Stock photo income, the simple 6 step workflow

Use this page like a guided checklist. Click a step on the left. Watch the example video. Check items as you finish them. Progress is saved on this device.

Goal build a starter portfolio without overwhelm
Cadence small weekly batches win
Big rule releases prevent rejections

Steps

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Tip: checkboxes save automatically.

When you get stuck

Q

Ask yourself this first

If something is confusing, it is usually one of these: release needed, logo visible, or file not exported as a high quality JPEG in RGB.

Safe default uploads without releases: landscapes, objects, textures, backgrounds, still life setups you create now, hands with no identifying details.

Printable checklist

This prints the step checklists only.

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Video library for the 6 step stock photo workflow

This section is designed for beginners. Each step has a few short, practical videos. Use the search box to find topics like “release”, “export”, “tax”, “keywords”, or “upload”.

0 videos shown Tip: open a step, then watch in order.
Step 1

Pick 300 photos to start

How to select a strong starter batch and avoid obvious rejections.

Selection ⌄

How to select images for a strong starter portfolio

Watch this first if you feel overwhelmed by volume.

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A simple stock photography workflow mindset

Good for understanding how to keep it simple and repeat weekly.

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Beginner tip
Your first goal is “clean and useful,” not “perfect and artistic.” If a photo is questionable, move it to a Maybe Later folder and keep going.
Step 2

Decide if each photo needs a release

Model and property releases explained with Adobe Stock examples.

Releases ⌄

Adobe Stock Quick Class: Create and submit model and property releases

Clear overview of when releases are required.

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How to create and attach a model or property release

Shows the practical “where do I click” flow.

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How to send and upload an Adobe Sign model or property release

Helpful if you want digital signatures.

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Beginner tip
Recognizable person usually means model release. Recognizable private interior or visible artwork often means property release. If you do not have releases, focus on landscapes, objects, textures, and still life setups you create now.
Step 3

Do basic file prep in one sitting

Export high quality JPEGs in RGB, avoid heavy filters, remove logos.

Export ⌄

Export photos at high quality in Lightroom Classic

Use this if you are exporting from Lightroom.

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Use the Adobe Stock publish service in Lightroom Classic

Useful if you want a smoother upload pipeline.

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Beginner tip
If you only change one thing, export high quality JPEGs and keep RGB. Then scan for logos by zooming in on clothing, signs, screens, packaging, and products.
Step 4

Create accounts, payout, and tax setup

Adobe onboarding, payouts, and Shutterstock tax center basics.

Accounts ⌄

Adobe Stock Quick Class: Navigate the contributor portal

Shows where the main settings and tabs are.

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Adobe Stock Quick Class: Request payment and upload tax forms

Shows where payout and tax live in the portal.

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How to get set up on the Adobe Stock portal

Helpful if you want a slower walkthrough.

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Shutterstock: How to submit your tax form in contributor Tax Center

Direct walkthrough of where to click.

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Beginner tip
Use your legal name and exact address as shown on your tax records. If your account profile and tax form do not match, you can get stuck in pending or rejected status.
Adobe Contributor portal Shutterstock Contributor Getty contributor portal
Step 5

Upload in batches, then do titles and keywords

Keyword rules, title structure, and how to think like a buyer search.

Keywords ⌄

Keywords and tags for stock photography

Beginner friendly explanation of why keywords drive sales.

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Tips to better keyword and title stock photos and videos

Good practical rules you can apply immediately.

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Adobe Stock: Best practices for titles and keywords

Helpful if you want guidance aligned with Adobe’s standards.

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How to pick stock photography keywords and get sales

Extra help if keywording is your weak spot.

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How to write keywords for Shutterstock and other agencies

Helpful if you want a step by step keywording process.

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Beginner tip
Keyword rule you can remember: what it is, what it means, who it’s for, where it is, when it is. Titles should be plain and searchable.
Step 6

Repeat weekly, small and steady

Consistency, batching, and keeping momentum without burning out.

Cadence ⌄

Easy stock photography workflow: edit, keyword, submit

Good example of a repeatable weekly routine.

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Batch keywording mastery: speed up your stock workflow

Helpful after week one when you want to go faster.

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Beginner tip
If you can only do one thing consistently, upload in small batches weekly. Fifty per week for eight weeks builds a starter portfolio. After that, twenty five per week keeps growth steady.
Bonus
Adobe also has a full playlist of contributor tutorials. If you want it embedded too, add the playlist embed below.
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