If you like to take pictures, either professionally or even for fun, did you know there are a variety of websites online that allow you to post your work and get paid?
Yes, sometimes it’s as easy as uploading the pictures you took and waiting for a buyer.
Most of the websites I’m about to list work in this way, but some will have restrictions, such as asking you for exclusivity. I will be sure to mention this in the description, however.
But, if you’re looking for ways to make money with your photography, regardless of your skills, then sit back and take a look at the many reputable websites and get paid for taking picture apps I’m about to list that you can take advantage of right now.
Get Paid to Take Pictures (20+ Legit Websites Online)
NOTE: I don’t have a personal favorite, but I found all of these websites to be great in its own way. I just went ahead and listed all of them in alphabetical order.
Adobe Stock
Yes, Adobe, the creator of Photoshop and multiple other well-known software packages, lets you sell your photos on its Adobe Stock platform.
As a powerful brand many of us have heard of, it’s by far one of the largest websites on this list, meaning extra exposure for your photos.
To start selling, Adobe simply asks that you create a free account and then upload your images, videos, vectors and/or illustrations to their platform. And, every time someone makes a purchase, you will get a 33% commission for your photos, with a $25 minimum balance necessary to request a PayPal cash out.
No experience is necessary, but all they ask is that you’re at least 18 years old and the exclusive owner of every file you upload.
- Website: Adobe Stock
AGORA
AGORA works much differently than the rest listed here as you technically have to enter contests in order to win, but if you want as many options as possible, it’s one to consider.
Here’s how it works…
At AGORA, you can register for free and enter various contests, wherein you win cash and great prizes.
As you earn stars and reach new levels, you can move up the ranks. And, to earn these said stars, you can do so by receiving votes, getting a follower and even winning contests.
Again, you won’t get paid per picture uploaded, but rather, you kind of have to test your luck in contests. Something to consider, however!
- Website: AGORA
DepositPhotos
To start selling photos on DepositPhotos, all they ask is that you create a Contributor’s account. It’s free and there are no obligations on your end.
Then, after registration, you will be asked to pass a brief examination test that will require you to upload a few of your best files. They ask that you do this so that they can take a look at your photography skills to make sure it’s a fit for their platform. Once and if you pass, you are then able to upload the files to the site for sale.
Any photos you upload to the platform will always be inspected by inspectors, but once your pictures pass, they will appear on the website, available to all buyers.
The more pictures sold on the website, the higher you can rise in rank, ultimately highering your royalty rate.
- Website: DepositPhotos
Dreamstime
Dreamstime, at least according to the description, is said to be the leading stock photography community. I’m not sure if it’s true, but glancing at the Google Play store, they did have a lot of reviews, so there’s at least some traffic coming to it. The website also noted they have more than 100 million stock images.
With the app, much like the others listed here, you can make money from your photography, uploading any photos from your phone and/or tablet. You can also upload from your desktop and a variety of third-party apps, including Dropbox, Google Photos and more.
The company always pay 60% revenue share from all sales if you are exclusive, but non-exclusive can enjoy royalties between 25% and 50%. It appears you can earn up to $12 per photo.
To learn more about the program and how you can make money selling your photos, refer to the official URL below for more information.
- Website: Dreamstime
Etsy
This is thinking outside of the box, but consider taking your photos and starting a storefront on the massive handmade e-commerce website, Etsy.
Here, if you’re not familiar with the platform, you can sell your photos are canvases, 8x10s and so much more. You can even go as far as framing it if you so choose. It’s really up to you.
Now, going this route will take much more work than the other methods provided, but hey, if your pictures sell, you could find yourself with a nice part-time or even full-time gig.
I don’t know much about the Etsy platform itself, so for the time being, I do recommend you at least check out these low-cost eBooks or even YouTube to get started and learn how to make a pretty good living selling here.
- Website: Etsy.com
EyeEm
The EyeEm app, available for both iTunes and Google Play, allows you to sell your photos through the EyeEm marketplace and make real money with your talent.
To get started, all you need to do is pretty much download the app and then go through your camera roll to select the photos you feel could make you some cash. If you don’t want to use your camera roll, that’s fine as the website allows you to upload your photos via your desktop/laptop as well.
Of course, your photos must be in demand and of quality, but the website did appear to have multiple tutorials that could teach you what sells and how you can succeed on the platform.
Reading these guides, most photographers on the platform recommend uploading as many photos as possible and just see what sells.
I did read some success stories, with people earning $1,000 to as much as $10,000+ using the platform, so it’s definitely worth checking out.
- Website: EyeEm
Field Agent
The Field Agent app isn’t all about taking pictures as there are other jobs you can perform in the app.
However, if you like the idea of taking pictures of items inside of a store and get rewarded for your time, then this is one of the most popular apps to do so.
I have used this app quite a bit and let me give you an example of a job I did in the past. The app had asked me to visit a local grocery store and take a picture of an end cap featuring some toothpaste. I had to take a few pictures and answer a few questions, all of which took me about five minutes to complete. Upon completion, they rewarded me $7 and I was on my way. It was very easy money.
It’s free to join and you can get started in as little as five minutes. The great thing about it is that you can work at your own pace, picking and choosing any jobs you want to do anytime you open the app. You can learn more about this app via my review.
- Website: Field Agent
Fiverr
Consider creating a posting on Fiverr, offering your photography services.
While there is a lot of competition, it doesn’t hurt to at least try and see if anyone is interested. There are a lot of people looking for photos, particularly products, for instance. Just search the platform really quick and see what’s selling.
Going this route can take some time to build a clientele base, but as your ratings climb, your sales can as well. Plus, you get to be your own boss. You can’t beat that.
From finding a niche to taking pictures of products, there’s a market here, so why not at least try?
I have dabbled with Fiverr in the past and had some luck, but I do recommend you at least read the Fiverr Master Class to learn how to succeed on this platform.
Joining is 100% is free and so is creating a listing, but Fiverr will take 20% of your sales, just keep this in mind.
- Website: Fiverr
Foap
Foap is yet another app that allows you to sell photos directly from your phone to well-known companies.
But, the one thing that sets them apart relies on their “premium missions,” wherein you can see what companies are looking for and submit your photo for consideration. If it’s chosen, then your payout can be higher than average, sometimes as much as $100+.
Aside from photos, you can upload videos as well.
Foap is 100% free to use and is available via Google Play and iTunes, with more than three million creators to date.
- Website: Foap
Getty Images
If you have purchased images before or you’ve been in the photography space, there’s probably a good chance you’ve heard of and/or come across Getty Images. Known as an industry leader, they serve more than 1.5 million customers in more than 200 countries.
Arguably one of the best-known companies in the photography world, Getty Images allows you to sell your photos and combined forces with iStock in the past.
But, before you get excited, do let it be known that in order to sell, you need to submit an application and be approved before you can start uploading.
To get started, download the app, submit up to six samples of your photos and Getty will review your work to see if you qualify.
And, if you do get approved, you can begin to submit your images at any time, all of which need to be approved as well. But, once approved, your content will be available for customers to purchase and download.
- Website: Getty Images
Ibotta (receipts only)
Ibotta is a bit different than the rest of the companies I listed here as they pay you to upload your shopping receipt after shopping.
I didn’t really want to list it here but seeing you’re taking pictures, it’s not too misleading, I suppose.
And, here’s how it works.
Basically, you’re going to want to create a free account. It’s free and only takes seconds.
Then, once on your dashboard, you can browse the many deals at retailers near you and select the ones that are of interest. After you make the purchase, you simply upload your receipt and get rewarded in doing so.
If you’re going to make the purchase, you might as well get money back, right?
Aside from taking pictures of your receipts, you can also link many of your loyalty cards, wherein you can select the deals and the rebate is automatically applied to your account.
- Website: Ibotta
miPic
miPic allows you to “share your photos and let them handle everything else.”
To use the platform, all you need to do is share your photos and then bring it to life through the company’s marketplace. As mentioned, they will do everything from the printing, shipping and even handle the customer service inquiries.
Every time you sell a photo, you can earn up to 20% commission on every single sale, with commissions sent to your PayPal account.
Unlike most of the websites I list here, wherein you can simply sell your photos, miPic works differently in that people can choose what kind of item they want your picture on. Be sure to check out the available options on their website to see what’s available.
- Website: miPic
Mobeye
Earn up to $15 per task while becoming a reporter with Mobeye and starting is extremely easy. It’s going to work a lot like Field Agent in a way.
To start using, simply download the app, open up your task map and see if any new offers are nearby. If so, click on the icon and see if you’re up to complete the job.
Almost all of these jobs will revolve around taking some sort of picture, from a stocked shelf at your local grocery store to a bin at your local department store.
While you won’t get paid for your own personal work, it’s a great way to explore your city and get paid taking pictures inside of a store.
- Website: Mobeye
PayYourSelfie
NOTE: Appears to be inactive as of September 2019
As the name implies, PayYourSelfie will reward you for every selfie you take on your phone. And, if you don’t mind taking a picture of yourself and that’s about it, it’s one to consider.
While there are limitations as to how man you can take, using the app is quite simple.
Download the app, open it up to view your tasks, and if you complete one, you can earn up to $1 for every one you take. For example, one may ask you to take a selfie in athletic gear, whereas another may ask you to take a selfie on vacation. They all seem to vary and update consistently.
Once you hit $20 in rewards, you can then cash out.
- Website: Google Play or iTunes
Receipt Hog (receipts only)
Receipt Hog works much like Ibotta, wherein you can get rewarded for taking pictures of your receipt from anywhere.
While I didn’t want to really include it, again, you’re taking pictures and making money, however, the only downfall is that you can only take pictures of receipts only.
Don’t expect to get rich with this app, but if you make it a habit to take pictures of your receipts after every purchase, you could earn a few bucks every month. I did write a very detailed review if you’re interested in learning more in how it works.
- Website: Receipt Hog
SmugMug Pro
As a seller on SmugMug, you get to keep 85% of the markup, however, the catch here is that you do need to buy a subscription that starts at $12~ a month. The great thing is that you do get unlimited storage. This can be a perk to some.
To start selling, you just need to upload your photos, select the products you’re interested in selling and then pick a price. It is then up to you to market your newly designed store.
SmugMug handles everything from billing to shipping, leaving it up to you to be creative.
- Website: SmugMug
Snapped4u
Snapped4u is said to offer an easy way to sell event photos, but do keep in mind that it’s designed only for event and portrait photography.
Simply create a gallery, upload your photos and set your price.
At the moment, the company offers two types of galleries, an event gallery, which includes all kinds of events, and a fundraising gallery, which are photos being sold for a charitable cause.
There are no fees whatsoever to get started, but like most of these companies, they do take a commission, starting at $0.50.
- Website: Snapped4u
Snapwire
Much like Foap, Snapwire has what’s known as the “Snapwire Challenge,” wherein you’re asked to read the creative brief and submit a photo for consideration. Favorites are nominated, and if yours is chosen, you get rewarded.
As buyers nominate your work, you will also level up on the website, which allows you to earn access to live requests and commissioned assignment.
While it doesn’t appear you can list any photo for sale, only your best shots can be selected that eventually move to the Marketplace.
As I write this review, the company has more than 700,000 creators and payouts. Be sure to refer to the company’s payout page for more information.
- Website: Snapwire
Shutterstock
For over 15 years, Shutterstock has paid out more than $500 million, making them one of the largest companies on this list.
And, to start selling your photos, Shutterstock asks you to to create an account, upload your photos/videos and then make money every time your photo sells.
Regardless of your experience level, you create a free profile and upload any of your personal photos. Of course, like many of these options, you do need to upload photos that are demand and of quality. The website does have a great blog offering some tips to help you succeed.
Aside from the desktop version, Shutterstock also has an app, where you can upload your photos directly from your phone to your account.
As for how much you get paid, it will greatly depend on the license used and your earnings tier, all of which you can learn more about on the official website.
- Website: Shutterstock
Twenty20
Every photo you upload to Twenty20 is automatically for sale, and you always own the rights.
If you’re interested in selling on this platform, the FAQ does note they have a variety of popular selling topics, from family to travel, health and technology. The link below will explain even more.
The pay model is different than most listed here as they use what’s known a subscriber share. Aside from this, you can also earn from photo challenges and commissioned work if a brand wants to work with you.
The FAQ is pretty in-depth, which I link to below, so I recommend you check it out to see how you can succeed on the platform.
- Website: Twenty20
Final Thoughts
There are quite a few ways to make money with your photos, and best of all, you don’t need to be a professional to start making cash.
Yes, while you do need to know about the latest trends and offer quality pictures people actually want to buy, making a good amount of money is possible if you continue to add photos to your inventory.
Personally, I have never sold any personal photos, but I’ll be honest, the thought intrigues me a bit.
To learn more about how to take great photos and even make some great cash, I would at least recommend you at least start with some of these highest-rated books on Amazon or even refer to the thousands of highly viewed YouTube videos. These low-cost Udemy courses are great as well. You can learn a lot more than what you can in this blog post.
But, if you feel you already have what it takes to create great looking photos, then I would look into as many of these platform as possible to see if you can capitalize on a great side hustle opportunity.
Best of luck!
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