This Is What Sells in the World of Stock Photography In 2024 (2024)

FAQs

What sells the most in stock photography? ›

In the near future, we can expect AI to not only assist in curating and enhancing stock images but also in creating sophisticated, hyper-realistic images from scratch. These AI-generated images will cater to highly specific needs and preferences, offering personalized stock photography solutions.

500px offers some of the highest royalty rates in stock photography. As a paid Awesome member, you earn 70% royalties on non-exclusive photos and up to 100% on exclusive photos licensed. Free members likewise earn 60% on exclusive photos.

Stock photography, the practice of capturing images that anyone can license for a fee, can be a lucrative side hustle or even a full-time job. For photographers, it can be a steady source of income using both previous works and new shoots in which they call the shots from the subject to the post-processing treatment.

In 2024, photography trends focus on authenticity, minimalist design, and the use of advanced technologies like AI and AR/VR. Emphasis on sustainability and immersive experiences are also shaping the industry, with photographers leveraging natural lighting and reducing digital manipulations.

“The stock photography industry is going away,” said Connecticut-based photographer Tony Northrup. “AI is ending it for the remaining photographers who figured out how to stay profitable.”

It used to be that if you were good at it and could invest the time, you could make a decent living from stock photography, but in recent years, the industry has evolved in what has very much been a race to the bottom in many ways, and it is a far less reliable income source than it used to be.

In general, images of people, business, technology, travel, and food are always in demand. However, trends can change quickly in the stock photography market. One way to stay on top of what's trending is to follow stock photo agencies and see what type of images they are promoting on their social media and website.

Where is the best place to sell stock photography? ›

The best way to sell photographs online is by selling them as stock images for sale on third-party websites like iStockPhoto, Dreamstime, Shutterstock, or 123RF. Selling your photos through stock sites is quick, easy, and affordable.

Authentic Lifestyle Photos

No one wants a photo that looks posed and phony. Users are looking for photos featuring people that have a genuine, authentic look. They want photos that have a custom or original feel rather than something that was obviously downloaded from a stock photo website.

Popular niches like fashion photography and portrait photography have a huge market and therefore pay well. This makes it very difficult to break into them. If you're confident enough about your vision and skill, you can try pursuing them. Or, you can break into a more specific niche within a niche.

Higher-end professionals generally earn between $0.05 and $0.25 per image per month. Stock photo agencies pay an average of $0.32 per royalty-free image sale. A single sale of royalty-free images typically nets photographers from $0.10 to $99.50, while extended licenses can earn photographers up to $500 per sale.