Getty Images Contributor Review: Do They Pay People To Upload Photos?


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Chances are, you probably take a lot more photos now because of your smartphone. Admit it, who hasn't taken a selfie at this point? Did you know you can actually make money with the photos you keep on your phone or camera? Companies like Getty Images claim to pay people to upload photos. You are probably wondering whether this is true and have checked out a few Getty Images reviews. Well, we've done the research and provided you the good, bad and ugly in our Getty Image Review below. So sit tight if you want to know if it's worth your time and effort.

What is Getty Images?

Getty Images found at Gettyimages.com is a stock photography company that claims to pay people (or contributors) to upload photos, and provide loyalty-free images to bloggers, businesses and internet users around the web. Getty Images was started in 1995 in Seattle, WA by founders Mark Getty and Jonathan Klein on its way to becoming a stock photography giant under the management of Asset Management company The Carlyle Group.

How Does Getty Images Work?

While working with Getty, you are either a contributor or a client. To be a contributor, you have to be over 18 and be able to submit original photos, videos, illustrations or vectors. Once you create a free account you can log in and start uploading content. Once your content gets approved, you can choose to donate it or make it exclusive. Exclusive photos earn you money, and you can track your earnings every time a client purchases your content usage rights. Getty images pays you every time your content is picked for use by clients.

How Much Do Images Sell For on Getty Images?

On average, if Getty approves your submission, your content will be worth anywhere between $300 and $500. Getty will then pay you 20-30% of the actual value of your image per month. There's no telling how much images sell for as the values do change based on how frequently clients use your content and the license type they subscribe for.

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How Does Getty Images Pay You?

At the time of this review, Getty Images pays contributors either through mailed check or PayPal. If you are a non-US resident, you are better off choosing PayPal as your mode of payment.

How Much Does Getty Images Pay Contributors?

There's no enough information to accurately tell how much you can make. However, it depends on how many images you have on file and how much the content will sell for. On average, users around the web make $50-$100 per month per photo. However, all this is based on conjecture and very limited data.

What We Like About Getty Images

PayPal Payment

They can pay you from anywhere in the world through PayPal, which is super convenient and also important for professional freelance photographers who are always on the go.

Open to everyone

You can become a Getty contributor from anywhere in the world, unlike some other stock photography companies.

Getty Images Complaints

We've now reached the part I know most of you actually want to read. If these complaints are even half-true, it's pretty shocking coming from a reputed company like Getty Images. So, let's get cracking!

Negative BBB

At the time of writing this review, their rating with the Better Business Bureau is an F. For some of you that is the kiss of death. If you prefer to make money with companies that have a positive BBB rating, you may want to check out Swagbucks.com, Fusioncash.com or My Top Work At Home Recommendation.

My Bad… Too Bad! Pay Up!

Some have argued that Getty Images uses the courts to “extort” small businesses. Imagine getting a letter from Getty demanding $500 bucks for an image you downloaded back then when you didn't know squat about image licensing and crap. Well, that's what happens. Ignorance is not bliss. You pay up that marked up fee or pay litigation fees to fight it. Most pay the fee and some see this as straight extortion of bullying on Getty's part.

They “unfairly” sue clients for copyright infringement

Some contributors have complained of their long-term clients getting sued by Getty for copyright infringement, even though their licenses are still up and running. If that client happened to be one of your loyal customers on the site, heaven knows what they are left thinking of you.

Lawsuits Against Them…

At least someone is willing to be the David to the Goliath Getty. They were recently sued by one of their super contributors for copyright infringement. In fact, they had actually been served earlier the same week for misusing over 47,000 of their images. Not surprising the contributors that sued were subsequently kicked out of Getty Images.

Is Getty Images Stock Photography Legit?

Is it a scam? Nah. Is it totally legit? It all depends on your experience with them. Some people have branded them legal thieves, extorting money from small business owners who can't afford to lawyer-up. If you decide to become a Getty Images contributor, just be aware of some the issues other contributors have mentioned above.

With so many complaints out there about their lousy business practices, no wonder their rating with the Better Business Bureau is an F. People have actually taken them to court and won.

At the end of the day, that's what's out there folks. You have to decide what's best for you. I don't know if I'd mess with them as a contributor given our research. But that's me. If you are still on the fence and looking for more convenient ways to earn money online, you can start at Swagbucks.com or Fusioncash.com. If you don't like anything you've just read and want a more solid online income opportunity, then check out My Best Work At Home Recommendation.

That's all from me on Getty Images. Do you have your own experience with these stock photography companies? We would love to hear from you in the comments section below.

Until Next time,

Eddy with Y

11 thoughts on “Getty Images Contributor Review: Do They Pay People To Upload Photos?”

  1. I would like working with the Getty image I am photographer, living in London and going to Kurdistan Iraq if interstate and I have many image on the Getty image but via different .
    best regard
    B shamlo

    Reply
  2. I am new to this field of creating personal photography to make money. After reading the comments about the way Getty Images does business I am a little leery of getting involved.

    Reply
  3. Thanks for the info about Getty. Having been a long time contributor to SHUTTERSTOCK I am looking for another outlet following their recent cut to creator payments down to as little as $0.10 for most photographs. Perhaps Getty is not the answer either….

    Reply
  4. iStock by Getty gives away contributors’ photos. It’s part of their promotional program. Contributors cannot opt out. In other words, zero commission for those “sales”.

    Reply
  5. Getty’s does not sell most of your photos for over $500. In fact a lot of them sell for under $10. And you get between 10% – 20% of that. Also, you must have over $100.00 in any month before getting paid. I do not recommend Getty’s at all

    Reply
    • It’s true. Getty will sell your very professional images that you created with years of experience combined with thousands of $ of camera equipment, for less than $5.00. This is the norm. IF they are selling them for more, they are not being honest about it and paying their contributors.

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