If you enjoy taking photos or creating digital art, you might be sitting on a goldmine. Whether you’re snapping shots on your phone, designing vector illustrations, or experimenting with AI-generated art, there are real opportunities to earn some extra cash by selling your work online.
Like many other forms of passive income, it can take a lot of work to get started, but once you build up your content it can become an excellent form of extra income.
Many platforms now welcome both traditional and AI-assisted content, as long as it meets their originality and quality standards, which makes it easier than ever to get started.
What You Need to Get Started
A great thing about this side hustle is that you don’t need expensive photography or graphic design equipment to get started. If you have a phone with a good camera, then it’s possible to get started straight away. Here’s a list of what you’ll typically need:
- A decent camera or smartphone with a quality lens
- Basic editing tools (e.g. Lightroom, Photoshop, GIMP, or Snapseed)
- A portfolio of original photos or artwork
- Accounts on stock image or print-on-demand platforms
It’s also a great idea to have a look back through the photos you already have saved on your phone or computer (especially holiday photos), as you might find you already have some photos that are suitable and can be uploaded straight away.
What Types of Photos and Artwork Can you Make Money with?
If you’re interested in selling photos, you don’t need dramatic landscapes or professional models. Simple, relatable images often sell better:
- Local landmarks, cafes, and beaches (especially if brand-free)
- Daily-life objects like coffee mugs, laptops, plants, groceries
- Seasonal & cultural content: holidays, sports events, school moments
Vector art is another popular way to earn money. It involves creating scalable graphics like logos and infographics that can be designed using software such as Adobe Illustrator or free tools like Inkscape.
For this type of artwork, good sellers include:
- Icon packs (e.g. education, business, social media)
- Abstract shapes and minimalist art
- Business illustrations for slides and blogs
So how do you actually make money from your art & photos?
There are a few different ways that websites are set up for you to earn money from your art. Some websites share their advertising revenue with you. Others are set up so that you receive a set amount of money per download. There are also websites that encourage users to donate when they download images.
Here are a few examples:
| Income Type | How It Works | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Stock Photo Royalties | Upload and earn each time a user downloads your image | Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, iStock |
| Ad Revenue Sharing | Sites monetize image views and share the earnings | EyeEm, 500px, Freerange Stock |
| Donation-Based | Users can tip or donate after downloading free content | Unsplash, Pixabay, |
| Print-on-Demand | Your art is printed on products (shirts, mugs, posters) | Redbubble, Society6, Zazzle |
How Much Can You Realistically Make?
It varies widely:
- Beginners: A few cents to dollars per month
- Growing portfolios: $50–$500/month
- Top contributors: $1,000+ with high-volume, high-quality uploads
Success takes patience. It can take months (sometimes years), but if you build up a large, searchable, niche-specific library over time, you’ll increase your chances of success.
Do I Need a Model Release?
Yes—if your photo features a recognizable person, you’ll usually need a model release for commercial use.
When you do need one:
- Faces are visible or partially identifiable
- You plan to use or license the photo for commercial purposes
When you don’t:
- The person is obscured, silhouetted, or photographed from behind
- The photo is used editorially (news/blogs with no commercial purpose)
For kids, a guardian must sign. And for private homes or recognizable buildings, consider a property release too.
Best Websites to Sell Your Work
Here are some of the best websites to get started:
Paid Per Download
Donation-Based
Print-on-Demand
Vectors & Design Assets
Tips for More Success
- Tag it right: Use specific, relevant keywords
- Check the website guidelines first: A lot of websites have rules about they types of images that can and can’t be uploaded, so make sure you check first
- Shoot in batches: Offer multiple angles or color variations
- Stay on trend: Browse what’s hot seasonally or culturally
- Avoid copyrighted elements: Blur or exclude logos and license plates
- Upload regularly: Algorithms reward fresh and consistent uploads
Final Thoughts
Selling stock photos and digital art is a creative and potentially profitable side hustle. If you enjoy capturing moments, experimenting with design, or simply want to monetise your hobby, this path can be both fun and fulfilling. Like most passive income streams, it takes time, but once you’re established, you can keep earning while you sleep.