The potential to make money selling stock photography online is not unreachable, even for the novice photographer. Learn about the steps and opportunities available to you and the tools you need before you begin the challenge of selling your photography.

Not all forms of stock photography are created equal. Micro-stock photography agencies cater to lower quality photographs taken with less expensive cameras, beginner and amateur photographers. Selling stock photography online takes a high level of experience, an existing photography portfolio and resume, high resolution cameras and zoom lenses costing thousands of dollars.

Regardless of your level of experience almost all your photographs will need some level of correction and “clean-up” before you attempt to make money selling your photography. Invest in photo-editing software such as Adobe Photoshop to remove dust, other blemishes, edit highlights/shadows and correct color levels. If purchasing software is out of your price range download photo editing software through Paint.net. I personally use this software and love it because it is easy to use and understand. It is similar to Adobe, but much easier to use – especially for the novice.

When submitting your photographs to micro-stock agencies you should use a camera that can take photographs with a resolution of at least 8MP (MP = megapixels). If you need to purchase a new camera to sell your photography online, finding one that is between 10 and 12MP for around $200 is not impossible. Remember, do not buy a camera if it is out of your price range – instead put aside small amounts of money and you will have the income for your new camera in no time! Expert stock photographers require cameras costing in the thousands, not including the lenses because of the expectation of high quality and high resolution photographs.

Now that you have the required equipment to take good quality photographs and edited the “blemishes” it is time to submit your photography online to make money. There are several opportunities available and most sites permit you to submit your work to more than one money making site.

• Shutterstock – Each accepted photograph will earn you 25 cents per download which is increased to 30 cents after you reach the $500 mark. In addition to earning money per download you can earn additional income through referral links. Payout is reached when you earn $75 or more and is through Paypal.
• Dreamstime – Each accepted photograph will earn a commission between 50 and 80 percent based on the amount the photograph is sold for. Rejected photographs do receive a critique, and suggestions for improvement. This information alone can be invaluable to the novice photographer as they grow in experience.
• Fotolia – Has varying ways of earning income and different commission scales based on a ranking system. Prices also vary on exclusive versus non-exclusive photographs submitted. In addition to making money selling your photography you can earn through their affiliation (or referral) program.