Make Money Selling Images Without AI or Expertise: 3 Amazing Ways

Are you looking for an easy way to make money online by selling photos, even if you’re not a professional photographer? Platforms like Shutterstock and Adobe Stock allow you to earn money by selling high-quality images and videos. In this guide, we’ll explore practical methods to create and sell images online, even without prior experience, and help you optimize your earning potential.

Why Sell Photos Online?

Selling photos online is a great side hustle for anyone looking to:

• Earn passive income: Upload once and earn whenever someone downloads your content.
• Monetize creativity: Showcase your work and reach a global audience.
• Start with minimal investment: With tools like Canva and free Chrome extensions, anyone can get started.

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How do Beginners sell photos?

Beginners can start selling photos by utilizing user-friendly platforms that cater to photographers of all levels. Websites like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, and Alamy allow users to upload and sell their images to a global audience, often requiring simple sign-ups and adherence to platform guidelines.

Social media platforms, such as Instagram, can also serve as a portfolio to attract potential buyers or clients, especially when paired with a strong personal brand.

Alternatively, beginners can create their own websites using platforms like Squarespace or Wix to showcase and sell their work directly. Offering prints or digital downloads through services like Etsy or SmugMug is another way to monetize photograph

Step 1: Getting Started on Platforms Like Shutterstock

Platforms like Shutterstock and Adobe Stock make it easy to upload and sell images. Here’s how to get started:

1. Sign Up as a Contributor

• Visit the Shutterstock Contributor page.
• Sign up using your email or Gmail account.

2. Upload Your Work

• Access your contributor dashboard.
• Upload images or videos you’ve created.

3. Earn Commissions

• Whenever someone buys your photo or video, you earn a percentage as a commission.

Pro Tip: Focus on creating images that are in demand, such as business concepts, travel, and lifestyle themes.

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Can You Use AI-Generated Images?

Many may wonder if AI tools like MidJourney or Ideogram can be used to generate and sell images. Unfortunately, most platforms, including Shutterstock, do not accept AI-generated content due to copyright and originality concerns.

Instead, here are three proven ways to create stunning images you can sell.

📌💥 Related:The Best 18 Free Midjourney Alternatives for Creating Stunning AI Images with No Watermark

Method 1: Create Stunning Images on Canva

Why Use Canva?

Canva is an easy-to-use design tool with a vast library of templates, graphics, and text elements. You can create professional-quality images without needing advanced design skills.

How to Create Marketable Images on Canva

1. Generate Ideas:
   Use ChatGPT to brainstorm ideas for visually appealing images that bloggers and content creators might need. For example:
   • Comparison graphics: Money vs. family on a balance scale.
   • Inspirational quotes: Prioritizing self-care with a checklist design.
   • Visual metaphors: Chaos vs. clarity using directional arrows.
2. Design Your Image:
   • Open Canva and create a square canvas (e.g., 1000×1000 pixels).
   • Use Canva’s elements and text tools to design your image.
   • Add relevant graphics, such as scales, arrows, or checklist items.
3. Examples of High-Demand Images:
   • Self-care priorities: A checklist graphic with items like “Family, Work, Health, Me.”
   • SEO visualization: A graph showing website improvement from using SEO techniques.
4. Upload and Sell:
   • Export your finished designs.
   • Upload them to Shutterstock or Adobe Stock with appropriate keywords and descriptions.

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Method 2: Take High-Quality Screenshots from Videos

Did you know you can extract stunning images from YouTube videos? Here’s how:

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Install the Chrome Extension:
   • Download the “Screenshot YouTube” Chrome extension.
2. Find High-Quality Footage:
   • Search YouTube for videos of scenic locations, drone footage, or cityscapes.
   • Use filters to narrow results to Creative Commons videos for copyright safety.
3. Take Screenshots:
   • Use the extension to capture high-resolution screenshots of specific moments in the video.
4. Edit and Enhance:
   • Upload the screenshot to Canva or any photo editing tool.
   • Adjust brightness, contrast, and sharpness to make it unique.
5. Upload to Marketplaces:
   • Add appropriate titles (e.g., “Barcelona Cityscape”) and tags to increase discoverability.

📌💥Related :10 Best Chrome Extensions for YouTube: Elevate Your Experience

Method 3: Create Infographics Using Napkin.ai

Infographics are in high demand for blogs, presentations, and social media. Here’s how you can create them effortlessly:

Using Napkin.ai to Generate Infographics

1. Sign Up: Visit Napkin.ai and create a free account.
2. Generate Infographics:
   • Enter a topic or keyword (e.g., “Smart Goals”).
   • The AI will provide a detailed infographic based on the input.
3. Customize:
   • Choose from different styles and colors.
   • Download the infographic for free.

Why Infographics Sell Well

• They simplify complex ideas.
• Highly shareable on blogs and social media.
• Demand spans across niches like marketing, personal development, and finance.

FAQs

1. Can I Start Selling Photos Without Any Experience?

Absolutely! Platforms like Canva and Napkin.ai allow beginners to create high-quality images without advanced skills as i explained above .

2. How Much Money Can I Make Selling Photos?

Earnings depend on the demand for your images and the volume of downloads. Popular images can earn you hundreds of dollars in passive income over time.

3. What Types of Photos Are Most in Demand?

• Business concepts (e.g., teamwork, finance).
• Travel and landscapes.
• Lifestyle and daily life.
• Infographics for blogs and marketing.

4. Are There Any Free Tools to Create Images?

Yes! Canva and Napkin.ai offer free plans with powerful features to help you design stunning visuals.

Final Thoughts

Selling photos online is a fantastic way to make money from your creativity. Whether you use Canva, take screenshots from videos, or create infographics, the possibilities are endless. Start by experimenting with these methods, and soon you could build a portfolio of stunning images that earn you passive income