To make money with stock photography, upload high-quality images to stock platforms like Shutterstock or Adobe Stock and optimize keywords.

Making money with stock photography starts with creating high-quality images that meet the demands of stock platforms. Popular subjects include business, lifestyle, nature, and abstract images. Platforms like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, and iStock allow photographers to upload their work, where customers can license and download your images for a fee. To increase your chances of selling, focus on trends and what types of images businesses or media outlets need. Pay close attention to tagging and keywords—these help users find your photos on stock websites. While the earnings per image may be small, volume is key, so consistently upload new content. Promoting your portfolio on social media and personal websites can also boost visibility and sales. Over time, with a diverse portfolio and consistent uploads, stock photography can become a passive income stream.