How I Make Money Online Selling Stock Photos and Illustrations

As a passionate photographer and illustrator, I’ve discovered a fulfilling way to turn my creative skills into a steady income stream: selling stock photos and illustrations online.

Here’s an inside look at how I’ve built a successful side hustle in the world of digital imagery.

Finding My Niche

When I first started, I quickly realized the stock photo market was saturated with generic business photos and nature scenes.

To stand out, I needed to find my unique angle. After some market research and self-reflection, I decided to focus on:

1. Urban street photography with a gritty, authentic feel
2. Whimsical vector illustrations of food and kitchen items
3. Themed collections for specific industries (e.g., tech startups, eco-friendly businesses)

By specializing in these areas, I was able to build a distinctive portfolio that appeals to specific client needs.

Choosing the Right Platforms

Not all stock photo sites are created equal. After experimenting with several, I found the most success with:

• Shutterstock: Great for high volume sales