When I first started my stock photography journey, I found myself constantly searching the internet for answers to a simple question: How long does it take to make your first sale on Shutterstock?! I wondered how many photos I’d need to upload, how much money I’d make, and if this was all really worth it. If you’re asking the same questions, you’re in the right place!

It took me about a month to make my first sale. In that month, I uploaded 25 photos each week, which totaled 100 photos. My first sale wasn’t a big payout—in fact, the payout was for $0.10—but it was a start.

The Numbers Behind My First Sale

In that first month, I uploaded around 100 photos to Shutterstock, 25 per week. I uploaded each week, hoping for a quick breakthrough. I checked my Shutterstock account every single day, waiting for that magical first sale notification. I saw other photographers talk about making a lot of money with stock photos, and I thought, might as well. I have a lot of photos wasting space on my hard drives, might as well see if anyone wants them!

However, after a month of steady uploading, I realized something: Shutterstock is not a get-rich-quick platform. The reality hit me hard, but it also taught me a valuable lesson—patience is key.

At first, my ratio was 1 sale for every 100 photos I uploaded. This wasn’t a bad start, but it’s important to note that stock photography takes time. As you continue to upload more images, your ratio will likely improve and become more consistent. It takes persistence and a lot of hard work—especially when it comes to keywording your images correctly—to see better results over time.

The Importance of Uploading Consistently

One thing I kept hearing from other photographers was that the key to success on Shutterstock (and other stock platforms) is consistency. They weren’t wrong. I uploaded 25 photos a week for a solid month. And while I didn’t strike it rich with my first sale, I was laying the groundwork for future success.

Consistency is crucial. The more you upload, the higher your chances of getting noticed. Even if your first sale is small (like mine), it’s a sign that you’re on the right track. As I continued to upload more and refine my keywording process, I began seeing more sales, and each sale taught me something new about the market and my photography style.

Keywording: The Secret Sauce for More Sales

One of the most important lessons I learned is how essential keywording is to the success of your stock photos. It’s not just about taking beautiful pictures—if you don’t keyword your images correctly, no one will find them. Shutterstock uses algorithms to match photos with search queries, so it’s vital to include the right keywords that accurately describe your image.

Keywording takes time, but it can make a big difference in the visibility of your photos. For example, when you upload a photo of a mountain at sunset, you’ll need to think beyond just the basic keywords like “mountain” or “sunset.” What makes your photo unique? Add in details like location, mood, or the specific time of day.

If you’re wondering how to keyword your photos for more sales, I’ve written a full guide on this! Check out How to Keyword Your Photos for More Sales on Shutterstock for step-by-step instructions.

Is Stock Photography Worth It?

Is stock photography worth it? Absolutely. But like anything in life, it requires effort, patience, and a solid strategy. My first sale wasn’t a game-changer, but it gave me the motivation to keep going. Shutterstock can be a great way to make some passive income, but don’t expect immediate results. Keep uploading regularly, and make sure you’re using the right keywords.

How Many Photos Should You Upload Each Week?

If you’re wondering how many photos you should upload to Shutterstock each week, I recommend starting with 25-50 per week, just like I did. That will give you plenty of opportunities to test your photos, experiment with different uploading different amounts, and build your portfolio. You can always increase this number as you get more comfortable with the platform.

To learn more about how many photos you should upload each week, check out How Many Photos Should You Upload to Shutterstock Each Week?

In Conclusion

Stock photography isn’t a quick path to fame and fortune, but it can be a steady source of passive income if you’re willing to put in the work. My first sale on Shutterstock taught me the importance of consistency, keywording, and patience. If you stick with it and keep uploading high-quality, well-keyworded photos, you’ll start seeing more sales—and eventually, more income.

If you’re just starting, keep going! It might take a little time, but the results can be worth it. Happy shooting!

Ready to start your stock photography journey? Join Shutterstock and begin earning money with your photos today. Sign up here.