Here’s how you can become a Shutterstock Superstar!
Did you know, that you can sell your photos and get some extra cash in? Platforms like Shutterstock are always hungry for attractive content. Did you notice, that even mainstream media like BBC use stock images from Shutterstock in their articles and press releases?
Would you like to see one of your photos used by BBC one day
AND earn extra cash for it? Of course you would!
So…How do you start selling?
To sell photos on Shutterstock, you need to first sign up as a contributor on submit.shutterstock.com, then upload your photos and add details about them.
What are the requirements?
Shutterstock requires photos to be at least 4 megapixels and in JPEG or TIFF format. They also require model releases for photos featuring people and property releases for photos of private property.
For a Shutterstock contributor, the requirement for model releases and property releases means that:
Model Releases (for photos featuring people):
If your photo includes recognizable people, you must:
- Obtain written permission from each person shown, allowing you to license the image commercially.
- This applies even if it’s just one person, a partial face, or if they’re not the main subject but still recognizable.
- For minors, a parent or legal guardian must sign the release.
Example:
You take a photo of a woman walking in the park — even if it’s candid or artistic, if she’s recognizable, you need her signed consent.
Property Releases (for private property):
If your photo features private property, especially if it’s recognizable or iconic, you need:
- A property release form signed by the property owner or authorized representative.
- This includes homes, buildings, landmarks, interiors, artwork, pets, branded items, etc.
Example:
You photograph a modern house with a unique design — if it’s identifiable and you want to sell it for commercial use, you need a release from the property owner.
Why It Matters:
Without proper releases:
- Your content won’t be accepted for commercial use.
- You might be limited to licensing it as editorial-only, which has more restrictions (e.g., news use only).
- It helps avoid legal issues related to privacy or intellectual property rights.
So these have to be kept in mind.
Below you will find a detailed breakdown of how to become a Contributor
1. Sign Up as a Contributor:
Go to submit.shutterstock.com, Click “Get Started” and fill out your information, Verify your email address, and Complete the address form.
2. Upload Your Photos:
- Click the “Upload” button on your contributor dashboard.
- You can upload photos via web browser or FTPS.
- Web browser uploads allow you to drag and drop up to 100 files at a time.
- For larger quantities or TIFF files over 50 MB, use FTPS.
3. Add Details to Your Photos:
- Once you’ve uploaded your photos, you’ll be prompted to add details.
- This includes:
- Image type (Photo, Illustration, etc.).
- Usage (Commercial or Editorial).
- Keywords to describe your photos.
- Any required model or property releases.
4. Submit for Review:
- After adding details, click “Submit”.
- Shutterstock’s team will review your photos.
- Once approved, your photos will be available for sale.
And finally TIPS FOR SUCCESS:
- Shoot high-quality images: Focus on clear, well-composed photos.
- Understand the differences between commercial and editorial images: Commercial images can be used for advertising, while editorial images are for news and informational purposes.
- Research trending topics and niches: Identify what customers are searching for.
- Submit a large volume of photos: The more photos you submit, the better your chances of earning.
- Don’t be discouraged by rejections: Keep improving your skills and submitting more photos.
- Learn from experienced contributors: Watch videos or read blog posts from successful Shutterstock contributors.
Subscribe to our hub today to keep in touch and to get more ideas
on how to diversify your income streams!
FAQ:
1. How can my photo end up being used by the BBC?
Photos sold on platforms like Shutterstock may be licensed by major media outlets—including the BBC—for their articles or press releases.
👉 Read more here
2. How do I get started selling my photos?
You need to sign up as a contributor at the Shutterstock contributor portal, upload your photos, and provide some details, such as usage type and metadata.
👉 Learn how in the full article
3. What are the technical requirements for selling on Shutterstock?
Your photo must be at least 4 megapixels in size and saved as JPEG or TIFF format.
👉 Read details here
4. What is a model release, and when is it needed?
If your photo features a recognizable person—even a partial face or passersby—you need a signed model release from that individual. If a minor is involved, their parent or legal guardian must sign.
👉 See explanation in the article
5. What is a property release, and when is it needed?
You’ll need a property release when your photo clearly shows private or identifiable property—such as buildings, landmarks, branded items, interiors, or pets.
👉 Learn more here
6. What happens if I don’t have necessary releases?
Without the proper releases, your image may only qualify for editorial use, not full commercial licensing—which can significantly limit its usage and earnings.
👉 Find details here
7. Why are model and property releases important?
They help ensure your content is legally compliant, thus avoiding rights and privacy issues while allowing for more profitable commercial licensing.
👉 Read why in the full article
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