Do Stock Photographers Actually Make Any Money?

I've always been fascinated by the idea of stock photography. Walking around with your camera, capturing moments that someone, somewhere might actually pay for.

It feels like the ultimate expression of turning your wanderings into income.

But here's what I kept wondering: with AI generating millions of images daily, do stock photographers actually make any money anymore?

The Numbers

The typical stock photographer earns around $0.02 to $0.08 per image per month. Two to eight cents per image, per month.

Industry surveys show that 46% of stock photographers make $0-$500 (£0-£390) monthly, while only 19% earn over $2,000 (£1,570). At $0.08 per image monthly, you'd need 12,500 photos to hit $1,000 (£780) per month.

But the best-performing contributors earn up to $87.7 (£69) per image monthly…

Kaspars Grinvalds earns $4,200 (£3,290) monthly from 9,580 images across multiple platforms.

Peter Orsel made $1,880 (£1,470) in six months without uploading a single new file.

20% of your images will generate 80% of your income. - Pareto out in full force.

It’s not a get-rich-quick scheme if you haven’t already figured. But, it CAN work…

How to Get Started

Start Here:

• Shutterstock: Best for beginners, frequent sales within weeks

• Adobe Stock: 33% commission rate, easiest workflow

• Start with 2 platforms max

High-Paying Niches:

• Remote work setups with diverse people (authentic moments, not staged)

• Healthy food photography (plant-based, vibrant presentations)

• Sustainability themes (renewable energy, eco-practices)

• Location-specific travel content (AI can't replicate authenticity)

Essential Tools:

• PhotoTag.ai: AI keywording for Lightroom (speeds workflow by 70%)

• MyKeyworder.com: Research trending keywords before shooting

• Start with smartphone or basic DSLR ($0-$600)

The 1,000 Image Rule: Critical mass for consistent income. Consistency is the name of the game.

The Portfolio Business Approach

Stock photography was never really a goldmine. It's a numbers game that gets you out into the world and can earn you decent money, but only if you're willing to put in the reps and understand it takes time for the snowball effect to kick in.

The smart money builds a portfolio business: offer editing services to other contributors, create location scouting guides, or provide keywording services. We're entering the age of the generalist, where complementary parts create sustainable income.

Stock photography becomes one revenue stream in a broader creative business.

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Is Stock Photography Still Worth It in 2025?

If you're already creating visual content, travel regularly, or have access to unique locations, stock photography makes sense as part of a diversified strategy—especially combined with related services.

If you can grow a monster portfolio, this can become a cash-flowing asset. Are there better options? Absolutely. But stock photography certainly has its place (plus it gets you out and about!)

Just understand it's a long game that works best when it's not your only game.

What's your take on stock photography? Hit reply and let me know if you've experimented with it.

Cheers, Lewis

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