Skip to content
As a traveler and photographer, there is nothing better than exploring the world and capturing the magic of moments. Over the years, I have taken thousands of photos – from exotic beaches and rugged mountain landscapes to bustling cities and cultural celebrations. What began as a way to preserve memories grew into a way to generate a passive income through Shutterstock. My love of photography and travel has not only enriched my life, but now contributes to my income.
1. How I got started with stock photography on Shutterstock
During my travels, I wondered how I could put my photos to good use. I discovered Shutterstock, a platform where photographers can sell their images to companies, bloggers and designers around the world. This gave my photos a second life – they became not only memories for me, but also valuable visual content for others.
Do you also want to make money with your travel photos? Sign up to Shutterstock here and start selling today!
What you need to get started
- A Shutterstock Contributor account (free to create).
- High quality photos with clear composition and theme.
- Smart keywords and descriptions to make your images more findable.
2. What sells well on Shutterstock?
I have experience primarily selling travel photography, but Shutterstock shares monthly trends about what sells well. So capitalizing on those trends is a smart strategy. Here are some types of images that typically perform well:
- Travel photography – Breathtaking landscapes, iconic places and cultural scenes.
- Authentic lifestyle images – People conveying real emotions and stories. Keep in mind that you have a model release yet!
- Nature and animals – From sunsets to wildlife in their natural habitat.
- Business and technology photography – Workspaces, gadgets and digital nomads.
By uploading regularly and following trends, you can expand your portfolio and increase your earnings.
3. Why Shutterstock is a great option
What I love about Shutterstock is that it creates passive income. Photos I uploaded months or years ago still generate income. In addition, Shutterstock offers:
- A global reach – Millions of potential buyers.
- Regular income – Every time someone downloads your photo, you make money.
- Flexibility – Upload at your own pace and earn while you travel.
4. How much can you earn?
Revenue varies depending on the popularity of your photos and market demand. The larger your portfolio and the more strategically your photos are tagged, the greater the likelihood of successful downloads. Some photographers earn a few tens of dollars a month; others build a steady passive income of hundreds or even thousands of dollars a year.
5. My tips for success on Shutterstock
- Upload consistently: Keep expanding your portfolio to stay relevant.
- Use effective keywords: Make sure your photos are easy to find.
- Think commercially: What would a marketer, blogger or designer want to use?
- Capitalize on trends: Seasonal images, travel destinations and current topics do well.
6. My plans for our tour of Asia
Soon we will be going on a grand tour of Asia, and I am incredibly looking forward to creating beautiful photo content for Shutterstock along the way! The idea that while traveling I can capture images that not only create memories but also generate income makes this experience even more valuable. Who knows, over time, this trip may even pay for itself in part through income from my stock photography!
Conclusion
For me, stock photography on Shutterstock is the perfect way to turn my passion for photography and travel into a sustainable income. As I explore new destinations, my previously taken photos continue to generate money worldwide.
Do you also want to start selling your travel photos? Then sign up with Shutterstock and start earning today!
Do you have any experience with stock photography or want to start? Share your thoughts in the comments!
