Shutterstock Contributor is a platform that serves as a bridge between photographers or visual content creators and buyers looking for high-quality images for various projects. Established in 2003, Shutterstock has forged a path for creators to earn money by contributing their work to a vast, dynamic marketplace used by a diverse clientele worldwide. With straightforward tools and a supportive structure, tapping into an additional revenue stream by selling photos online becomes accessible. The step-by-step process is designed to help you quickly set up an account, upload your photos, and adhere to content requirements.
Starting an Account with Shutterstock Contributor:
- Visit the Website: Navigate to the Shutterstock Contributor dashboard.
- Sign Up: Click the “Sign Up” button and provide your email address, or sign up using an existing Facebook or Google account.
- Fill Out the Registration Form: Complete the form with the requested details, which includes your name, address, and preferred payment information.
- Verify Your Identity: As part of the process, you may be required to submit a government-issued ID to confirm your identity.
- Read and Agree to Terms: Familiarize yourself with the Contributor Terms of Service and agree to them to complete the set-up of your account.
- After successfully creating your account, you’ll have access to the dashboard where you can start uploading your photos. You can also download the Contributor App to easily upload photos taken with your smartphone.
Uploading Photos to Shutterstock Contributor:
- Access the Upload Page: On the dashboard, select the option to upload images.
- Choose Files: You can drag and drop files into the designated area or browse your computer to select them.
- Edit Details: Once the images are selected, enter titles, descriptions, and keywords that make your photos easily searchable to potential buyers.
- Categorize Your Content: Assign categories to your photos to refine where they appear on the platform.
- Submit for Review: Once all necessary information is added, submit your photos for Shutterstock’s review process.
Photo Requirements for Shutterstock Submission:
When submitting photos to Shutterstock Contributor, there are critical requirements to keep in mind to enhance the likelihood of your content’s acceptance.
- For photos, the maximum file size allowed through web browser upload is 50 MB, and for EPS files (which are generally vector illustrations), the maximum is 100 MB.
- If you choose to upload via FTPS, the limits remain the same for JPEGs and EPS files, but TIFF files can be up to 4 GB in size.
- It’s important to note that the resolution of your photos should be at least 4 megapixels (MP) to ensure quality standards are met.
- Modern smartphones typically meet the baseline resolution and quality standards.
Photos should be well-lit, focused, and without excessive noise or artefacts. Your submissions must be creations you own; original content is key to sales. Think about the potential commercial applications of your photos. Are they suitable for advertising, blogs, or editorial pieces? Ensure there is no copyrighted material or brands visible in your images unless you have proper clearance or releases.
If your photos contain recognizable people or private property, you will need to provide a model or property release. Most modern smartphones save images in acceptable formats, such as JPEG or TIFF, which are preferred by Shutterstock. Edit your photos carefully; however, do not over-manipulate them to the point where they lose authenticity.
By ensuring your content aligns with Shutterstock Contributor’s guidelines and optimizing your photo details, you stand a great chance of successfully selling your images on their platform. Keep in mind that while the quality offered by contemporary smartphone cameras is generally sufficient, always strive for the highest quality possible to meet customer expectations. With consistent effort and attention to detail, you can establish a lucrative online presence in the vast and growing marketplace of digital media.
