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If your payouts on Shutterstock or iStock have been feeling... tiny? You’re not imagining things.

In 2024, the average per-download payout on Shutterstock dropped to $0.44 (down 15% from 2023). iStock is hovering at $0.39 per image. And yeah, that’s the kind of number that makes photographers ask, “Is this even worth it?”

Here's what I honestly believe: it can be.

You just have to stop putting all your uploads into one low-paying basket.

The photographers who are winning right now? They’re diversifying. And the agencies that are thriving? They’re flipping the royalty model on its head:

• Stocksy United pays 50% on standard licenses and 75% on extended.
• Cavan Images offers 100% commission on direct sales for Pro accounts and aims to one day make that 100% across the board on all partner commissions.
• The Luupe allows you to set your own prices with a price floor of $75 so there's no price gauging.

And it’s not just contributor earnings changing. Buyers are shifting too. They’re done with overused, watered-down stock.

Now they want:

✔️ Curated, exclusive content that doesn’t show up in every Canva template

✔️ Cultural + diverse imagery that actually reflects real people

✔️ Authenticity > perfection, every time

That’s how Stocksy ended up licensing to over 50% of the Fortune 500. That’s why niche agencies are growing faster than ever.

Even the big guys are trying to catch up.

• Getty and Shutterstock have started partnerships focused on diversity.
• Canva’s partnering with curated libraries.
• Adobe is rewarding contributors whose content trained their AI models.

Stock photography isn’t dying. It’s decentralizing.

You can still earn meaningful income from your photos. Especially if you stop uploading blindly to the same two platforms and start treating your portfolio like the strategic asset it is.

But as so many of my students have learned, this isn’t just about uploading more. It’s about:

• Knowing where the demand actually is
• Understanding how to prep your portfolio
• Building your body of work like the thoughtful creative you are

Over the past few weeks, I’ve had a flood of DMs from my stock photo besties (photographers who’ve been learning with me for 6+ months) saying: “I GOT IN!” Into Elevae Visuals. Into The Luupe. Into Stocksy. Into the agencies they thought were out of reach.

But right now? It starts with momentum. Data. Confidence. And getting those files off your hard drive and into the world.

Your photos are worth more than $0.39. Let’s make sure they earn it!

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READY TO BE THE NEXT SUCCESS STORY? ​Step one= Stock Photo Sprint.​ Inside, we’ll: ✔️ Get your photos organized + ready to upload ✔️ Break down smart strategies to boost your earnings ✔️ Start building a portfolio your dream agencies actually want ✔️Learn to upload consistently—without burning out. And this fall? Level 2 gets even juicier.​ We’ll dive into premium agency applications, curation strategies, and leveraging multiple agencies like a pro. Booked and busy next week?​ No problem. There’s a self-paced plan included for that too! Grab your Spot!→

📈 Check out the 2025 State of the Photography Industry Report surveying over 4,500 photographers worldwide.

My big takeaway? ​ ​Photographers making the most consistent income aren't chasing one-off custom shoots anymore. ​ They're diversifying and building steady streams through licensing, stock, small brand deals, and digital products. ​ Translation: Stock photography isn’t just "extra money" anymore.It’s a smart foundation for creative businesses. (You can skim the full Zenfolio report here →)

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WHAT YOU SHOULD BE SHOOTING AND UPLOADING RIGHT NOW

SHOOT: Summer Prep / “Almost There” Energy Swimsuits drying in the sun Packing lists (half-packed duffel bags, swimsuits, sandals) Pool toys, inflatable chaos, floaties tied down in the yard First shaved ice, lemonade stands, and early evening walks Fresh pedicures, sandals kicked off, sunscreen globs ✨ Tip: It's the little details and transition moments that sell! ​ Grad Season & Small Celebrations Cap and gown details Throwing confetti (bonus: do it messy, not too posed) DIY party setups: streamers, paper plates, grandmas homemade cake Hugs, laughs, high fives (candid always > posed) Emotional parents and grandparents = GOLD for stock buyers ✨ Tip: Diversity matters here: Capture different ages, body types, family setups, and celebration styles. ​ UPLOAD: Summer Reset Energy Morning journaling outside Sneakers next to a yoga mat or trailhead sign "What’s in my summer bag" casual flatlays: sunscreen, sunglasses, sandals, lip balm Reading on a porch swing Green smoothies, giant salads, fresh fruit (messy is fine!) ✨ Tip: You don’t need perfect props. A beat-up backpack, a half-full water bottle, worn in sandals all get the message across. ​ Travel Vibes Without the Big Reveal Packing chaos Rest area lunch stops Road trip coffee in the car Messy car seats full of kids and snacks Backyard “camping” setups ✨ Tip: Micro adventures sell just as well (if not better) than fancy destination shots right now. ​ What will you capture this weekend? Send me a DM and let me know! ​ xo, Aubrey