Do I need any special equipment to take good photographs?
Not necessarily! While photos taken on a professional camera are typically of a much higher quality, it’s possible to capture some brilliant images using your phone.
It’s important to be aware that some sites that allow you to sell photos online may have certain quality requirements, so you may be restricted when looking for places to sell images taken on a camera phone.
How can I sell photos online?
There are various ways to sell photos online, though some may require a certain level of experience and a higher-quality portfolio.
Some photographers with a large online presence and following could make money by selling advertising space on their online portfolios, or by offering their photos for calendars or books.
Selling photos on a stock photography website is a common way to build your photography portfolio and make money. We’ll explore this possibility in further detail in the next section.
Stock photography websites
Stock websites are like libraries for photos, where users browse for images to use for their own websites, blogs, and publications. If someone wants to use your photo for their project or publication, they’ll pay for the image. There’s typically no limit on the number of times a single photo can be bought, meaning that once your photos are uploaded, you could sit back and enjoy potential earnings well into the future. Please note that some stock websites allow users the option to buy a ‘one-time’ licence for a photo, which gives them exclusive access to the image.
What is the best website to sell photography?
When looking for the right website to sell your photography, there are many different options to consider. We’ve listed some of the better-known sites below.
Selling photos online for money: what do I need to be aware of?
Before you decide to sell photography online in the UK, you should make sure that you fully understand the terms and conditions of the website, particularly payment terms. It’s especially important to be aware of the percentage the website will take from your photo sales as commission.
Where possible, you should avoid capturing any logos in your images - for example, on someone’s clothing or a shopping bag.
Do I need to pay tax when selling photography?
You may need to complete a Self-Assessment tax return on your side hustle earnings, but this will depend on how much money you make.
The tax year runs between April 6 and the following April 5. If, during this time, your side hustle earns you more than £1,000 in additional income, you may need to declare your earnings to HMRC.
If you’re unsure whether you need to complete a Self-Assessment, you can check here.
Can I sell photos with people in them?
Yes, you can, although anyone captured in your images will need to sign a Model Release Form. You can usually find these forms on your chosen stock site.
Do I need to be a good photographer to sell photos online?
While your photos will need to be of a decent standard, you certainly don’t need to be a professional to sell photography online.
To see what type of photos are popular, take a look at what each stock photo website is looking for. However, at the same time, think about what sort of images you enjoy taking; for example, do you prefer shooting landscapes?
Taking photos of subjects you’re not interested in just to fit the requirements of one website could take the enjoyment out of your hobby, and that’s not the idea. The idea is to earn money from something you love.
Selling photography online in the UK: the final snapshot
If you’re a keen photographer, selling your work online could be a fantastic way to make your hobby pay. Not only could it boost your income, but you could also raise your profile as a photographer, which could lead to more opportunities in the future.
When it comes to selling photography online, the better your photos, the more money you could make from them. Typically, you’ll be able to take better quality photos using a professional camera, although this isn’t always the case, and images taken on a phone camera can make just as much of an impact.
If selling your photos through a stock website, don’t forget to look at the bigger picture: you should take the time to find out what each website is specifically looking for, what type of photography sells best, and how much you’ll be paid per sale. Some sites take a portion of the money made through sales, so you’ll need to bear this in mind.
One of the great things about choosing to sell photos online through stock photography is that you could be earning money from people downloading your photos for years to come.
Worried about money?
If you’re experiencing financial difficulties, please know that you can find free, confidential advice from the following charities and organisations: StepChange, MoneyHelper, Citizens Advice, and National Debtline.