StockFotoGuide.com - Your one stop source for all things relating to Digital Stock Photography

As always, when entering into a contract with an individual or company, you should read, understand and agree with all of the terms and conditions of each agency. Each agency has it own set of rules and conditions, no two are exactly the same. Only you can decide which agency is a fit for your particular circumstances. Remember you must be the Copyright owner of any image you submit to an agency!

Below we outline some of the basics of the leading industry sites. We make every effort to be accurate, however things do change and it is wise to visit each site and read their terms and conditions. Click Here for our basic guidelines for submitting to MicroStock Sites.

The Top Five:

Shutterstock
One of the lowest paying sites, per image, but makes up for it in volume. Most photographers at SS (as it is known to it loyal members) find they make much more money here than at other sites.
◊ Strict quality control, zero noise - one of the toughest to get into at the moment.
◊ Sign up is free.
◊ Fast Reviews
◊ Unlimited uploads
◊ Upload process is easy, web form (multiple files), ftp or browser plug-in
◊ Subscription Sales only.
◊New contributors must submit 10 images for review. ◊Minimum 4mp images in jpg format (they also accept Vectors – StockFotoGuide is about photography, it’s what we know, so we will limit our discussion to photographs)
See MP & MB
◊ 7 of these initial 10 must be approved to have ones account activated for additional uploads. If at least 7 are not approved you must wait 30 days to submit another batch of 10 images. If you fail in your first attempt, do not resubmit any from your initial batch, even if they would have been approved – another reviewer might not pass them for a variety of reasons. Read about Rejections Here

iStock
Some shooters find iStock (iS) to be very lucrative. They offer an Exclusivity Program that can increase your earnings, but you need a very strong portfolio to consider this option. Here you can expect to make 2 to 3 times the earnings per sale as you can at SS but the number of sales overall can be considerably less.

◊ Strict Quality Control. Minimum image size 1600x1200 pixels roughly 2mp.
◊ Review the Photographer Guidelines, take the very easy test, upload a picture ID and you can begin up-loading 3 samples of your work to be approved. It can take up to 2 weeks for your application to be approved.
◊ Sign up is free.
◊ Offers Exclusivity Program, that provides artist with more exposure and higher earnings.
◊ Somewhat of a tedious uploading process.
◊ Limited uploads depending on photographers level (based on sales)
◊ Slow approval system.
◊ Single sales as well as a new subscription program that offers opt-out for all or select images.

DreamsTime
For many DreamsTime is their #3 earner. The pay a 50% commission on sales – Exclusive images earn 60% - Exclusive Photographers receive and additional $0.20 for each sale. Single Image sales here can average $0.80 +/- but volume is a fraction of Sales at SS & iS.
◊ Fairly Strict Quality Control. Minimum file size is 3mp (1500x2000) pixels
◊ Free Signup
◊ Application process fairly quick and easy.
◊ Review time - Moderate.
◊ Offers ‘Keymasters’ keywording service for a fee.
◊ Uploads limited by acceptance ratio, though very liberal.
◊ You can use web form (single image) or ftp for multiple files.
◊ Single sales as well as a new subscription program that offers opt-out for all or select images.

Fotolia
After some hiccups this year with the launch of its new site Fotolia is once again in the top tier of MicroStock sites in our opinion. Earnings average about 50% of sales price. Additionally photographers can set their own price for web, print, and exclusive buyout licenses.

◊ Fairly Strict Quality Control. Minimum file size is 1600x2400 pixels about 4mp.
◊ Free Signup
◊ Application process fairly painless with quick and easy photographer test.
◊ Review time - Fast.
◊ Upload process - web form (max 5 files at a time), ftp and ◊ Flash uploader
◊ Single sales as well as a new subscription program.

StockXpert
An up-and-comer that shows real promise. Pays 50% commission on sales

◊ Fairly Strict Quality Control. Minimum file size is 800x600
◊ Application process quick and easy. Must submit 5 images for initial review (if rejected you must wait 30 days to reapply).
◊ Review time - Fast.
◊ Upload process - web form (max 5 files at a time) and ftp
◊ Single sales as well as a new subscription program that offers opt-out for entire portfolio.

Up and Coming Agencies >>