Have Fun and Make Money with Microstock Photography

Microstock photography is basically an offshoot of traditional stock photography except that, rather than charge an arm and a leg for each image that the buyer would like to purchase, images are offered for $1, $2, $3 each (sometimes even cheaper than that). Selling images at a very low cost opens up a huge customer base that wouldn't necessarily be able to afford traditional stock photography - graphic designers, webmasters, businesses, bloggers, SQUIDOO Lensmasters - pretty much anybody who wants to add some flair to their website or printed material but doesn't want to spend a ton to get it!

How Does it Work?
Basically, an online agency "represents" you and your photos, vector illustrations, flash movies and sometimes other types of files like fonts. Through searchable website galleries, potential buyers seek, find and purchase YOUR art. For each download, you will receive a percentage of the sale. Every agency functions a little bit differently, but typically each sale will pay you between $0.25 and $5.00 or more. It doesn't sound like a lot, but sales can add up very, very quickly - especially if you have some really good art and contribute to multiple agencies. Almost all agencies pay through Paypal - some will send you a physical check for a fee. With microstock, the name of the game is quantity - the more good quality images you have for sale, the more money you'll make!

Maybe you're not a photographer but you're looking to design a great website or brochure but don't feel like paying an arm and a leg for graphics? Look no further than any of the sites below! People looking to purchase graphics for projects can usually do so for $1-$5 depending on how the graphic will be used! If you're looking for graphics to spruce up your site or project, clicking on the agencies below will also take you to the buying-side of the site - happy shopping!

I'm glad you asked! Check out the great agencies below - you're bound to find one or two (or more) that will be a perfect fit for you! If you want my personal opinion, go ahead and start accounts with as many stock agencies as you have time for - that way they can all start earning for you simultaneously. Don't have a ton of time? Start with Shutterstock, Dreamstime, and iStock and then go from there! Careful - Microstock Photography is almost a addictive as Squidoo!

Shutterstock is a biggie and the favorite of many Microstock contributers. My recommendation - definitely contribute to this one. New contributers make 25 cents per download but it adds up very quickly due to Shutterstock's large customer base. A new 25-a-day subscription model is also sure to increase earning power of Shutterstock contributers. Details: Over 4 million images; accepts photographs, vector illustrations, and footage.

Dreamstime is one of my personal favorites. A super user-friendly interface and great support make it an easy site to use. Even though they have one of the highest payout limits (you have to get to $100 before you can request a payment), I find that their pricing structure allows contributers to get there with ease. Details: Over 3.7 million images; accepts photographs, vector illustrations.

iStockphoto it the original Microstock company and another favorite of contributers. iStock works mostly on a pay-as-you-go system although it has recently started a subscription model as well. iStock also rewards it's exclusive photographers with a 40% commission on sales! Over 3.5 million images online; accepts photos, vector illustrations, flash animations and footage.

Fotolia offers an average 40% commission and has been in business since 2005. Details: Over 4 million photos, pay-as-you-go and subscription model; NEW corporate subscription package; commission between 33% and 64% of the sell price; accepts photos and raster illustrations.

BigStockPhoto offers one of the lowest payout options of all of the agencies - all you need is $30 before you can request a payout. Details: Over 2 million images; pay-as-you-go model; accepts photographs and vector illustrations.

123RF has done a great job developing its image and subscriber base - definitely a favorite among buyers and sellers because of it's ease of use. Details: Pay-as-you-go and subscription models available; accepts photos and vector illustrations

Crestock has recently gone through a restructuring and is under new management which has significantly increased it's value and competitive edge. Details: Pay-as-you-go and subscription models available; accepts photos and vector illustrations.