How to Make Money Online with BigStockPhoto.com

The competition found within the photo industry is stiff, however photographers can supplement their income by diversifying their income streams. For all the shutter bugs out there Big Stock Photo may hold potential. The way it works is photos and artwork is downloaded onto their website, and the creator is paid each time someone purchases the right to use their piece.

The first step is to sign up for an account, which is free of charge. Once the email is verified and you log in, reading the Photographer Tutorial Page is highly recommended. This segment outlines the quality expected, and any restrictions commonly found in this field.

Big Stock Photo does require potential photographers to undergo a photographer test which basically evaluates the quality of the photos, and ensures that the program being used ties in with their system. It's not difficult, and anyone with a good eye and quality work can get in. The site accepts work uploaded in the following file formats: AI, EPS, JPG, PDF, PNG, AND PSD.

As with any site, plagiarism is not tolerated. Individuals who don't adhere to this are immediately removed from their site. The company pays its photographers fifty cents to one dollar per down load, and up to sixty dollars for "Special Licensing Downloads". Payment is sent out via PayPal or MoneyBookers.

Photographs with people are most frequently downloaded, however any individuals found within these photos are legally required to sign a model release.

Creativity, color, and unique perspectives are key to making photos stand out. Photoshop, or a similar program, is highly recommended in order to touch up the final product. It's important to keep in mind that you are selling to marketers, so success depends on your ability to create work with broad appeal.

The best part about pay per download based organizations, is that your work has unlimited income potential. Quality and quantity are key to increasing profits. Sites such as Big Stock Photo have become a positive monetary resource for the shutterbugs among us.