Pexels is a popular free stock photo and video site where creators can access a wide variety of media to use for projects. While Pexels is known for offering media at no cost, there are also ways for photographers and videographers to actually make money.
This article serves as a practical guide on how to make money with Pexels. Whether you’re a professional photographer looking to diversify your income streams or an amateur seeking to profit from your hobby, this piece will provide you with the necessary steps and tips to successfully monetize your work on Pexels.
Can You Earn Money by Selling Stock Photos Through Pexels?
While it’s true that downloading photos from Pexels is completely free, which might lead one to wonder about the earning potential, there are indeed innovative ways to generate income through the platform.
Pexels offers a unique ecosystem not just for sharing your photographic talent but also for monetizing it in ways beyond direct sales. While the direct selling of photos might not be the primary revenue stream, Pexels provides other creative avenues for photographers to capitalize on their work.
These methods, which we’ll delve into in the following paragraphs, range from participating in partner programs to receiving donations, all designed to support the creative community while offering financial rewards.
Sell Photo Courses
First of all, to make money on Pexels, you can create and sell photo courses focusing on a specific niche like landscape, portrait, or food photography. You should prepare a course on how to capture great stock photos that can be sold on Pexels or other photo sites.
The course should be well-structured, easy to follow, and include relevant examples and exercises. You can use various tools and platforms to create and sell the course, such as Udemy, Skillshare, or Teachable.
To promote the course, consider using social media platforms, email marketing, and even paid ads. By selling photo courses on Pexels, you not only can share your knowledge and skills, but also build your personal brand and earn passive income.
Udemy
An online learning platform offering a diverse selection of courses, including technology and creative arts, taught by expert instructors.
Join Udemy
Participate in Partner Programmes
Pexels has several partnerships with websites that sell stock photos, such as Adobe Stock. By joining these partner programs, you can start earning royalties whenever your photos are licensed through these networks. Signing up for the Pexels Partner Program is the first step in making money on the platform.
After creating a Pexels account, submit your top photos to the platform. Contributing your work not only showcases your talent but also opens up a pathway to earn passive income through the Pexels Partner Program. Partnering with Pexels gives you access to a large audience of potential buyers. With over 15 million monthly visits and 4 billion monthly image views, Pexels offers a great stage for your work. Plus, you get perks like a branded profile, participation in challenges and events, and API options to further boost your visibility.
In essence, getting involved in partner programs is a smart move to earn passive income from your photography. Leveraging Pexels’ partnerships helps you reach a wider audience, increasing your chances of earning royalties from your creations.
Adobe Stock
An extensive stock photography, illustration, and video service provided by Adobe, offering users a wide-ranging library of high-quality assets for creative projects.
Join Adobe StockReceive Tips/ Donations
Pexels lets you receive tips or donations for your work. To activate the Donate button on your profile, just link your PayPal account to your Pexels account. Once your PayPal account is linked, viewers can send money directly to you.
Remember, donations are not guaranteed. Some viewers might download your photos without leaving a tip. But, if you consistently provide high-quality and unique content, you might see an increase in donations.
Getting donations can be a great way to earn some extra money on Pexels. It is a good idea to promote your work and gently encourage your viewers to donate if they like your content. Also, make sure to explain how to donate clearly and simply, so it’s easy for anyone who wants to support you.
Participate in Pexels Challenges
Pexels often hosts challenges where photographers can showcase their skills and win cash prizes. Joining these challenges not only allows you to earn money but also helps gain exposure and recognition in the photography community.
To participate in a Pexels challenge, visit the Pexels Challenge page to view current and upcoming challenges. Challenges may have specific themes or requirements, such as capturing photos of a particular location or subject.
Judges will pick out the winners by looking at how your photos stand out in quality and creativity, and how well they stick to the theme. The winners receive cash prizes, exposure on Pexels’ social media channels, and recognition in the photography community.
Participating in Pexels challenges is a great way to improve your skills, and earn money. Plus, it’s a great chance to connect with other photographers and share your passion for photography.
Worth Knowing
To jump into a Pexels challenge, upload your photos to Pexels and tag them with the challenge’s designated hashtag. Remember, your submissions need to follow the challenge’s rules and terms closely.
Collaborate with Brands and Agencies
As your photography portfolio grows on Pexels, you may attract the attention of brands and agencies looking for talented photographers. Updating your Pexels portfolio with high-quality images that show off your style and skills is key to getting noticed by potential partners.
Brands and agencies often search for photographers who can provide the specific visual content they need. This can include product photography, lifestyle imagery, or event coverage. By displaying your versatility and ability to capture their desired aesthetic, you can increase your chances of being approached for collaboration opportunities.
In addition to working directly with brands and agencies, you can also collaborate with influencers and bloggers who may require high-quality visuals for their content. By providing custom photography tailored to their specific needs, you can build relationships and maybe even open doors to their followers, broadening your audience even more.
Sell Prints and Artwork
Many photographers and visual artists use Pexels to showcase their work and promote their online stores. Selling prints and artwork is a common method to generate income. These prints can take various forms, including posters, postcards, or other physical products.
To sell prints, you will need to have high-quality images that are suitable for printing. Options for creating these prints include using a print-on-demand service or handling the printing process yourself. You can sell your prints on your personal website or through online marketplaces like Etsy or Amazon.
When selling artwork, it’s important to price your work appropriately. You can use tools like Artwork Archive or Art Price to research pricing for similar pieces. You can also offer limited edition prints or signed prints to increase the value of your artwork.
See also: How Many Likes on TikTok to Get Paid?
Offer Custom Photography and Videography Services
Offering custom photography and videography services can showcase your talent and meet the specific needs of clients. Many businesses and individuals are on the lookout for custom content to enhance their marketing and promotional efforts. By offering custom services, you can create unique content that aligns perfectly with the specific requirements of your clients.
To offer custom services, you can create a portfolio showcasing your work and highlight your capabilities on Pexels. You can also advertise your services on social media platforms and other online marketplaces. By building a solid reputation and consistently delivering high-quality work, you can attract more clients and boost your earnings.
When offering custom services, maintaining clear communication with your clients is crucial to fully understand their needs. It’s equally important to be transparent about your pricing and the expected timelines to avoid any misunderstandings. By prioritizing excellent customer service and producing exceptional work, you can build a loyal client base and position yourself as an authority in your field.
Host Workshops and Courses in Photography and Videography
By using Pexels as a platform to promote your workshops and courses, you can attract potential students eager to learn from your expertise. Your workshops could cover a range of topics, such as composition, lighting, editing, and more.
You have the flexibility to conduct photography workshops in various formats, including online seminars where students can join remotely, through Teams mentoring sessions, or even via downloadable packets that provide detailed guidelines and techniques for specific photography styles.
Similarly, you can offer videography workshops online, covering everything from basic filming techniques to advanced editing skills. This is your chance to show your knowledge to aspiring filmmakers and videographers and help them improve their craft.
By organizing workshops and courses, you not only share your expertise but also have the opportunity to earn money. You can set your own pricing and offer discounts to attract more students. Pexels enables you to reach a broader audience, effectively promoting your workshops and courses to those interested in advancing their skills.
See also: Top Platforms and Apps That Pay $100 a Day
Offer Photo Editing Services
If you have a talent for photo editing, you can offer your services to businesses or individuals through Pexels. By using your skills to edit photos and improve their quality, color grading, or overall appearance, you can expand your reach and establish yourself as a go-to editor.
When offering photo editing services, it’s important to provide quality work that meets the needs of your clients. This can include retouching, background removal, color correction, and more. By delivering work that exceeds expectations, you can build a reputation as a professional and reliable editor.
To get started, you can create a portfolio of your work and showcase your editing skills on Pexels. You can also reach out to potential clients and offer your services directly. With the right approach and a commitment to quality, offering photo editing services can be a lucrative way to make money with Pexels.
Sell Prints Through Partner Sites
Once you’ve uploaded your photos to Pexels, you can opt-in to have them featured on partner sites like Fine Art America and Redbubble. These sites allow people to buy prints of your photos, which means you’ll earn a commission on every sale.
Partnering with these sites can be a great way to reach a wider audience and increase your earnings. Fine Art America, for example, has over 500,000 artists and photographers selling their work on the platform. Redbubble has a similar setup, with over 700,000 independent artists selling their designs on the site.
When you opt-in to have your photos featured on these partner sites, you’ll need to set your commission rate. This is the percentage of the sale price that you’ll earn for each print sold. Fine Art America, for example, lets you set your commission rate anywhere from 5% to 99%, while Redbubble’s commission rates range from 10% to 20%.
Once your photos are live on the partner sites, you can promote them on your social media channels and website to drive more sales. It’s also a good idea to keep an eye on your analytics to see which photos are selling well and adjust your portfolio accordingly.
Fine Art America
An online marketplace that connects artists with buyers, offering a diverse range of prints and products featuring original artwork.
Join Fine Art America
Redbubble
An online platform where independent artists and designers showcase their creations, providing customers worldwide with customizable products spanning clothing, accessories, home decor, and stationery.
Join RedbubbleHow to Make Money with Pexels? Conclusion
In conclusion, Pexels offers a myriad of opportunities for photographers and videographers to monetize their skills. Whether through offering custom content, conducting workshops, or providing photo editing services, the platform serves as a valuable resource for creative professionals looking to expand their reach and generate income.
By showcasing your work, engaging with the community, and continuously improving your craft, you can leverage Pexels not just as a portfolio platform but as a dynamic marketplace. The key to success lies in delivering quality, understanding your audience, and adapting your offerings to meet the evolving needs of clients.
Navigating this platform should be seen as an opportunity for growth. Pexels is not only a place to display your work but also a community for collaboration and feedback, offering valuable insights and new opportunities. Engaging with Pexels allows you to connect with a diverse group of creatives and share your unique perspective, turning your passion into a source of income in a professional and supportive environment.