So you are a photographer? Or how about earning from your regular photographs? Whether you are a professional photographer or photography is your hobby, you can earn passive income from monetizing your collection of photos. It is not easy to sell your photos by yourself. How about letting someone else do it for you? Welcome to Microstock Photography. Ever heard of it? Well, even if you haven't, let me tell you, there are hundreds of websites out there who want your photos to sell them online. You can also upload scanned copies of your printed photographs. Not only this, they offer you a commission every time somebody buys your photos from their websites.

There are thousands of journals, publications, newspapers and magzines apart from website owners, designers, e-book sellers and writers who are willing to pay for high quality photographs that are relevant to their niche. To begin with, you will need to sign up with a microstock photography website such as istockphoto. There are many other microstock sites and you can find them by searching on google with relevant terms. Next you will have to upload your original photos by using their interface. The photos should usually be of at least 4 megapixel and without blemishes or spots or any other distortions. Also, you cannot add edited or digitally modified photographs. All microstock websites have their own list of requirements regarding quality of photos to be submitted. Its best if one sticks to those. Now while you are uploading them, one needs to categorize them appropriately, so as to ensure easy accessibility to buyers. You should also provide ample keywords related to each photo, to ensure that they turn up inmore searches, thus increasing their chances of being sold. Avoid spamming with irrelevant keywords or you will probably be blocked. After you've successfully uploaded your photos, it may take a couple of days to a week for them to be accepted.

Once they are accepted, sit back and wait for the moolah to roll in. You should keep uploading your photos regularly to increase their number and thus increase your total sales. Websites typically offer 15 to 35 percent royalty on your photos. The best part is that, the same photo can be sold again andagain, thus creating a constant source of revenue for you. Most websites will typically pay you through paypal or check or direct bank transfer. You may also be required to have a PAN card to get paid. Also, better quality photos sell well and so you should invest in a good camera, preferably a DSLR. Moreover, you can upload your photos to five or more microstock photography sites. Some sites even have a program under which, if you contribute photos exclusively tothem, you get a higher royalty, upto 45 percent. Some websites evensupport video uploads as well as animations upload. There are also websites that add Indian members only. Just look for them if it suits you. These are all the tips you need, to get started. Try microstock photography today and reap the benefits. Happy photography!