although it still remains one of the largest. To get started, you also need to pass an exam, and it is as difficult as on Shutter. It is believed that the overall portfolio on Istock is more artistic than on Shutter.
3. . Also popular with photographers. The photobank is one of the largest. The catalog contains more than twenty million photos and videos. The bank offers very favorable terms of cooperation. And what is important for beginners, when registering, it does not require documents, and you do not need to take an exam. Register, download and earn.
4. . You must have often seen banners advertising this photo bank on the Internet on various sites. The agency has a large number of registered photographers from all over the world. Working with the service is very simple, the developers took care of the Russian-language interface. There is an exam at registration, but it is very simple.
5. . This one gives the impression of a strong middling. It does not rush forward to the level of Shutterstock, but it does not roll down either. It is very demanding on the subject and quality of images, but it does not require documents during registration, and there is no entrance exam either.
6. . Russian photobank, and the oldest of all. A simple interface, completely in Russian, of course, a convenient search, a regularly updated collection of photos, several license options - the cost of a photo depends on its type. A special feature is the active forum of authors, where you can ask any question. The administration is constantly present on the forum, and questions are answered promptly. There is no exam, but there is a system of limits for downloading. Read more in the documentation on the site itself. I think that this stock is the most preferable for starting a stock career.
7. PressFoto. Another Russian photo bank, despite the Latin name. He is younger than Lori, but the image base is already larger. The interface is more like Western microstocks. Accepts vector images, photos and more. In order to successfully register, you will need three images, personal data, and the signing of an agreement. The seller receives 50% of the cost of the goods, and this noticeably distinguishes this project from other representatives in the domestic market. The minimum cost of one download is 29 rubles. The price largely depends on the number of images, as well as their size.

As I said, these are only the most famous microstocks. In total, there are already more than thirty of them. And you can upload your photos to everything at once (of course, if you do not participate in certain exclusivity programs). And the total income from all stocks you can have is very impressive.