Why I’m Selling My Photo Gallery On Pexels
As freelancers, we’re always looking to find an extra passive income. A little bit of money on the side that doesn’t involve long hours, sleepless nights, and clients. There’s a whole community on TikTok dedicated to finding passive incomes and it’s honestly my guilty pleasure. As much as I despise the rise of amateur freelancers that this inspired over COVID, there’s some pretty good ideas floating around the space.
From print on demand wrapping paper, to self publishing your own notebooks - not every idea works, but some of them have roots - with the right marketing and a little bit of skill.
So I decided to upload every faceless photo I have on my camera roll to Pexels- and I have quite a few.
When I first moved to London, the majority of blogs on here and my Instagram were touristy as hell. Cute cafes, landscape shots, the whole shebang. I have about 20,000 photos to upload for other freelancers to pinch, edit, and improve in exchange for a small donation.
And if you’re feeling petty about what (not who) can use your photos, you can decide not to let these images be fed into - Ai. Which I did tick, purely on principle.
Marketers curiosity, i’m very interested to see how this all works. If you are too - I thought I’d put together a list of the benefits I found online.
Why You Should Upload Your Photos to Stock Sites Like Pexels
1. Earn Passive Income
One of the biggest perks of uploading your photos to stock sites is the potential to earn passive income. While Pexels itself doesn’t pay contributors, it allows users to donate via PayPal. If you want direct earnings, you can also upload your work to premium stock platforms like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, or Alamy.
2. Get Your Work in Front of a Global Audience
Stock photo platforms attract millions of visitors searching for high-quality images. By uploading your work, you increase your chances of being discovered by businesses, bloggers, and creative professionals worldwide.
3. Build Your Photography Portfolio
If you’re just starting out in photography, having your work showcased on popular stock sites helps you build an online portfolio. This makes it easier for potential clients to see what you can do, helping you land gigs without the hassle of self-promotion.
4. Learn What Works in the Market
Uploading photos to stock sites gives you valuable insight into what types of images people actually want. By analyzing which photos get the most downloads, you can fine-tune your photography style and focus on creating in-demand content.
5. Gain More Exposure & Followers
Some stock photo platforms, including Pexels, allow you to link back to your social media profiles or personal website. This means every time someone downloads your work, they have a direct path to follow you, increasing your online presence and potential opportunities.
6. Get Hired for Custom Projects
Many businesses and marketers search stock sites for talented photographers. If your work catches their eye, they may reach out for custom photo shoots or even exclusive licensing deals.
7. Improve Your Photography Skills
When your work is accessible to a broad audience, you can see firsthand which images perform well. This feedback loop helps you refine your style, experiment with new techniques, and grow as a photographer.
8. No Need for Self-Marketing
Building a personal website and running marketing campaigns can be time-consuming. Stock photo platforms do the promotion for you, so you can focus on what you love—taking great photos.
9. Your Photos Work for You 24/7
Unlike client-based photography, where you get paid once per shoot, stock photography allows your images to generate exposure and potential earnings continuously. A single great shot can be downloaded thousands of times over the years.
10. It’s Free and Easy to Start
Most stock sites, including Pexels, allow photographers to sign up and upload their work for free. You don’t need expensive equipment or extensive experience—just high-quality images and a willingness to share them with the world.
Uploading your photos to stock platforms is a smart way to gain exposure, improve your skills, and even earn money. Whether you want to make photography your full-time career or just earn some side income, these platforms offer a hassle-free way to get started.
So, what are you waiting for? Start sharing your work today and see where it takes you!