Let’s skip the fluff: If you’re reading this, you’re probably tired of the same old “top 10 stock sites” lists written by people who have never actually uploaded a photo—or seen a real payout. I’ve been down the rabbit hole of microstock promises and contributor forums, and I’m here to save you time, money, and frustration.
The reality in 2025? You’re not going to get rich with stock photos. But you can offset your Lightroom subscription, grab a few new lenses, or at least have the satisfaction of seeing your work pop up in places you never expected. This guide isn’t here to hype up every platform or copy/paste what’s already out there. It’s for photographers who want the straight truth—what pays, what wastes your time, and which sites are worth the hustle.
Below you’ll find my top picks—backed by real contributor feedback, blunt honesty, and zero hype. For each, you’ll find a deep dive, linked right where you need it.
Table of Contents
- Shutterstock Review
- Adobe Stock Review
- Best Stock Photo Sites for Smartphone Images (2025)
- Alamy vs Getty Images for Photographers: 2025 Showdown
- Quick Comparison Table
- FAQs
Shutterstock: Microstock Giant or Contributor Sweatshop?
If stock photography had a Walmart, it’d be Shutterstock. Upload is straightforward, but their review process can feel like rolling dice—sometimes your “boring” images sail through, and your passion project gets the boot. Payouts start at a laughable $0.10 to $0.33 per download (seriously), but no other site moves volume like this one.
My honest take: Shutterstock is about quantity, not artistry. If you want a shot at high-volume, global exposure (and don’t mind seeing your best photos on a banner ad somewhere in Bulgaria), start here. But read my Shutterstock Review before you bother signing up—there are some hard truths about earning potential and the infamous contributor “levels.”
Adobe Stock: For the Loyal, the Picky, and the Patient
If you already live in the Adobe ecosystem (and let’s be honest, most of us do), Adobe Stock feels like home. Integration with Lightroom and Photoshop makes uploading a breeze. They pay better than Shutterstock (33% royalty), but expect a tougher approval process and fewer impulse buyers.
Is it worth it? If you value higher payouts per sale and don’t mind slower trickle-in earnings, it might be your best bet. Check my Adobe Stock Review for real numbers and a brutally honest look at whether it’s worth your time in 2025.
Best Stock Photo Sites for Smartphone Images (2025)
Let’s cut the BS: Most traditional stock agencies treat mobile photos like second-class citizens. But the world is changing, and so are the buyers. Want to know which sites actually accept smartphone shots (and don’t just say they do for marketing)? My Best Stock Photo Sites for Smartphone Images 2025 guide breaks it down—submission quirks, payout policies, and the truth about selling iPhone or Android images in a marketplace full of “real cameras.”
Alamy vs Getty Images for Photographers: 2025 Showdown
Curious how two of the industry’s biggest agencies compare? Check out our full Alamy vs Getty Images for Photographers: 2025 Showdown for a side-by-side breakdown of royalties, approval, and contributor experience.
Quick Comparison Table
| Site | Payout Method | Minimum Payout | Royalty Range | Best For | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shutterstock | PayPal/Skrill/Bank | $35 | 10–33% | Bulk uploaders, fast approval | Review |
| Adobe Stock | PayPal/Skrill | $25 | 33% | Existing Adobe users, higher payout | Review |
| Smartphone-Friendly Sites | Various | Varies | Varies | Mobile shooters, social-savvy | Guide |
FAQs
Q: Can you actually make money with stock photography in 2025?
A: Not unless you’re in it for the long haul or have a niche. Don’t expect to quit your day job—expect to cover some subscriptions or coffee.
Q: Is there any point in uploading smartphone photos?
A: Yes, but only to the right platforms. Most “big names” still favor DSLR shots, but some newer agencies love mobile content. See my guide to stock sites for smartphone photos.
Q: What’s the biggest mistake new contributors make?
A: Spamming 1000 generic photos and expecting a windfall. Focus on quality, trends, and honestly—learn each platform’s quirks before wasting hours on uploads.
Final Thoughts
The truth is, most stock photo advice online is copy-paste and clickbait. Here, you get the good, the bad, and the ugly—based on contributor reality, not affiliate hype. Start with the three deep dives above, and bookmark this page; I’ll be updating it as new sites, scams, or sleeper hits pop up in the wild west of stock photography.
Ready to get into the weeds? Start with Shutterstock, compare with Adobe Stock, or go mobile with the smartphone stock sites guide.