Your phone is already full of photos.
What if those daily clicked photos could earn you passive income every month?
Shutterstock is one of the world’s largest stock photo marketplaces, and thousands of beginners are earning consistently by selling simple, everyday photos. You don’t need expensive cameras or studio setups—just the right approach.
In this article, you’ll learn how to sell everyday clicked photos on Shutterstock, how to get your photos approved and selected, and how to build long-term passive income as a Shutterstock contributor.
If you’re completely new, start with this detailed beginner guide first:
👉 Shutterstock Contributor: 6 Steps Guide to Sell Photos Online
What Is Shutterstock and How Does It Work?
Shutterstock is a global platform where businesses, designers, marketers, and media houses buy photos for commercial use. As a contributor, you upload photos, and every time someone downloads your image, you earn a commission.
The best part?
👉 Upload once, earn multiple times.
To start selling, create a free contributor account here:
👉 Link : Shutterstock Contributor Signup
Can You Sell Everyday Clicked Photos on Shutterstock?
Yes—everyday clicked photos sell extremely well on Shutterstock.
Buyers prefer real, natural, authentic images over overly edited or staged photos.
Examples of Everyday Photos That Sell:
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Morning tea, coffee, breakfast scenes
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Work-from-home setups
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Indian lifestyle & culture
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Mother and baby moments
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Home cooking & food preparation
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Mobile phone usage & digital payments
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Study desks, exams, online learning
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Fitness at home, yoga, meditation
If your photo reflects real life, it has selling potential.
How to Get Your Photos Selected on Shutterstock
Photo rejection is common for beginners, but approval becomes easy once you follow Shutterstock’s standards.
Shutterstock Photo Approval Checklist:
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Sharp focus (no blur or noise)
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Natural lighting (avoid heavy filters)
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Clean background
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No logos, brands, or watermarks
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Correct category selection
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Commercial-friendly concept
Pro Tip: Shutterstock prefers images that designers can easily edit. Keep colors neutral and natural.
Create your contributor account here to start uploading:
👉 Link : Shutterstock Contributor Signup
How to Click Photos That Sell Daily (Even Using a Phone)
You don’t need a DSLR to succeed on Shutterstock.
Mobile Photography Tips for Shutterstock:
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Shoot near windows using natural light
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Capture both portrait and landscape versions
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Leave negative space for text or design
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Focus on emotions and actions
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Click 5–10 variations of the same scene
One idea can turn into multiple uploads, increasing your earning chances.
Shutterstock Keywords: The Secret to More Downloads
Many contributors fail not because of bad photos—but because of poor keywords.
SEO Keyword Formula for Shutterstock:
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Main subject
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Action or emotion
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Usage purpose
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Location (if relevant)
Example:
Indian mother feeding baby at home natural lifestyle parenting
Use all 50 keywords wisely. Avoid keyword stuffing or repetition.
How Much Can You Earn From Shutterstock?
Your income depends on portfolio size and consistency.
Realistic Earning Potential:
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100 photos: $10–$50 per month
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500 photos: $100–$300 per month
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1,000 photos: $500+ per month
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5,000+ photos: Strong passive income
Earnings grow slowly but steadily—Shutterstock rewards long-term contributors.
How to Build Passive Income Using Shutterstock
Shutterstock works best as a content business, not a get-rich-quick scheme.
Passive Income Strategy:
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Upload photos consistently (daily or weekly)
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Focus on one niche at a time
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Analyze which photos sell
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Create similar content
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Improve keywords regularly
Over time, your portfolio becomes a digital asset.
Most Asked Shutterstock Questions (Answered)
Can beginners sell photos on Shutterstock?
Yes. Shutterstock is beginner-friendly, and many contributors start with smartphone photos. You don’t need professional equipment—only clear, well-lit images with commercial value.
How long does Shutterstock take to review photos?
Photo reviews usually take 1 to 5 working days, depending on submission volume.
Can mobile photos be sold on Shutterstock?
Yes. High-quality mobile photos are accepted and sell well if they are sharp, noise-free, and properly keyworded.
How many photos should I upload to start earning?
You may get sales even with 50–100 photos, but consistent earnings usually start after 300–500 uploads.
Why are my Shutterstock photos not getting downloads?
Common reasons include weak keywords, low commercial demand, poor composition, or high competition. Improving keywords and uploading trending concepts helps.
Does Shutterstock accept edited photos?
Yes, but avoid heavy filters, oversharpening, or unnatural colors. Shutterstock prefers clean, natural, editable images.
Can I sell the same photos on multiple stock websites?
Yes. Shutterstock allows non-exclusive submissions, meaning you can sell the same photos on other stock platforms.
How much commission does Shutterstock pay?
Shutterstock pays contributors based on a tier system. Earnings increase as your lifetime downloads grow.
When and how does Shutterstock pay contributors?
Payments are made monthly once you reach the minimum payout threshold. Payments are available via PayPal, Payoneer, or Skrill.
What is the minimum payout on Shutterstock?
The minimum payout threshold is $35.
Do Shutterstock earnings increase over time?
Yes. As your portfolio grows and your contributor level increases, your per-download earnings and total income improve.
What type of photos get rejected most often?
Photos with blur, noise, low resolution, logos, copyrighted content, poor lighting, or weak concepts are commonly rejected.
Is model release required for people photos?
Yes. Any recognizable person in a photo requires a model release for commercial licensing.
Can I earn passive income from Shutterstock?
Yes. Once uploaded, photos can sell repeatedly for years, creating long-term passive income.
Is Shutterstock worth it in 2026?
Yes. Shutterstock remains profitable for contributors who upload consistently, follow trends, and optimize keywords.
Final Thoughts
You already click photos every day.
Shutterstock allows you to turn those moments into income.
Start small. Upload consistently. Optimize keywords.
And most importantly—start now.
👉 Join Shutterstock today and start earning:
Link : Shutterstock Contributor Signup
