These microstock sites are highly recommended!

dreamstime

iStockphoto

fotolia

shutterstock

How to Apply

Each microstock site has different application requirements. We will outline what to expect from our recommended sites.

iStockphoto- The prospective contributor reads a online tutorial covering subjects such as copyright and which types of images are suitable for stock. This is followed by a short quiz (easy) and then you upload three images for the iStockphoto inspectors to review. It is important that you upload technically sound photographs and try to stay away from the most obvious images (flowers, sunsets, cats, and dogs). This initial review process may take up to two weeks, be patient and take the opportunity to shoot more photographs. When your images are approved you are ready to start uploading. If any images are not accepted, you have the opportunity to continue the uploading and review process until you receive approval. The process for approval as a photographer and as an illustrator are separate. If you plan on contributing both types of stock, you'll have to apply twice.

shutterstock- Simply fill out a short form and then submit ten images. These will typically require 7-10 days to be reviewed. You must have 7 of the 10 images approved in order to be a contributor. If you are not approved you have to wait 30 days until you can reapply. Needless to say, only apply here when you have enough solid images. Be careful with noise and image sharpness.

dreamstime-Contributors simply need to register and then they can contribute images to be reviewed. Images typically are reviewed in 3-5 days. There is no acceptance review.

fotolia-This site operates similar to dreamstime. Register, upload, and wait for the review process. Once again, there is no approval process. Your images are typically reviewed on this site in 1-2 days.

Do not avoid iStockphoto and shutterstock because of their review processes. They are without a doubt the most profitable microstock sites and you should be a contributor to these collections in order to maximize your profits.

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